Building Foundations for Person-Centered Work

Building the Foundations for Good Support: Navigating Change in Human Services ​

This insightful document by John O’Brien explores the challenges and opportunities in transforming human services to better align with values of inclusion, self-direction, and justice. It highlights the tension between current realities and aspirational visions, offering three approaches to address this: withdrawing, shrinking values to fit current capabilities, or embracing the tension to build capacity for meaningful change. ​

The text emphasizes the importance of adaptive learning over rigid authority-driven solutions, advocating for collaboration with people with disabilities, their families, and allies. ​ It critiques traditional organizational structures that prioritize compliance over creativity, urging a shift toward person-centered, community-focused support systems. ​ The document contrasts incremental technical changes with transformational developmental challenges, underscoring the need for innovation, risk-taking, and personal growth to achieve truly individualized supports. ​

Through practical examples and thought-provoking frameworks, readers are encouraged to rethink leadership, embrace uncertainty, and foster creativity. ​ The document also shares the story of RARC, a New York-based organization that has successfully navigated systemic barriers by launching small, adaptive initiatives. ​

Ultimately, this resource invites organizations to ask deeper questions about how they can cultivate environments where people with disabilities are valued as friends and contributors in their communities. ​ It’s a call to action for leaders to redesign systems, embrace learning, and create spaces that celebrate the gifts of difference. ​

Perfect for anyone passionate about inclusion and systemic change, this document offers a roadmap for reimagining human services with heart, courage, and collaboration. ​ Dive in to explore how small steps can lead to big transformations! ​