Reena
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For many years, Reena has been in the forefront of professional training in the field of developmental disabilities.

Originally developed for Reena staff, many of the courses are now offered to staff from other agencies, family members and care givers.

Reena's Staff Development Department plans and delivers training to over 2000 people per year, providing them with the professional skills required to carry out their job responsibilities.

Reena offers training courses to our own staff and other interested parties. The following is a list of the courses we offer:

We have developed an on-line registration process to help you select your courses and times.

To register for a staff development training course click here

Introducing New Courses

NUTRITION - HEALTHY EATING, HEALTHY LIVING!
ADVANCED BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT —UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR

Reena offers training courses to our own staff and other interested parties. The following is a list of the courses we offer:

Introduction to Developmental Services

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND DUAL DIAGNOSIS

This two-day introductory course will provide an overview of the evolution of services in Ontario. It will familiarize participants with terminology used in the field and values and principles guiding quality of life. It will provide information about common disorders and dual diagnosis. The dual diagnosis portion discusses how mental illness presents itself in persons with developmental disabilities. (Mandatory for staff who are not formally educated in the developmental services field of study)

INTRODUCTION TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

This course was designed by Kerry’s Place Autism Services and offered in partnership with Reena. This practical course teaches how to understand various features of autism. Participants will learn how to practically apply effective strategies to compensate for these traits and teach better social and adaptive skills. Use of picture formats, schedules, social stories, and scripts are incorporated into this training.

COMMUNICATION-MORE THAN JUST WORDS

Facilitated by Karen Mackenzie-Stepner – Speech-language pathologist, this workshop will benefit staff working in group homes or day programs with individuals who are non-verbal or minimally verbal. It will introduce participants to the use of sign language, picture symbols and other methods of communication. Practical strategies to use each of the methods will be presented and discussed.

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

This course will help participants understand how to present written and verbal information in a positive, professional, and objective manner. This course also explores how body language and non-verbal skills influence effective workplace communication.

FAITH & CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

The purpose of this course is to nurture sensitivity, tolerance and acceptance towards people of all faiths and cultural groups living and working together in a multicultural society. The course is diverse, interactive, and will teach through examples, exercises and discussion, tolerance and respect for each other.

Pharmacology & Medical Support

MEDICATION & PHARMACOLOGY

This course includes policies and procedures, pharmacology, review of systems, medication, administration and documentation. Successful completion of 70% is required for quizzes, the assignment and final exam. Lecture, group work, discussions, class exercises and video will be utilized.

MEDICATION UPDATE

This course is a refresher of the initial Medication & Pharmacology course. The course will focus on case analysis and problem solving issues concerning medications. Successful completion of 70% is required on exam.

RED CROSS STANDARD FIRST AID & BASIC RESCUER CPR

This is a certified Red Cross Standard First Aid course with Basic Rescuer CPR. This is a hands-on course covering topics such as CPR, Burns, Wounds, and Musculo-skeletal injuries. Be prepared to participate in physical activities. Wear comfortable clothing.

SEIZURE DISORDERS

This course includes an outline of the nervous system, diagnosis, seizure types and first aid for seizures. Many persons with developmental disabilities experience different types of seizure activity. How seizures are treated, recognition and why they occur will be covered in this workshop.

Occupational Health & Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Featuring WHMIS & Fire Safety

(Occupational Health and Safety featuring WHMIS)
A practical course incorporating Occupational Health & Safety and WHMIS This training addresses safe work environment and practices, Bill 168, and Health and Safety issues around the usage and storage of hazardous materials. Recognizing hazards, emergency action plans, procedures, and responsibilities.
(Fire Safety)
A practical course incorporating Fire Safety. This training addresses recognizing hazards, emergency action plans & how to use a fire extinguisher effectively will be covered.
(Mask Fit Testing Workshop/ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Demonstration and Practice) - Reena Staff Only

Routine Practices and Infection Control

This course will focus on Routine Practices that all staff and individuals that we support, can follow to prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. Information on a variety of illnesses will be covered. The course will also provide information on Personal Protective Equipment that will include a demonstration and practice. Effective Hand Washing techniques, Cross Contamination Information and General Precautions in the workplace environment will be covered.

LIFTS & TRANSFERS/ BACK CARE

Lee Massey with St. Elizabeth Health Care will facilitate this workshop. This course will focus on promoting safe back care, preventing back injuries as well as safe procedures to support people with mobility issues. This is a hands-on course. Participants will be trained in the use of the mechanical ceiling lift. Be prepared to participate in lifting as well as physical exercise. Wear comfortable clothes, running shoes, and bring a towel.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This course focuses on awareness of property issues and covers subjects around care and maintenance of the group homes. Safety precautions and proper care of household appliances are discussed. This course includes a practical on site overview of a residential location and practice making minor repairs.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Facilitated by Beverly Beuermann-King of Work-Smart, Live-Smart. This course focuses on developing coping strategies around specific workplace stressors. What stressors are, how to cope with stressful situations, and how to create a less stressful working environment.

PROTON - SAFE FOOD HANDLING

A York Region Health Services – Health Protection Division food handling certification program. It was developed for those who are working in the food industry, preparing meals in Group Homes, and serving the general public. Upon successful completion a certificate is issued which is valid for 5 years and is recognized throughout Ontario.

 

Intervention Strategies

SAFE MANAGEMENT

REPLACES CPI COURSE AT REENA This course includes verbal and physical techniques for dealing with escalating behaviour. This is a hands-on course. Be prepared to participate in physical activities. Wear comfortable clothing and running shoes.

