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Behaviour Bits

Behaviour Bits

By: Jenn Colechin
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About this listen

 Welcome to Behaviour Bits: mini masterclasses in positive behaviour support strategies and related subjects behaviour with your host, Specialist Behaviour Director Jenn Colechin.
Join us as Jenn interviews a diverse range of specialists, delving into their unique fields, strategies, and areas of expertise.Copyright Jenn Colechin
Episodes
  • Reimagining Good Residential Support: Creating Homes, Not Workplaces

    Reimagining Good Residential Support: Creating Homes, Not Workplaces
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode, Niall Hewitt, director of Rubix Support and board member of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia and Developmental Educators Australia, shares deep insights into the evolving landscape of residential support services. With decades of experience across direct disability care, forensic services, government departments, and now leadership in the sector, Niall walks us through his hands-on journey and the critical importance of understanding support from the ground up. He discusses how good support goes beyond ticking boxes—it’s about consistency, meaningful relationships, respectful environments, and support that genuinely makes someone’s life better.

    The conversation explores practical ways to identify and promote what good support looks like in accommodation settings. From everyday choices and personal dignity to the role of leadership, team training, and person-centred practice, Niall outlines key considerations that can really make or break the living experience of individuals with disability. He also challenges the systemic issues like funding-driven decisions and staff turnover that can undermine person-centred care, urging us to shift the focus back to the individual. This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in behaviour support or disability services, offering grounded, thoughtful strategies that bridge policy and practice in real-world ways.
    You can find out more about Rubix Support here: https://rubixsupport.com.au/

    Looking for practical, flexible learning that goes beyond the podcast?
    The All Access Pass gives you unlimited entry to all of our self-paced online courses, early access to new content, exclusive member discounts, and our ever-growing library of downloadable resources, templates, and clinical tools.
    It’s all grounded in evidence-based, person-centred practice, designed to support you at your own pace, in real-world ways.
    Visit https://specialistbehaviour.com/all-access-pass/

    Questions, comments, feedback? Email us at info@specialistbehaviour.com
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    54 mins
  • Rethinking Complex Needs: 10 Things to Do Differently from Dr. Brent Hayward

    Rethinking Complex Needs: 10 Things to Do Differently from Dr. Brent Hayward
    Jun 2 2025
    In this episode, Jenn is joined by Dr Brent Hayward, a registered nurse and senior lecturer at Monash University with over two decades of experience across disability, mental health, and policy sectors. Brent shares a compelling reflection on his 20-year journey, highlighting the systemic barriers, evolving practices, and persistent challenges in providing effective support for individuals with disabilities and complex needs. Drawing on his keynote from the Complex Needs Conference, Brent outlines the “Top 10 Things to Do Differently”, offering a powerful critique of current service delivery models and a roadmap for meaningful change.
    The conversation dives into why reflective practice alone isn’t enough without coaching, the pitfalls of the “train and hope” approach to workforce development, and the dangers of relying on under-qualified staff for high-risk support. Brent challenges the over-reliance on medical practitioners and assessment referrals, advocating instead for person-centred, evidence-informed approaches that empower support workers and practitioners alike. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their practical impact, navigate systemic inertia, and rethink how we work together to foster true inclusion and quality of life.
    Looking for practical, flexible learning that goes beyond the podcast? The All Access Pass gives you unlimited entry to all of our self-paced online courses, early access to new content, exclusive member discounts, and our ever-growing library of downloadable resources, templates, and clinical tools. It’s all grounded in evidence-based, person-centred practice, designed to support you at your own pace, in real-world ways.

    Visit https://specialistbehaviour.com/all-access-pass/

    Questions, comments, feedback? Email us at info@specialistbehaviour.com
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • On Bravery and Rights-Centred Practice: Ethical Decision-Making in Restrictive Practices with Sharon Paley (Part 2)

    On Bravery and Rights-Centred Practice: Ethical Decision-Making in Restrictive Practices with Sharon Paley (Part 2)
    May 6 2025
    In this compelling follow-up episode, Sharon Paley returns to delve deeper into the ethical principles and human rights considerations regarding restrictive practices in behaviour support. Drawing on her extensive clinical and policy experience in the UK and Australia, Sharon candidly reflects on the evolution of practice, from untrained restraint use to the implementation of thoughtful, rights-focused approaches. Her insights highlight the emotional weight professionals often carry and the need for brave, well-supported teams who are equipped to make ethical decisions even in high-risk environments.
    Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of why restrictive practices are often used as default, and how that can be shifted with strong leadership, collaborative decision-making, and truly person-centred planning. Sharon unpacks key principles of ethical decision-making frameworks and stresses the importance of multidisciplinary voices and informed, proactive strategies and support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the challenges of restraint reduction and striving to uphold human dignity in complex care settings.

    Looking for practical, flexible learning that goes beyond the podcast? The All Access Pass gives you unlimited entry to all of our self-paced online courses, early access to new content, exclusive member discounts, and our ever-growing library of downloadable resources, templates, and clinical tools. It’s all grounded in evidence-based, person-centred practice—designed to support you at your own pace, in real-world ways. Visit https://specialistbehaviour.com/all-access-pass/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins

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