We 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 moreSteve Coulson, Thistle Coach and co-creator of the Thistle Approach to working with people. Steve’s 40 year career is testament to his passion for inclusion and citizenship, challenging social injustice and inequality and recognising the potential of all. He has worked with looked-after young people in residential settings, as well as disabled people and their […]
Read moreYeiter spent 50 years learning from ‘magnificent human beings’ — especially those who challenged systems of care with ‘behaviour type labels’. They were his instructors — and his friends. “To find out, you gotta look in.” Yeiter invites us to look inward in our search for ways to help people who engage in “difficult” behaviors. […]
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$25.00
Members of Each Other: This book is stories about working with people with developmental disabilities. But it is the same message for all of us. This book exposes the dangers of power, of isolation, of helplessness. It also challenges and gives hope for communities to take back control from the ‘professionals’, to themselves. It has tried and true tools to help to build the future. This is a ‘must read’ for any one working in this field. It’s also a great read for anyone who wants to be a fuller human.
O’Brien and O’Brien’s summary of the information contributed by several participants at brainstorming sessions provides an excellent synthesis of the many content areas covered. The ability to be heard is of special significance for participants with disabilities. O’Brien and O’Brien often present the dreams and capacities of these participants in large diagram-like features for all to follow.
This book is also available as part of the
Community Living Bundle
Reflections on in Control – 2: Lessons for national implementation John O’Brien & David Towell Nov 2007 Our appreciation of the lessons for policy and in imple- mentation from in Control’s work may differ from those who are more directly involved. Our knowledge of in Con- trol’s work is limited, and the mirror we have constructed here reflects our own experience […]
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$75.00
ABCD IN ACTION DVD: Asset Based Community Development : ABCD in Action profiles five diverse groups who have utilized the principles of ABCD to create partnerships with those they serve and in effect, rejuvenate and revitalize their organizations.
Included are profiles from:
• Neighborhood Associations in Savannah, Georgia
• Beyond Welfare, an organization supporting people in poverty in Ames, Iowa
• The Archdiocese of Upper Michigan in Marquette, Michigan
• Lakes Region Community Services Council, supporting people with disabilities in New Hampshire
• Neighborhood Housing Services, an organization providing affordable housing opportunities in Asheville, North Carolina.
Plus extensive interviews and commentaries by Mike Green, Henry Moore and John McKnight
Developed in response to the question “I love ABCD (Asset Based Community Development); “What do I do Monday Morning?”–and based on Mike Green & Henry Moore’s highly regarded work as ABCD organizers, consultants and trainers–-these materials support a practical approach to creating community collaborations that work. Enriching each other, the book and the DVD provide clear exposition of ABCD organizing principles and best practices, examples of ABCD organizing in action, learning exercises, worksheets, and reflections from experienced practitioners of ABCD organizing.
ABCD in Action profiles five diverse groups who have utilized the principles of ABCD to create partnerships with those they serve and in effect, rejuvenate and revitalize their organizations.
Included are profiles from:
• Neighborhood associations in Savannah, Georgia
• Beyond Welfare, an organization supporting people in poverty in Ames, Iowa
• The Archdiocese of Upper Michigan in Marquette, Michigan
• Lakes Region Community Services Council, supporting people with disabilities in New Hampshire
• Neighborhood Housing Services, an organization providing affordable housing opportunities in Asheville, North Carolina.
Plus extensive interviews and commentaries by Mike Green, Henry Moore and John McKnight
Developed in response to the question “I love ABCD (Asset Based Community Development); “What do I do Monday Morning?”–and based on Mike Green & Henry Moore’s highly regarded work as ABCD organizers, consultants and trainers–-these materials support a practical approach to creating community collaborations that work. Enriching each other, the book and the DVD provide clear exposition of ABCD organizing principles and best practices, examples of ABCD organizing in action, learning exercises, worksheets, and reflections from experienced practitioners of ABCD organizing.
Main topics include: ABCD Principles & Practice • Discovering What People Care About • Mobilizing A Community’s Assets • People & Programs: We Need Both • Leading By Stepping Back: The Role Of Governments & Agencies • Inclusion: There Is No One We Do Not Need • John McKnight’s Reflections On ABCD organizing. Lessons from Ashville NC; Marquette, MI; Laconia, NH; Savannah, GA; Ames, IO.
