This inspiring document, What More Is Possible for Joaquin?, shares the remarkable journey of Joaquin, a man with complex developmental disabilities, and his family’s unwavering commitment to his freedom and quality of life. After 22 years in institutional care, Joaquin’s family and allies fought tirelessly to transition him into...
Five Valued Experiences: All citizens have better life chances, and everyone’s world grows more interesting, when communities offer rich opportunities for people to have these five valued experiences: Belonging in a diverse variety of relationships and memberships. Being respected as whole persons whose history, capacities and futures are worthy of...
This insightful document, “Developing Individualized Supports While Closing Institutions,” explores the challenges and opportunities in transitioning people with developmental disabilities from institutional settings to community-based, individualized supports. Authored by John O’Brien and Steven J. Taylor, it highlights the dual goals of closing institutions within a reasonable timeframe and creating...
A Chance to Be Made Whole, is a heartfelt guide created by People First of Tennessee to support individuals transitioning from institutions to community living. It highlights the importance of friendship and advocacy in breaking down institutional barriers that isolate people with disabilities. Through personal stories, practical advice, and...
Escaping the Institution Trap: A Journey Toward Freedom and Dignity This insightful document explores the persistent challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities as they navigate the “institution trap”—a systemic cycle of isolation, control, and devaluation that extends beyond traditional institutions into community settings. Through the lens of...
Deinstitutionalization: A Satirical Guide to Failure This thought-provoking essay by John O’Brien, originally penned in 1977 and republished in 2011, offers a satirical take on the systemic barriers to deinstitutionalization for people with disabilities. Using humor and irony, O’Brien critiques the bureaucratic inertia, fear-based rhetoric, and deliberate mismanagement that...
This document captures the efforts of Self-Advocates of Washington (SAW) to support individuals with disabilities transitioning from state institutions to community living. It outlines ideas discussed during a planning meeting held on August 30, 1998, facilitated by John and Connie O’Brien. SAW emphasizes that people living in institutions...
Now They Need A Life,” evaluates Wisconsin’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) Grant, specifically its ICF-MR Restructuring Initiative aimed at transitioning people with developmental disabilities from institutional care to community-based settings. It explores how counties and service providers can build local capacity to deliver person-centered, least restrictive, and most...
Inclusion as a Force for School Renewal explores how integrating students with substantial disabilities into regular classrooms can transform schools into thriving, conscious communities. Written by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien, the document highlights the cultural and structural shifts inclusion inspires, fostering collaboration, mutual support, and innovative teaching...
This heartfelt letter from John O’Brien explores the ongoing challenges and opportunities surrounding school inclusion in the United States. It highlights the struggle for justice in education, where many children with disabilities face systemic barriers to full participation in classrooms. Despite progress, inclusion often remains superficial, with disabled...
Discovering Pathfinders: A Journey Toward Inclusion and Independence This document explores the transformative work of Pathfinders, a person-centered development project helping students with developmental disabilities transition from segregated special education to active, inclusive community lives. Through personalized planning, focused staff support, and collaborative workshops, Pathfinders empowers students to uncover their...
The document reflects on the Durham Association for Family Respite Services (DFRS) and its role in supporting families of individuals with developmental disabilities amidst systemic changes. It highlights three key challenges: uncertainties in funding and eligibility processes, the Ministry’s rigid service definitions threatening DFRS’s flexible approach, and the undervaluation...
Tell Me a Story of Deep Delight by John O’Brien, explores the transformative work of families in the Durham Region who are reshaping the narrative around developmental disabilities. It highlights how these families, supported by a network of relationships, have moved beyond societal barriers and outdated storylines of tragedy...
This document dives into the challenges parents face when navigating the “state of resignation”—a mindset shaped by societal devaluation of people with disabilities and underdeveloped support systems. It explores how resignation can limit parents’ vision for their children’s future, fostering low expectations and feelings of isolation. However, it...
is document dives deep into the heart of leadership, exploring how personal struggles and shared experiences fuel meaningful change. It emphasizes the importance of relationships, storytelling, and connecting with diverse families, particularly those impacted by disability. Readers will discover practical strategies for building networks, fostering inclusion, and navigating...
