On July 12-14, Inclusion Press facilitated the first ever Virtual – Toronto Summer institute. And now, through the wizardly of Zoom, all the sessions are available to you (with captioning) Each segment has a brief mini-nenu of the workshops for that section. Have a glance, then choose the full sessions that appeal to you. We […]
Read moreWhat is Slack? Why are we using it? How do I give it a try? Slack is a messaging app that connects people. Slack is a way we can communicate as a community and makes access to others part of the VTSI easier. After you register, you will receive an email invite to our Slack. People […]
Read moreWelcome to our Virtual TSI
Read moreWe have heard about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and it’s 94 recommendations. Mostly, we have heard words – with very limited action. The Yellowhead Institute in Canmore Alberta assembled 20 leading indigenous scholars who collaborated for two years. CASH BACK is a deeply researched challenge to our current values and suggests alternative ways to […]
Read moreRichard Ruston – Life long advocate for the People First Movement and past President of People First of Ontario and People First of Canada. Richard passed on Feb. 22.2021 in hospital in Windsor, ON (this is a work in progress in tribute to our friend Richard) Tributes from friends follow…. Richard Ruston Life Celebration. April […]
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Who was Ed Roberts? Watch the video to learn about Ed Roberts, a pioneering member of the disability-rights movement who served as executive director of TheCIL from 1974 to 1976. January 23rd 1939 is the birthday of Ed Roberts the father of the Independent Living Movement. He described independent living as a psychological idea as much as a physical idea. […]
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Al Etmanski featured judith Snow’s painting “Winter Mourning” in his most recent Disability Digest Issue 5 – Feb. 6-13.2021 Judith taught many of us with blunt questions and profound observations. You can continue this Learning Journey with Judith because she was also an author, a video personality, a keynote speaker. She left tracks we can […]
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MADISON – Darwin Ness, age 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 22, 2021. Darwin had an amazing life journey. His lifeis an inspiration to all of us. Read on. Darwin had an amazing life journey. He was born May 31, 1930, to Joseph and Ida Ness, on a farm near […]
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Here are the Video recordings from the Ideas that Matter II Sessions on Jan 14.2021. There are four recordings: Full Recording: Ideas that Matter II – Jan 14. 2021 AND Three Breakout sessions included in the Ideas that Matter II The Power of Social Banking with the Intangible Currencies – De’Amon Harges Threshold 4 Change […]
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UNESCO’s Futures of Education is a global initiative to reimagine and rethink education by 2050. Through an open consultation process involving youth, educators, civil society, governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, it will gather ideas that will shape our future. A publication on how knowledge, education and learning will look like by 2050 will be presented […]
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John O’Brien A great question refuses to be answered. So it keeps leading us into deeper connections with each other and into deeper thinking. Judith’s engagement with the great questions she investigates in this collection was existential. From her earliest self-awareness untilgoing to bed late on the night she died she never knew herself apart from the need for […]
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At our Virtual Toronto Summer Institute, Heather Simmons continued a TSI tradition by recording a song – for our delight. David Hasbury scanned his TSI photo collection and created an image feast to accompany Heather’s dulcet tones. If your passion is song, you might want to spend more time with Heather Simmons – one of our Change […]
Read moreJune 27, 2020 John O’Brien The fast moving shocks of recognized inequalities in the effects of the pandemic and the mass mobilization in response to the murder of George Floyd create profound questions of personal and collective responsibility. The social context demands action that has tangible, structural consequences. Can all that has become visible signal […]
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Cherry Oakley from Neighbours Inc in New Jersey captures a spoken word reflection of a conversation about the questions emerging from this period marked by a pandemic, and clarity about systemic racial injustice. The video was created by Neighbours International.
