In August, Ability Action Australia brought together people from across the disability sector for our inaugural National Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Summit – two days of practical learning, shared perspectives and conversations about how we can work together to achieve better outcomes.
Held virtually across 5–6 August, the Summit attracted more than 1,200 registrations from support coordinators, families, educators, Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, allied health professionals and people interested in a career in Positive Behaviour Support.
Across four tailored sessions, our clinical experts and guest panellists explored Positive Behaviour Support from different perspectives – from navigating referrals and implementing behaviour support plans, to supporting children and building a career in PBS.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with the sessions receiving an average usefulness rating of 4.5 out of 5
“It was very informative and served as a valuable refresher for all Support Coordinators” – Steven T
Four sessions, one shared focus on better outcomes
From Referral to Successful Outcomes
Designed for Support Coordinators, our first session explored what good Positive Behaviour Support looks like from referral through to implementation.
The discussion looked at choosing the right provider, setting up a successful referral, collaboration between Support Coordinators, PBS practitioners and multidisciplinary teams, and navigating more complex participant needs.
Panel: Abrielle Perez, PBS Clinical Advisor alongside guest panelists Keeley Goldrick, Founder and CEO, Future Focus Support Coordination and Rachel Prince, Technical Specialist for Complex Support Needs at i’ara Specialist Support Coordination.
Understanding Behaviours and Building Positive Supports
Our session for parents, carers, teachers and educators focused on understanding what behaviour may be communicating and practical ways to support children and young people across home, school and early learning environments.
Led by Kate Jeffrey, Clinical Advisor and Behaviour Support Practitioner, the session explored the foundations of PBS, practical strategies, implementing behaviour support plans across different settings, and the importance of consistency and collaboration.
Kate was joined by Marie-Eve Dostie, National Paediatric Clinical Lead, and Melissa Haldane, Key Worker/Team Leader, bringing together perspectives from Positive Behaviour Support and allied health.
“I’m taking notes to share with my husband IMMEDIATELY when he gets home – this is great!” – Louise F
Implementing Behaviour Support Plans in Supported Living
For SIL providers, the Summit turned its attention to translating behaviour support plans into everyday practice.
The session explored how SIL teams and PBS practitioners can work together, strengthen communication and shared understanding, and support consistent, participant-centred implementation of behaviour support strategies.
Panel: Matthew Dobson, PBS Clinical Advisor alongside guest panelist Kylie Bonello, National Head of Growth. Soteria Independent Living.
Exploring Careers in Positive Behaviour Support
Our final session was designed for allied health professionals, educators and others interested in exploring a career in PBS.
The session provided an introduction to the role of a Behaviour Support Practitioner, what working in PBS looks like day to day, and the training, supervision and development that can support practitioners to build their capability and career.
It also provided an opportunity to introduce our MedHealth Academy School of Positive Behaviour Support, including our collaboration with the University of Melbourne and the structured learning and development available to practitioners.
Panel: Emily Hird, PBS Clinical Advisor and Fatema Sitabkhan, Behaviour Support Practitioner
“Thank you so much, the session exceeded my expectations!!!” – Summar P
The response to our first National PBS Summit reinforced the value of bringing different parts of the disability community together.
While each session was designed for a different audience, a consistent theme ran throughout the two days: great Positive Behaviour Support relies on collaboration.
Families, educators, support coordinators, SIL providers, practitioners and the broader support network each have an important role to play. By sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships and building greater understanding of evidence-informed PBS, we can work together to support better outcomes for people with disability.
A huge thank you to everyone who registered, joined us live, asked questions and shared their feedback, as well as our presenters and guest panellists who generously shared their expertise and experience.
