Behaviour is the key to Enjoying Life

Friday 21st January 2011

Some of Cairns' key players in the disability and community services sector gathered recently to attend a special workshop run by Synapse Training at the Cairns City Library.

The 'Understanding Acquired Brain Injury' seminar proved valuable not only to those wanting to know more about ABI but for anyone wanting to know how to best respond to behaviour that challenges our understanding. By ‘behaviour that challenges our understanding’ they mean people who act impulsively, aggressively, lacking inhibition or act inappropriately.

 Among those in attendance was Leslee Hogan, a representative from ABI Learning Network FNQ, as well as local carers, numerous community services staff, Disability Services staff and a local speech therapist.

 "Addressing behaviour, such as aggression, impulsivity or lack of inhibition is important if you are working in a support role to someone with a disability for example," said Grant Blest, Workshop facilitator and Synapse Training Manager.

 "Often the person exhibiting this behaviour is not aware of the impact it may be having on the way the community perceives them, and it can significantly affect that person's ability to enjoy life and lessen their inclusion in the community. Assisting someone to change their behaviour for the better can actually transform an individual’s life."

 Grant went on to say, "Support workers and family carers have a challenging role - they are the real hero’s - the training and assistance we give tries to better equip them for what to expect and how to tackle day-to-day behaviour challenges as they happen, importantly, it provides a positive way to influence that behaviour."

 The workshop also provided a good chance to network and the opportunity for attendees to discuss partnerships with talk of extending the training into the Cape York Peninsula region.

 Synapse Training is the education arm of Synapse, formerly the Brain Injury Association of Queensland.

 To find out more about Synapse Training opportunities for 2011 go to www.synapse.org.au