Why you need
it:
Self-determination is the idea that people with disabilities should be in
control of their own supports and services as much as possible. Instead of
having to accept pre-existing programs simply because they are available,
people, along with their significant family and friends, are encouraged to
design the supports they need. In the process, people with disabilities are
able to exercise their freedom of choice, exert their authority, and take
on responsibility while getting the support they need.
If you are someone interested in supporting people with disabilities, your role is to strike a balance between the amount of assistance they need and the expectations you have for their improved quality of life. The workshops in this track will help you consider the issues involved in "helping without helping too much." You will also gain specific skills and techniques to use on the job to help someone increase their level of self-determination.
Who should
come:
This educational track is appropriate for anyone who provides direct support
or is a family member or friend of someone with a disability. It is especially
important for managers and supervisors who are looking for ways to "break
out of the box" of traditional services and explore new ways of supporting
people in the community.
| A
Day of Self-Determination
Educational
Track: Dates:
Time: 9:00 to 4:00 Presenter: Brian Remer |
Immerse yourself in the most important concept that has emerged in the last ten years for supporting people with disabilities. Self-determination has fueled change first in New Hampshire and now in the rest of the country. It's all about putting the needs of individuals ahead of the desires of professionals. This day is a concentrated examination of the issues and challenges of supporting people with disabilities in the community. Choose the workshops you want or come for the whole day! Includes:
|
| Person-Centered
Planning & Circles of Support
Educational Track: Dates:
Time: 10:45 - 12:15 Presenter: Brian Remer |
We all know it, person-centered planning is, . . . well, . . . personal. It must be tailored to the individual's situation. Family members, friends and people in support roles give input, act as a reality check, and help carry out the person's plan. However, to insure maximum input and control by the person being served, certain key steps need to be followed. You'll learn about this process using a lively, challenging new game called DreamQuest. This workshop is especially appropriate for support circles that are looking for creative ideas and new inspiration. So bring your friends and plan to have fun! |
| Teaching
Decision Making Skills
Educational Track: Dates:
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 Presenter: Brian Remer |
Most people agree that an important part of self-determination is helping people to make decisions. But what do you do when someone makes a choice that will end up being bad for them? Where do you draw the line between a person's safety and their freedom of choice? What is the role of support people in this whole process? This workshop is designed to open a dialogue about fundamental questions related to the role of support people in helping someone make informed choices. You will explore the best time, place, and methods for teaching someone how to make choices. You will also learn about a five-step decision making process that is easily taught and that anyone can use. |
| Increasing
Community Involvement
Educational Track: Dates:
Time: 1:30 - 4:00 Presenter: Brian Remer |
Using systems, programs, and procedures it's possible that we might have dehumanized the organic process of becoming involved in the community. Maybe it's time to look at the basics of what sparks and fuels a friendship. Perhaps if we started there, we could figure out how the people we support can tap into the resources we all have for creating and sustaining real rather than unpaid friends. In this workshop you'll examine the various methods each of us use to meet and make new friends. You'll discuss four elements of friendship and their impact on people with disabilities. In addition, you'll discover five critical factors that must be present for the people you support to become active community members. |