Guidelines: How to Write and Report About People with Disabilities

The first edition of the Guidelines was produced with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Since then, more than one million copies have been distributed, and the electronic version is now used by people around the world. Please use the Guidelines when you write or report about people with disabilities. We … Read more

Considerations for Regional Centers Implementing Person-Centered Organizational Change

For a variety of reasons, many of California’s regional centers are currently considering or have implemented a person-centered organizational initiative.  Moving towards a person-centered system requires considerable thought and planning to be effective. This brief article present some factors to consider in the early stages of planning, implementation, or efforts to sustain the initiative. There … Read more

Becoming a Person Centered System

by Michael W. Smull, Mary Lou Bourne, & Helen Sanderson A variety of agencies in many different locations have engaged with us in a set of efforts that have evolved over time. At each location the goal has been consistent: to create person centered systems that support person directed services. The learning that has taken place … Read more

Expressions of Wellness I: Pathways to Healthy Living

A Guide for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (2000) The California Department of Development Services (DDS) has funded a series of activities to promote Wellness which will help ensure access to quality medical, dental, and mental health services with an emphasis on positive health outcomes. Taking a leadership role in this statewide effort, DDS has conducted research, … Read more

Trust, Respect, and Partnership Activity

by Michael Smull The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices In working with a wide variety of organizations, it has become clear that the real implementation of person centered practices requires that the people being supported are respected, that there is trust between them and those who do the support, and that there is partnership. … Read more