Empowering Employmnet for People with Disabilties

This document dives into the transformative “Choice System,” a framework designed to empower people with severe disabilities to take ownership of their journey into meaningful employment. ​ It explores how individuals, programs, and administrators can work together to create a system that fosters independence, mutual responsibility, and personalized support. ​ At its core, the Choice […]

Developing Supported Employment

his document dives into the evolving landscape of disability rights and supported employment, highlighting the transformative efforts of disabled activists, family allies, and committed professionals over the past 60 years. ​ It explores the gap between policy victories and real-world implementation, emphasizing the need for individualized, adequately funded support systems that empower disabled people to […]

Choice: A Taxonomy of Responsibilities

Discovering the Choice System: Empowering Employment for People with Severe Disabilities ​ This document dives into the transformative “Choice System,” a framework designed to empower individuals with severe disabilities to take ownership of their journey into meaningful employment. ​ It explores how mutual responsibility between participants, programs, and administrators creates a dynamic system that supports […]

Beating the Odds

Beating the Odds: Unlocking Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities ​ This insightful document explores how supported employment agencies can transform into learning organizations by partnering with people with severe and profound disabilities. ​ Authored by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien, it highlights the challenges and opportunities in creating meaningful work opportunities for […]

Discovering Citizenship & Person-Centered Work: A Guide to Inclusion and Leadership

This insightful volume, Conversations on Citizenship & Person-Centered Work, edited by John O’Brien and Carol Blessing, explores the transformative power of person-centered approaches in supporting individuals with disabilities. ​ Featuring contributions from thought leaders like Beth Mount, Diana Whitney, Michael Smull, Denise Bissonnette, Jack Pearpoint, and others, the book dives deep into themes of citizenship, […]

Supporting a Journey from Chaos to Contribution

This document, crafted by John O’Brien in 2016, offers an insightful look into the transformative journey of E, a person with developmental disabilities, from chaos to meaningful community contribution. ​ It highlights the innovative support systems designed to help E overcome emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and destructive behaviors, enabling him to thrive in work, volunteer roles, […]

Accomplishments in Residential Services – John O’Brien, Connie Lyle O’Brien, Charlie Galloway

This comprehensive report, prepared by John O’Brien, Connie Lyle O’Brien and Chalrie Galloway  of Responsive Systems Associates, explores the effectiveness of residential service workers in Washington’s developmental services system. ​ It dives deep into the roles, challenges, and accomplishments of direct service staff across five residential models: tenant support programs, small and large group homes, […]

Georgia Options Annual Training

The transcript does not contain the information required to answer the question directly, as it is not a PDF document but rather a meeting summary. However, based on the content provided, here is a brief SEO-optimized summary: Discovering the Heart of Supported Living: Insights from Georgia Options Annual TrainingThis engaging document captures the essence of […]

Implementing Self Determination Initiatives

Unlocking Self-Determination: A Guide to Transformative Change This insightful document by John O’Brien explores the complexities of implementing self-determination initiatives for people with developmental disabilities. It dives deep into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for creating systems that empower individuals to take control of their lives, make choices, and access personalized supports. ​ Drawing from […]

In Control Princples for Self-Direcdted Support

This document outlines seven empowering principles for self-directed supports, designed to help individuals with disabilities take control of their lives and resources. It emphasizes the importance of independence, personalized budgets, and self-determination, ensuring people can access the support they need to live as active citizens. ​ The principles advocate for clear systems, flexible funding, and […]