determines what new behavior the person could use to get what he/she needs and wants, and how to teach the person the new, acceptable behavior. Positive behavior support plans are designed to help all of the staff in the person’s life to respond in the same way. Just as you may not like the same things day after day, PBS plans need to change over time to meet the person’s needs in order to remain effective. Writing a Behavior Support Plan will not be one of your responsibilities as a DSP. However, the professional who does develop the PBS plan will need to seek your help in trying to figure why the behavior is occurring. If you regularly support the person, you may be an expert on the ways he/she behaves, and your input is extremely valuable to the person who is developing the plan. You may be asked to provide some information in order to help pinpoint the purpose of the behavior and when the behavior occurs. You should think about: what is going on around the person at the time? who else is present? what happens immediately after the behavior occurs? Other Important Things to Remember about Challenging Behaviors There are certain behaviors that may be irritating to us, but, sometimes, if a behavior does not harm anyone, it may be best to ignore it. Some people with disabilities lead extremely lonely lives. Can you imagine what your life would be like if you had no one in your life who was available to listen to you or provide you with attention? It’s very important that everyone knows that there is some time in each day where they can receive unconditional attention. Providing people with attention may eliminate their need to use negative attention-getting behaviors. When behavior places anyone in danger, ensuring safety and decreasing risk are most important. Staff should not try to teach desired behaviors during a time when dangerous behavior is occurring. Discipline is intended to teach, not punish. When a dangerous behavior is happening, it is not a teachable moment! It’s more important for everyone to be safe and calm. Some things that you can do to best support people who are expressing themselves using unusual or disturbing behavior are listed on the following two pages. Positive Behavioral Support: What’s your role? 1. Be a good role model. It will be difficult for people to look to you to teach them anger management if they see you yell and scream when you get angry. Be respectful of those you are supporting, and show them that there are ways to express frustration without being disrespectful.
computer systems. Some devices are not designed just for people with disabilities; they can make life easier for anyone. Examples of assistive technology that enable people to carry out daily activities include: eating and cooking utensils fitted with oversize handles for easier gripping, shower benches and bathtub lifts, wheelchair ramps, programmable telephones, and picture boards. There are also assistive technology communication devices that provide assistance when people who do not communicate using words. The device can include speech, gestures, sign language, symbols, synthesized speech, dedicated communications aids, or microcomputers. As a DSP, learn how to properly use any specialized equipment so that you can provide assistance as needed. Assistive technology benefits all of us as we age. It may be a key element in helping people remain in their home and community as they age. It also helps maintain as much independence as possible, as physical and cognitive abilities change due to the aging process. If someone you support could benefit from any of the devices mentioned above or other equipment, mention this to your supervisor, the person’s coordinator, or family member. It is possible that the needed item may be available through Medicaid or Medicare. IMPORTANT Health Conditions for People with DD There are 8 health issues that are often overlooked and need to be more carefully monitored. These conditions can progress rapidly and result in bigger problems, even death. They include: 1. Skin Care (pressure sores; skin breakdown) 2. Aspiration Pneumonia 3. Falls 4. Urinary Infections 5. Dehydration 6. Constipation and Obstruction 7. Sepsis 8. Seizures General process for you to follow if changes in the body are noted: Call 911 if there is an emergency. Immediately talk with your supervisor the change you are observing. Follow all agency/program policies and procedures for contacting medical professionals, reporting medical issues, and documenting medical conditions.