This document, “Selected US Resources on Leadership and the Activation of Citizenship,” is a curated guide by John O’Brien for the Scottish Human Services Leadership Development Team. It explores key ideas and resources to inspire leadership and active citizenship, focusing on adaptive change, social learning, and community empowerment. The document highlights influential thinkers […]
This document explores the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities in living a “good ordinary life” amidst restrictive policies and procedures. It highlights how excessive scrutiny and rigid rules often limit their autonomy, overshadowing their voices and those of their supporters. The author emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust, and thoughtful conversations […]
This document explores how national policies can create positive opportunities for people with learning disabilities to fully participate in society. It reflects on a 2005 meeting of leaders and advocates, sponsored by United Response, aimed at identifying ways to align emerging policies with the principles of inclusion and citizenship. Key themes include independent […]
Thinking about Not Eno This insightful document by John O’Brien, titled Thinking about “Not Enough Money”, dives into the challenges of inclusion and the common argument of financial scarcity used to discourage progress. It explores the difference between “real” resource limits—like the earth’s carrying capacity and public expenditure—and imposed scarcities created by policies that […]
This document explores the concept of “most integrated” services for people with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the importance of fostering meaningful relationships between disabled and non-disabled individuals. It highlights five perspectives—legal, Social Role Valorization (SRV), positive psychology, life sharing, and social capital—to redefine integration beyond mere physical presence. The text argues that true social integration […]
This insightful document, crafted by John O’Brien, explores how communities can thrive by embracing inclusion and supporting valued experiences for all individuals, especially those with developmental disabilities. It highlights the importance of belonging, autonomy, community participation, respect, competency, and valued social roles in creating meaningful lives. Every person has unique gifts that can […]
This document, authored by John O’Brien, explores the transition of Dane County’s developmental disabilities support system into Wisconsin’s Family Care managed care program. It reflects on the perspectives of local leaders—people with developmental disabilities (DD), families, advocates, and administrators—who worked to preserve the county’s innovative, community-centered approach to individualized support. Dane County’s system, […]
This document dives into the evaluation of Partners in Policymaking, a program designed to empower individuals advocating for better life chances for disabled people. It explores why evaluation matters—addressing funder demands, accountability, program improvement, and maintaining the integrity of the Partners experience. The author emphasizes the importance of thoughtful evaluation methods that respect the […]
Heading West: A Journey Toward Person-Centered Work This document invites readers to explore the concept of person-centered work as a pioneering journey west—a metaphor for navigating uncharted paths toward inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful change. It emphasizes the importance of staying honest and using trail markers to assess progress. Key insights from the […]
This document, “Selected US Resources on Leadership and the Activation of Citizenship,” is a curated guide by John O’Brien for the Scottish Human Services Leadership Development Team. It explores key ideas, books, and initiatives that inspire leadership and active citizenship. The focus is on adaptive leadership, social learning, and community-driven change, with insights […]