O’Brien.1984.pdf
This insightful document explores the transformative approach of “Improving Service Quality,” a method designed to implement the principle of normalization for individuals with developmental disabilities. Authored by Jennifer Ondrejka and adapted from the Blackstone Valley Residential Staff Training Manual, it highlights the Five Service Accomplishments: Community Presence, Making Choices, Developing Competence, Improving Status, and Developing Relationships. Each accomplishment is interconnected, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusion, independence, skill-building, self-esteem, and meaningful relationships for people with disabilities.
Readers will discover practical strategies to support these goals, such as encouraging personal decision-making, teaching life skills, promoting positive self-image, and creating opportunities for community engagement. The document challenges societal norms, advocating for a shift from segregated services to inclusive environments where individuals with disabilities can thrive alongside others.
Whether you’re a caregiver, service provider, or community member, this guide offers actionable steps to make a difference in someone’s life. From teaching public transportation use to fostering friendships, every small action contributes to a larger impact. Dive in to learn how you can help create a more inclusive, empowering, and compassionate community for all.