Transforming Lives Through Person-Centered Planning This chapter by John O’Brien dives into the transformative power of person-centered planning for individuals with severe disabilities. It’s all about creating meaningful change—helping people live independently in their own homes, find integrated employment, and take on valued roles in their communities. Rooted in TASH values and […]
Discovering Potential: A Tale of Two Stories This insightful document, Telling New Stories by John O’Brien and Beth Mount, explores how the narratives we create about individuals with severe disabilities shape their lives and opportunities. Through two contrasting stories about the same man, Mr. Davis, the authors highlight the profound impact of storytelling on […]
Navigating the Crooked Map Zone: A Guide to Improving Services for People with Disabilities This insightful document explores the challenges and opportunities in improving services for people with developmental disabilities. Using the metaphor of a “crooked map,” it highlights how outdated mental models and rigid service structures can lead organizations astray, despite their […]
Discover how families and teachers can better collaborate to support students with disabilities transitioning from secondary school to adult life in the community. This insightful document, based on a study by the Marsha Forest Centre, highlights the challenges and misunderstandings often faced during transition planning. It reveals that while some schools and families […]
Inclusion Around the World T This inspiring document, written by Jack Pearpoint, Executive Director of the Centre for Integrated Education and Community, explores the global movement toward inclusion and the fight against segregation. Reflecting on a recent journey to Scotland and England, Pearpoint highlights the growing international network of advocates dedicated to creating a better, […]
This document is a comprehensive guide to discovering “what more is possible” in person-centered planning, aimed at fostering meaningful change for individuals relying on long-term support. It introduces a step-by-step framework inspired by Theory U, emphasizing deep listening, adaptive leadership, and co-creation. The guide explores how to build relationships, challenge limiting assumptions, and create […]
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 personalized services tailored to individual […]