$35.00
The PATH & MAPS Handbook: Person-Centered Ways to Build Community
About this Handbook
25 years ago Marsha and Jack Pearpoint and John O’Brien designed MAPS and PATH as supports to people who need to discover strategies that serve their vision of inclusion in school and community life. Decades have passed, so this handbook reflects what we have learned since the original Path Workbook in 1995. There is also a DVD that updates much of our learning.
View this productTell Me I want the kind with the people and the pictures John O’Brien Jun. 2016 After a difficult start –institutionalized from age three to twenty-three in a place where “they treated us like animals”– Mike has composed a good life, taking many valued roles: husband, father, worker, home owner, friend, organizer, advocate, mentor, teacher, […]
Read moreMarsha Forest was a relentless life long advocate for Inclusion. Originally from NYC, she was trained as a teacher of the deaf – including sitting on their hands to prevent using sign language. True to form, Marsha rejected that approach and spent her life teaching and supporting families to explore any and all forms of […]
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$25.00
Creating Blue Space: 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 spite of system constraints. Read, reflect, and learn about “bushwhacking” through the bureaucratic wilderness so you too can create blue space for innovation and citizenship for all to blossom.
Adapting to Scarcity: Searching for a Sustainable Service System John O’Brien 1999 Scarcity troubles the future of services for people with developmental disabilities. Growing U.S. waiting lists for services signal insufficient funds to meet the identified service needs of more than 100,000 people for more than 200,000 different services, though data collection and reporting problems […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien The development of a citizen advocacy programme for people with mental handicaps John O’Brien – London, 1984 ‘Beware thinking of systems so perfect that nobody will have to be good.’ – GandhiHow does one measure social progress? If the increasing investment of public resources, the development of new services and methods of assistance, […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien John O’Brien – Dec. 2019 This paper explores the interlocking trends in managing our system of assistance for people with developmental disabilities that worry me deeply. The extent to which I am troubled shows in the argumentative tone of the paper, which is written as a position to initiate debate. I am arguing […]
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$15.00
This is now a download – rather than a DVD. The opening Keynote at the Toronto Summer Institute in July, 1996 featured John McKnight. John is a brilliant speaker – but on that night – on the 23rd floor of the Primrose Hotel – he opened the sky to the heavens. McKnight explains as only McKnight can how to build communities of capacity. (55 min.)Everyone who sees this video loves it. It is truly John McKnight at his finest – a gem. John is a storyteller, a political philosopher, a prophet and an activist. This video is a moving talk about building communities where everyone can give their gifts as citizens. Community building for John McKnight is not a sentimental journey, but a job to be done by citizens, neighbors, families and friends. John McKnight is the Director of the Community Studies Program at the Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research at Northwestern University where he is a professor. A great compliment to the video is John’s newest book The Careless Society.
Audience
Everyone involved in moving from a deficiency model, to a capacity building model – whether in communities, schools, workplaces, human service organizations, the medical profession, probation and parole, adult education or in your family. Everyone!
John McKnight
Produced by Jack Pearpoint and Marsha Forest with Jeff Dobbin of Parashoot Productions
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$15.00
Caroline Kwok M.Ed. writer, teacher, psychiatric survivor – is a Canadian – an immigrant from China, who experienced psychiatric challenges. Remarkable, she not only survived, but she has thrived and had the courage to tell her story – because she wants to help others. This book is now used as a text in many medical classes, and has been translated into Chinese. It has deep wisdom – in the raw.
“All who have suffered psychological distress should read this book. It is a message of hope from one who has been there and back.”
The Face of Mental Illness: Interview with Caroline Kwok
Bell Let’s Talk Interview with Caroline Kwok – Jan. 28.2021
Dr. Mary Seeman,
Order of Canada, Professor Emerita,
Dept of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
$25.00
What passes for justice in Canada is a system that too often brutalizes and isolates both victim and perpetrator: the former, bewildered, shattered, feeling victimized again by a process that fails to give satisfactory answers, fails to lay matters to rest; the latter, bitter, angry, alone, condemned to a hell called prison from which he emerges almost certain to repeat his crimes. The separate universes of victim and perpetrator, thesis and antithesis, need to be integrated into a whole, a synthesis, that does not perpetuate injustice but enables justice to flower. With shining examples like Randy Charboneau’s first-hand account of his own inspiring transformation, this revolutionary book tells us how – how to turn the worst transgressions of human experience into an opportunity for understanding and healing, a process known as restorative justice. A much-needed tome, clearly and compellingly presented. May it work its magic in helping to transform our society into a community where justice is not a competitive sport but an expression of the essential fairness possible in human interaction.