Learning About Community Support for the Families of Children with Disabilities, offers a deep dive into the challenges and lessons learned from the Parent Leadership Program’s (PLP) Local Liaison Learning Group initiative. Conducted between 1998 and 1999, the project aimed to foster parent-professional partnerships and increase natural community support for...
Visions of Family Support: A Guide to Empowering Families in Georgia This insightful document captures the voices of 50 parents who shared their experiences and ideas at the 2001 Statewide Conference on Family Support in Jekyll Island, Georgia. It explores the challenges families face when navigating support systems...
Thinking about Family Support This document, “Thinking About Home and Family Support: A Guide to the Literature,” is a thoughtful exploration of how families, communities, and professionals can better support individuals with disabilities. Prepared by John O’Brien for the Governor’s Council for the Handicapped and Gifted in Alaska, it...
Holding Our Dreams: Supporting Families in Durham Region This document is a thoughtful guide for families in Durham Region who want to create stronger support systems for individuals with disabilities. It highlights the importance of relationships, such as support circles and family groups, in helping families move from...
This document dives into Clark County’s Family Grants Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower families of young adults with developmental disabilities to shape their career paths. Launched in 1996, the program offers up to $4,500 in funding, personalized employment planning, and hands-on support to help participants transition from...
“Reflections on Circles,” captures insights from a retreat held in 2003 for circle facilitators, families, and circle members. It explores the transformative power of intentional relationships, emphasizing the importance of deep listening, mutuality, and shared humanity. Circles are described as intentional spaces where people come together to build...
Better Life Chances: Building a Positive Future for People with Disabilities This insightful document by John O’Brien, Connie Lyle O’Brien, and Marcie Brost explores how individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can achieve better life chances through five key areas of growth. It emphasizes the importance of community...
This document captures the essence of a gathering held on March 18, 2000, at the Dumas Center in Federal Way, Washington, where about 40 individuals came together to explore the transformative power of circles of support. Facilitated by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien, the event celebrated the beauty...
Up-Rooting Institutions: A Path to Inclusive Community Living This thought-provoking document explores the deep-rooted challenges of institutionalization for people with disabilities and advocates for a shift toward inclusive community living. Drawing inspiration from Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophy, it emphasizes the need to address systemic issues at their roots by...
This document is a comprehensive guide to a Search Conference focused on improving home and family support services for people with disabilities in Alaska’s Doyon Region. It invites participants to collaborate in shaping the future of these services through active discussions, sharing experiences, and envisioning better solutions. Unlike...
This document dives into creating better opportunities for valued support workers and improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities (DD). It highlights the importance of collaboration, fair wages, respect, and learning opportunities for direct support workers while emphasizing the need for person-centered services that empower individuals with DD...
This inspiring document, “Themes in Doing Person-Centered Direct Support” by Beth Mount and John O’Brien, dives into the heart of what it means to truly support others in a meaningful, person-centered way. It’s all about building authentic relationships, celebrating individuality, and creating vibrant, inclusive communities. The authors explore...
Creating the Conditions for a Valued Workforce This document dives into creating better opportunities for valued support workers and improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities (DD). It highlights the importance of collaboration, fair wages, respect, and learning opportunities for direct support workers while emphasizing the need for...
This document from the Louisiana Supported Living Network (2007) is a heartfelt guide to building stronger communities through advocacy, relationships, and inspired support. It emphasizes the power of knowledge and numbers, highlighting how meaningful connections with individuals—especially those often overlooked by society—can drive positive change. By fostering care-filled...
“Another Look at Informed Choice,” explores lessons learned from the RSA Choice Demonstration Projects, which aimed to empower adults with disabilities to take ownership of their journey into the workforce. It highlights the challenges and successes of implementing informed choice, personal responsibility, and self-determination within the rehabilitation system. ...
This document, Conversations about Inclusive & Sustainable Communities, explores six practical methods to foster creative engagement between citizens and local governments. Authored by John O’Brien and David Towell, it emphasizes the importance of partnerships and conversations in addressing three global challenges: climate change, sustainable economies, and social inclusion. ...
