On “natural proportions”

Dr. Lou Brown: In the past, segregated schools were common, and we began questioning their impact on individuals with disabilities as they transitioned into adulthood. We realized that segregated schools often led to limited opportunities, such as placement in day activity centers, because they did not prepare individuals to participate in meaningful activities in the … Read more

The Architects of Person Centered Planning, A Brief History of The Learning Community, and Foundational Articles

The foundations of person-centered planning, thinking and practices are rooted in the writings of a number of individuals. Here are some of the key figures often thought of as the “architects” of person-centered planning. In addition, a brief history of The Learning Community as well as a listing of foundational articles. You can find it … Read more

Supporting People with Severe Reputations in the Community

While written some thirty years ago this piece, by Michael Smull and Susan Burke Harrison, is a classic and one of the first pieces written about person-centered planning and thinking in action. It deserves a read or reread. The handbook presents the tools needed to develop better community capacity to support people with “severe reputations.’ … Read more

Person-Centered Planning: Choosing the Approach that Works for the Person

Person-centered planning is not one defined process, but a range or continuum of processes allunderpinned by the same values base and goal – to provide supports necessary to assist people to gainagency in their lives. – Valerie Bradley Here’s an excerpt from this excellent NCAPPS article. You can find it here. “Over the past several … Read more

Best Practice, Expected Practice, and the Challenge of Scale

by Michael W. Smull, Mary Lou Bourne, and Helen Sanderson Most state developmental disabilities (DD) systems have supported the development of best practice pilots and have defined the desired best practice outcomes. But the challenge to move typical practice toward best practice to “take best practice to scale” remains. To do this, state leaders need to … Read more