Strengthening Behaviour Support Through Practitioner Development

December 19, 2025

Editor’s note: This article was updated in January 2026 to reflect the continued growth and evolution of the helpz Behaviour Support Development Program. Original blog title "Our Behaviour Support Development Program: Supporting Practitioners, Strengthening Services."


At helpz, we know that high-quality behaviour support begins with confident, capable practitioners. That belief is what led us to create the Behaviour Support Development Program (BSDP), a structured training and mentorship pathway designed to support new and early-career practitioners as they build the skills needed to deliver meaningful, ethical behaviour support.


Since launching in 2022, the BSDP has supported more than 100 practitioners to step into the behaviour support space with practical knowledge, real-world experience, and growing confidence. As the sector continues to evolve, so too does our commitment to strengthening the workforce that supports people with disability.


How the program works


The BSDP is delivered entirely online and begins with a series of seven interactive webinars. These sessions provide a strong foundation across key areas of behaviour support practice, supporting practitioners to build both knowledge and confidence at their own pace.


Following the webinar series, participants can opt into an eight-week mentorship program. During this phase, practitioners work closely with experienced helpz clinicians, applying their learning to real-world scenarios and developing practical skills in a supported environment.


Throughout the program, practitioners are guided to:


  • write and refine behaviour support plans
  • develop meaningful and effective data collection strategies
  • complete assessments with confidence
  • prepare training and implementation programs, including those involving restrictive practices


The program is designed to be supportive, practical, and responsive to the realities of behaviour support work, recognising that confidence develops through both learning and experience.


At the end of the self-paced journey, each practitioner undertakes a comprehensive review of their self-assessment and prior experience. Based on this review, practitioners may be endorsed as Core or Developing Core, supporting a confident transition into their first or expanding caseload.


What practitioners tell us


Feedback from participants continues to shape how the BSDP is delivered and refined.


Courtney Pettingill, a BSDP graduate, shared:


 “I was initially anxious about completing the BSDP, but the activities made learning easy. My nerves quickly faded thanks to the incredible support from the helpz team and my clinical supervisor. I now feel confident delivering behaviour support services.”


Stories like this reinforce the importance of structured support, supervision, and connection, especially in the early stages of a practitioner’s journey.


Looking ahead


As we move into the year ahead, helpz remains focused on developing confident practitioners and strengthening behaviour support services across our communities. The BSDP continues to evolve in response to practitioner feedback, sector expectations, and the growing complexity of behaviour support practice.


If you are looking to build confidence, capability, and practical experience in behaviour support, the Behaviour Support Development Program may be the right next step. We would love to welcome you to helpz and support you on your professional journey.


Find out more about the Behaviour Support Development Program.

News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

New helpz Webinar: Love, Rights, and Relationships: Supporting People with Disability to Thrive