with Randy Charboneau, Rick Owens and Rupert Ross
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View this productOur obligation to the common good keeps us home. Uncertainty about how long the need for physical separation will last, what form mitigating the effects of Coronavirus will take three months from now, and what will be needed to rebuild when the immediate threat passes, leads us to postpone TSI as a face-to-face event. “Let’s […]
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Caroline Kwok M.Ed. writer, teacher, psychiatric survivor – is a Canadian – an immigrant from China, who experienced psychiatric challenges. Remarkable, she not only survived, but she has thrived and had the courage to tell her story – because she wants to help others. This book is now used as a text in many medical classes, and has been translated into Chinese. It has deep wisdom – in the raw.
The Face of Mental Illness: Interview with Caroline Kwok
Bell Let’s Talk Interview with Caroline Kwok – Jan. 28.2021
View this product
$35.00
PATH & MAPS Handbook: Person-Centered Ways to Build Community
25 years ago Marsha and Jack Pearpoint and John O’Brien designed MAPS and PATH as supports to people who need to discover strategies that serve their vision of inclusion in school and community life. Decades have passed, so this handbook reflects what we have learned since the original Path Workbook in 1995. There is also a DVD that updates much of our learning.
View this product
$20.00
U-CAN Dictionary is a unique and remarkable response to the simmering literacy crisis that undermines the inherent gifts and capacities of millions of citizens. It is a ‘handbook’ for non-readers and new readers that begins at the beginning with one-letter words, then two-letter words, and then grows simply and elegantly into a carefully selected introductory English vocabulary. It is a significant contribution to literacy learning and learners everywhere.
Call for bulk pricing
Also available as an ebook
View this productWhat More Is Possible for Joaquin? John O’Brien & Beth Gallagher 2017 Partnership with Joaquin* and his family offers an opportunity to learn how to better support people with developmental disabilities to live in ways that they and the people who love them have good reasons to value, lives that express the human right to live […]
Read moreHolding Our Dreams: A Position Statement on Organizing Support for Family Groups in the Durham Region1 John O’Brien Oct. 1998 Current realities………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2 Significant changes ……………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Internal developments………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Shifts in the system …………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 The need for a third kind of organizing …………………………………………………………. 8 Role…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 Functions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 Resources……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Limits …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. […]
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Janice Fialka is a brilliant story teller, thoughtful listener and writer. What Matters includes the voice of Micah Fialka-Feldman – her son. He is a teaching assistant at Syracuse University and one of the most charming people you will ever encounter. This remarkable story, draws on the reflections from family and friends – and walks us through the family’s journey to this remarkable current reality for Micah and his friends and family. But the story begins as a stunning ‘disability’ story except that this family said no. They decided that Micah wold be fully included and have a full life. And does he ever.
What Matters also includes the voices and writing of Micah; Emma (from the lens of a sibling and teacher of full inclusion); and Rich, who writes about his son as a window in the social justice issues. Remarkably, Janice, Rich, Micah and Emma do not hold back. They have the courage to tell the story warts and all… which is why it is a ‘must read’ for every family, every teacher – every person who cares about another person.
Micah is also one of the feathered stories in the newer Dan Habib movie “Intelligent Lives”,
Janice also did a recent podcast which focused on Micah’s Circle of Friends, it’s origins, and it’s impact on all their lives.
– Krista Tippett
Executive Creator/Host, On Being + The Civil Conversations Project
Author, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living
WhatMatters.INDEX
WhatMatters.ForewordPreface
Also available as an ebook: https://inclusion.com/site/wp-admin/post.php?post=2111&action=edit
View this productThe Search for Capacity Among People with Severe Handicaps John O’Brien & Beth Mount 1989 Some stories enhance life; others degrade it. So we must be careful about the stories we tell, about the ways we define ourselves and other people. –Burton Blatt Consider these two stories: Mr. Davis has a mental age of 3 […]
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WHAT MATTERS
Download the E-Book Access information will be emailed to you
Janice Fialka is a brilliant story teller, thoughtful listener and writer. What Matters features the voice of Micah Fialka-Feldman – her son. Micah is a teaching assistant at Syracuse University and one of the most charming people you will ever encounter. This remarkable story, draws on the reflections from family and friends – and walks us through the family’s journey to this remarkable current reality for Micah and his friends and family. But the story begins as a stunning ‘disability’ story except that this family said no. They decided that Micah wold be fully included and have a full life. And does he ever.