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by John O’Brien Metaphors shape options for action by influencing thought. Imagine a person with a disability as suffering from a disease, channel attention into the search for a cure and compliance with treatment regimes. Imagine a system as a machine, channel attention toward engineering mechanisms of command and control. Playing with metaphors can sharpen […]
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Creating the Futures We Want Key links in this article: • Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report • CBC NEWS – Truth and Reconciliation offers 94 ‘calls to action’ • [Product] ABCD in Action • [Resource] Circles of Friends/Support The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report with 94 Recommendations is 5 years old this week. It […]
Read moreBy Beth Gallagher Eight years ago this month, a book was written about our experience with creating support teams around people using services. Intentional Teaming: Shifting Organizational Culture seemed at the time, somewhat of a dramatic departure from the norm as far as typical service provision was concerned. Our management style suggested that successful supports […]
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Colonialism??? Isn’t that ancient history? My answer is – not quite. If we make a space to look under the covers, we will begin to notice that many of these injustices have deep roots in our history – and my simplistic summary is ‘colonialism’ and ‘imperialism’. For Canadians, we need look no further than ‘our […]
Read moreTimes of crisis – of global disruption – are also times for new ideas to blossom and take root. While acknowledging the devastation of the pandemic, it also lays bare some of the catastrophic and systemic disregard for citizens with disabilities and others who have been marginalized in our society. Within this painful visibility, there […]
Read moreJohn Daniel O’Leary Oct. 10, 1951 – April 14, 2020 The O’Leary Collection – click here
Read moreWe are in new and relatively uncharted territory where ‘taking care of each other’ is the most powerful strategy to limit the impact of this viral pandemic. Many of us are privileged and thus even if we become ill, our capacity to rest and recover is excellent. Our concern is that those at greatest risk […]
Read moreCIRCLE OF SUPPORT (FRIENDS) Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest this article on Circles of Support was part of the description included on the 2001 ‘Tools for change CD” now gathered under the revised title Dealing with Change
Read moreA 25 minute film about a young adult with cognitive disabilities going to college. Micah Fialka Feldman wanted fully inclusive education. This is the story of how Micah, his family and friends succeeded in living that dream – in high school and in college. They all wanted it – they worked – and they got […]
Read moreThis mini selection featuring Marsha Forest was part of an attempt to create a community based facility for ‘all’. That proposal did not come to fruition, but the Marsha Forest Centre continues to honour her life work. (five minutes)
Read moreSCIL: Student Centred Individualized Learning. This approach to literacy and learning was developed by Marsha Forest at Frontier College. It’s foundation was a focus on the skills and capacities in each learner, and supporting each learner with strategies and tutors that maximized their own learning. (circa 1985) This 10 minute video features Jack Pearpoint (then […]
Read moreLesley has a deep commitment to her Church and wanted to become an ‘Associate’. Friends said “and why not” so on April 5th, Lesley was invested as an Associate of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. Sometimes when we say our dreams out loud – they become possible and achievable. Congratulations to Lesley and […]
Read moreA two minute clip of Jack doing graphical notes of a series of speakers at a Passport Mentoring conference in Toronto
Read moreThe Waterloo Region Separate School Board implemented Inclusion – as in this MAP demonstration (circa 1985) facilitated by Marsha Forest with graphics by David Hasbury (30 minutes) PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION, the MAPS Demonstration in one half of The PATH & MAPS DVD. It is a companion to our book,The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. This video features Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn as they share their insights on the many subtle techniques of facilitation involved in a […]
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION, the PATH Deomonstration in one hand of The PATH & MAPS DVD. It is a companion to our book,The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. This video features Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn as they share their insights on the many subtle techniques of facilitation involved in a […]
Read moreIn Yellowknife, North West Territories, in 1998, Marsha Forest & Jack Pearpoint worked with the Yellowknife School Board – stay and students to think about the future of a new High School. PATH sessions were conducted with the students, then school administrators and teachers – and finally ‘combined; to negotiate a common vision. this demonstrated […]
