Francisco (Fran) de Paula - Director and founder of TCA and CALMER Model

Fran started work in the disability sector as a volunteer in 2000. Once he started to understand some of the principals and potential, he began a journey of studies, always looking for new evidence in supporting quality of life, increasing capacity and reducing restrictions. He completed a Bachelor of Education in Disability Studies through ACU and further training through the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA). He is a certified Person Centred Active Support facilitator and has an interest in Therapeutic Evidence-Informed Practice.

 

Fran works full time with TCA in Sydney, supporting individuals and providing training for providers.​

Fran has developed the CALMER Approach Model based upon his pursuit of best practice and closing the gap between theory and practice, engaging with neuroscience and combining this with the lived experience of the people he is supporting to refine the tools in the approach.

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Fran has been presenting the CALMER Model nationally and internationally. He also delivers regular workshops for Behaviour Support Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals. He also works with school and disability service providers to build capacity using the model.