This document explores the principle of normalization as a transformative approach to improving services for socially devalued people, particularly those with disabilities. It emphasizes learning-through-action, urging practitioners to use socially valued means to promote socially valued lives. The principle is framed by the conditional phrase “as much as possible,” encouraging continuous reflection and […]
This document captures the essence of the 1993 Diversity & Inclusion Gathering held in Toronto, a groundbreaking event focused on fostering inclusion and diversity in education and community. Using the innovative “Learning Marketplace” format, participants co-created the agenda, exploring the central question: “How do we make education and community for ALL a reality?” The […]
Welcome to Explorations in Inclusion, a dynamic collection of ideas, stories, and strategies from the 1993 McGill Summer Institute on Integrated Education and Community. This document is a heartfelt guide to creating inclusive spaces where everyone—regardless of ability—can thrive. With contributions from 80 passionate participants worldwide, it covers everything from practical tools for inclusive classrooms […]
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 […]
This inspiring document dives into the transformative ideas of Judith Snow, a trailblazer in community inclusion and disability advocacy. It challenges readers to build meaningful relationships with those who have been marginalized, emphasizing the power of shared dreams and mutual enrichment. Snow redefines human connection, suggesting that life is not about isolated individuals but […]
Discover the transformative power of MAPS (Making Action Plans), a collaborative and inclusive planning tool designed to help students, families, and educators create meaningful futures. Rooted in the philosophy that everyone belongs, MAPS fosters inclusion by building friendship networks and addressing the unique needs of students, particularly those with special needs. This document […]
What’s More is Possible? A Guide to Person-Centered Practices This insightful document by John O’Brien and Beth Mount explores the transformative power of person-centered practices for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It challenges readers to ask, “What more is possible?”—of themselves, their communities, and the services they rely on. The authors emphasize […]
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 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 […]
Stanley Hauerwas’s reflection on community and diversity challenges us to confront the “tyranny of normality” and rethink how we build inclusive communities. His talk, delivered to parents and workers supporting people with intellectual disabilities, calls for a deeper conviction to embrace difference and resist the temptation to segregate or normalize those who carry frightening […]