Intimate settings and programs tailored to our guests
Riverside Professional Development tailors all private contracts to meet the clients
specific demographics, most current needs, and is available to consult with teams
of 2 or more throughout Centra Pennsylvania, the Tri-State Area and Lower East
Coast. Some of our broad scoping topics are as follows:
Activities
We hold firm that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well
as those with mental illness, are capable of performing mostif not allevery day
activities. RPD has many Activities-based programs, from those focused on the retirees,
to workshops focused on day program scheduling, and more.
Aging
As modern science and medicine continue to make strides, the average life expectancy
of people with IDD also increases. This new norm is posing unique issues to the
world of human services where over 75% of adults with IDD live at home and are cared
for by aging family members. Elderly individuals with IDD are being placed in personal
care or group homes for the first time. They are met with increasing health problems,
including Dementia and Alzheimers at a younger age of onset. While professionals
are facing these many new behaviors, Riverside Professional Development is here to serve them with the
most state-of-the-art information and techniques.
Behavior
Unique communication, health, and adaptive issues challenge men and women diagnosed
with IDD and Mental Illness. Riverside Professional Development has spent many years developing programs
to serve the ever-changing needs of professionals working in human services. Educators,
therapists, case managers, direct care professionals, and so many others, are serving
people in the most valuable manner possible, and require continued education in
this ever-evolving facet of human progression. Simply stated, Riverside Professional Development is here
to help you plan, implement, and revisit best practices to provide the highest quality
of life to the people for whom you care.
Communication
How can we know what to provide, if we are unable to clearly communicate with family
members, co-workers and peers? Both professionals and the people they support face
varied communication challenges. Riverside Professional Development has had the pleasure of many years
of working with the most challenging communication issues facing people, not only
with disabilities, but the professionals in place to meet their daily challenges
both with the people they serve and with co-workers.
Diagnosis
Centrally located in Dauphin County, a national leader in human services, Riverside Professional Development has access to the top professionals in the fields of Intellectual Disabilities,
Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Health. Riverside Professional Development focuses on current and
accurate information when it comes to the complicated diagnosis of the people in
our communities. This includes the use of medications, behavioral techniques, as
well as adequate communication skills to meet patients' specific needs.
Health / Fitness
With personal fitness trainers and nutritionists on staff, Riverside Professional Development is serious
about the role health and fitness play in a persons behaviorfrom stress levels
to capabilities, both professionally and personally. We teach activity and fitness
program development, grocery shopping, cooking and providing new choices, and will
even develop a program specific to your agencys specific needs.
Intellectual Disabilities / Mental Retardation
From a basic understanding of what Intellectual Disabilities are and how they present
themselves in people, to an in-depth look into diagnosis, behavior, communication,
hygiene, friendship and community, Riverside Professional Development is able to deliver a program suited
to your need and level of understanding. We are completely fluent in Intellectual
Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Illness.
Leadership
Riverside Professional Development is available to offer direction and insight on the complicated leadership
roles that exist in Human Services, including those of Supervisor and/or Director.
From consultation of a few, to a workshop with many, Riverside Professional Development has instructors
with expertise in coaching, delegation, communication and leadership, among other
topics.
Motivation / Inspiration
Human Services is unlike any other profession. Day-in and day-out, the demands are
physically taxing, mentally draining, and emotionally complex. Riverside Professional Development attempts
to inspire and re-motivate the dedicated and hard working Human Services professionals
through these specially-designed workshops.
Personal Development
While there are an an infinite number of topics related to Intellectual Disabilities,
Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Illness, Riverside Professional Development also caters to the
professionals personal needs. Stress, Relaxation, Team Building, Effective Communication,
and Coaching are a few Riverside Professional Development's workshop topics geared towards improving professionals
personal experience and growth.
Positive Approaches
It's a fact that human beings require attention, and those with special needs are
no exception. Riverside Professional Development promotes positive approaches and positive reinforcement
as a method to change the lives of professionals, staff, and the people they serve.
Safety
Human Services professionals often work inside homes, and travel to various sites,
job programs, or any number of other locations outside an office setting. Personal
and professional safety should be considered first, and Riverside Professional Development's workshops
educate professionals on how to remain safe and sound while carrying out their duties.