The Importance of Choice

The Importance of Choice: Empowering People with Learning Disabilities ​

This insightful document by John O’Brien, presented at the Discovering Choice Conference, explores the critical role of choice in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities. ​ It highlights how depersonalization, social distance, and limited engagement can negatively impact individuals, leading to segregation and reduced involvement in everyday activities. ​ Drawing on research by Fruin and Felce, the document emphasizes the importance of creating environments that foster identity, gifts, capacities, and preferences through meaningful relationships and thoughtful service design. ​

O’Brien outlines a practical sequence of actions to promote choice, including augmenting communication and movement through technology, accommodating environmental modifications, adapting processes to improve performance, assisting with tailored personal support, and advocating for necessary resources. ​ These strategies aim to break the “vicious circle” that often separates individuals from the technology and support they need, replacing it with a culture of empowerment and relevance. ​

The document also provides a rich list of resources for further exploration, including works by Rosemary Crossley, Howard Gardner, and Esther Thelen, as well as links to organizations focused on augmentative communication and autism. Readers will gain valuable insights into how thoughtful service design and advocacy can transform lives, enabling people with learning disabilities to participate fully in their communities and exercise their basic choices. ​

Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or advocate, this document offers actionable strategies and inspiring perspectives to help you create conditions that truly empower individuals with learning disabilities. ​ Dive in to learn how you can make a difference!