How we think and what we do, are shaped by what we think, and the language that we use. The language of "disability", "deficit", "disease", "disorder", etc., and a medical model for thinking has shaped the way we interact with each other, and the programs we create. This has greatly impacted people who are labeled as "disabled", their families, and our communities as a whole. This language and thinking has designed outcomes of segregation, isolation, and poverty. We believe that we need other ways to think, and different language, that will fuel the designed outcomes of inclusion, belonging, employment, and asset growth.
We are sharing some of the materials that help us to think. |
inclusion press... for "person centered" work
We do believe this is the best place to get good reading that relates to person centered work and creating communities that can welcome all. Below are just a few of our favorites.
![]() A little book about...
Person Centered Planning edited by John O'Brien and Connie Lyle O'Brien Ways to think about person-centered planning, its limitations, the conditions for its success. ![]() ![]() ABCD in Action:
When People Care Enough to Act Asset Based Community Development Mike Green with Henry Moore & John O’Brien Forward by 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 |
![]() Make A Difference
A Guidebook for Person-Centered Direct Support by John O'Brien & Beth Mount with contributions from Peter Leidy & Bruce Blaney Guides a Learning Journey that supports action-learning about relationship building, planning with people in a person-centered way, supporting choice, & building community inclusion. ![]() The Abundant Community
Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods by Peter Block and John McKnight Bestselling authors John McKnight and Peter Block offer compelling new understanding of how and why community has been lost in our neighborhoods, cities, and society and what ordinary citizens as well as leaders and professionals can do to restore it. ![]() Celebrating the Ordinary
The Emergence of Options in Community Living as a Thoughtful Organization by John O'Brien, Connie Lyle O'Brien and Gail Jacob A way to think about supported living that collects stories, pictures, documents, and operational policies from Options' work in Wisconsin. |
check out some of the newest inclusion press offerings too!
![]() |
![]() |
![]() Creating Blue Space
Fostering Innovative Support Practices for People with Developmental Disabilities by Hanns Meissner Forward by John O'Brien |
available other places
There are lots of good reads that you can also find in your local book store, or on Amazon, iTunes, etc.