Remarkably, Janice, Rich, Micah and Emma do not hold back. They have the courage to tell the story warts and all… which is why it is a ‘must read’ for every family, every teacher – every person who cares about another person.
Janice also did a recent podcast which focused on Micah’s Circle of Friends, it’s origins, and it’s impact on all their lives.
– Krista Tippett
Executive Creator/Host, On Being + The Civil Conversations Project
Author, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living
WhatMatters.INDEX
WhatMatters.ForewordPreface
Also available as printed copy
View this productA Position Statement on Organizing Support for Family Groups in the Durham Region John O’Brien Oct. 1998 A position statement defines a proposal for concerned people to build on. It is not a plan to be implemented but a possibility for involved people to develop through their reactions. This position statement arises from the work […]
Read moreEmergent VTSI Agenda – constantly updating Frequently Asked Questions Ideas that Matter Video Collection VTSI Welcome Video How to Contribute an Event to the Learning Marketplace Your Photo/Phone/Email Directory – add information here TSI2021 Need Renewal? Need new connections? The Summer Institute is for people who choose to invest themselves in creating and being the […]
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$45.00
A worldwide revolution is occurring in education of learners experiencing disabilities. The Special Education model is being replaced by Inclusive Education, educating all learners together in the regular classrooms of community schools. Inclusive Education is not simply a new way to educate students who differ in ability, hearing, vision, behaviour, or body. It is based in sweeping change of how we regard people experiencing disability and their right to full participation in society.
This book presents snapshots of the struggle of educational change as seven nations respond to this new human rights understanding of how education and disability should intersect. In various ways and at different levels, each is experiencing the tension and excitement, which always accompany change.
This book is also available as part of the Education Pack
View this productJohn O’Brien Louisiana Supported Living Network – Sept. 2007 Our strength is not in the political influence that money can buy. Our strength is in knowledge & numbers. Our knowledge comes from our relationships with people that society still tends to see as power- less & unable to contribute. We know better because we have […]
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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 moreJohn O’Brien Feb. 2002 “It’s How You Look At Your Work That Makes the Difference” One aspect of the search for ways to build competence, commitment to positive values, and continuity in the developmental disabilities services workforce involves building a deeper understanding of the ways direct service workers make their jobs meaningful and satisfying. This […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien Our strength is not in the political influence that money can buy. Our strength is in knowledge & numbers. Our knowledge comes from our relationships with people that society still tends to see as power- less & unable to contribute. We know better because we have care-filled, thoughtful connections with people through everyday […]
Read moreDownload: A Diamond in the Rough ABSTRACT:In the early 90’s, Marsha Forest, Te Ripowai Higgins (a Maori elder) and I were invited to join a meeting about ‘immersion schools on Six Nations Reserve. It was a battle zone. Indian Affairs had a powerful delegation armed with arguments and money – to have the community reject […]
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$25.00
Make A Difference
Developed in collaboration with people with developmental disabilities and families, direct support workers and managers.
Guides a Learning Journey that supports action-learning about relationship building, planning with people in a person-centered way, supporting choice, & building community inclusion. (Learning Journey workbooks are available to go with the book.)
Promotes discovery of meaning in the work of offering direct support
Encourages inquiry into the effects of beliefs & values on quality
Promotes reflection on day-to-day practice to guide improvement
Fosters the use of imagery, music & art as an aid to reflection & action planning
Honors the accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities and their direct support workers by presenting their stories & reflections
This is an extraordinary opportunity to support all your staff/ students with a book that will truly Make a Difference. Learning Journey Booklets are available in bulk. The Leader’s Resource Kit is available.
View this product
$25.00
This is a deck of deep wisdom – 26 beautifully crafted pieces of art – quits done by Beth Mount – carefully organized to be utilized as individual ‘exercises’ or a collection of tested processes that can be used by an individual – or a group. Each card has a brief reading – and a proposal for a reflection exercise.
