3 7/8 - 2009
Last fall, the Ohio Department of
MR/DDbeganaprojectcalled"Positive
InterventionCulture,"latersimpliedto
"Positive Culture Initiative."
The early focus of their efforts
seemed geared toward the reduction
of aversive behavior plans across the
state. Since then, the discussion has
broadened and become more interest-
ing.
While material resources have
steadily increased over time, many
individuals with developmental dis-
abilities continue to lead lives that are
isolated and often very lonely. The
Ohio Departmentof MR/DD hashigh-
lightedtheeffectsthatthisisolationcan
have on individuals, and is exploring
whatwe,as professionalsin the eld
candotobegintochangethewayswe
Initiative suggests need for
stable relationships
by Jack Beatty
interact,i.e.,tochangeourculture.
Thismessageisbeingbroughtto
usthroughstoriesthatillustratethemes
common to most of our childhoods.
Wehearofnurturinggrandparents,
who despite our shortcomings, con-
tinued to love us unconditionally, and
to encourage us. Similar stories are
shared of mentors and friends who
have supplied support, guidance and
acceptance over the course of our
lives.
But consider some individuals
whom we serve who did not have the
benet of these long-term, trusting
relationships to make them feel safe
and respected. Certainly we can envi-
sion that sadness, confusion and all
manner of antisocial behaviors could
result.
SotheDepartmentencouragesus
not to become preoccupied with the
symptoms (behaviors) but to address
the cause which may be the lack of
stable,meaningfulrelationshipsinthe
life of the individual.
How can we do that? The chal-
lengeistondopportunitiestomodify
our work and interactions in ways that
promote acceptance, nonviolence,
support, and long-term, unconditional
relationships.
The 9
th
annual OhioAdult Sibling
ConferencewillbeheldFriday,Novem-
ber6thandSaturday,November7
th
at
the Marriott Airport Hotel in Columbus.
The purpose of the conference is
to create an environment where adult
siblingscangathertogetherandshare
family experiences, develop new rela-
tionships, obtain information and be
recognized as integral parts in their
families’ success.
Conference attendees from across
Ohio have had the opportunity to hear
presentations from state and national
disabilities professionals, meet other
adult siblings, and explore areas of
interest.
Under the direction of Dr. Tom
Fish of The Ohio State University
Nisonger Center, and supported by
manyorganizationsincludingtheOhio
Developmental Disabilities Council,
Siblings to meet in November
theOhioAdultSiblingConference
wasthersteventofitskindinthe
country. It has also been used as a
model in other states.
Please visit www.ohiosibs.com
for more information, or call Tom
Fish at 292-7550.
PAR
convention
set
The 41st annual PAR conven-
tion will be held at the Embassy
Suites in Dublin from October 14th
throughOctober18th.
The convention will provide
valuabletrainingprogramsforstaff
development and opportunities to
share with others involved in the
eldofdevelopmentaldisabilities.
Attendees will be able to choose
from a variety of sessions.
To obtain membership, conven-
tion, or other information about PAR,
youmaygotowww.par-ohio-org, or
call (419) 522-6207.
You may also contact Erick
BerquistatARCIndustriesNorthat
342-5398.