Building Bridges of Hope
Get To Know Us And Learn About Positive Behavior Support
Maryland PBS
Maryland Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) is a statewide collaborative dedicated to helping providers, large and small, create supportive, predictable, and inclusive environments where people of all abilities can thrive.
We provide resources, training, technical assistance, and evaluation opportunities for providers interested in applying the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) framework throughout the organization. This approach emphasizes proactive strategies, equity, and systems-level supports to meet the needs of individuals, including those with complex support needs.
Our collaborative brings together state leaders, university partners, training and technical assistance experts, and providers, all working hand-in-hand under the leadership of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration.
Our most structured supports are available to providers involved with the Cohort process; however have additional training opportunities and resources available to all providers across the state.
Together, we are building stronger systems and communities where every person has the opportunity to succeed and belong.
What is Positive Behavior Support?
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) refers to a set of strategies that are used by organization-wide teams to improve quality of life and prevent challenging behavior. Interventions include making changes to everyday situations and settings in a way that naturally prevents the likelihood of challenging behavior, and involves encouraging and teaching everyone (e.g. direct support staff, family members, peers, employers etc.) important social, cultural, and communication skills that will create a positive environment. PBS provides a continuum of interventions that increase in intensity. Universal or Primary Stage (Tier 1) strategies are implemented with everyone within a social setting to establish a positive environment that encourages self-determination and choice. Secondary Stage (Tier 2) strategies are used to establish early identification of challenges that may escalate over time. Tertiary Stage (Tier 3) involves individualized positive behavior support plans.
Our Partners
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (MD DDA) has brought together a range of partners to participate in the statewide support for providers adopting positive behavior support.
Maryland Agency Leading the Statewide PBS Efforts for Agencies and Organizations.
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration
University Center of Excellence Partner.
University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration
Local Training, Technical Assistance, and Evaluation Coordinator.
Maryland Supports at the MidAtlantic PBIS Network
Local University Supporting PBS at the Per-Service, Certificate, and Bachelorette Levels.
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore