Positive Approaches

All behaviour is a means of communication. When we start to uncover what the behaviour is trying to tell us, we become much better at meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities who have been labelled as having ‘challenging behaviours.’
Too often, people with developmental disabilities’ efforts to communicate their needs result in behaviour that is identified as challenging or in the individual being identified as having complex needs. Targeting and addressing behaviour in this way puts people at risk of having their needs ignored, being isolated or openly punished for trying to meet their needs. As a result, individuals with developmental disabilities, sometimes compounded by mental health and other challenges, are often identified with complex behaviour and find themselves living very restricted and chaotic lives.
Arne Fulton, Provincial Coordinator of the Complex Need Initiative will share how Inclusion Alberta works with families, individuals, and service providers to develop meaningful and thoughtful positive approaches. These approaches have brought stability, home, and more meaningful community engagement to support the lives of people with developmental disabilities identified with having complex needs. This session will explore concepts and approaches that focus on the importance of really getting to know people by listening fully with your body, heart, and mind to support changes that enable more meaningful and inclusive lives.
The session will cover:
Understanding loneliness and its relationship to unmet needs and challenging behaviours
Trauma Informed Care
Normalizing behaviour as a means of communication to help understand what someone might be expressing
Reframing the description of behaviour by changing the lens in which we view communication
Families and FMS staff are encouraged to attend.

If you require assistance registering, contact Laura Gerow-Burrin at [email protected] or 780-882-9477.