With more than 800 people certified worldwide, the Validation Training Institute provides virtual certification programs for aging service professionals and caregivers. Vicki de Klerk-Rubin shares her life work continuing her mother’s legacy, communication tips, and highlights of the upcoming Validation World Congress in partnership with #activitiesstrong.  About Vicki Vicki de Klerk-Rubin is the Executive Director of the Validation Training Institute and a certified Validation master. She is the author of Validation Techniques for Dementia Care and Validation for First Responders. Together with her mother Naomi Feil, the founder of the Validation method, she co-authored the revisions of Validation: The Feil Method and The Validation Breakthrough. Ms. de Klerk-Rubin holds a BFA from Boston University, an MBA from Fordham University, and is a Dutch-trained registered nurse. Since 1989, Ms de Klerk-Rubin has given Validation workshops, lectures and training programs in Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. She has also worked in long-term care in Amsterdam, leading Validation groups and training staff. Key Takeaways “Crossing the street” into the world of an individual with cognitive impaired is foundational to the Validation Method. Be mindful—take a breath before you respond and pay attention to your tone of voice. Always have eye contact older adults—approach them from the front and reach them at eye level. “Talking down” to them can create anger. Never talk to the back of the head or approach from the side. You may not be heard, and approaching from the side can be scary for people with narrow peripheral vision, which happens naturally as you get older. Self-care is critical for caregivers. Without caring for ourselves, it's hard to give to others. The skills to communicate with individuals with cognitive impairment can only be learned by practice and getting feedback.They can’t be learned in a book or YouTube video.