ERIC Number: ED400652
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1995
Pages: 34
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Person-Centered Agency Design: A Three Year Project 1991-1994.
Human Services Research and Development Center, St. Paul, MN.
This report discusses a 3-year project to examine and develop agency structures to implement a more person-centered design in Minnesota agencies assisting individuals with disabilities. Five of the eight participating agencies offered residential services; two offered vocational, employment, and day programs; and one offered both residential and vocational services. The project utilized an agency change model developed by John O'Brien and Connie Lyle O'Brien called "Framework for Accomplishment," which is based on the principle that the purpose of human services for people who require long term support is to help people discover and move toward a desirable personal future. Valued experiences for people with disabilities were promoted in five accomplishment areas: (1) sharing ordinary community places and activities; (2) growing in a wide variety of personal relationships; (3) being treated with respect; (4) making meaningful choices; and (5) having opportunities to contribute. As a result of the project, positive changes occurred for individuals, including: developing friendships, moving to their "own homes," getting more productive jobs, joining various clubs and organizations, and starting self-advocacy groups. Agency changes included revisions in the annual planning process for individuals, policies, procedures, job descriptions, staff orientation, and staff training. (CR)
Descriptors: Adult Basic Education, Agency Role, Change Strategies, Day Programs, Decision Making, Disabilities, Employment Programs, Human Services, Long Range Planning, Long Term Care, Models, Normalization (Disabilities), Organizational Development, Program Design, Program Evaluation, Residential Programs, Self Advocacy, Social Agencies, Social Integration, Vocational Rehabilitation
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Bush Foundation, St. Paul, Minn.
Authoring Institution: Human Services Research and Development Center, St. Paul, MN.
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A