Learning Experience #10 Outcomes of an Ally

Objectives: 1.Participants will review the three traditional outcomes associated with behavior management 2.Participants will be introduced to the five key areas that an Ally uses to help people thrive

Top 5 Reasons to Not See People as “Behaviors” 1.It sends the message that a person needs fixed or cured 2.It sets the stage for confrontations & power struggles 3.It creates a culture where power, control & coercion are acceptable methods 4.It serves as an easy out to justify compliance plans & aversive consequences in the name of behavioral technology 5.It serves to justify the use of punishment & restraint as a helping solution

The Impact of Labels “They are a Behavior Problem” & Need A Plan  It creates a hierarchical relationship  It creates a culture of inequality & imbalance of power  It sends a message of second class citizens  It implies that the person is a problem & needs fixed  It is a devaluing & disrespectful label  It leads us to see a person as just a problem or behavior

Traditional Thinking Our History  People in the DD system exhibit target behaviors that need to be reduced or eliminated  The role of traditional plans are to manage and control people through the manipulation of the antecedents & consequences  For the best interest of the person by the use of aversive or coercive acts that are applied to help them improve  Success for the person is identified as the reduction of the targeted maladaptive behaviors

Typical Control & Coercion Statements:  “YOU NEED TO…”  “YOU SHOULD…”  “YOU BETTER…”  “YOU OUGHT TO…”  “I TOLD YOU…”  “THAT IS ENOUGH”  “KNOCK IT OFF!” What is the outcome on the care giving relationship when these statements are used?

Typical Thoughts Paired with Traditional Plans:  “He just wants attention”  “She is just being manipulative”  “They know better”  “We can’t let them get away with that”  “They need some consequences”  Back Pack Syndrome

Actions & Practices of Traditional Plans  Focusing on compliance  Putting staff in the role of guard or enforcer  Grabbing & holding people to enforce compliance  Taking things away from the person because they don’t deserve it  Making people earn things that are important to them

Roles Created by Traditional Plans Developmental Disabilities Cop  Gives orders and directions Compliance Agent  Life for the person is all about their following rules & being compliant The Enforcer  Makes things happen by use of force How does this impact the people we serve?

A Few of the Risks To A Person Served:  Increased Fear  Being Overwhelmed  Feeling Powerless  Trauma  Physical/Emotional Injury  Death

5 Key Areas That An Ally Uses to Help People Thrive 1.Building Trust 2. Developing Good Self-Esteem 3.Supporting Connections with Friends & Allies 4.Offering Supports to Decrease Physical & Emotional Harm 5.Provide Emotional First-Aid

An Ally Helps People Thrive Offers Actions to Reduce Physical/Emotional Harm Supporting Connections with Friends & Allies Developing Good Self-Esteem Building Trust

An Ally Provides Emotional First-Aid Build Trust Decrease Fear Decrease emotional injury Decrease physical injury Preserve the Relationship

Emotional First-Aid Supportive ActionsGuided Choices Emotional SupportEncouraging Words Calmly/Respectfully Provide

Helping People We Serve to Thrive  What does this mean to you?  Is is important?  What would be some examples that you might see?