SAFE MANAGEMENT UPDATE

This course is a refresher in SMG techniques and will also include discussion and case analysis. This is a hands-on course. Be prepared to participate in physical activities. Wear comfortable clothing, running shoes and bring previous SMG workbook.

Principles and Practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (PP-ABA)

This is a certificate training designed and facilitated by Behaviorprise Consulting Inc. The training complies with relevant sections of the Quality Assurance Measures legislation and highlights evidence-based practices. It explores several aspects of behavioral difficulties that may be encountered in group home settings and helps staff understand behaviors that are displayed by the people supported to communicate needs and feelings. It also teaches staff appropriate uses of behavior support plans as well as effective strategies that will help the people supported learn socially appropriate behaviors. PP-ABA emphasizes individual rights, environmental readjustment and the ethical application of behavioral principles.

SEXUALITY

This course will discuss best practices concerning sexuality and the support of individuals with a developmental disability. It will also provide a venue for problem solving around issues and concerns that staff may face when supporting an individual, their families and peers. Scenarios and exercises are included to help understand the complexities of this topic.

REDUCING THE RISK (Abuse Prevention)

This course will discuss best practices regarding the prevention of abuse. This course consists of a thorough examination of the nature of the abuse of persons with developmental disabilities. Discussed are the types, causes, and signs of abuse as well as the response to and reporting of abuse. This is an awareness-raising course with the goals of education and abuse prevention.

ADVANCED BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT —UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR

Behaviour Consultants from York Central Hospital’s Behaviour Management Services of York and Simcoe will facilitate this workshop. During this 2-day workshop, participants will learn positive application strategies in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Also, Participants will gain greater awareness of risks associated with abuse or misuse of these techniques or strategies. This workshop will cover the following topics: Defining Behaviour, Determining Problematic Behaviour, Role of Data Collection, Analysis of Behaviour, Setting Objectives, and Behavioural Programming (Prevention, Skill Promotion, and Intervention). This will be an interactive workshop that includes individual and group exercises.

Life Planning

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

This two-day workshop explores the importance of family and its involvement in the life of the person with a developmental disability. The aim is to develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the family and its challenges of the past and present. This course will focus on building stronger and better relationships between families, staff and persons with developmental disabilities.

CREATIVE PROGRAMMING—BEYOND BOWLING AND MOVIES

Creative Programming is an area that is often overlooked and misunderstood in our sector. Participants will learn that Creative programming is not an arts and craft course; that you do not have to be artistically inclined to develop meaningful recreation and leisure programs with the persons we support. Learn to recognize and overcome obstacles to effective program planning. Create and implement programs that will meet the varying needs of those we support. Learn to assess program suitability, to ensure that programs are person centred and that maximum potential is achieved. Join us in this interactive workshop and learn to develop exciting activity options for the persons you support.

NUTRITION - HEALTHY EATING, HEALTHY LIVING!

Janet Chippin, Registered Dietitian with VHA Rehab Solutions, will facilitate this workshop. During the first session, participants will learn about Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Eating which is the basis for making healthy food choices, and grocery shopping and menu planning according to Reena's Kashruth (Kosher) policies. The second session will focus on the nutrition management of dysphagia, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux and weight. The information gained will be useful to provide a consistent approach to the overall health and well-being for the persons we support.

Individual Support Plan (ISP)

This course will provide an understanding of the ISP process and how to develop and implement the document ensuring input from the persons that we support throughout all aspects of the ISP development and implementation.

AGING WITH A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY

A great deal is known about aging and the research on gerontological issues has increased rapidly, however the links between the Developmentally Disabled and the aging process are in need of further exploration. This presentation will help demystify the aura of long term care, increase awareness of the physical changes associated with aging, and engage in strategies for programming and restorative care for the older adult.

GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT

This workshop is diverse and interactive, providing creative strategies, reflection and insights into spiritual pathways we can use with the journey of grief. Guest speakers will also give insight into the grief process from different faith and cultural backgrounds.

Judaic Courses

Judaic Training

This is an introductory course in the Judaic values at Reena. It is a multimedia presentation of Jewish culture, customs, and traditions. This course includes a delicious kosher lunch.

PASSOVER

This course covers the meaning of Passover, the food, shopping, & traditions for staff and individuals preparing for Passover.

HIGH HOLIDAY TRAINING

An in-depth training in the Jewish practices observed during Rosh Hashanah, Days of Awe, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

To register for a staff development training course click here.
To register for an DBOS training course click here.

Last updated December 16, 2012, reviewed Friday, February 3, 2012

Last updated Dec. 31, 2008, reviewed Friday, February 3, 2012

Since 1973, Reena has been developing and providing community services for people who have a developmental disability. During that time, the agency has gained a well-deserved reputation for service innovation.
What makes Reena truly unique is the emphasis on providing Judaic programming and a Jewish environment for its clients, enabling them to develop spiritually and feel a connection and sense of belonging to their roots, culture and community.
Reena also encourages the expression of everyone's culture and religious roots, regardless of background or denomination.


 
Reena   REENA, 927 Clark Avenue West, Thornhill, Ontario L4J 8G6
For further information about Reena, please contact us at
Telephone: (905) 889-6484 - Voice Mail: (905) 889-2690 - Fax: (905) 889-3827
via e-mail: info@reena.org.

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11:33 PM, Friday, February 3, 2012

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