Community Access Unlimited
Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)
Workshop Descriptions

PASP Members Only: PASP Training Schedule

Forms:
Handout Request Form - To request electronic copies of PASP handouts.
Workshop Evaluation Form

Philosophy and Orientation (P & O): Introductory workshop intended to disseminate the goals, philosophy and procedures of the Personal Assistance Services Program. It includes information about how the program is administered statewide, as well as participant, county and state responsibilities. Differences between the traditional medical model of service delivery and the consumer driven model of delivery are contrasted. The Consumer driven model is the one embraced by the Personal Assistant Service Program. This is a mandatory workshop for both consumers and assistants.

Consumer Managed Assistant Services (CMAS): Explores tools and information necessary for Consumers who choose to play an active role in recruiting and interviewing their personal assistants. Information presented in this workshop includes constructing an assistant job description, writing ads, interviewing and performance evaluations and giving and receiving feedback. Skills are reinforced using small group exercises. Given the upcoming transition to Cash Model, consumers will find that this workshop will enhance skills needed to become an employer.

Basic Techniques Principles: The first of a two-part workshop that provides essential information to Assistants working with individuals with physical disabilities. It includes information on anatomy and physiology of certain disabilities, infection prevention, body mechanics, safety awareness and working with direction from their consumer. This is a mandatory training for Assistants.

Basic Techniques Practice: The second workshop that provides hands on exercises with various types of equipment that may be utilized by an individual with a disability and provides Assistants the opportunity to become comfortable with the equipment. Safe transferring techniques are reviewed and demonstrated by a professional therapist. This is a mandatory workshop for Assistants.

Consumer Resource Workshop: This workshop is the former Transition Planning (Aging Out) Workshop. We changed the name because it presents an overview of services, housing options and programs available in the State of New Jersey to all PASP participants, not just those approaching 65. A revolving panel of presenters will offer information and handout materials relevant to their area of expertise.

Assessors' Training: The purpose of this workshop is to standardize the Assessment, Reassessment, and Follow-up visit process. The presentation includes, but is not limited to, a full analysis of each form required by the state for PASP enrollment as well as the Assessor's role and limitations. The session also addresses the Self-Care certification as the new component of the program. The Assessors' Training is mandatory for all Assessors and for all Registered Nurses managing the Self-Care certification.

Cash Model – How-To: Under this new model, the Consumer will become the Employer and CAU will assist with all the law requirements that such status requires (i.e. taxes, employer identification number, budget, etc.) The presentation of this workshop will demonstrate the transition in which the Consumer is allowed to have control over his/her grant and the responsibilities that it entails.

Advanced Cash Model – How To: The Advanced Cash Model workshop will allow the PASP Consumers to practice the skills learned in the Cash Model – How To training. The Consumers will receive a brief introduction to the workshop and the principles of Cash Model. They will also receive the material and a set of instructions that they will need when putting the skills learned to practice. This workshop is for Consumers that have previously attended Cash Model – How To and want to put in practice what they saw in theory.

Cash Model Forum: A round table discussion workshop in which current participants that are using the Cash Model will be present to answer questions involving Cash Model and how the program is working for them. Consumers interested in attending will forward questions regarding the Cash Model into our office prior to attending the workshop and we will answer all the questions presented to us. The questions and corresponding answers will be provided in the form of a handout for everyone to take home with them. Questions may be presented on the day of the workshop, however, only those questions forwarded during registration will be included in the handout.

Empowerment and Advocacy: This workshop explores ways for individuals to be empowered and utilize good communication skills to enhance individual empowerment. Good communication involves both verbal and non-verbal modes of communication, with non-verbal often being the most powerful. Effective communication is essential to avoid misunderstanding and assist in achieving your personal goals. Small group breakout is utilized to reinforced concepts. The skills presented in this workshop are essential tools in the consumer/assistant relationship. We also take participants through 4 steps of the Advocacy Cycle. Skills addressed in this workshop will help participants to achieve individual goals utilizing an organized and systematic approach. Whether it is a personal goal or a desire to receive better transportation, skills presented in this workshop will help you move forward. (Please note: This workshop is only presented occasionally at regional events.)