The Oregon Intervention System
The Oregon Intervention System (OIS) is Oregon’s system of training and implementing the principles of Positive Behavior Support and Intervention to staff that support adults and children with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) that may display challenging behaviors.
OIS and all materials produced by OIS are the property of the Oregon Department of Human Services – Office of Developmental Disability Services (DHS-ODDS). Written permission is required for reproduction. Unauthorized reproduction of any materials produced by OIS is subject to legal recourse.
History
In 1989, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) assembled a task force to develop a behavior intervention system that would be effective in keeping vulnerable individuals safe when they engaged in dangerous behaviors. DHS wanted a system that would utilize non-aversive techniques, avoid the use of punishment, and maintain the dignity of all individuals. After evaluating scores of different systems from across the United States, DHS determined that the system that most closely embraced Oregon’s values was Professional Assault Response Training (PART©). Dr. Paul Smith, founder of PART©, worked with professionals in Oregon to adapt his training curriculum to meet the specific Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for the populations which the new system would serve. Oregon’s original adaptation of the curriculum, PART-Revised (PART-R©) eventually evolved into PART-Oregon (PART-OR), which then evolved into OIS and became the official system delivering positive behavioral support to adults and children with I/DD.
Values
Oregon’s efforts in behavior support promotes the Person-Centered philosophy and “Self-Determination” by emphasizing approaches which are individualized to the person receiving support and which value the person’s participation in the process of support planning. The issues that are important to the person and for the person are considered in any support planning process. Furthermore, OIS not only values inclusion, but active participation in the community in which an individual dwells.
OIS also embraces the principles of Positive Behavior Support and Intervention (PBSI), which was developed and researched at the University of Oregon and other institutions of higher learning. PBSI emphasizes fully assessing a behavior to identify the function or functions the behavior serves for the individual, and then developing supports, which will eventually render the behavior inefficient, ineffective, and irrelevant. These supports include making changes to the environment, which will reduce stress and uncertainty for the individual; teaching the individual more efficient and effective skills; and changing the way staff respond to the individual and the challenging behavior. PBSI focuses on a proactive (preventative) approach, reinforcing desired behaviors, without the use of punishment, intimidation, or any aversive intervention. The current OARs reflect all of these values.