Spectrum Society at 25:One agency’s story of transformation

Early influencesWolfensberger◦Valued social roles◦Normative ways and means

Lou Brown◦“Pre-” means never◦Functional skills in real(not simulated)

environmentsTASH

“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

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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

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