Workshops Program April 2010 - March 2011

April 2010

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION: A Positive Systems Introduction

Regional Support Associates has pioneered the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) which is highly effective in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities who have serious behavioural challenges. PSA combines Applied Behavioural Analysis, and Social Systems Theory into a comprehensive and positive treatment model.

Presenters:     

Pauline LeDrew-Bonvarlez, D.S.W., Community Consultant

Elgie Labutte, Community Consultant.

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May 2010

CHALLENGING FAMILIES:  12 Essential Skills for Professionals and Managers

There are twelve essential skills that every professional and manager should know, to ensure that excellent working relationships can develop with families. This workshop will explore and teach these twelve skills.  Recently completed videotaped interviews with families, that highlight what worked and did not work, as they interacted with professionals and human service organizations will be presented.

Presenter: 

J. Dale Munro, M.S.W., R.S.W., F.A.A.I.D.D.

THE CULTURE OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Many people with a developmental disability are on psychotropic medication or multiple medications.  Studies suggest that psychotropic use in the community setting is increasing and approaching 40%.  Many people on psychotropic medication have no coordinated treatment plan for monitoring efficacy, side effects or ongoing need.  This workshop will identify challenges and look at creative problem-solving and planning approaches to improve safety and enhance evaluation - including the use of PRN medications.  Please bring case example for discussion.

Presenter: 

Al Fewster, R.N., Nursing

CHANGING EXPECTATIONS:  Working Together to Support Individuals with FASD

Individuals with FASD present a challenge to all who work with them. What is needed is a professional shift in attitude if we are to support these individuals appropriately.  This workshop will highlight the challenges posed due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Participants will learn about the unique deficits that hamper success for affected individuals.     Strategies for support will be offered, including specific issues related to the justice system and mental health.

Presenter: 

Karen Baker, PhD., C.Psych, Psychologist

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June 2010

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION: A Positive Systems Introduction

Regional Support Associates has pioneered the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) which is highly effective in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities who have serious behavioural challenges. PSA combines Applied Behavioural Analysis, and Social Systems Theory into a comprehensive and positive treatment model.

Presenters: 

Elgie Labutte, Community Consultant

Reg Egilsson, B.A., Community Consultant

REINFORCING REINFORCEMENT: The Real Secret of Successful Behavioural Intervention

Positive reinforcement can be looked at as the most natural person-centered intervention there is! And its value in helping people is based on extensive research. This session will go into detail on how you can use positive reinforcement more creatively, to benefit those you support.

Presenter: 

Paul Gribbon, BA (Hons.)

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER: New Approaches for Reaching "Impossible" Individuals

Many mental health professionals believe that people with a borderline personality disorder, along with a developmental disability, are among the most complicated people to treat and support.  This session will focus on recent research and the proven effectiveness of dialectical behavioural therapy, for improving mood stabilization, interpersonal relations and planning with/for these complicated individuals.

Presenter: 

Patricia Patterson-Wybrow, M.S.W., R.S.W.

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September 2010

"WHAT THE HEALTH" WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - TO BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE

WHAT THE HEALTH!

(2-Day Workshop)

Constipation, dehydration, swallowing difficulties, GERD, dental problems, musculoskeletal problems, seizures, and aspiration are some of the medial issues that are frequently seen in developmental disabilities. How do we distinguish pain from behaviour wiht individuals who are not verbal?  More time is often needed to medically assess individuals with a developmental disability.  Learn more about how to improve your support role around medcal issues.  participants will take home useable tools to enhance medical supports.

Presenter:

Al Fewster, R.N., Nursing

Debra Lawrence, R.N., Community Health Care Consultant

"BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION: A Positive Systems Introduction" HAS BEEN CANCELLED -

THIS TRAINING IS ALSO BEING HELD ON

NOVEMBER 26, 2010 IN LONDON

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION: A Positive Systems Introduction

Regional Support Associates has pioneered the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) which is highly effective in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities who have serious behavioural challenges. PSA combines Applied Behavioural Analysis, and Social Systems Theory into a comprehensive and positive treatment model.

Presenters:    

Elgie LaButte, Community Consultant

Pauline LeDrew-Bonvarlez, D.S.W, Community Consultant

RISKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Recognizing, Responding and Reporting Abuse -

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - We apologize for any inconvenience.

This one-day workshop is designed for service providers and managers who are working in agencies that provide supports and services to adults with intellectual disabilities. Those who attend will become aware of abuse issues, agency responses, policy and reporting responsibility. Participants should come prepared to take the material presented back to their organizations; and then deliver information to others in their agencies.

