Risks and Opportunities

There are many dimensions which shape a life of quality for members of any community. When considering how to support people with developmental disabilities in living a life of quality we need to think about those elements which add quality to our own lives. For example, a local family doctor frequently gives lectures about how … Read more

What I Would Want My Job Coach to Know and Do

by Michael W. Smull While listening to a gathering of job coaches in Wisconsin I began to think of all of the things that people with disabilities have taught me about what they want their job coach to know and what they want their job coach to do. Some of what follows I learned from … Read more

A Glossary of Terms

This glossary explains common terms used in the field of intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD). It is written for individuals, families, and service coordinators. Terms with special meaning in California are noted. Download here.

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