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Bittersweet offers a multitude of educational services in the way of training courses covering a wide variety of topics. Training courses can be presented at Bittersweet Farms or a site of your choosing.
The following specialized training courses are available, and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of individuals or groups.
Capability Teaching/Behavior Shaping - A two hour course that establishes the foundation of person-centered teaching concepts, originally developed by Mr. Lee Graber. This dramatically effective program results in direct contact staff, management, and family members recognizing the value of their role in the education process while this training builds the skills to empower a person with disabilities to discover their own self-worth, to manage their own behaviors and to learn to make choices within their lives.
Neutralize & Redirect - A three hour course and demonstration of non-aversive techniques used in responding to a wide range of challenging or combative behaviors. This course is available to direct contact and management professionals who have participated in the value-based Capability Teaching class and seek additional strategies in neutralizing and redirecting behaviors toward appropriate alternatives. The methods are clearly pro-active, ensure dignity, and are free from the use of restraints.
Teach the Teachers - A two hour course for management and supervisory level personnel, designed to strengthen their skills to empower direct contact staff and assure the continuity and passion of an educational rather than care taking approach to the delivery of supports and services.
For more information about any of the above, please contact Training and Consultation at 419.875.6986 ext. 1208 or send an email to tandc@bittersweetfarms.org.
Autism 101 (Basics) - A two hour course reviewing the primary characteristics of persons with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fundamental programmatic elements that have been demonstrated to provide support for success for most persons with ASD.
Autism 102 - An expansion of the 101 course which in addition to broadening the concepts of that course, further explores the many aspects of ASD which may be lesser known or appreciated based on current research and our experiences supporting numerous individuals on the autism spectrum.
Communication Considerations for Persons with Autism - This two hour review covers the major presenting considerations of receptive and expressive communication challenges and social pragmatic difficulties experienced by many persons with autism.
Sensory Considerations for Persons with Autism - This two hour review relates to the sensory complications and confusions that many persons with ASD must manage on a regular basis. Neurological and emotional sensory coordination is described through examples of everyday experience.
Programmatic Supports for Persons with ASD - There are numerous methods and techniques that can provide support for learning for persons with ASD. Bittersweet, Inc. embraces many different approaches for helping adolescents and adults with ASD to develop and succeed in his or her goals. This two hour workshop describes fundamentals of methods that have been shown to be effective for many persons with ASD, focusing on the specifics of a few that are especially successful.
M.A.P.S. 1 - M.A.P.S. an Overview - This two hour session covers an introduction to a simple yet vital philosophical, planning and analytical tool for working with persons of all ages with ASD. Review and practice of the technique using real examples from actual experiences will be used.
M.A.P.S. 2 - Philosophy of M.A.P.S. - How to Use M.A.P.S. on Your Journey - In two hours, learn how the simple approach to services for persons with ASD can transform the workplace and the emotional environment.
M.A.P.S. 3 - The Art of Folding M.A.P.S. - In this two hour workshop, use the approach to plan goals, activities, or occupations for persons with ASD.
M.A.P.S. 4 - Using M.A.P.S. When There's a Detour - During this two hour session, utilize an interactive approach to help quickly analyze problem situations and identify numerous possible solutions.
For more information about any of the above, please contact Training and Consultation at 419.875.6986 ext. 1208 or send an email to tandc@bittersweetfarms.org.
Bittersweet's WISDOM - "Bittersweet's WISDOM" is a series of training classes which you can take via the computer. Some classes will run "live" and some will be pre-recorded. Bittersweet's WISDOM will cover a vast array of topics concerning business, programming, staffing, and applicant/family screening. This training allows you to pick and choose topics that will be most meaningful to you plus enable you to save time and money that would normally be required for traveling to/from Bittersweet. More information is available.
The Bittersweet Academy - "Bittersweet Academy" is our term for the teaching, training and consultative process that empowers others to develop their own version of Bittersweet Farms or apply the Bittersweet philosophy in their own setting. The Academy service addresses the local and national demands for replication of Bittersweet's philosophy, value-based approach, programmed services, and physical plant facilities. The Academy can be presented in a two-day or three-day format. More information is available.
Farmstead Program, Philosophy, and Mission - A two hour course introducing the farmstead model approach as applied to supporting individuals with autism and the dynamic benefits that are achieved through this process. Provides a review of Bittersweet's history, development, and how we achieve the objectives of our operational philosophy and mission, including a brief overview of the M.A.P.S. process.
Vocational Opportunities for Adults with ASD - This course, lasting two hours, reviews the array of potential challenges and barriers adults with ASD face in finding and maintaining employment and ways in which these obstacles can be overcome through an individualized focus on abilities, skills training, collaboration, and structured supports.
Operational Challenges and How to Overcome Them - A two hour course on the potential challenges to organizations when attempting to achieve desired outcomes in supporting individuals with ASD, followed by a discussion and suggestions for overcoming these based upon our years of experience.
For more information about any of the above, please contact Training and Consultation at 419.875.6986 ext. 1208 or send an email to tandc@bittersweetfarms.org.