Presenter: 

Peggy Corrigan-Dench, Community Consultant

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October 2010

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - We apologize for any inconvenience

AIMING HIGHER FOR HIGHER NEEDS

(2-Day Workshop)

People with higher developmental needs (severe disabilities) make up a smaller portion of those who receive support in our field, yet are often those who demand the lion's share of resources.  This session will seek to help caregivers Aim Higher with respect to the famed "Three 'S's" of support for the person with higher needs.

Discussion will centre on understanding what constitutes higher needs, tips for helping people move toward independence, providing an enhanced environment and avoiding potential difficulties.

Presenter: 

Paul Gribbon, B.A. (Hons.) Community Consultant

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November 2010

BOUNDARY SETTING, STRESS MANAGEMENT & ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR:  How Close is Too Close?

In the disabilities field, front-line professionals and managers are constantly confronted by ethical dilemmas which relate to boundaries.  Should we divulge our personal health information to others?  Should we work more than 40 hours/week?  Should we hug people we support?  Are the people we work with our friends?  Can we talk about confidential information outside of work?  Should we give out our home phone numbers?  And so on!  The stress management benefits of proper boundary-setting will be emphasized.

Presenters:     

J. Dale Munro, M.S.W., R.S.W., F.A.A.I.D.D.

Marianne Simpson, B.A. (Hons.) Community Consultant

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - We apologize for any inconvenience

EPILEPSY: SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS

Epilepsy occurs at a much higher frequency in people with an intellectual disability. It has been estimated that up to 35% of people with an intellectual disability also have epilepsy. Knowledge of this disorder is very important in planning care and support to maintain a good quality of life.

Presenter:     

Al Fewster, R.N., Nursing

Debra Lawrence, R.N., Community Health Care Consultant

GOOD GRIEF:
Supporting People Through Life's Losses

This interactive and practical workshop will provide participants with information and skills to support individuals with intellectual disabilities along their grief journey using a holistic and individualized approach. Discussion and group work will be utilized to explore topics such as the phases of grief resolution, facts and myths, and strategies and interventions. The presenters have a wide experience in the field of intellectual disabilities, in providing individual counseling and consultation to agencies and families who are experiencing grief and loss.

Presenters:    

Sue Hutton, B.A.

Ronalee White, MSW, RSW, Twin Lakes Clinical Services

Marie Antoinette Parisio, Executive Director, L'Arche London

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION: A Positive Systems Introduction

Regional Support Associates has pioneered the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) which is highly effective in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities who have serious behavioural challenges. PSA combines Applied Behavioural Analysis, and Social Systems Theory into a comprehensive and positive treatment model.

Presenters:     

Elgie LaButte, Community Consultant

George Briand, B.S.W., Community Consultant

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December, 2010

REINFORCING REINFORCEMENT:
The Real Secret of Successful Behavioural Intervention

Positive reinforcement can be looked at as the most natural person-centered intervention there is! And its value in helping people is based on extensive research. This session will go into detail on how you can use positive reinforcement more creatively, to benefit those you support.

Presenter: 

Paul Gribbon, BA (Hons.), Community Consultant

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THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - We apologize for any inconvenience

January 2011

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTION: A Positive Systems Introduction

Regional Support Associates has pioneered the Positive Systems Approach (PSA) which is highly effective in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities who have serious behavioural challenges. PSA combines Applied Behavioural Analysis, and Social Systems Theory into a comprehensive and positive treatment model.

Presenters:     

Pauline LeDrew-Bonvarlez, D.S.W., Community Consultant

Elgie Labutte, Community Consultant.

THE CULTURE OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Many people with a developmental disability are on psychotropic medication or multiple medications.  Studies suggest that psychotropic use in the community setting is increasing and approaching 40%.  Many people on psychotropic medication have no coordinated treatment plan for monitoring efficacy, side effects or ongoing need.  This workshop will identify challenges and look at creative problem-solving and planning approaches to improve safety and enhance evaluation - including the use of PRN medications.  Please bring case example for discussion.

Presenter: 

Al Fewster, R.N., Nursing

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

I CAN'T TAKE CARE OF YOU UNTIL I TAKE CARE OF ME! Learning from Compassion Fatigue

This workshop is designed to give professionals and support staff with an understanding of the importance of recognizing compassion fatigue amongst ourselves as people who support other people. The session will outline what is compassion fatigue, including what are the signs and symptoms. Workshop members will learn how to develop prevention and resiliency skills in themselves. Most importantly, this workshop will discuss the various coping skills that will assist the helping professional or support person to learn about themslelves, and manage their individual symptoms during everyday tasks.

