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A Dream Realized: Indiana’s Innovative Approach to Building Community Capacity |
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 |
10:00 AM–11:20 AM |
North 131 A |
Area: CSE; Domain: Service Delivery |
Chair: William Timothy Courtney (Columbus Org.) |
Discussant: William Timothy Courtney (Columbus Org.) |
Abstract: Until the late 1990’s many of Indiana’s citizens with developmental disabilities lived in large state operated institutions. However, Indiana recognized the rights of these individuals to live, work, and play in their communities. By 2001 two institutions had been closed and hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were now being supported in homes throughout the state. Between 2001 and 2007, an additional 475 persons from the final two institutions moved to community homes, closing these two facilities. These individuals had complex medical and/or behavior needs and, in many cases, presented new and unique challenges to community providers. One of Indiana’s approaches to assist community providers to support these individual was the implementation of Outreach Services. A statewide and state-operated Outreach Team combines state and contract staff with expertise in providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that include consultation, technical assistance, training and limited back up services. Outreach functions to build community capacity through preventive and proactive strategies. |
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Developing a state funded model to promote best practice |
ANN M. BALOSKI (Outreach of Indiana) |
Abstract: Stemming from the state deinstitutionalization, which began in 1994, the state of Indiana has undergone much change within the field of developmental disability services: developing legislative and cost sensitive solutions that can serve as a model for other states. The development of Outreach Services of Indiana in 2002 was the first step to building community capacity for individuals leaving the state operated facilities. This program was expanded in June of 2005 to assist anyone with a developmental disability living within the state. Through Outreach Services residents of Indiana can access both free trainings designed to expand the knowledge base of practitioners within the field of I/DD Services and free direct consultation with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or other specialist. In 2007 Outreach Services tripled its capacity to address the increase in number of individuals referred. With a focus on best practice, this approach has yielded a maximum benefit for individuals and practitioners with in the state. By starting out with funding from the closure of the state operated facilities, utilization of private contracts and federal matching funds, the overall cost of the service is greatly reduced, making this model a cost effective and clinically appropriate option. |
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The nuts and bolts of Outreach behavioral consultations and training |
WILLIAM TIMOTHY COURTNEY (Columbus Org.) |
Abstract: Outreach Services of Indiana recommends conceptually systematic, and empirically validated, interventions to inter-disciplinary teams (IDT) dealing with difficult behavior. Outreach behavioral consultations include record reviews, interviews, and direct observations. Recommendations are presented directly to the IDT. Staff training and/or additional training for implementing recommendation occurs frequently if deemed necessary by the IDT or the Outreach behavioral consultant. Outreach provides consultative services to teams with or without behavioral services. This paper presents examples of recommendations that improved the quality of life for individuals exhibiting decel behavior. Case analyses, testimonials, and graphed data support Outreach services as an effective model for supplementing behavioral services and directing inter-disciplinary teams that are not receiving behavioral services. Presented data is based upon ongoing data collection systems in waiver settings, group homes, and family homes. Outreach behavioral referrals have increased dramatically, from 86 referrals delivered between September of 2002 and July of 2007, to 260 referrals occurring between July of 2007 and September of 2008. Outreach’s behavioral team consists of 4 BCBAs and 1 licensed psychologist. |
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A great team Outreach consultation and behavior clinicians in the State of Indiana |
KENDALL R. NELSON (Alternative Counseling Associates) |
Abstract: Behavior consulting in Indiana has come along ways since its recent beginnings. Outreach behavioral services increases the effectiveness of this service through consultations and education. This paper presents a brief summary of the history of behavior consulting in Indiana, the state of behavioral consulting currently, and a brief discussion about the future. The current plan for the future includes movement toward licensure for behavior clinicians and steps to achieve this goal are currently in process. Outreach consultation is a key aspect of the current model of service delivery. This paper includes case studies in which Outreach behavior consulting improved delivery of behavioral services. Two female participants ages 34 and 39, living in a group home and waiver setting respectively, served as the subjects for the case studies. The case study includes collected data on aggression and verbal aggression that occurred prior to, and following Outreach consultation. The data supports with a fair degree of validity that Outreach is effective at supporting behavior clinicians. |
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