John O’Brien Video Collection
5 Valued Experiences & the 5 Accomplishments – John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien
12,064 views Apr 4, 2019John O’Brien and Connie Lyle-O’Brien have spent a lifetime moving our thinking about how people with developmental disabilities can be supported, shifting from institution and program centered life, to the person centered life of citizens contributing to the communities where people live. This video explores a framework for thinking that John and Connie began to develop more than 40 years ago, incorporating the five valued experiences and the five accomplishments that can shape the intent, focus, and delivery of support.
The Complexity of Choice – John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien
Connie Lyle-O’Brien and John O’Brien explore the complexity of choice for people with developmental disabilities in the absence of a breadth of experience, and a strong network of relationships. (courtesy of Neighbours International) (5 minutes)
Creating Change – Changing Expectations – Beth Mount & Connie Lyle O’Brien
Beth Mount and Connie Lyle O’Brien reflect on lessons learned from the early days of moving from congregated institutional models of support to individual person centered ways of supporting people with developmental disabilities. (courtesy of Neighbours International)
– Thistle Academy Presentation – may 2024 – John O’Brien
6 views Sep 10, 2025Person-Centered Planning takes on new clothes as John O’Brien summarizes his experience and thinking about the slow transition of incarceration in Lennox Castle in the 1970s to current thinking on how lives can be transformed as we all listen for and nurture the gifts in each of us. Presented to the Thistle Training Academy in Edinburgh, a brilliant O’Brien summary of where we have been – and where we must go. – May 2024
Practices of Exclusion – John O’Brien
John O’Brien – a 30 second clip of deep wisdom about the practices of exclusion and underestimation of capacity are generated by discrimination against people with disabilities. (clip used with permission fro Citizen-Centered Leadership at Cornell University.)
Inspiration – John O’Brienhttps://youtu.be/OPm4eRxoi2M
John O’Brien – a 1 minute clip reflecting on where change happens – at the edge – when people have the courage to confront the social pressures of exclusion – and explore possible futures. (clip used with permission fro Citizen-Centered Leadership at Cornell University.)
Personhood and Members of Each Other – John O’Brien
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Clip696 views Mar 3, 2024 Re-Creating UsWhen words carry the weight of our deepest experiences, they have the power to shape our reality. John O’Brien is a thinker who has profoundly influenced our understanding of the language we use to describe the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through our conversation, we unearthed how stories breathe life into words, emphasizing the need for deliberate and accurate language to communicate the true essence of personhood and experience. We examined the philosophy of personalism and its transformative effect on person-centered planning. The tapestry of community is woven through relationships, a theme that resonated deeply in our dialogue with John. We discussed how simple acts of recognition and acceptance can be the catalyst for friendships that transcend the superficial bonds of society. Reflecting on the narrative within “Members of Each Other,” our discussion ventured into the intricacies of communal membership and the hurdles faced by individuals with developmental disabilities in forming meaningful connections. We acknowledged the enduring power of assistance and companionship in historical contexts and its continuing relevance in fostering inclusive societies today. We recognize the significance of ongoing dialogues in our collective endeavor to create a community that honors the varied gifts every individual brings to the table. John’s recommended reading: On The Mystery Of The Incarnation – Denise Levertov Members Of Each Other – John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship – Pope Francis Creative Fidelity – Gabriel Marcel Tools For Conviviality – Ivan Illich Deschooling Society – Ivan Illich Abundant Community – John McKnight and Peter Block David B Schwartz books
Wellsprings of Person-Centered Planning
John O’Brien Partners in Policymaking – 21st Sept 2022