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$25.00
Hanns Meissner has emerged from years of ‘formation’ at The Arc of Rensselaer County in Eastern New York State with lessons learned from a journey of individualizing supports. His agency’s story is one of relentless commitment of creating enough blue space for innovative ways to support and partner with individuals with developmental disabilities to form and flourish in spite of system constraints. Read, reflect, and learn about “bushwhacking” through the bureaucratic wilderness so you too can create blue space for innovation and citizenship for all to blossom.
Making Friends where you live:
https://thearcofmass.org/toolkit-live/
View this productTHINKING ABOUT HOME AND FAMILY SUPPORT A Guide to the Literature with Selected Readings. John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien Feb 1983 Prepared for the Governor’s Council for the Handicapped and Gifted: Fairbanks, Alaska INTRODUCTIONThis is a companion to Planning Together, which is a handbook for people who want to plan improvements in home and […]
Read moreChanging a System to Realize a Dream John O’Brien, Ray Browning & Connie Lyle O’Brien John O’Brien – 1995 Ray is one of the pioneers in our home state of Georgia who have worked with their allies to change the way services are delivered. They prove beyond doubt that people with severe disabilities can […]
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$15.00
U-CAN Colour Dictionary is a unique and remarkable response to the simmering literacy crisis that undermines the inherent gifts and capacities of millions of citizens. In addition to being a ‘handbook’ for non-readers and new readers, it explores voice recognition and ‘colour coding’ to uncover the power of words and our own writing. It is a significant contribution to literacy learning and learners everywhere.
Call for bulk pricing
Also Available in PRINT
View this productDownload: Great Questions & the Art of Portraiture ABSTRACT: Great Questions are a challenge to possibilities. A practitioner of person-centered planning who wanted to add the skills and roles of the portraitist to her repertoire would need to build relationships with people and their families and allies based on commitment to a common project that […]
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$0.00
U-CAN Dictionary is a unique and remarkable response to the simmering literacy crisis that undermines the inherent gifts and capacities of millions of citizens. It is a ‘handbook’ for non-readers and new readers that begins at the beginning with one-letter words, then two-letter words, and then grows simply and elegantly into a carefully selected introductory English vocabulary. It is a significant contribution to literacy learning and learners everywhere.
Also available in print
We call it the “People’s Book” because it was created by Justin Page who learned to read at 31, and a team of volunteer creators who are committed to assisting new readers. It is in fact by the people, for the people.
We call it “The Self Teaching Dictionary” because you can use it on your own; with your children; with a friend. There are learning games. And most important – you begin at the beginning and thus experience constant successes in your learning as you move ahead. It’s a great place to start…
PUBLICITY
Reading: U CAN do it: New dictionary makes literacy easy, fun
from Niagara This Week – Aug. 7, 2013 – by Amanda Moore
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/community-story/3925713-reading-u-can-do-it/
Niagara This Week editorial – Aug. 7, 2013
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/opinion-story/3925739-words-can-be-a-powerful-thing/
Shoreline Beacon News – July 22, 2013 – Sarah Sloan
http://www.shorelinebeacon.com/2013/07/22/new-dictionary-to-help-people-read
CBC News – Hamilton – Cory Ruf, July 28, 2013
http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2013/07/25/hamilton-couple-unveils-next-chapter-in-fight-for-literacy.html
$20.00
Intentional Teaming: This book is important because we are not just being told how, we are being shown that it can be done. Intentional Teaming represents a much needed paradigm shift in the ways we work with and care for each other. This book puts the person at the helm and offers concrete ideas for genuine support, pride, dignity and personalized participation of a labeled person and their support staff. You are going to love this book – and give it to everyone with whom you work.
View this productOur History Inclusion News was an occasional newspaper/journal we published because it seemed like a good idea – and people seemed to love it. Inclusion News began as a publication of the Centre for Integrated Education and Community (the original name of the Marsha Forest Centre). We printed and mailed up to 70,000 copies of […]
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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 […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien 1995 Andrew Power, Chair of People First in the Australian Capitol Territory, explained the behavior of service managers who speak of choice and integration at the same time that they expand group homes and day activity centers –professionally controlled, segregated services. He said (personal communication, August 1993), Things have changed, but the managers and […]
Read moreOct. 10, 1951 – April 14, 2020 John Daniel O’Leary – Obituary – Globe & Mail – click here John Daniel O’Leary, a longtime resident of the Yonge and St Clair neighbourhood sadly passed away in a tragic accident this week. Living in the neighbourhood for over 40 years, he referred to himself to his […]
Read moreA Turning Point in the Struggle to Replace Institutions John O’Brien May 1998 Published in 1969 Changing Patterns in Residential Services for the Mentally Retarded, which reflected important contributions by Jack Tizard, marked a turning point in North American attitudes toward institutional reform from a simple call for more staff and new buildings to a much […]
Read more$25.00
Make A Difference
Developed in collaboration with people with developmental disabilities and families, direct support workers and managers.
