Paying Customers are Not Enough – O’Brien
Paying Customers Are Not Enough: The Dynamics of Individualized Funding explores the transformative potential of individualized funding for people with developmental disabilities. Written by John O’Brien, this insightful paper highlights how shifting from traditional service systems to individualized funding empowers individuals and their families to take control of their lives. It challenges the notion of people with disabilities as mere “paying customers” and advocates for their role as active agents who shape their own support systems.
The document delves into the challenges of the current service system, including its centralized planning, lack of competition, and limited customization. It emphasizes the need for high personalization in services, likening the process to designing jet engines—complex, collaborative, and tailored to individual needs. By applying principles from complex adaptive systems, O’Brien outlines how variation, interaction, and selection can foster innovation and create a dynamic market for developmental disability services.
The paper encourages a shift from passive consumerism to active agency, where individuals and families negotiate, collaborate, and innovate to create meaningful, customized support. It also highlights the importance of connections, shared learning, and the willingness to experiment and adapt.
Ultimately, this paper is a call to action for people with disabilities, their families, and service providers to work together to reshape the world, creating inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. Dive in to explore how individualized funding can drive positive change and empower people to live fulfilling lives.