developmental disabilities

John Shea – R.I.P.

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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

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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

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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

After the Plan

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While we have an incredible workforce of trainers for developing person-centered plans, we have not paid as much attention to what happens after the plan. This resource reprint includes a quick summary (adapted from Foothold Technology) of the process. This summary is followed by a classic article written by Michael Smull which dives deep into the actions needed … Read more

Your SLS Training Tool Box and A Guide to Single Household Supported Living Services

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While both are classics, they are still packed with relevant information if you’re involved with supported living services. Your SLS Training Tool Box was written by Claudia Bolton and Bill Allen in 2001. While this document will help you get started in understanding supported living services, your best teachers are the people you support and … Read more

Where’s the Jello?

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The Saga of One Home’s Experience with the ICF/MR (Small) Program This is a re-print with some updating of an article originally written in the summer of 1985 by John R. Shea, Ph.D., a few days after a licensing and certification visit from California Health Services Licensing. At the time, John was executive director of … Read more

A Guide for Developing Strategic Objectives to Expand Self-Direction

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June 2023By Valerie J. Bradley Self-direction gives people with disabilities and older adults the ability to manage the long-term services and supports that they need to live lives of their choosing. Over the past more than 25 years, the option to self-direct has become an increasing component of human services systems. The virtue of self- … Read more

Foundational Writings

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Michael Smull, Susan Burke Harrison, John and Connie Lyle O’Brien , Beth Mount, Marsha and Jack Pearpoint and others have written about person-centered thinking, planning, and services and supports for some time. We consider their work from the 1980s to today to be foundational and want to make sure that they’re not lost. We have … Read more