Description
Being connected to the people we love is critical to our emotional and physical well-being. Many people experiencing our services are sick from loneliness. This workshop is about ideas for moving beyond interventions and coverage to a system that supports enduring, freely chosen relationships. The workshop can be conducted in either a one-day or two-day format (the latter involves problem-solving with teams).
Objectives
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will have developed knowledge in the following areas:
- The impact of loneliness in the lives of people who experience disabilities, particularly as it relates to difficult behaviors;
- The importance of going home to the people we love as an important organizing strategy for helping people to develop relationships;
- Strategies for helping people who are lonely to develop enduring, freely chosen, positive relationships.
- Problem-solving strategies for times when relationships are unbalanced or slow in developing.
Suggested Agenda
The following is a suggested agenda only. Starting and ending times may vary. Regular question and answer breaks are built into the day.
- 09:00 Introductions and Housekeeping
- 09:10 Part One: Loneliness and the importance of going home to the people you love.
- 10:30 Break
- 10:45 Part Two: Building positive, enduring relationships
- 12:00 Lunch
- 01:00 Part Three: Building positive, enduring relationships
- 02:30 Break
- 02:45 Part Four: Building positive, enduring relationships
- 04:00 End
Handouts
Recommended: The Importance of Belonging (available in Spanish).
Optional: Loneliness is the Only Real Disability and Who Holds Your Story?
Thumbnail Sketch and Photo
A thumbnail sketch of David and his work for conference brochures. Includes information about audio-visual needs. A photo for brochures can also be downloaded.
Audio Visual Needs
If available, an LCD projector (if not, an overhead projector), screen, , large pieces of paper, masking tape, felt pens (or a blackboard), and, if you are expecting over 50 people, a lavaliere microphone (a microphone that can be worn as a necklace or attached to a shirt or tie).
Contact Information
David Pitonyak, Ph.D.
Imagine
540-552-5629 VOICE
davidpitonyak@me.com