Presenter: 

Patricia Patterson-Wybrow, M.S.W., R.S.W., Clinical Supervsor, Compassion Fatigue Specialist

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February 2011

MOVING TOWARDS INCREASED INDEPENDENCE:  Solid Skills for Teaching Skills

( 2-Day Workshop )

Information in this workshop is an extension of both the Advanced Topics in Behaviour Analysis, as well as the Aiming Higher for  Higher Needs workshop.  Before we can teach others, we, ourselves, must first have the essential skills.  The focus will be to "Train the Trainer to Train". That is, to provide the know-how that is required to help people that we support learn to better support themselves. People with intellectual disabilties are capable of learning when given the chance!  This workshop will be beneficial to D.S.W.'s and other direct-service professionals.

Presenters:    

Paul Gribbon, B.A. (Hons.), Community Consultant

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED - WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

TRAUMA RECOVERY: 8 Steps to Safe Trauma Recovery

Trauma recovery is sometimes tricky. This workshop will provide professionals and support workers with an understanding of several key principles that may help ensure a safe and effective process of trauma recovery. The principles will be presented in conjunction with an understanding of the "tri-phasic" model of trauma recovery, includeing an in-depth understanding of the most improtant phase of recovery. You will also learn practical applications to assist the people you support in finding their own pace and navigate their own safe road to trauma recovery.

Presenters:    

Patricia Patterson-Wybrow, M.S.W., R.S.W., Clinical Supervisor

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March 2011

SURVIVING TRAUMA:  UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA & ABUSE OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Treatment and therapy need to be available for people with intellectual disabilites who are Trauma Survisors.  This brief overview will identify the risk factors for Abuse and Trauma.  We will explore Resiliency and Fragility.  We will outline tratment responses to assist survivors usiing a felxible and compassionate model.

Presenter: 

Peggy Corrigan-Dench, Community Consultant

ADVANCED TOPICS IN APPLIED BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS

( 2-Day Workshop )

This workshop is the final installment for the RSA Behavioural Training Certificate. To attend this session, participants must have taken Behavioural Intervention: A Positive Systems Introduction, Reinforcing Reinforcement: The Real Secret of Successful Behavioural Intervention, and Moving Toward Increased Independence: Solid Skills for Teaching Skills.

Participants will leave this workshop with a more advanced level of understanding of important behavioural concepts and how to apply them. Discussion will also focus on incorporating and combining these behavioural concepts/interventions within a Positive Systems Approach context. Many case studies will be employed and participants will be taught how to:

1. Conduct detailed behavioural assessments.
   
2. Design effective & clearly written behavioural protocols using state-of-the-art  behavioural intervention techniques.
   
3. Take in consideration relevant ethical guidelines and standards in designing behavioural protocols.
   

Presenters:    

Bob Carey, Ph.D., C. Psych, Psychologist

Paul Gribbon, BA (Hons.), Community Consultant

OTHER TRAINING

Regional Support Associates Behavioural Training Certificate

Regional Support Associates is pleased to offer a Certificate in Behavioural Training.

The program consists of 4 workshops that have a primary focus on behavioural intervention.  Participants who take part in all of these workshops will be eligible to obtain the RSA Behavioural Training Certificate.

• Behavioural Intervention: A Positive Systems Introduction
• Those who have taken this course during 2008/2009 may be eligible for advanced standing
• Reinforcing Reinforcement:  The Real Secret of Successful Behavioural Intervention
• Moving Toward Increased Independence: Solid Skills for Teaching Skills
• 2-Day Advanced Topics in Behavioural Analysis

Safe Management Staff Training Series

The Safe Management Group training program was developed for staff working in agencies and providing services to adults with developmental disabilities who on occasion demonstrate violent behaviours.

This curriculum was developed to address the unique needs and challenges posed by individuals with unsafe aggressive/violent behaviour. The training program was designed to integrate behavioural management principles, strategies, and techniques with new and improved state-of-the-art physical intervention techniques.

RSA is licensed to offer this training to agencies throughout the Southern  Ontario region. Training can be made available to groups and individual staff within their agency. The cost of the 2-3 day course is $150 per person. This fee includes registration, required workbook and certification.

If you would like more information on the Behavioural Training Certificate or the Safe Management Staff Training series, please contact:

Jayne Joyes

Senior Administrative Assistant
Regional Support Associates
293 Wellington Street North
Woodstock, ON N4S-6S4

1-800-640-4108 or 
(519) 433-7238 ext. 2212

jjoyes@wgh.on.ca

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