This document explores the transformative work of Pathfinders, a person-centered development project helping students with developmental disabilities transition from segregated special education to active, inclusive community lives. Through personalized planning, focused staff support, and collaborative workshops, Pathfinders empowers students to uncover their unique capacities, connect with local opportunities, and build meaningful relationships. The project […]
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 […]
This inspiring document, What More Is Possible for Joaquin?, shares the remarkable journey of Joaquin, a man with complex developmental disabilities, and his family’s unwavering commitment to his freedom and quality of life. After 22 years in institutional care, Joaquin’s family and allies fought tirelessly to transition him into a personalized supported living arrangement, […]
Five Valued Experiences: All citizens have better life chances, and everyone’s world grows more interesting, when communities offer rich opportunities for people to have these five valued experiences: Belonging in a diverse variety of relationships and memberships. Being respected as whole persons whose history, capacities and futures are worthy of attention and whose gifts engage […]
A Chance to Be Made Whole, is a heartfelt guide created by People First of Tennessee to support individuals transitioning from institutions to community living. It highlights the importance of friendship and advocacy in breaking down institutional barriers that isolate people with disabilities. Through personal stories, practical advice, and actionable steps, the booklet empowers […]
Escaping the Institution Trap: A Journey Toward Freedom and Dignity This insightful document explores the persistent challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities as they navigate the “institution trap”—a systemic cycle of isolation, control, and devaluation that extends beyond traditional institutions into community settings. Through the lens of Tom Allen’s autobiography and other […]
Deinstitutionalization: A Satirical Guide to Failure This thought-provoking essay by John O’Brien, originally penned in 1977 and republished in 2011, offers a satirical take on the systemic barriers to deinstitutionalization for people with disabilities. Using humor and irony, O’Brien critiques the bureaucratic inertia, fear-based rhetoric, and deliberate mismanagement that have historically hindered efforts to […]
This document captures the efforts of Self-Advocates of Washington (SAW) to support individuals with disabilities transitioning from state institutions to community living. It outlines ideas discussed during a planning meeting held on August 30, 1998, facilitated by John and Connie O’Brien. SAW emphasizes that people living in institutions have the same rights as […]
Now They Need A Life,” evaluates Wisconsin’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) Grant, specifically its ICF-MR Restructuring Initiative aimed at transitioning people with developmental disabilities from institutional care to community-based settings. It explores how counties and service providers can build local capacity to deliver person-centered, least restrictive, and most integrated supports. The report […]
This heartfelt letter from John O’Brien explores the ongoing challenges and opportunities surrounding school inclusion in the United States. It highlights the struggle for justice in education, where many children with disabilities face systemic barriers to full participation in classrooms. Despite progress, inclusion often remains superficial, with disabled students relegated to parallel experiences […]