Discover Real Communities: Building Inclusive, Thriving Communities Together This document introduces the inspiring vision of Real Communities, a movement dedicated to empowering people with developmental disabilities to actively contribute to their local communities. It highlights the privilege of citizenship and the importance of collective action in creating stronger,...
Discover the inspiring story of The Little Green Wagon, a creative initiative at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market that invites children and young people to connect with nature and the local food system. Designed by Mixed Greens—a partnership between the Forsyth Farmers’ Market and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities—this...
Discover how the Community Participation Initiative is transforming inclusion for people with developmental disabilities in Kalamazoo. This insightful blog post shares lessons learned by Connie Lyle O’Brien and her team during their visit, highlighting the power of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for over 200 individuals. By...
Discover how simple, everyday actions can strengthen communities in this insightful guide, Actions That Build Community. Authored by John O’Brien, this document highlights the importance of connecting with others, building trust, and getting involved to foster social capital—networks of relationships that empower individuals and groups. It features a...
How Do We Know Our Community? by John O’Brien and Beth Mount explores how understanding our community shapes our ability to support individuals at risk of marginalization. The document introduces a framework that views people with developmental disabilities (DD), their allies, and partners as a connected network, working...
Conversations about Building Sustainable & Inclusive Communities This document, Conversations About Building Sustainable & Inclusive Communities by John O’Brien and David Towell, explores practical ways to create resilient, inclusive communities that value the contributions of disabled and older citizens. It highlights the importance of citizen engagement, co-production, and local...
Action Options for Better Life Chances This insightful document explores actionable strategies to improve life chances for people with developmental disabilities by focusing on two key approaches: enhancing assistance systems and fostering community-building efforts. It emphasizes the importance of personalized support, self-directed options, income maximization, and access to mainstream...
This document, “Basic Tasks for Service Providers” by John O’Brien, outlines five essential tasks that service providers can adopt to help individuals, particularly those with disabilities, transition from social exclusion or isolation to active contribution in their communities. It emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and respecting the...
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...
This document explores the complexities of person-centered planning, emphasizing the importance of aligning resources, clarity of purpose, and social innovation to support individuals in achieving meaningful roles and relationships. It highlights how uncertainty—whether in imagining a person’s potential or organizing action—can demand greater investment in planning approaches like MAPS, PATH,...
This document, authored by David Pitonyak and John O’Brien, dives into effective behavior support for individuals with disabilities, particularly those whose behavior challenges others. It emphasizes the importance of skilled specialists—like Behavior Therapists or Consultants—who bring values, beliefs, and relationship-building skills to their work. The core message is...
This document, Finding A Way Toward Everyday Lives: The Contribution of Person Centered Planning by John O’Brien and Herbert Lovett, explores the transformative power of person-centered planning (PCP) in creating inclusive, meaningful futures for people with disabilities. Rooted in humanity, love, and justice, PCP is a family of approaches...
Getting More of Life: Improving Timeliness in Person-Centred Approaches This insightful document explores how person-centred planning can empower individuals with learning disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. Through Kim’s inspiring story, readers see how everyday choices—like where to live or how to manage money—can transform lives when supported...
Great Moments in Person-Centered Science: A Historic Debate in Ashgabat Step back in time to February 29, 1912, as the First World Congress of Behaviorists Scientifically Investigating Person-Centered Planning (BS-IPP) unfolds in Ashgabat. This fascinating document captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of person-centered science, where leading...
Great Moments in Person-Centered Science: A Historic Debate in Ashgabat Step back in time to February 29, 1912, as the First World Congress of Behaviorists Scientifically Investigating Person-Centered Planning (BS-IPP) unfolds in Ashgabat. This fascinating document captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of person-centered science, where leading...
This document dives into the transformative journey of creating inclusive, person-centered systems that empower individuals, families, and communities. It explores strategies for redesigning services to better support people and their allies, emphasizing collaboration between specialist and mainstream sectors. Key themes include the importance of flexible budgets, accessible resources,...
Learning to Listen: A Guide to Building Connection and Understanding This insightful document by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien explores the transformative power of listening, especially when engaging with people who communicate in unconventional ways or face isolation and discrimination. It emphasizes that listening goes beyond hearing words—it’s...