This document dives into Wisconsin’s Robert Wood Johnson Self-Determination Project, exploring how self-determination can empower people with developmental disabilities to take control of their services and supports. It highlights the shift from traditional, county-controlled systems to a more flexible, participant-driven approach using Medicaid’s HCBS waiver. Key themes include anticipated power shifts, cultural challenges, […]
Commiunity Engagement – Inclusio Community Engagement: Building a Foundation for Inclusion and Self-Determination This insightful document by John O’Brien explores the critical role of community engagement in empowering people with disabilities and their families to live with dignity, security, and meaningful contribution. It highlights the urgent need for individualized funding, controlled by those […]
This document, “Design for Sustainability,” explores person-centered planning and intentional teaming to create individualized, values-driven support systems. It emphasizes empowering individuals to lead their own lives while teams provide tailored assistance. Key themes include flipping limiting narratives, bridging integrity gaps, and fostering curiosity to challenge ineffective practices. Through real-life examples, such as […]
This document, “The Key to My Own Front Door,” explores the importance of empowering individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to own or lease their own homes. It highlights the disparity in housing opportunities, noting that for every person with a disability who controls their housing, twelve others remain in congregate residential facilities. […]
This document, “A Checklist for Evaluating Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Policies and Programs,” is a practical guide designed to help individuals and organizations assess the effectiveness of PAS for people with significant disabilities. Authored by Connie Lyle O’Brien and John O’Brien, with input from disability advocates, it emphasizes the importance of PAS in enabling […]
This insightful document explores the challenges and opportunities in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to live in their own homes, rather than in institutional or facility-based settings. Drawing inspiration from Dante’s poetic imagery, it highlights the struggles faced by individuals who often live under restrictive systems that limit their independence and sense of belonging. […]
This document, created by People First of Washington, outlines the needs and desires of individuals with developmental disabilities regarding residential programs. It is based on insights from two seminars led by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle, focusing on improving services and empowering self-advocates. The document emphasizes that meaningful change doesn’t require more money or […]
This insightful document, Holding the 10,000 Details: Productive Relationships Between Parents of People with Developmental Disabilities and Service Workers, explores the complexities of building meaningful, collaborative relationships between parents and service workers to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through discussions with parents, service workers, and advocates, the authors uncover the emotional […]
This document explores innovative approaches to nursing within developmental disability (DD) systems, emphasizing the shift from traditional roles to a more person-centered, growth-focused model. It advocates for separating health care case management from direct nursing services, encouraging nurses to act as consultants and educators rather than compliance agents. Key strategies include early intervention, prevention, […]
Deliberate–Fire: Transforming Support for People with Developmental Disabilities This insightful report dives into the organizational transformation of Onondaga Community Living (OCL) in Syracuse, NY, as it shifts from group homes to individualized support services for people with developmental disabilities. Written by John O’Brien and supported by Syracuse University’s Center on Human Policy, the document […]