This document, Guiding People Home: The Role of Wisconsin’s Supported Housing Specialist, dives into the innovative work of Marcie Brost, who pioneered the role of Supported Housing Specialist in Wisconsin. Over six years, Marcie collaborated with families, service providers, and housing agencies to help people with disabilities secure individualized housing solutions—whether through homeownership, rentals, […]
Walking Toward Freedom: One Family’s Journey Into Self-Determination This inspiring document explores the journey of Sheri, a woman with significant disabilities, and her parents, Marge and Earl, as they pioneer a path toward self-determination. Written by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien, it highlights the family’s relentless efforts to create a personalized support […]
Cultivating Thinking Hearts: A Journey into Lifesharing and Community Building This document, Cultivating Thinking Hearts, is a heartfelt exploration of lifesharing—a conscious, intentional way of living that fosters deep relationships, mutual care, and community. Authored by Helen Zipperlen and John O’Brien, it draws on decades of experience with lifesharing households, intentional communities like […]
This document, written by John O’Brien, explores the profound contributions of Camphill and l’Arche—two intentional communities dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities. It delves into how these movements embody values of dignity, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships, offering a unique approach to social care. Rooted in shared-life households and hospitality, both communities prioritize […]
disabilities to access integrated employment through knowledge creation. Despite decades of progress, the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce has stalled, with only 19% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in integrated employment. The authors argue that practical, personalized knowledge is key to breaking barriers and fostering inclusion. […]
This document, To Boldly Go… Individualized Supports for Georgians With Severe Disabilities, is a comprehensive study prepared for the Georgia Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. It explores the challenges faced by individuals with severe disabilities in Georgia and advocates for a shift from institutional care to personalized, community-based support systems. Through the stories […]
Discovering the Promise of Supported Living: A Guide to Transformative Change This insightful document, More than Just a New Address by John O’Brien and Connie Lyle O’Brien, explores the shift from traditional residential services to supported living for people with developmental disabilities. It highlights how supported living empowers individuals to live in homes of […]
xploring Dane County’s Self-Determination Project: Options for Improvement This document dives into Dane County’s self-determination project, offering a thoughtful analysis of how to assess its impact and guide future improvements. It outlines four key options for evaluation, each with distinct questions, methods, and potential impacts. Option 0 focuses on tracking changes in individuals […]
The Transition to Supported Living: A Journey of Change and Opportunity This report evaluates the transformation of Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS) from operating group homes to providing individualized supported living services for people with autism. Conducted in June 1995, the evaluation highlights the challenges, successes, and lessons learned during this groundbreaking shift. […]
This document, “Learning Institute on Innovation and Individualized Supports for Persons with Complex Needs,” dives into a transformative journey undertaken by NYSACRA and participating agencies in 2016. It explores how to better support individuals with complex needs through person-centered approaches, emphasizing community integration, self-direction, and individualized supports. Over seven months, change teams partnered […]