Telling New Stories.Searching for Capacity
Discovering New Stories: A Fresh Perspective on Supporting People with Severe Disabilities
This insightful document, Telling New Stories by John O’Brien and Beth Mount, explores two contrasting narratives about the same individual with severe disabilities, highlighting how storytelling shapes perceptions, actions, and outcomes. The first story, told by professionals, focuses on deficits, diagnoses, and compliance with institutional systems. It emphasizes limitations and prescribes solutions based on standardized assessments, often isolating the individual from their social context. In contrast, the second story, crafted by people who know and care about the individual, celebrates strengths, preferences, and community connections. It fosters collaboration, shared action, and creative solutions that empower the individual and their support network.
Through these stories, the authors challenge traditional approaches to human services, advocating for a shift from deficit-based models to capacity-focused frameworks. They emphasize the importance of listening, personal commitment, and community engagement in creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities. The document also calls for organizations to rethink their structures, moving from hierarchical systems to collaborative, vision-driven practices that prioritize relationships and shared learning.
Packed with real-life examples, research references, and inspiring insights, this paper invites readers to rethink how we define and support individuals with disabilities. It’s a call to action for professionals, families, and communities to embrace new stories—stories that uncover potential, build bridges to inclusion, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
If you’re ready to explore a transformative approach to disability advocacy and human services, this document is a must-read. It’s not just about changing systems; it’s about changing lives through the power of storytelling and shared action. Dive in and discover how new stories can lead to new possibilities!