Mapping the Inner States of Change Creators: A Guide to Transformative Thinking This insightful document by Beth Mount and John O’Brien explores the inner dynamics of change-making, offering a roadmap for understanding how personal mindsets and relationships shape the ability to create meaningful change. It introduces a four-stage framework that maps the evolution […]
This insightful document, Changing the Pattern by Connie Lyle O’Brien and John O’Brien, explores a transformative approach to supporting people with severe disabilities. It contrasts two distinct paradigms: the traditional “deficiency-fixing” model, which focuses on identifying and addressing shortcomings, and the emerging “capacity-support” model, which emphasizes recognizing strengths, gifts, and building inclusive communities. […]
The document explains that funding priorities significantly impact inclusion efforts. When funding is limited, organizations often prioritize providing current services to as many people as possible, meeting immediate needs, and respecting individual or family choices for existing arrangements. This approach typically results in lower responsibility for inclusion (Quadrants I & II), where inclusion […]
This document explores the NYSACRA Learning Institute’s transformative approach to individualized supports for people with developmental disabilities, held in New York’s Southern Tier from June to November 2015. Supported by the NY State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the institute focused on empowering change teams from participating agencies to create person-centered, self-directed services. […]
This document introduces Theory U, a transformative approach to creating better services for people with intellectual disabilities. Written by John O’Brien, it explores how we can move beyond outdated systems that limit choice and inclusion, and instead foster environments where individuals can live fulfilling lives. Guided by the principles of Theory U, the European […]
This document, “Where Does Innovation Come From?” by John O’Brien, explores the dynamics of innovation through the lens of “Push vs. Pull” approaches, emphasizing the importance of creating platforms that empower individuals and communities to drive change. It highlights the transformative power of passion, experimentation, and collaboration, using the story of mountain […]
This insightful document by John O’Brien and Beth Mount explores how human service organizations can transform through person-centered planning. It highlights five interconnected activities essential for meaningful change: Personal Futures Planning, Interactive Problem Solving, Strategic Redesign, Systematic Evaluation, and Structured Reflection. Each activity plays a unique role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and ethical service […]
What’s in a Word? Exploring “Valorization” with John O’Brien In this thought-provoking piece, John O’Brien dives deep into the meaning and implications of the word “valorization,” as used by Wolf Wolfensberger in redefining the principle of normalization. O’Brien unpacks the historical and linguistic roots of the term, tracing its evolution from commercial contexts—like price fixing […]
This guide, crafted by John O’Brien and Beth Mount, dives into the transformative power of storytelling to spark meaningful change in organizations and communities. It’s all about sharing experiences, reflecting deeply, and building collective knowledge to create inclusive, person-centered environments. The document explores how stories can inspire action, clarify values like choice and inclusion, and […]
This document explores the fascinating history and evolution of person-centered planning for people with developmental disabilities. It traces its roots back to the 1970s, when a network of passionate activists, families, and professionals began challenging traditional, institutionalized care systems. These early innovators sought to empower individuals by focusing on their unique identities, dreams, and community […]