Walking Out, Walking on

This document, Walking Out, Walking On, explores the transformative journey of advocating for social inclusion and person-centered support systems. It challenges traditional, mechanistic approaches to disability services, emphasizing the need to move beyond rigid systems and embrace innovative, community-driven solutions. ​ Through personal stories, reflections, and practical insights, it highlights the mismatch between bureaucratic structures and the deeper work required to foster genuine inclusion. ​

Key themes include the importance of relationships, creativity, and trust in building inclusive communities. ​ The document critiques the limitations of command-and-control systems, advocating for a shift toward practices rooted in hospitality, accommodation, and gift exchange. ​ It shares inspiring examples of families and advocates who have walked out of restrictive systems to create tailored, person-centered living arrangements, demonstrating the power of persistence and collaboration. ​

Readers will find thought-provoking ideas on social innovation, the role of family networks, and the need to resist cultural forces that confine progress. The narrative encourages walking away from ineffective systems and walking toward possibilities that honor individual potential and community connection. ​ With quotes from Vaclav Havel and Pablo Neruda, the document inspires readers to rise against the “organization of misery” and embrace values like trust, fidelity, and creativity. ​

Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or policymaker, this document invites you to reflect deeply, challenge assumptions, and join the movement toward a more just and inclusive society. ​ It’s a call to action to walk together, fostering meaningful change that lasts. ​