Guides a Learning Journey that supports action-learning about relationship building, planning with people in a person-centered way, supporting choice, & building community inclusion. (Learning Journey workbooks are available to go with the book.)
Promotes discovery of meaning in the work of offering direct support
Encourages inquiry into the effects of beliefs & values on quality
Promotes reflection on day-to-day practice to guide improvement
Fosters the use of imagery, music & art as an aid to reflection & action planning
Honors the accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities and their direct support workers by presenting their stories & reflections
This is an extraordinary opportunity to support all your staff/ students with a book that will truly Make a Difference. Learning Journey Booklets are available in bulk. The Leader’s Resource Kit is available.
View this productby Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest (circa 1994) Partnership as a concept is a much discussed term these days. Parents & educators talk of “partners” in learning. Consumers of services and professionals talk about “partnering” in service delivery. States and provinces talk of “partnership” in political federations. However, many parents, consumers, citizens feel that these […]
Read moreDownload: Quality Education: It’s Not a Choice! Marsha Forest – Books, Articles and Videos Jack Pearpoint – Books, Articles and Videos REVERSING REJECTION – FULL INCLUSION FOR ALLLT his little article proposes to reverse the rejection of the Beckys, Katherines, Judiths, Suneels, Sunitas, etc. There are strategies to help systems and individuals reverse the terrible […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien John O’Brien – Dec. 2019 This paper explores the interlocking trends in managing our system of assistance for people with developmental disabilities that worry me deeply. The extent to which I am troubled shows in the argumentative tone of the paper, which is written as a position to initiate debate. I am arguing […]
Read moreWho is Marsha Forest? MARSHA SNYDERMAN FOREST 1942 – 2000Marsha Forest was a remarkable leader, advocate and champion of inclusion for all. She passed on, June 2, 2000 after a 12 year battle with cancer. She continued to work and teach until weeks before her untimely death. Because of her impact internationally, the Board of […]
Read moreWe are committed to building a world where everyone is fully included as a contributing citizen – in their community. We have assembled a wide range of resources that we hope will assist you on your journey to inclusion in your community. Person-Centered Planning: PATH, MAPS & CIRCLES PATH; MAPS & Circles – an extensive […]
Read moreA Turning Point in the Struggle to Replace Institutions John O’Brien May 1998 Published in 1969 Changing Patterns in Residential Services for the Mentally Retarded, which reflected important contributions by Jack Tizard, marked a turning point in North American attitudes toward institutional reform from a simple call for more staff and new buildings to a much […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien & David Towell Conversations about building sustainable & inclusive communities: An invitation Jan. 2010 An Invitation We live in challenging times. On the largest canvass, writing in early 2010, it is not at all clear that we have yet come to terms with the real implications of the global economic collapse or started […]
Read moreAmazon Books – just about the biggest bookstore anywhere… ASCD – Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. Excellent learning research and resources. Syracuse Cultural Workers – fabulous resources Brookes Publishing – Great resource, and excellent book catalogue California TASH – a great network to join – and explore CEC – Council for Exceptional Children – […]
Read moreInclusion: It’s About Change! by Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest Inclusion means change!! We believe both inclusion and change are inevitable. Whether we choose to grow with and from these changes is a choice. It has been instructive to be a participant in hundreds of emotional meetings about “inclusion”, when it is crystal clear after […]
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 […]
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About this Handbook
25 years ago Marsha and Jack Pearpoint and John O’Brien designed MAPS and PATH as supports to people who need to discover strategies that serve their vision of inclusion in school and community life. Decades have passed, so this handbook reflects what we have learned since the original Path Workbook in 1995. There is also a DVD that updates much of our learning.
