Catherine’s Story is an inspiring tale of transformation and inclusion, presented by Marsha Forest. It highlights the journey of Catherine, a young girl once labeled “mentally handicapped” and confined to a limiting educational environment at Thornhaven School. Her family’s relentless advocacy led to her integration into a regular high school, where she blossomed […]
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 practices. Through real-life examples, […]
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 unique capacities, connect with local […]
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 to lead fulfilling lives. […]
This document dives into the heart of creating meaningful lives for people with developmental disabilities (DD) by exploring practices that foster belonging, choice, valued social roles, contribution, and shared spaces. It emphasizes the importance of cultural change, urging readers to challenge societal norms like being “too busy” and embrace spaciousness—making time, slowing down, and shifting […]