Person-centered planning and perversion prevention

Person-centered planning, in all of its forms, is moving from something done by a few enthusiasts to an activity that is being widely adopted and adapted. As it leaves the caring hands of the pioneers there are concerns for how it will be used. Our experience suggests that abuses generally arise from a lack of … Read more

Trauma Informed Care

It is important to recognize that nearly everyone, including the people you support, has experienced some form of trauma in their life. You can download Trauma Informed Care: How and why it is essential for service and support agencies and workers by Nora J. Baladerian here.

Effective Ways that Regional Center Service Coordinators Can Advocate for Individuals with IDD and Their Families

Summary: Service coordinators can be strong, practical advocates — inside the  regional center and across systems — by using the IPP process, documenting needs, coordinating assessments and services, negotiating with vendors/schools/health plans, and connecting families with legal/advocacy resources when needed. Below are specific actions they can take, limits to their authority, a simple step-by-step checklist families can use, and sample … Read more

The Architects of Person Centered Planning and Practices

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 and practices. In addition, you’ll find a brief history of The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices here.

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

John Shea – R.I.P.

John Shea earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Ohio State University, where he focused on workforce and education planning, human resource policy, and labor economics. In the 1970s, he worked in higher education research. He was a Senior Fellow with the Carnegie Commission and Council on Policy Studies on Higher Education in Berkeley, California (1973–79), … Read more

Things to Consider When Planning an IPP/IEP or Developing and Evaluating Services and Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Whether an individual with a disability, or a parent, a program evaluator or a facilitator of IPPs and IEPs, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Lou Brown. He was an early leader in the field of education of students and adults with disabilities. His work lives on in the current best practices … Read more

Thinking About Risk

This article emphasizes the importance of balancing what is “important to” a person (happiness, fulfillment) with what is “important for” them (health, safety) when managing risk.  It highlights that risk cannot be eliminated but can be managed through understanding individual needs and creating supportive environments.  Segregated lives increase risks of abuse and neglect, while fear … Read more