This heartfelt tribute celebrates the life and legacy of John O’Brien (1946–2025), a visionary leader in person-centered planning and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Written by close collaborators and friends, the article reflects on John’s profound impact on the global inclusion movement. As a philosopher and advocate, John reimagined societal […]
Discover the inspiring story of Ray Browning, a trailblazer in Georgia’s disability rights movement, as he transitions from life in a nursing home to living independently in his own apartment. After spending 14 years in institutional care due to severe disabilities, Ray defied societal norms and systemic barriers to reclaim his independence. With the […]
Discover the transformative power of PlayFair Teams, a groundbreaking initiative by the Marsha Forest Centre in Toronto. This program fosters student leadership and equity by addressing Disability, Social Justice, and Inclusion—not as a special education program, but as an all-student effort. PlayFair Teams challenge the traditional giver-receiver dynamic, promoting mutual respect and shared […]
This heartfelt tribute, written by Adam Bunch, celebrates the life and legacy of his father, Gary Bunch (1938–2024), a pioneer in inclusive education. Born during the Great Depression in Toronto, Gary’s early life was shaped by hardship, mischief, and resilience. From a high school dropout to earning a doctorate, he became a teacher, professor, […]
Two Poets, Two Lives, Two Styles: A Journey of Inclusion and Humanity Dive into the heartfelt world of Two Poets, Two Lives, Two Styles by Gary Bunch and Marsha Forest, a poetic tapestry celebrating inclusion, resilience, and the human spirit. This unique collection captures the contrasting yet harmonious voices of two lifelong friends and […]
Discover the Power of Inclusion and Relationships Welcome to It’s About Relationships, a heartfelt and thought-provoking essay by Marsha Forest, republished to celebrate the 25th Summer Institute on Inclusion, Community, and Diversity. This inspiring piece takes you on a journey through the transformative power of inclusion, love, and community-building. Marsha shares her […]
“It’s About Learning” by Marsha Forest and Bruce Kappel explores Frontier College’s innovative Student-Centered Individualized Learning (SCIL) approach to adult education. This method prioritizes the learner’s unique needs, interests, and goals, fostering meaningful relationships between tutors and students. Through real-life stories, the book highlights how SCIL empowers individuals to overcome barriers like illiteracy, […]
It’s About Relationships by Marsha Forest is a heartfelt exploration of inclusion, community, and the transformative power of relationships. Republished to honor the 25th Summer Institute on Inclusion, Community, and Diversity, this essay reflects Marsha’s passionate advocacy for creating a just society where everyone belongs. Through personal stories, such as her journey of […]
About Teaching by Marsha Forest is a heartfelt and practical guide for educators, tutors, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. Rooted in Frontier College’s philosophy of inclusion and literacy for all, this booklet challenges traditional teaching methods, advocating for a student-centered approach that values individuality, trust, and collaboration. It emphasizes the importance […]
5 Valued Experiences & the 5 Accomplishments – John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien 12,064 views Apr 4, 2019John O’Brien and Connie Lyle-O’Brien have spent a lifetime moving our thinking about how people with developmental disabilities can be supported, shifting from institution and program centered life, to the person centered life of citizens contributing to the communities […]