February 15, 2026
Over the weekend, many people celebrated Valentine’s Day, a time that highlights love, connection and belonging. While the flowers and cards may fade, the deeper message remains: relationships and intimacy are central parts of being human. For people with disability, however, these areas of life are often surrounded by misunderstanding, stigma and unnecessary restriction. The truth is simple: people with disability have the same human rights to sexuality, relationships, safety and self‑determination as anyone else. This includes the right to have relationships, express affection, explore identity, seek connection, and make informed choices. Yet in practice, many people with disability continue to face barriers. From limited access to education, to overprotection, to environments where their needs are misunderstood or overlooked. As professionals in the field, we play a crucial role in ensuring people with disability are supported with dignity, respect and clear information. That’s why this month, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re excited to highlight our online training Relationships & Sexuality for Adults with a Disability . A practice‑focused session designed to equip carers and professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals safely, ethically and respectfully. What the Webinar Covers 1. The Rights of People with Disability: Understanding rights is the first step in upholding them. 2. Assessment of Sexual Knowledge: Many people with disability simply haven’t been given clear, accessible education. We discuss respectful ways to explore what a person knows, identify gaps, and plan education that builds independence and safety. 3. Identifying Relationship Types and Boundaries: From friendships to romantic relationships to professional boundaries, people need simple, concrete ways to understand different types of relationships. Our webinar shares tools and visuals that support this learning. 4. Traits of a Healthy Relationship: Kindness, respect, choice, trust and safety. We break down these ideas that help people recognise what healthy relationships look and feel like. 5. Teaching Consent and Pro‑Social Behaviours: Consent is more than “yes” or “no.” We cover: how to teach consent step‑by‑step how to model respectful interactions how to support people to communicate their own boundaries how to recognise the boundaries of others 6. Supporting the Need for Privacy: Privacy is a right , not a privilege. We discuss strategies to teach privacy in ways that keep people safe, empowered and respected. 7. Internet Dating Safety: Online platforms can provide connection, inclusion and opportunity, but also risks. We provide practical strategies for: teaching online safety recognising red flags supporting safe communication navigating photos, profiles and personal information 8. Exploring Personal Needs Through Accessing Sex Workers: A sensitive but important topic. We approach this area with professionalism; this discussion helps workers feel confident navigating a topic that often arises but is rarely talked about openly or respectfully. Why This Matters For people with disability, opportunities for connection are often controlled by others. Overprotection, even when well‑intentioned, can unintentionally limit autonomy, confidence and emotional wellbeing. By improving support around sexuality and relationships, we help people: build self‑advocacy form safe, meaningful relationships understand consent reduce vulnerability to abuse improve mental and emotional wellbeing experience the joy and connection they deserve Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love, belonging and intimacy are not luxuries, they are part of human life. Our role is to ensure people with disability are empowered to navigate these areas safely and confidently. Join Us for the Webinar Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your practice, this webinar will leave you with practical tools, deeper understanding and greater confidence to support people with disability in one of the most important areas of life: relationships, identity and human connection. Let’s work together to ensure every person, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to experience safe, fulfilling relationships rooted in respect and autonomy.

Disability Awareness Hub: Understanding Frontal Lobe Dementia

February 15, 2026
What is Developmental Coordination Disorder—and Why Does It Matter?

From bronze to Milano: Ben Tudhope and Australia’s road to the 2026 Winter Paralympics

February 15, 2026
From 6–15 March 2026, the world will turn its eyes to Milano Cortina for the Winter Paralympic Games. And Australia is heading there with a powerful, determined team across four disciplines: para-alpine skiing, para-snowboard, para-cross country and para-biathlon. Leading the charge is dual Paralympic medallist Ben Tudhope, alongside team captain Sean Pollard. For many Australians, the Winter Paralympics are about elite sport. But they are also about representation, resilience and reimagining what’s possible. A team built on grit and talent Australia’s 2026 Winter Paralympic team features a strong mix of experience and emerging talent. Para-snowboard Ben Tudhope (2022 Paralympic bronze medallist) Sean Pollard Amanda Reid Aaron McCarthy Blair Rosser Para-alpine skiing Josh Hanlon (World Cup medallist) Georgia Gunew (with guide Ethan Jackson) Liana France Sam Tait Para-nordic (biathlon and cross-country) Lauren Parker Dave Miln Lynn-Maree Cullen With Chef de Mission Ben Troy and captain Sean Pollard providing leadership, the team heads into Milano Cortina with both confidence and clarity of purpose. Backed by more than $2 million in Australian Government funding to support preparation, training and performance, these athletes are not just participating. They are competing to win. Why this matters beyond the podium When athletes like Ben Tudhope line up at the start gate, something bigger happens. Young people with disability see someone who looks like them in a high-performance environment. Families see possibility. Communities see strength, skill and dedication rather than limitation. Sport can be transformative. It builds confidence, independence, community connection and physical wellbeing. It challenges stereotypes and expands what society believes is achievable. At helpz, we see this same transformation every day in different ways. Whether through allied health support, behaviour support, occupational therapy, speech pathology or creative therapies, our work is about enabling people to participate fully in life. For some, that might mean the Paralympics. For others, it might mean joining a local sports club, learning a new skill, returning to school with confidence or navigating everyday challenges with greater independence. Every goal matters. The road to Milano Cortina Preparation for the Winter Paralympics is intense. It requires physical endurance, mental resilience, technical precision and strong support networks. Behind every athlete is a team of coaches, clinicians, families and supporters. Behind every run is years of training. As we head towards March 2026, we’ll be cheering for Ben and the entire Australian team. Not just for medals, but for what they represent. Courage. Capability. Community. And a powerful reminder that disability does not define potential We can’t wait to see what they achieve on the snow.