GOLD Webinar: Aspiration Pneumonia & Pneumonia

On Wednesday 24 March 2021, we hosted a webinar about aspiration pneumonia and pneumonia as part of our Growing Older, Living Well series. The 2019 LeDeR report showed Pneumonia was the most frequently recorded cause of death in people with learning disabilities, as was the case in previous years. This hasn’t changed for some years, … Read more

Covid-19 Vaccinations Resources

With the roll-out of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme, there is now hope of a way out of the pandemic and its associated social restrictions. We recognise that whilst there is much hope surrounding the vaccinations, there is also a lot for carers, support workers, family members and organisations to think about and plan for … Read more

Reframing behaviours of concern through a Polyvagal Lens

This webinar discusses polyvagal theory, reframing behaviours of concern as an autonomic defensive reaction to perceived threat and disconnection. Understanding how the nervous system responds to perceived threat helps us view behaviours of concern in a more compassionate way (turning towards a person with compassion, rather than away with judgment). Polyvagal theory also highlights the … Read more

Webinar – Avoiding social distance in a time of physical distance

In a time when physical distancing is emphasised as a public health strategy to keep us safe, let’s consider the adverse effects of social distancing and develop strategies to promote both physical health and psychological health of people with intellectual / learning  disability. Many people with intellectual / learning  disability are already very socially isolated.  … Read more

Webinar – A Grading System For Behaviour Support Plans

In this webinar, we were joined by Dr Brian McClean, Clinical Psychologist working with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, who spoke about grading behaviour support plans. Summary: The term Positive Behaviour Support has been used to describe anything from a non-aversive reactive strategy or a set of antecedent control procedures to a comprehensive functional assessment, and multi-element … Read more

Webinar: Developing innovative ordinary housing solutions for people with complex needs & behaviours that challenge

This webinar shares good practice about a person-centred, integrated approach between health, social care and housing partners. We know from research evidence that small scale ordinary housing adapted to individual need can deliver the best outcomes for people with learning disabilities (and other vulnerable groups). Delivering good standard ordinary housing options is therefore essential to … Read more

Webinar: Building and maintaining a good rapport

This short webinar gives participants an understanding about the value of having a good rapport with a person they are supporting, as a good rapport can lead to significant reductions in behaviours of concern. Video footage examples of good and poor rapport are presented. The material considers the ways that rapport is built and how … Read more