Next Meeting in September
Date, Time & Location to be Determined
MINUTES, June 5, 2018
Upcoming Meetings:
Manhattan DD Council – Thursday, June 14, 2018 9:30 am – 12 Noon
AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor ****NEW LOCATION****
Chairperson Marco Damani (212) 780-2661
***Elections manhattanddcouncil.com
manhattanddcouncilchair@gmail.com
Family Provider & Information Committee
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 10:00 am – 12 Noon
AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor
For more information contact either of the co-chairs:
Kathy Kelly (212) 780-2724 Kathy.kelly@ahrcnyc.org
Carol Lincoln (718) 859-5420 Clincoln@adaptcommunitynetwork.org
1. Elections:
A unanimous vote was taken to elect the new MFSSAC Executive Committee.
The following members have graciously agreed to serve for the next two (2) years.
Kate Bini
Caroline Grant
Michael Haas
Linda Irby
Genora Johnson
Margaret Puddington
Elly Rufer
Valerie Stark
Susan Williams
Another unanimous vote was taken to re-elect Margaret Puddington as our Manhattan representative for the Statewide Family Support Services Committee.
She is the chair of the Committee and has a leadership role in its subcommittees. She will continue to be actively involved in our local Manhattan FSS Advisory Council. Minutes of the Statewide FSS Committee are now posted on the web.
Go to: opwdd.ny.gov, type into the search bar “FSS Advisory Councils” and see under “Meeting Notes.” There is a long lag time, however, between the meetings and the posting of minutes.
Thank you ALL for your commitment and continued support of Family Support Services.
2. Managing Challenging Behaviors Presentation – Linda Schellenberg, LMSW Director of Community Services, Center for Family Support
***See attached – Power Point Presentation and One Page Profile
Lynn explained that challenging behaviors are largely learned, serve a purpose for an individual and usually are unmet needs. We must ask ourselves, “What is our child trying to communicate??” There are four main reasons we do things: for attention, wanting something tangible, satisfying a sensory issue (looks , feels, sounds, smells or taste good) or for simply wanting to escape/avoid a demand, task or activity.
It is important to keep in mind that some “triggers” that cause behaviors are not visible. These are internal antecedents, like an illness, fatigue, hunger/thirst or trauma . External antecedents couldbe aggression, crowds, noise or change in routines. Look for warning signs: raising the tone of voice, wringing of hands, pacing, self-injurious, or argumentative/quiet. Next we should ask ourselves, “What does our child need?” and create Behavioral Supports, such as activities they like and make them feel successful. Minimize the use of punishers and be proactive. Don’t belittle it. Build their self-esteem by saying something simple like, “I understand you’re having a bad day……”
Everyone seemed to love the idea of creating a “One Page Profile.” Make sure you open the link
https://onepageprofiles.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/jenny-one-page-profile.pdf
3. Final Remarks:
As our second meeting as new co-chairs, we were once-again thrilled with the number of attendees and having to look for extra seats. We also want to thank everyone for being so flexible with the last minute, change of location. We will be forever grateful to Birch Family Services for accommodating us in our moment of need. For those of you unable to attend, WE MISSED YOU !! However, we look forward to seeing you in September!!
Best,
Jackie and Mary