Read moreThe Original PATH Training video from Inclusion Press – with Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest facilitating a PATH for Joe with his family. Videoed in the lat e 1980’s some of the PATH conversations have matured with experience, but the fundamentals still apply. (33 minutes) PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThis vintage video – in three parts – demonstrates the work of including all students in the school system – in regular classrooms. Interviews with faculty, students – and the MAPS process in action make this video as relevant today as it was in 1988 when it was filmed with Marsha Forest, Fr. Patrick Mackan,Judith […]
Read moreA mone minute slide show of six year old Kayden doing his MAP in Alaska PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreIn April 2009, at Broadway United Church, Mike Mather welcomed John McKnight to reflect on his years of friendship and learning with Ivan Illich.(90 minutes) John McKnight: Videos, Articles, Books
Read moreJohn McKnight – co founder of the Asset Based Community Development movement once had a student – Barack Obama. Hear John tell the story – 7 minutes John McKnight: Videos, Articles, Books
Read moreJohn McKnight – consummate story-teller reminds us that the ‘system’ wants to convince us that they can ‘live your life for you’ with ‘more stuff’. Alternatively, WE ALL HAVE GIFTS. Gifts must be contributed. It isn’t about being a consumer – it is about being a citizen. John McKnight: Videos, Articles, Books
Read moreJessica Bolduc is a dreamer, translator, edge walker, web weaver. Jess reminds us that the these lands have been the home of Indigenous people for at least 10,000 years. Jess reminds that Indigenous people have been systematically destroyed by colonial policies- assimilation policies – so we became refugees on our own land. A frank challenge […]
Read moreBeth Mount’s spectacular quilts convey deep stories of inclusion. At the Telfair Museum in Savannah, Beth presents her quilts with many of the subjects of the stories present. Kenny’s Quilt is featured – the first time he was able to ‘see’ it…(6 minutes) Beth Mount Videos and Books
Read moreBeth Mount talks (21 minutes) about working in NYC to create a change that would generate real lives of BELONGING in the Community. The work she describes focuses on the changes WE need to make in order to see and support the rich capacities that are always in a neighbourhood – in spite of the […]
Read moreBeth Mount reminds us that a person who uses their head, their hand and their heart is an artist. Beth Mount Videos and Books
Read moreBeth Mount reviews core assumptions about the fundamentals of Person Centered Planning – and Personal Futures Planning – 3 minutes Beth Mount Videos and books
Read moreThis animated film taken from our module ‘Building Friendships and Community’ features Beth Mount as she explores the question ‘What can people contribute to their communities?’ For more information visit www,openfuturelearning.org Beth Mount Videos and books
Read moreIn this film Beth Mount explains how Person-Centered work differs from System-Centered. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/open_future… https://www.facebook.com/open.futurel… https://twitter.com/Open_Future System-centered planning comes from the idea that the people we support are defined and treated through the idea of what the system needs in order to run efficiently. The system believes it is their job to “fix” people […]
Read moreBeautiful Justice Beth Mount, a Georgia native who now calls New York City home, sees art as the one true global language, transcending the ordinary and allowing us to imagine greater possibilities. She will share visual examples of personal and collective transformation through the power of art. Beth Mount, PhD A Georgia native now living […]
Read moreBrad Goldman is a man with DRIVE. After living for most of the first 25 years of his life at Metheny Hospital and School in Peapack, NJ, he sought out the support of Neighbours Inc. to assist him in pursuing his vision of life as someone who had the power and authority to create life […]
Read moreThe Learning Tree is an association of neighbors in Indianapolis, that specializes in Asset Based Community Development, learning and education that improves the quality of lives of people, communities, schools and businesses. We help gather people and listen to each other. We listen and share life stories. We dare to see the abundance of gifts […]
Read moreDavid Pitonyak talks about the consequences of growing up with the identity of “needy”, and the importance of developing a practice of contributing, no matter what our “disabling conditions” might be. (8 minutes) David Pitonyak Web Page – Imagine
Read moreDavid Pitonyak reflects on the “social brain”, being “hardwired for belonging” and the implications of loneliness and disconnection for people with disabilities. Dr. David Pitonyak consults and provides training nationally and internationally with individuals, families and professionals through his private practice called Imagine, which is dedicated to supporting people who experience disabilities and “difficult behaviors.” […]
Read moreDavid Pitonyak reflects on the difference between authentic relationships, and the system wide approach to providing “coverage”. Dr. David Pitonyak consults and provides training nationally and internationally with individuals, families and professionals through his private practice called Imagine, which is dedicated to supporting people who experience disabilities and “difficult behaviors.” (4 minutes) For more information […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien and Connie Lyle-O’Brien have spent a lifetime moving our thinking about how people with developmental disabilities can be supported, shifting from institution and program centered life, to the person centered life of citizens contributing to the communities where people live. This video explores a framework for thinking that John and Connie began to […]