Administrative Professional Certificate Program (9 hours or less - Three 1/2 Day Modules) - Administrative Assistants (AA's) are critical players, requiring numerous skills in today's organizations. In our ever-hectic work lives, the ability to juggle priorities, be ready for action, and stay focused, all while maintaining a positive attitude can be extremely challenging, especially for AA's. This certificate program is designed to help improve AA's time and priority management skills, enhance communication skills, increase professionalism, better deal with difficult people and situations, and enrich meeting planning.
Are You a Stress Ball? (4 hours or less) - Have you ever wondered why you are so up tight all the time and what in the world can you do to relieve your stress? Do you really understand what too much negative stress does to your physical well-being, not to mention your mental well-being? This fun and relaxing workshop will provide you with some insight into your stress and tips on how to manage it better.
Behavioral Based Interviewing (8 hours or less) - Does your interviewing process need re-vamping? Learn how to improve your hiring and selection process by developing a structured and focused behavioral-based interviewing system.
Coaching Workshops (16 hours or less-Four 1/2 Day Modules) - This series of workshops is designed to help managers learn how to coach employees to enhance team performance. Awareness of habitual patterns that impede optimum accomplishments in the workplace is a primary focus. Additionally, through exercises, lecture, discussion, homework, and reflection there is ample opportunity for shifts in perspective and learning more effective methods. Management skills will be enhanced by learning ways to facilitate, guide, support, and inspire others.
How To Conduct Exit Interviews (4 hours) - Just because an employee is leaving your organization doesn't mean they cannot still help you improve performance. This workshop will teach you the in's and out's of exit interviewing.
How to Correct Employee Performance Problems Without Discipline (4 hours) - Wouldn't it be great if we treated employees, especially those with performance problems like adults and put the onus of responsibility for improvement directly upon their shoulders? This 1/2 day session will give you insight into how you can do exactly this in your organization.
Massage Therapy Basics (8 hours or less) - Learn the basic massage therapy movements from a licensed professional and how to apply them to various parts of the body. This is a fun workshop to take by yourself or with a friend.
Non-Financial Rewards (3.5 hours) - Time to spice up your workplace? Looking for ways to generate enthusiasm and have much more fun at work? Are there employees who deserve rewards for work well done but budget constraints keep you and your company from showing gratitude and appreciation? This workshop will give you many creative and inexpensive ideas about how to reward employees. Take this workshop, implement some of the ideas presented, and watch the motivation and fun at work reach new heights.
Performance Appraisal Systems (4 hours) - Feedback is important for all of us to understand how we are performing on the job. The more effective the delivery of the feedback, the more impact it can have on enhancing work performance. This workshop is designed to help managers understand the purpose of your organization's Performance Appraisal System, how to put it to use in the workplace, and how to make you more comfortable with honestly assessing performance.
Running Effective Meetings (3.5 hours or less) - Do you have any idea how much time and money your organization wastes during meetings? If you tallied up the annual costs, you would be immediately searching for answers on how to improve? This workshop will provide you with instant answers and practical solutions to not only cut out "meeting waste" but improve productivity, decision making, buy-in, taking action, and getting results. Stop wasting time and money; sign up for Running Effective Meetings today!
So You Think It's Easy to Run a Business, Do You? (10 hours or less) - If you'd like to run your own business (or think you do), this workshop will teach you the basics. You will touch on visioning, goal setting, start-up issues, accounting, legal issues, customer service, and marketing.
Taking Your Business From Concept to Reality (10 hours or less) - An important tool for any business (whether start-up or existing) is a business plan. This workshop will teach you about the purposes and essential components of writing your own business plan.
The B-Word Has a Whole New Meaning These Days (4 hours) - Have you ever been called (or are getting close to being called) the "B Word" at work? Is your reputation as a "B" hampering your opportunities? Does it result in poor working relationships with others? Maybe you need to soften your approach to truly improve your effectiveness. This workshop will help you understand where that "B-ness" comes from, how to tone it down, how to get what you want in a kinder, gentler way, and how to identify with new and different B words.
The U-Turn Model and Essential Skills © (4 hours) - This workshop is usually presented subsequent to Thorns in Your Side Today; Bloomin' Roses Tomorrow or as the last module of the Administrative Professional Certificate Program. We all know it is much easier to point the finger of blame at others for problems in our work lives; taking personal responsibility is often the last thing many of us wish to do to understand the root of our own issues-that is, until this workshop. Using the U-Turn Model ©, which encourages self-awareness and reflection, this class leads attendees to hold themselves accountable, gaining deeper, personal insights about their own behavioral, emotional, and thought patterns that present opportunities for improvement. Skills covered can include dealing with difficult people, self-esteem, motivation, communication, professionalism, conflict resolution, negotiation, working effectively on teams, or other skills as needed.
Thorns in Your Side Today; Bloomin' Roses Tomorrow (1.5 hours) - In every aspect of our lives we are challenged with people who are thorns in our sides. They are irritating, annoying, infuriating, exasperating, etc. (meaning you fill in the rest), and they can drive us crazy. In this workshop you will learn about changing your thought process and perspective (since it's impossible to change them), and start viewing those thorns as bloomin' roses.
Any type of educational or informative seminar is charged at a flat fee. Variables affecting the total cost include the length of the presentation, total travel time, mileage, lodging, and meals. For more information about any of the above, including specific pricing, please contact Training and Consultation at 419.875.6986 ext. 1208 or send email to tandc@bittersweetfarms.org.