22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition story

1. 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition story

2. SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE!Here’s what to do DON’T Stop listening! Say “I couldn’t do that, there are too many obstacles” Say “this has nothing to do with me or my kid” Keep an open mind Pick what makes sense Commit to at least one takeaway DO 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

3. A GLIMPSE AT NICKY 20 years old Behavioral aggressions began at age 5 Maintained in public school setting through grade 6, spent one year in a day program Hospitalized for 9 months at age 15 waiting for a residential placement Placed in a restrictive setting for 5 years 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

4. A CRITICAL DECISION Nicky was not progressing We were nearing 22 quickly Placement was not going to provide the necessary tools for successful prep for 22 Without significant planning and skill building, Nicky would be in crisis at 22 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

5. THE APPROACH Met with Phil Campbell, our new Director of Pupil Services… “Why not start 22 at 20?” 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

6. THE DIRECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE • Went to observe Nicky in the placement • Advised the Superintendent, set up expectations for APS • Created open and regular communication with family • Independent evaluation results showed concern • Commitment to create a new set of supports, with an emphasis toward transition to adult life 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

7. OK, SO NOW WHAT? (AND WHO, AND WHERE, AND HOW, AND WHEN) Assessing our options: DAY PROGRAM Researched local agencies asked families, called for tours Committed to HMEA (www.hmea.org) RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM Traditional group home SHARED LIVING??!! - fortuitous meeting with Nonotuck President Committed to Nonotuck Resource Associates (www.nonotuck.com) 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

8. PROVIDER’S PERSPECTIVES John Struth Nonotuck Resource Associates Collaboration & Support Working with a full team Agency values Developing personalized service plan Connecting through relationships 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

9. PROVIDER’S PERSPECTIVES Michael Moloney HMEA Day Services & Behavioral Supports Collaborative Thinking 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

10. FORMULATING THE PLAN Family and Director agreed on who should be invited Director’s role to facilitate the discussion (not manage) set agendas, maintain IEP paperwork Shared the independent evaluation & recommendations Created a timeline (back-chaining) 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

11. Original TIMELINE Timeline presented during kickoff meeting on 5.30.2012 Residential Day Program 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

12. Support Staff Interviews Actual TIMELINE SLP-Nicky meeting Restrained Training Complete Parents-SLP initial meeting Labor of Love Weekend SLP Move-In House Accommodations Complete Evaluate Nicky House Identified House Acquired Nicky Move-In Residential Day Program Unified Behavioral Plan Evaluate Nicky Start Day Program Monthly Team Sync Up Day Program Defined Final Readiness Meeting

13. SO HOW’S NICKY DOING NOW? Educational (day) Setting: • 55% reduction in • aggressive behaviors • 70% reduction in • self abusive behavior • Spends 50-70% of each • week in the community

14. SO HOW’S NICKY DOING NOW? Residential Setting: 71% decrease in aggressive behaviors 90% reduction in self abusive behaviors Verbal language increasing Use of picture exchange replacing aggression to communicate Visiting community daily

15. TAKEAWAYS 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

16. TAKEAWAYS Mike (Especially with residential services), the provider relationship can be a VERY long term relationship (decades; a lifetime) so
 spend lots of time vetting different organization well before Turning 22
 spend lots of time getting to know the organization(s)
 ask to speak with families already receiving servicesdoes the agency have a family group?
 can you attend a family group meeting prior to placement?
 consider attending an agency event to get a feel for the culture of the organization
 Can you meet with the Exec or any administrator? 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

17. TAKEAWAYS John Shared Living was not created solely for the “high functioning” Population The idea of dignified living is not just for those who are pre-defined as “successful” 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

18. TAKEAWAYS Phil Building & Maintaining a TRUST relationship Connect with colleagues and resources Facilitate, don’t manage Communicate with Superintendent 24.7% decrease in cost to the school system! 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

19. TAKEAWAYS Alex & Cheryl We spent a lot of time meeting people, being involved in the community, listening to the experiences of others – paid off in “connections” Asked others who know Nicky well, what they thought Back-chain planning Focus only forward – did not burden team with old stories, emotions to dominate meetings Turned our mindset from “educational goals” to practical skill building Gathered the team and allowed them to do what they do Removed the assumption that we ALWAYS know best Maintaining respect for the relationship between SLP & Nicky Asked Nonotuck not to put us at the top of the emergency list Now able to focus on improving quality of home visits for first time! 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story

20. They need us, and they love us unconditionally. So let’s STOP placing conditions on what we will do, Rise above those who say we “can’t”, Step past those who say we “won’t”, and show them that the value of their life transcends any limitation set before us.

21. If we can’t even come to the table together to open a dialogue and have a conversation about a single person because we are angry, defensive, or not willing to compromise, How can we expect to come together to affect change at the system level and make the process more effective?

23. LET’S CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION • http://www.successfultransitions.org Join, share & follow the blog: Download or view the slides: • http://slideshare.com/cherylryanchan 22 at 20: A non-traditional Transition Story