Read moreConnie Lyle-O’Brien and John O’Brien explore the complexity of choice for people with developmental disabilities in the absence of a breadth of experience, and a strong network of relationships. (5 minutes) John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien: Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreBeth Mount invites us to “see in the dark.” Systems and structures make people invisible and limit their potential. Social isolation, loneliness, heartbreak, and blame make it still harder to see and to be seen. Yet with focused attention, we can see how and why dominant systems confine people to specialized and segregated routines and […]
Read moreTom Kohler has spent 40 years connecting citizens of Savannah, Georgia to one another. As Co-ordinator and Executive Director of Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy has introduced people who have an established place in community to people with disabilities who have found themselves placed on the margins of community life. Together these people explore how their relationship […]
Read moreThe PATH process is powerful with individuals, organizations and groups. This 65 minute video demonstrates PATH with a school system in Yellowknife, North West Territories, working with both students and faculty. Facilitated by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint, in 1998l PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThe first PATH Training video featured Joe and his family exploring his future. Facilitated by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint in 1994, the process has evolved, but the core facilitation skills remain. 33 minutes PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION with PATH & MAPS DVD is a companion to our book, The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. The DVD features Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn as they share their insights on the many subtle techniques of facilitation. The DVD has two components: • A demonstration MAP for […]
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION with PATH & MAPS DVD is a companion to our book,The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. – 33 minutes about the PATH process with SKETCH – an organization exploring the arts with street involved youth. Explanations with Lynda Kahn & Jack Pearpoint PATH, MAPS & Circles of […]
Read moreThis lovely 3 minute clip scans the PATH process with Lesley, and more important, the followup – as her life flourished and her engagement expanded dramatically (2010) PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreFor more than 30 years the Summer Institute has gathered people, from around the world. People who care about the creation of inclusive communities, come together in dialogue, learning, story telling, and celebration of the potential of everyone to contribute gifts that make a difference. 10 minutes. Created by Neighbours International and Inclusion Press Additional […]
Read moreThe 34th Toronto Summer Institute — a celebration of learning about community, diversity and inclusion. The theme for this year was “Building A Bigger WE”. It was a rich exploration of our connectedness across issues, groups, nations, and geography. In a time of divisiveness, there is a need for finding what binds us together. 13 […]
Read moreJudith Snow – at the opening of the Toronto Summer Institute 2014 – Judith thinking about inclusion, diversity and giftedness – 20 minutes Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreJudith Snow – Remembering Peter Dill – is a talk Judith delivered on April 3, 2014 – at the Common Threads conference in Toronto. A powerful remembrance of what is important – Listen, Listen, Listen; Dream, Dream, Dream. 17 minutes Paragraph Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreIn 10 remarkable minutes, Judith Snow explains the nature of real listening – and the power of dreaming in terms that we can all understand – and thus appreciate her wisdom and clarity. Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreIn 1982, Judith Snow made this video with TVO — in order to enable the possibility of living independently in the community — decades before most people could imagine the possibility — they had to see it. Judith was always ahead — and willing to step up — and step out for others. 15 minutes […]
Read moreJudith Snow opened doors of possibility by ‘showing’ her life – putting herself on display – so people could begin to imagine the possibility of living full lives in the community. This TVO special was president setting in 1981 – and still is… – 28 minutes Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreJudith Snow talks about the power of becoming an artist. . Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum. 2.6 minutes Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos JUDITH SNOW Bundle$40.00Add to cart Who’s Drawing the Lines?$20.00Add to cart Judith Snow Poster$5.00Add to cart Great Questions: Writings of Judith Snow – eBook$0.00Add to cart NOW IN ONE BOOK: […]
Read moreJudith Snow. A Poem. You will never walk. 1 minute Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreJudith Snow tells a powerful story about a conversation with her father when she was small. A challenge for of us to face big questions for life. Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum. Judith Snow Inclusion Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreTASH contribution to person-centered planning TASH and person-centered work grew up together, taking shape in the late 1970’s, growing in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and adapting to the changes in the political-economic environment and shifts in system demands in the new century. O’Brien describes person-centered work and reflects on what TASH has given to practitioners […]