View this productJustin Page C.M. (Order of Canada) – is an inveterate inventor/creator. After having encounters with crime and prison, he became a leading ‘job finder’ for the HEL P program (ex-offenders finding jobs for ex-offenders – a project of Frontier College.) On that journey – his lack of literacy skills was flipped into a remarkable tutoring […]
Read moreSynopsis: A short, punchy article about exclusion and Inclusion. Exclusion is unethical, politically unacceptable and repugnant to write off marginalized people in our society. The cost of welfare maintenance is unbearable, either socially or economically. In short, exclusion does not work. Inclusion works. Marsha Forest – Books, Articles and Videos Jack Pearpoint – Books, Articles […]
Read moreVideo of the Virtual TSI Zoom Call – Sept. 17 What People Said about TVSI – Our Launch on Sept. 17 – a sample… Seeing everyone. Being welcomed back in. Digging deeper. It was truly comforting in a time of deep uncertainty. I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Thank you […]
Read moreBeth Gallagher is the founder, owner and CEO of Life Works. Life Works was founded in 2004. Her work with people with developmental disabilities began just weeks after graduating from California State University, Chico in 1986 with degrees in Child Development and Psychology. Beth has spent the past 3 decades creating unique and specific support strategies […]
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$25.00
Tim Vogt thrived as the Executive Director of a legacy organization called Starfire in Cincinatti. Their work was highly regarded -Then Tim began to wonder if thier work was actually delivering a full life to all the people being supported. He deicded to transform the orgqnization. This is the remarkable story of that transition.
E-Book: https://inclusion.com/product/whos-in-your-life-e-book/
Print book: https://inclusion.com/product/whos-in-your-life/
John O’Brien 2014 – England When they need publicly commissioned assistance, people with learning disabilities have to enact their freedom under more constraints than other citizens do. Many laws and policies have not caught up with the ideas that people should be able to lead an ordinary life with the support they need and that […]
Read moreJudith Snow We often think of human life as residing in individual bod ies. We think about each other as if I were a Thing and you were a Thing and we two Things interact now and then, all the while remaining separate entities. This is not a very powerful model for describing how our lives are […]
Read moreJudith Snow 1999 What are some of the most effective ways of assisting people who have lived most of their lives in places such as government institutions, nursing care facilities, and group homes to express their needs and desires to have a home that is their own? Jay Klein, Institute on Disability, University of New […]
Read moreIt is with deep regret that we inform you that Pat Worth, one of the founding fathers of People First, and a past President of People First in Ontario, passed on unexpectedly on Nov. 11.2004. He was an author and speaker of renown having moved audiences in many countries around the globe. Pat was the […]
Read moreIn the late 80’s and 90’s, Jack & Marsha used a wide range of ‘overheads’ in workshops and presentations. Some might be useful… who knows. Who Loves This Person? download We are Responsible download Take Care of Yourself… download Say Yes! download Random Acts of Kindness download Normal is a Cycle on a Washing Machine […]
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$20.00
Intentional Teaming: This book is important because we are not just being told how, we are being shown that it can be done. Intentional Teaming represents a much needed paradigm shift in the ways we work with and care for each other. This book puts the person at the helm and offers concrete ideas for genuine support, pride, dignity and personalized participation of a labeled person and their support staff. You are going to love this book – and give it to everyone with whom you work.
View this productThe Marsha Forest Centre is a registered Canadian Charitable corporation with an international board. Cathy Hollands is the Chair of the MFC Board of Directors. She is the Administrative Director of Inclusion Press, and has been part of the Marsha Forest Centre since 1995 Gary Bunch, Board Chair emeritus – was the original Board Chair […]
Read moreThe Political Rascals in Actionin Georgia Many of us have worked with Citizen Advocacy in Georgia – and Tom Kohler in particular. From that, a collection of people have become part of the Toronto Summer Institute extended family – attending workshops in Savannah and Toronto. One of their efforts was an extensive series of events […]
Read more__________________________ Micah Fialka-Feldman In 2003, Micah and several other students with intellectual disabilities began sitting in on regular classes at Oakland University (OU) through a Transition Program sponsored by a local school district, in collaboration with the university. During the next few years, Micah took two buses to the campus each day, attended classes, actively […]
Read moreInclusion Press: Inclusion, Community, Diversity Founding Publishers: Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest Inclusion Press creates person centered resource materials for training events, public schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, human service agencies, health organizations, government agencies, families, Indigenous organizations – nationally and internationally. Current Publishers: Jack Pearpoint, Lynda Kahn and Cathy Hollands Welcome to our newly […]
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This book is in part about how to support individuals with a disability who also have a reputation for being difficult, aggressive, violent, and often labeled as a “behavior problem”. Fourteen life lessons focused on listening— based on 50 years of face-to-face, hands-on experience providing supports to people with a spectrum of disability labels. Yeiter puts forth a relationship-based approach which requires listening, in the broadest and deepest sense of the word with both our heads and our hearts. He has the courage to state the obvious — that change begins with us, within our souls, not with the externals of another person’s behaviors. This first involves a deeper kind of listening — a listening to our spirit, muse, or conscience, and furthermore submitting to it by getting to know and be in a relationship of interdependence.
