This document dives into Vermont’s Self-Determination Project, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to empower people with developmental disabilities. It captures insights from a focus group held in June 1998, where participants explored how self-determination can transform lives. The project emphasizes giving individuals and families more control over publicly […]
Supported living is a journey of commitment, creativity, and collaboration. It’s about helping people with disabilities live meaningful lives in their own homes, on their own terms, while fostering relationships and community connections. This work is not about finding one-size-fits-all answers but about asking the right questions and staying with people through their challenges […]
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 […]
Discovering Leadership in Complexity: An Introduction to Cynefin This document explores the Cynefin framework, a powerful tool for decision-making developed by Dave Snowden. Cynefin helps leaders understand how different contexts—Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, and Uncertain—shape problem-solving approaches. Patti Scott and John O’Brien share their insights on applying Cynefin to support people with […]
This document from Pathfinding Outfitters is a thoughtful guide to enhancing ideas and plans through six key lenses: community, valued roles, relationships, autonomy, resilience, and commitment to an inner journey. It encourages readers to explore ways to deepen their impact by fostering connections, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful roles that celebrate individual gifts and capacities. […]
“I have lived on the margins & fought hard to become a participating citizen.I am a thinker & a dreamer.I have a reputation as a visionary.Let’s look at what fosters community capable of including peoplein all the diversity of their gifts & dreams.” Our friend, Judith Snow, died on 31 May 2015 in the midst […]
This document is a detailed report from a 1990 workshop at the AAMR Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, focused on empowering self-advocacy groups for people with developmental disabilities. Sponsored by the Research & Training Center on Community Living, it explores strategies to help individuals speak for themselves, advocate for systemic change, and strengthen self-advocacy efforts. […]
Exploring Our Voices: A Journey of Self-Advocacy and Empowerment This document captures the powerful reflections of over 100 self-advocates and advisers who gathered in Columbus, Ohio, on August 30, 2000, to explore the meaning and impact of voice. Facilitated by John O’Brien and creatively interpreted by Candee Basford, the discussion unfolds as a […]
This document dives into the transformative power of citizen advocacy, focusing on the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO) and its innovative approach to supporting people with disabilities. It explores how ordinary citizens can build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with individuals at risk of social exclusion, acting as allies to protect their rights and improve their lives. […]