Read moreDownload: What more is Possible? O’Brien & Mount explore the key question: “What more is possible?” Holding this question in a useful way makes room for the uncertainty that goes with a process of discovery, emergence and iterative design. Predictors shift from judgements about the effects of a person’s impairments on their potential achievements to […]
Read moreDownload: SSR: Supporting Social Roles SSR: Supporting Social Roles: A Second Bottom Line for Services to People with Developmental DisabilitiesA systematic approach to reviewing where we are in our support to people – by outlining an indepth review process that helps us understand where we can be better in our organizations A Selection of O’Brien […]
Read moreDownload: Nobody Outruns the Trickster O’Brien, J. (1994). Nobody Outruns The Trickster: A Brief Note On The Meaning Of The Word “Valorization.” SRV-VRS: The International Social Role Valorization Journal, 1 (2), 34-35. A Selection of O’Brien Books, Articles and Videos A Selection of O’Brien VIDEOS John O’Brien Audio clips
Read moreDownload: Listening Check This two page ‘chart’ is a visual check on ‘how we listen’ – since Listening is a core skill we all need to practice. A Selection of O’Brien Books, Articles and Videos A Selection of O’Brien VIDEOS John O’Brien Audio clips
Read moreDownload: Have-to-Plans or Want-to-Plans A good Want-to-plan supports discovery of possibilities and life direction and mobilizes a person’s allies at important moments in their lives. A good Have-to plan gives a person effective control of the Medicaid waiver funded assistance they rely on. Committed and skilled facilitators with the time necessary to prepare and follow-up […]
Read moreDownload: Everyday Lives – 1992 John O’Brien and Herb Lovett describe the foundation of person-centered planning and its potential for creating a better future for people and for influencing change. It also addresses controversies and fears associated with this new approach. While person-centered planning is regarded as a new idea, it springs from our basic […]
Read moreDownload: Common Threads Reflections on Common Threads, CHANGING STORIES … STORIES OF CHANGE – a report by john O’BrienA conference on Independent Facilitation sponsored byThe Ontario Independent Facilitation Network (OIFN) reflecting the history of OIFN – and the challenges and opportunities ahead. – 17 November 2016 A Selection of O’Brien Books, Articles and Videos A […]
Read moreDownload: Basic Tasks for Providers Service providers who want to make a positive difference in the lives of the people they assist will commit themselves to continual improvement in their capacity to perform five basic tasks outlined in this short reminder article A Selection of O’Brien Books, Articles and Videos A Selection of O’Brien VIDEOS […]
Read moreDownload: Where do I Stand? Afterthoughts In Challenging Times, we must slow down and do what ir right – regardless. The steps we can actually take may be frustratingly slow. painfully small, and compromise much that we would wish for, but we can find meaningful next steps if we stay open to where we are […]
Read moreCreating Blue Space snapshot Hanns Meissner was the director of The Arc of Rensselaer County in Eastern New York State for 25 years. It was a ‘legacy’ agency with all the traditional approaches. But Hanns had a relentless commitment to create enough blue space to create innovative ways to support individuals with developmental disabilities to flourish in […]
Read moreDOWNLOAD – O’Brien’s article on Wolfensberger’s Contribution to Advocacy Systems The decade that began in 1967 saw exceptional growth in local services for people then identified as “mentally retarded”. Wolf Wolfensberger influenced this critical period by producing and promulgating a comprehensive set of guiding patterns: a definition of the principle of normalization fit for the […]
Read moreWalk-Out-Walk-On-DOWNLOAD If you want to walk fast, walk alone.If you want to walk far, walk together. – African Proverb This powerful essay/presentation outlines O’Briens understanding of the challenges we all face to create a world where everyone’s gifts are welcomed in full participation the community. It’s time to walk out – and walk on to […]
Read moreKate Fulton and Heather Simmons have been in conversation for years – about the complexity of Person-Centred Planning – and how it is simultaneously simple and extraordinarily complex. They are exploring the notion of ‘Critical Friend’ as a working title for their exploration. Listen in… Heather is a brilliant written, presenter and a crisp clear […]
Read moreJack Pearpoint & Gary Bunch in turn discuss their philosophy of Inclusion, and why relationships are critical to combating loneliness. Playfair Teams is one of a family of strategies that has the capacity to build friendships and networks. It is a challenge to exclusion and isolation. Combating sexism and racism continue to be big challenges; […]
Read morePlayFair Teams is an ‘inclusion club’ for schools based on equity for all. A creation of Gary Bunch, the model program encourages students to self select (ANY and ALL students) into a club where they create their own learnings – including a performance about their own learning about the deeper meaning of inclusion, equity and […]
