The environment, not the person, is the focus of change.
About The CALMER Approach
The journey for CALMER began in 2018 with Francisco presenting a two minute talk on “rethinking the function of behaviour”. He identified a gap between theory and practice, a limitation in how the behaviour of people with disability was understood compared with other people. A gap between neuroscience and the application of behaviour science was also evident. People with lived experience around us also expressed their concerns. This began a journey to better understand how to integrate neuro and behaviour sciences to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whilst Francisco had already taken a step back from the traditional “function of behaviour”. He was still in the process of reframing the new language and framework.
By September 2021, the model was called CALM (cortex and limbic modulation), and a knowledge translation journey began. Francisco and Amy then methodically began to sift through evidence from diverse areas that relate to how we think, feel and act, culminating in 2022 in the new evidence-informed practice framework, The CALMER (cortex, amygdala, limbic, memory and emotional regulation) Approach. Then in April 2023, The CALMER Approach Ltd was founded, with a desire for a refreshed, empathetic and human response to supporting others. In this page we share about our organisation, our framework and our people.
The Organisation:
The CALMER Approach Ltd
The C A L M E R Approach Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation was established in 2023 and is registered under the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme.
CALMER was founded by the authors of The CALMER Approach framework. Francisco and Amy de Paula.
The team at the CALMER Approach is passionate about seeing people live their lives, connected with others and with the least restrictions to their participation. To see this vision out, we provide:
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Direct supports under ‘Improved Relationships’ with NDIS (registered provider)
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Training and education for behaviour support practitioners, allied health professionals, medical practitioners, support workers, carers and managers in the health, education and disability sector.
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Training and education in workplace relations
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Presenting at conferences and building relationships
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To understand what we provide, visit: SERVICES
The Framework:
The CALMER Approach Framework
The CALMER Approach Framework is the practical understanding and application of the relationship between neuro & behaviour science as a way to understand the person first and then their interactions (behaviours). CALMER stands for: Cortex, Amygdala, Limbic, Memory and Emotional Regulation.
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CALMER is relational, co-designed, constructive and living model for building capacity. It seeks to wholistically understanding human behaviour from the perspective of the relationship between emotions and interactions. It is culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming and respectful of diversity. READ MORE...
Our Team
Our empathetic team are skilled, experienced and qualified in the areas of behaviour support, therapeutic support and education. Our diverse life and work experiences and belief in co-design drive us to continue to learn from both research and lived experience. We strongly believe that everyone has a right to agency in their own life, a right to participate in their life in a way that is meaningful to them, a right to safe relationships, and in our inherent ability to build capacity in environments and individuals. MEET THE TEAM...
Neuro-Affirming Statement
CALMER is neuro-affirming and understand that different people have different needs to feel safe in their daily lives and in the supports they receive. We recognise that we all perceive things in a unique way, we communicate differently and we regulate in different ways.
This is why co-design is an integral part of the CALMER Approach and not just empty words. It is why we focus on building capable environments and not on changing the person. It is why we seek to understand the person first and what is meaningful for them, then move to understanding how they are responding in different circumstances. We focus on co-designing therapeutic support and not managing a person.
Our framework has been informed and reframed by people with lived experience. Foundational to The CALMER Approach is the Social Model of Disability, and we take upholding human rights and the rights of people with disability seriously.
At the heart of The CALMER Approach is the understanding that we all have a neurological system that is wired to keep us safe, and that at times we all need support from each other to feel safe.
Feel free to CONTACT US to discuss this further if you are unsure if this is right for you.
