Positive Behaviour Support: Fostering Inclusion and Quality of Life

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is more than just a framework for addressing behaviours of concern - it is a person-centred approach that prioritises human rights, autonomy, and meaningful inclusion. Rooted in evidence-based strategies, PBS aligns with the principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), its Behaviour Support Capability Framework, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives on their own terms.

Person-Centred Support, Inclusion, and the Voice of the Participant

At the heart of PBS is the commitment to centring the voice of the participant. This means recognising that every individual has the right to make decisions about their own life, including how they receive support. Effective behaviour support services do not impose control but instead collaborate with the person, their family, and their support network to identify strengths, preferences, and goals.

By focusing on proactive and strengths-based approaches, PBS moves away from restrictive practices and instead fosters environments where individuals can thrive. Functional behaviour assessments (FBA) help identify the reasons behind behaviours, enabling the development of personalised strategies that enhance the person’s quality of life rather than merely attempting to eliminate behaviours without understanding their function.

Quality of Life as the Ultimate Goal

Quality of life is not just about reducing behaviours of concern. It is about ensuring that individuals have access to meaningful relationships, community participation, and personal growth. When supports are developed in collaboration with the individual, they are more likely to be effective and sustainable.

Through skill-building, environmental modifications, and respectful communication strategies, PBS practitioners help individuals develop autonomy, emotional regulation, and social connection. These approaches align with applied behaviour analysis (ABA) principles, which, when implemented ethically and within a human-rights framework, reinforce positive experiences and meaningful participation in daily life.

The Role of Positive Behaviour Support in Inclusive Communities

Inclusion is not just about physical presence; it is about genuine participation. PBS plays a crucial role in creating inclusive communities by advocating for adjustments that accommodate different ways of interacting and engaging. Whether through communication supports, sensory-friendly environments, or tailored skill development, PBS ensures that individuals are not only included but also valued within their communities.

The NDIS provides funding for behaviour support that prioritises these inclusive, person-centred approaches, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access supports that respect their choices and dignity. By adhering to the UN CRPD, behaviour support practitioners contribute to a world where disability is not a barrier to full participation in society.

Conclusion

Positive Behaviour Support is a vital tool in fostering inclusion, independence, and dignity. When implemented with a focus on the person’s voice and goals, it leads to meaningful, lasting change. As we move forward in the disability sector, the question remains: how can we continue to refine our practice to best support people to live the lives they choose?

What aspect of PBS do you think is most important?

• Centring the voice of the participant
• Building skills for independence
• Creating inclusive environments
• Reducing behaviours of concern