Read morePLAYFAIR TEAMS is a program that encourages general student awareness of issues related to disability, inclusion and social justice. The video includes examples of students engaged in Playfair activities. 6 minutes Productions Parashoot Playfair Teams Inclusion Activities Gary Bunch Jack Pearpoint Sep 14, 2010 Gary Bunch Collection
Read moreGary Bunch has been collaborating and visiting Russian Universities to assist in planning for inclusive education. This talk is the opening presentation to the Novosibirsk Scientific Pedagogical University, (NSPU) on Nov. 8.2016. He discusses his observations visiting a variety of educational programs around the world and the various levels of progress in building inclusive communities. […]
Read moreThe Values of Inclusion is a brilliant short talk by Heather Simmons outlining 10 key ideas that crystallize our understanding of the deep meanings of Person-Centered Planning and what it will take for us to live together in an inclusive society. Includes “Every One is Born “In”, All means All, Everyone Needs to be “In”, […]
Read moreA video highlighting the Inclusive philosophy of education for all students, including “high needs” students, created by the Ontario Catholic Teachers Association that features interviews with teachers, students, volunteers, Jim Hansen, Phil Di Francesco and more. From the early 1980s. OCTA Jim Hansen Phil Di Francesco Educational Philosophy Educational Archive: Each Belongs – Jim Hansen and Colleagues […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien – a 1 minute clip reflecting on where change happens – at the edge – when people have the courage to confront the social pressures of exclusion – and explore possible futures. (clip used with permission fro Citizen-Centered Leadership at Cornell University.) MORE Books & Articles by John John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien
Read moreGerv Leyden is an educational psychologist and a special lecturer at the University of Nottingham. He challenges the use of traditional psychometric ‘testing’ to label students permanently rather than as a diagnostic tool to support their learning. He praises the Hamilton Wentworth Separate School Board for their pioneering work in Inclusion. Gerv Leyden Diagnostic testing Education Hamilton-Wentworth Separate […]
Read moreReflections on his background and his training in child psychology and the historical problems associated with special education in British schools followed by his experiences of inclusion practices in the Hamilton Wentworth Separate School Board. Gerv Leyden Special Education Great Britain Hamilton Wentworth Separate School Board Oct. Gerv Leyden’s Writings…. Gerv Leyden Videos plus
Read moreBeth Mount and Connie Lyle O’Brien reflect on lessons learned from the early days of moving from congregated institutional models of support to individual person centered ways of supporting people with developmental disabilities. (courtesy of Neighbours International) Books, Videos & Articles by John John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien Beth Mount Books & Videos
Read moreJohn O’Brien – a 30 second clip of deep wisdom about the practices of exclusion and underestimation of capacity are generated by discrimination against people with disabilities. (clip used with permission fro Citizen-Centered Leadership at Cornell University.) Books & Articles by John John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien
Read moreConnie Lyle-O’Brien and John O’Brien explore the complexity of choice for people with developmental disabilities in the absence of a breadth of experience, and a strong network of relationships. (courtesy of Neighbours International) (5 minutes) Books & Articles by John John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien
Read moreThis contains a series of video talks introduced by the retired Superintendant of Special Education with the Halton Regional Catholic School Board, Jim Hansen. Starting in the 1970s, public education at HRCSB was made available to all and since then the number of special needs children, including those with developmental issues and with autism has […]
Read moreThe 2015 Templeton Prize Laureate, Jean Vanier, speaks on the Big Question: “What does it mean to be fully human?” Ideas covered include – the importance of human community, accepting our personal fragility, learning to balance aspects of the Heart and the Head, the need for love to give consistency to our lives, the importance […]
Read moreMay 23, 2015 from Rome Reports – 3 minutes The 2015 Templeton Prize was recently awarded to Jean Vanier, who founded L’Arche in 1964. His organization provides homes and support programs for people with intellectual disabilities. During the ceremony on May 18th, Vanier explains the importance of community in creating a mission for people by helping […]
Read moreA number of clips illustrating that the “legalized” segregation of, and fear of children who have been labelled as handicapped creates an environment precluding any normal personal relationships that could and should have been created simply through their inclusion in community and school. These 5 minute s feature extraordinary glimpses of remarkable leaders and advocates […]
Read moreThis mini selection featuring Marsha Forest’s work and ideas was part of an attempt to create a community based facility for ‘all’. The proposal for the Marsha Forest Marsha Forest Learning Institute did not come to fruition, but the Marsha Forest Centre continues to honour her life work. This short 5 minute clip honours her many […]
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