spectrum at 25: one agency's story of transformation
DESCRIPTION
Spectrum Society has tried to be thoughtful about the focus of our supports for 25 years, and this is our story about becoming a learning organization. Originally presented by Susan Stanfield and Ernie Baatz at the InclusionBC 2013 Conference in Vancouver B.C.TRANSCRIPT
Spectrum Society at 25:One agency’s story of transformation
Early influences
Wolfensberger
◦ Valued social roles
◦ Normative ways and means
Lou Brown
◦ “Pre-” means never
◦ Functional skills in real(not simulated) environments
TASH
“Spectrum Society’s mission is to provide services to people with disabilities that
will allow them to function more productively and independently in the
community.” (1988)
Deinstitutionalization projects
Integration
One person at a time
• Build on strengths and interests• Normative options
– Paid employment– Volunteer work– Recreation– Adult education
• Generic resources– Local businesses– Community organizations– Recreation centres– Colleges
What constitutes “quality individualized services”?
• Compliance focus
– Health and safety
– Risk management
• Staff training
– Personal care
– Nutrition
– Medications
– Behaviour management
Monitoring and Reporting
• Staff evaluations
• Daily recording
• Quarterly reports
• Orientation checklists
• Health and safety reports
• Emergency drills
What constitutes “quality individualized services”?• Values focus
– Hire staff with good values
– Managers with good discernment
• Training focus
– Positive programming
– Communication
– Team-building
Others we’ve learned from
• David Pitonyak
• John Lord
• Michael Kendrick
• Pat Fratangelo (OCL)
• Lyle and Mary Romer (TLC)
• John O’Brien and Connie Lyle-O’Brien
• Mary Kealy
• Janet Klees
John Lord & Peggy Hutchison,Pathways to Inclusion(2007)
2007 CLBC Demonstration Project on Building Personal Support Networks
Lessons from this project
• Everyone wants relationships;
• Everyone has something to contribute in relationship;
• Our traditional program models and hierarchies can get in the way of natural relationships;
• Putting relationships at the top of the agenda leads to a whole different conversation
Strategic Planning
• 10 focus groups
• What’s working / not working?
• 2020 vision
• Different methods
– PATH
– Focus groups
– Interviews
– Team meetings
Strategic Plan 2010-2013:“Commitment to Partnership”
1. Strengthen the capacity of individuals to develop and tap relationships, networks and community partnerships;
2. Shift to a more person-directed approach to service;
3. Become recognized as a model of excellence in supporting self governance, locally and beyond;
4. Nurture a culture of learning and leadership;
5. Develop a self sustaining social enterprise / business arm of Spectrum
“Spectrum Society’s mission is to provide services to people with disabilities that will allow them to function more productively and independently in
the community.” (1988)
“Spectrum Society’s mission is to support people with disabilities to experience full citizenship and
genuine belonging in community.” (2010)
Shifting the balance of power
“Better Networks for Better Lives” demonstration project
Lessons from the Better Networks project
• Systems can get in the way
• We need to ask better questions
• Everyone has a right to direct his/her life
• No news isn’t necessarily good news
Sharing authority (A+B model)
• Discovery vs. intake
• Negotiation – eg. Host Agency agreement
• Individualized budgets
• Recruitment and interviews
• Scheduling
• Orientations and training
• Authentic leadership roles
What constitutes “quality individualized services”?• Relationship focus
– Building personal support networks
– Supported decision-making
– Natural supports as a first option
• The changing role of support
– Connector role
– Direction vs. facilitation
www.101friends.ca
What we’re still wondering...
• Quality individualized services vs. quality of life?
– What’s the difference?
– Which should be our focus?
• Person-centred planning
– Independent facilitation?
– Planning for services or planning for life?
www.spectrumsociety.org
www.101friends.ca