Positive Behaviour Support in Manly, NSW: Meet PBS practitioner Danielle Oerlemans
Find Positive Behaviour Support in Manly and throughout Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore. If you’re ready to get started with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), click here to make a referral. If you’d like to learn more about Positive Behaviour Support in Manly, the Northern Beaches and North Shore, read on!
Today we’re pleased to introduce Danielle Oerlemans, who is an experienced behaviour support practitioner supporting NDIS participants in the Northern Beaches and North Shore of Sydney.
Fluent in Dutch and German, Danielle graduated in The Netherlands with a Master of Arts from Radboud University Nijmegen. Danielle has contributed to the disability sector for over ten years, supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures and capabilities.
Meet Danielle Oerlemans, Behaviour Support Practitioner supporting Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches
Hi Danielle, it’s great to have you on our team in Sydney! Tell us about you!
I grew up in The Netherlands. From a young age, I recall my parents dedicating weekends to volunteering to support individuals with disabilities on outings.
My entire family joined us on these outings, and my memories are only of happiness and laughter. I never saw my parents' friends as people with disabilities. The only reason we picked them up was because my father could drive a big van; it never occurred to me that they couldn't drive themselves. So, for me, inclusivity was such a powerful concept that the idea of "us" and "them" simply didn't exist.
Why did you choose this line of work?
Growing up, I never thought I'd be someone who could really change someone's life. But then in 2011, things changed for me. I decided I wanted to help folks who couldn't land typical jobs because of mental or physical health hurdles.
Instead of focusing on what they couldn't do, we looked at what they could. I teamed up with both employees and employers to craft jobs that fit them perfectly. I also made sure managers understood their employees' unique ways of communicating, even when it involved behaviours that raised concern. It's all about creating a workplace where everyone feels understood and valued.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of working in Positive Behaviour Support?
The most fulfilling part of working in Positive Behaviour Support is guiding support staff, parents, and others involved in my clients' care to understand the root causes of behaviours of concern, my clients communication patterns, and how we can adapt our own communication and approach to minimise challenging behaviours.
About Positive Behaviour Support and its impact
Can you tell us about a time you’ve seen Positive Behaviour Support in action and the effect it had on a person and/or their family?
In my early work with a client in Australia, I faced a challenge: eight restrictive practices were in place for my client because staff struggled to manage the client’s challenging behaviours.
The high turnover of house managers and staff made it even tougher to address. However, by closely collaborating with my client, we developed strategies to tackle these behaviours head-on. I also worked with the on-shift staff to help them understand why the client acted the way they did and how their communication style could influence it.
By gaining the trust of my client and the staff, delving into the root causes, and illustrating how the restrictions aggravated the situation, we successfully reduced the number of restrictive practices from eight to one.
Can you share an example of a diagnosis or behaviour of concern and how Positive Behaviour Support can help?
In my approach, I tend to avoid fixating solely on a person's diagnosis, recognising that each individual is unique. Instead, I focus on understanding the behaviours of concern and their underlying functions.
By pinpointing the reasons behind when, where, and why these behaviours manifest, it becomes simpler to explore the methods and interventions necessary for positive change tailored to the individual.
Positive Behaviour Support in Manly and Sydney’s Northern Beaches
What is important to you when you start working with new clients?
My approach to meeting new clients is tailored to each case, taking into account the individuals involved and the reasons for the referral.
Typically, I prioritise reaching out to all stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives and essential information. This often includes meeting with guardians, such as parents or family members, as well as support coordinators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and, of course, the clients themselves.
During the initial weeks, I aim to connect with the client as frequently as funding permits, as building rapport is crucial to me. I make it a point to visit them in various settings where concerning behaviours may arise, such as at specific times at their day program, home, or within the community.
Where to you provide Positive Behaviour Support on the Northern Beaches and North Shore?
I support NDIS participants in Manly, Balgowlah, Seaforth, Brookvale, Allambie Heights, Frenchs Forest, Dee Why, Narrabeen as well as Chatswood, Ryde and Hornsby.
We have several behaviour support practitioners near Manly and throughout the Northern Beaches, as well as the North Shore, from North Sydney and Lane Cove through to Wahroonga and Asquith.
How to get started with Positive Behaviour Support in Manly, NSW
How can NDIS participants in Manly, Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore get started with Positive Behaviour Support?
NDIS participants in the Northern Beaches and North Shore can make a referral for Positive Behaviour Support anytime on our website.
NDIS participants can make their own referral, or a member of their support team can make a referral on their behalf. We receive referrals for Positive Behaviour Support from NDIS participants, parents, support coordinators, medical and allied health providers, teachers and more.
If you have any questions about Positive Behaviour Support, please feel welcome to call our team on 1300 694 625 or send a message using our contact form.
Life on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
What do you love most about living near Manly and Sydney’s Northern Beaches?
Of course, the beautiful coastline with numerous beaches and the delightful weather always stand out. However, what always strikes me is the amazing sky with vibrant colours, along with breathtaking locations like North Head, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Additionally, the impressive national parks, rich with beautiful plants and wildlife.
Can you tell us about accessible recreational activities or locations on Sydney’s Northern Beaches?
A lot of facilities on the Northern Beaches are tailored to individuals with disabilities. There are wheelchair-accessible beaches at Manly, Collaroy, Newport, and Bilgola where you can rent beach wheelchairs free of charge.
Multiple inclusive playgrounds are located in Balgowlah Heights, Belrose, Collaroy, Frenchs Forest, Manly, Narrabeen, Newport, and Seaforth.
The wheelchair-friendly pools in Manly and Collaroy are accessible for all ages. For convenient shopping, visit malls like Belrose, Warriewood, and Warringah Mall, all equipped for wheelchair access. The 'Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2026' is committed to enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of the Northern Beaches.
About Ability Consultants
Ability Consultants is a Registered NDIS Provider supporting NDIS participants on Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches. We support NDIS participants in NSW, QLD, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
We create freedom and social connection through easy access to Positive Behaviour Support.
We primarily provide Positive Behaviour Support however we also deliver psychology support in parts of Australia, including psychology assessments and therapy. Currently, we provide both Positive Behaviour Support and psychology services on Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches.
If you need a behaviour support plan (PBSP), please contact us to make a referral.
About Positive Behaviour Support
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