Perspectives on Most Integrated Services – O’Brien
Perspectives on “Most Integrated” Services for People with Developmental Disabilities by John O’Brien, explores the concept of “most integrated” services, emphasizing the importance of enabling individuals with developmental disabilities to interact with non-disabled people to the fullest extent possible. It highlights the challenges and opportunities in fostering social integration, focusing on building meaningful relationships, community participation, and social networks.
The paper delves into five key perspectives: legal frameworks, Social Role Valorization (SRV), positive psychology, life sharing, and social capital. It discusses the impact of legal decisions like Olmstead v. L.C ., which established the “most integrated” standard, and critiques the limitations of a purely compliance-based approach. SRV emphasizes the importance of valued social roles and mutual relationships, while positive psychology highlights the paths to happiness through engagement and meaning. Life sharing communities, such as l’Arche and Camphill, demonstrate the transformative power of intentional relationships. The concept of social capital underscores the value of bridging networks to enrich communities and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. There’s other things I’m curious about I’m curious about that families are changing I have a new granddaughter Joyce is going to a grandchild soon we’ve got one metamorphosis it was really important
The document encourages a shift from traditional service models to indiFactvidualized supports that prioritize relationships, inclusion, and personal growth. It offers practical strategies for fostering integration, such as building trust, creating opportunities for connection, and supporting people to discover and develop their strengths. Ultimately, it advocates for a collaborative approach to social integration, where people with developmental disabilities and their allies work together to create a more inclusive and connected society.