Gentle Approach

Why you need it:
What's the most productive way to support someone prone to disruptive behavior or violent outbursts? How best can you confront negative behavior and still honor someone's journey toward self-determination? How can we help people choose successful life skills?

Answers to these questions can come not only through an examination of the techniques we use but also through an exploration of our value and belief systems. These workshops are an opportunity to discuss the value of participation, the importance of nurturing a mutual relationship, and the advantages of establishing a natural flow in the life of a person with a disability. By looking at our own needs for growth, we can discover clues about how to help people with disabilities lead more fulfilling lives. This track of workshops will reveal opportunities for mutual change and empowerment as we examine the parallels between our own lives and the lives of the people we serve.

Who should come:
This educational track is appropriate for people who provide direct support to individuals whether as a family member or as a paid support person. These workshops would also be beneficial to anyone who supervises other employees or values positive change and mutual growth in any interaction including roommates or friends of people with disabilities.

 

Gentle Teaching

Educational Track:
Gentle Approach

Dates:

Call MDS for a current schedule of Gentle Teaching classes

Time: 10:00 - 3:00
  

Presenter: David Yeiter

 

This workshop presents an overview of the values, goals, and strategies that comprise the Gentle Teaching approach.

Gentle Teaching is a multi-faceted approach that allows the practitioner to learn and grow along with people who have significant challenges of behavior or learning. Videotaped case studies are used throughout the workshop to illustrate this approach to living and learning. A primary aim of the workshop is to provide parents, teachers, and human services professionals with an overview of "how to" methods and concepts.

In this workshop you will learn:

  • Specific non-aversive strategies for defusing distractive, disruptive, and destructive patterns of behavior
  • Values, goals and strategies that support the development of a mutually fair and valuing relationship with individuals who alienate themselves from others
  • Proactive strategies for facilitating, supporting and empowering meaningful forms of participation and interaction
  • How to identify and avoid teaching postures and practices that facilitate and support challenging behavior
  • How to identify, select, and communicate strategies that preclude the use of devaluing interventions

Gentle Teaching is not simply about dealing with problem behaviors, but is, more importantly, an approach to effective teaching.

Minimum attendance required is 8-10 people.

Satisfies State Requirements:

  • He-M 1001.04 (e)(6) & (e)(7) Behavioral Supports & The Quality of Life of the Individual

On-Site Problem Solving & Team Support

Educational Track:
Gentle Approach

Dates: By Appointment
             

  

Presenter: David Yeiter

 

Implementing the concepts of the Gentle Approach for a specific individual involves a thorough understanding of philosophy, facility in using specific skills and techniques, and an attitude that promotes positive relationships. Another key factor for success is the commitment of all support people to work as a team. In order to bring all this together, you'll want to enlist the help of an experienced practitioner.

You can schedule the consultation services of Dave Yeiter to help your team start off on the right track or break new ground in working with the person you support. Amount and frequency of on-sight contact is negotiable and designed for the specific needs of the situation.

Prerequisite: Gentle Teaching

Satisfies State Requirements:

  • He-M 1001.04 (e)(6) & (e)(7) Behavioral Supports & The Quality of Life of the Individual