2018 TASH Conference

At KFI, we believe that supports for people with intellectual disabilities must focus on full community participation; with opportunities to work, live and play alongside neighbors. Yet, we are often confronted with the assumption that people with significant behavior challenges are "not ready" for those opportunities. It is typically our own fear and uncertainty that create this barrier. Yet, this struggle between safety and opportunity is all too real. Innovative solutions, along with a good dose of courage, are required to support ALL people to live inclusive lives. Loneliness and isolation may be the single biggest contributors to challenging behavior. We often witness people who are struggling to fit into their communities living lives that are increasingly separate. The way they communicate their loneliness is something we are uncomfortable with. We err on the side of safety, and hope we can figure it out in time. We try lots of things. We get stuck. We keep seeking a solution, and we keep trying to make the person's world safer!¦ which usually makes it smaller. Meanwhile we are waiting to get people into their community until we "fix" the problem. What if the community is part of the cure? We have to stop waiting to be ready. It is time, now, to bravely put ourselves and the people we support on the path to community. Brace yourself. There is no "right" answer or magic potion. There is no super-professional to come in and fix it. There is only you, the person you are supporting, and their team; and you are enough! This presentation will look at ways to move forward when teams get stuck supporting people with significantly challenging behaviors. Participants will learn the components of a Positive Support Plan, and leave with a template to try. For people with challenging behaviors, a Positive Support Plan is a living document that gives voice to both fears and possibilities for living a meaningful life. Participants will acquire tools and strategies, along with the courage to implement bolder supports for people with challenging behavior. ALL people should have opportunities to work, live and play alongside their neighbors.