Forward by John O’Brien
View this productImpro ving the Effectiveness of Residential Service Workers in Washington’s Developmental Services SystemPrepared forThe Residential Services Committee, Developmental Disabilities Planning council John O’Brien, Connie Lyle O’Brien & Charles Galloway Jan. 1981 The State of Washington is implementing a complex set of policies in an effort to establish necessary residential services for people with developmental special […]
Read moreWelcome TSI2021 Need Renewal? Need new connections? The Summer Institute is for people who choose to invest themselves in creating and being the change they want to see in the world. People working actively on the complex issues of inclusion and diversity in communities, workplaces and schools will want to attend this event. This Institute […]
Read moreDeliberate–Fire: An Account of Organizational Transformation in Onondaga Community Living Syracuse, New York John O’Brien April. 1995 This report’s title, Deliberate–Fire, came up as the visitors talked about the challenges arising from OCL’s succeeding more rapidly than its leaders had planned. OCL has created effective individualized supports for people by carefully considering opportunities to realize […]
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$35.00
Making Homes that Work: Planning, Design and Construction of Person-Centered Environments for Families Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder
John Rowell and George Braddock have worked with thousands of families to ‘design and redesign’ homes that would be safe and secure for troubled family members. Their creative genius has saved thousands of lives, the prevented incarceration by intelligent design. Read this before you take drastic actions.
This is a curated collection of resources, videos, and articles that might be helpful as you think about employment options for people who have been systemically excluded. There is hope. Start early. Start now! Some Employment articles… WA’s Individualised Services Inc. – Western Australia spectacular array of resources – stunning videos – worth your time! […]
Read moreBuilding the Capacity for Family-Centered Practice in Michiganʼs Changing Mental Health System John O’Brien Oct. 2002 Moving from margin to center by becoming sticky 2A challenging environment 3Leverage points 5Options for Action 7Network of Actions to Strengthen Family-Centered Practice 8Communities Come Together Around Family-Centered Practice 9Family-Centered Practice Is Embedded in the Whole System 10A Clear […]
Read morePerson-Centred Planning As A Support To Transformation John O’Brien March 2008 Valuing People Now (VPN) challenges everyone to raise their expectations of what is possible for people with learning disabilities. As more and more people, families and organizations learn to act on its priorities, the number of people who are in control of the supports they […]
Read more__________________________ Micah Fialka-Feldman In 2003, Micah and several other students with intellectual disabilities began sitting in on regular classes at Oakland University (OU) through a Transition Program sponsored by a local school district, in collaboration with the university. During the next few years, Micah took two buses to the campus each day, attended classes, actively […]
Read moreThe Inclusion Press Logo Our logo is a combination of three ‘korus’. A koru is a ‘fiddle head’ – an ‘unfolding fern’ that symbolizes new life, hope, eternity. It is a fractal, with endless and beautiful repetition of a pattern. Koru is a Maori word chosen because of our deep connections with the Tuhoe tribe […]
Read moreWelcome to the Inclusion Theater, a space where we share some of our favorite videos of thinkers, artists, players, and citizens from over the years. There are ‘historical’ videos (from the early annals of inclusion) – almost 200 videos organized into categories for your easy viewing. You can also watch our Live Streams here! First, […]
Read moreEducator fought for inclusion of mentally handicapped DONN DOWNEYThe Globe and MailFriday, June 9, 2000 Toronto — It might have been a scene from Alabama in 1963 — two families taking their children to school, daring school officials to turn them away. But it was 1989 and the schools were in Ontario. The children were […]
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