The experience of the first two Institutes suggest that it is more effective when better aligned with state agency administrative structures, with self advocates, and with their families, and when there is deeper awareness of the transformational change necessary to provide individualized support (which requires deep commitment on both a personal and organizational level).
This third Institute begins with those elements in mind, and a realization that the financial reality of little-to-no new funding means looking at reinvesting existing resources in new ways. The third phase will run from January, 2011 until the Fall, with participants from the New York City and Long Island regions of the state. Ten provider agencies are working together with faculty, self advocates, families, OPWDD and their community partners to consider reinvestment and redirection of resources away from group settings into more individualized supports. The concept of reinvestment is fraught with complex issues, especially in the housing markets of NYC and Long Island, so our hope is that we can work through those special challenges as a group, with all stakeholders involved in creating solutions.
John O'Brien's Movie/Learning Institute Attractors
