Positive Supports Newsletter

February 2024

Join the Positive Supports Listserv!

New Positive Support Training Series

This fall, ICI hosted the first of four sessions highlighting different types of positive supports that can help improve quality of life. These trainings are meant to be introductory and can increase our awareness of positive supports that are available. The video and materials from the first session are now available on the mnpsp.org homepage, right hand side, under the heading New Resources & Events. Learn more about how Cognitive Behavioral strategies can be integrated into positive behavior support.

Coming May 2024: Motivational Interviewing Awareness Level Training

The next Positive Support webinar will be April 26, 2024 from 11:30 am- 1:30 pm, on Motivational Interviewing. This two- hour awareness training will be a brief exposure to Motivational Interviewing to understand the basic approach, spirit, and core listening skills. This event is free, but prior registration is required. Look for additional positive support webinars coming soon!



Register Here
Downtown Chicago with information on the APBS conference.

Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference 2024


Join the 21st International Conference on Positive Behavior Support in Chicago, Illinois March 6-9, 2024.


Conference Highlights

  • 18 workshops
  • 125 conference sessions
  • Thursday evening poster session with reception
  • Focus is Positive Behavior Support across the lifespan
  • Opportunities for BCBA and NASP credits


Learn more about Minnesota presenters at the 2024 APBS conference.


See a list of IDD focused presentations.


Learn additional information and register here.

Resource Spotlight: Wellness


Wellness is a word and idea that has become integrated into American culture. It is a broad concept of health and wellness, often defined through multiple dimensions.


There are many resources on this topic that have been designed for adults who have disabilities.


The University of Minnesota Research and Training Center on Community Living developed a Partnership in Wellness Curriculum. It includes a variety of lessons that focus on four aspects of wellness including: feelings, social support, food and drink, and physical activity.


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created a step-by-step guide to wellness titled Creating a Healthier Life. The guide is meant to offer a broad approach for things individuals can do at their own pace, in their own time, and within their own abilities to help them feel better and live longer.


The Minnesota Department of Human Services developed an informational document titled mental wellness for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It answers questions about wellness and how to promote wellness as part of supporting a person with IDD. A list of ideas about how to incorporate wellness into daily life and additional resources are provided.


If you are looking to gain insight into this topic and find additional resources on wellness for other age ranges, check out our vetted resources on mnpsp.org in the universal social skills resources section.