Aaron, Susan and Ernie presented to the GTI 2017 Conference in Vancouver, BC.

1. Gentle Teaching International
Conference, Vancouver, 2017

2. Aaron, Susan, Ernie

3. John came to us in the ‘80s with new
and different messages of hope
“In order to teach the goodness and power of
human presence and the reward inherent therein,
caregivers need to become teachers of human
presence and reward. This can be accomplished by
structuring the person's day in such a way so as to
provide multiple opportunities throughout the day
which involve teaching new skills or maintaining
current skills (behaviors which can be rewarded and
which enable the caregiver to teach human
interactions).

4. These ideas resonated with what we
knew and were practicing
. . . caregivers need to apply a range of teaching
techniques which preclude the use of
punishment. Initially this requires a structure to
the day and, depending on the needs of the
person, sufficient caregivers present to carry out
these "programs." Within this context caregivers
present structured tasks to the person and
ensure success as much as possible to make
their presence and the rewards given positive
and meaningful.”

5. In our 20th year we took on this
project, to research the networks of
folks we supported

6. We had always priorised
relationships…

7. What we found surprised us;

8. We reinforced old conversations and clarified
our priorities and started new conversations

9. Involving committed friends and family
in people’s dreams

13. Giving people and their networks time
to heal…

14. Expecting the unexpected

15. Everything we see, shows us that networks can
support people to live good self-directed lives

16. Our interest led to more
conversations; people had great ideas

17. Working with about 140 self advocates, we heard
stories about the importance of relationships

18. Our strategic plan focused on relationships at all
levels as a way of strengthening capacity

19. Our strategic plan focused on relationships at all
levels as a way of strengthening capacity

20. Some people were not interested
• So, what’s the alternative?
– Living in isolation / being lonely
– Reduces the lifespan
– Increases incidence of illness
– Decreases the likelyhood of recovery
– Decreases the executive functioning of the brain
– Decreases opportunities in every way
– A health risk equal to smoking
• These are not well considered alternatives

21. Isolation and loneliness are increasingly
linked to poor health and quality of life

22. Thanks!
info@spectrumsociety.org
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