ABCD Conference November 9, 2015

INTRODUCING PERSON CENTERED PRACTICE

Began thinking about organization change after hearing a presentation by self-advocates about 10 years ago.

Michael Smull began intensive training of all supervisory and management staff

Being a New Jersey based provider we were able to access additional supports from The Boggs Center

We were able to utilize them to observe staff meetings to see how person centered practices were unfolding on the ground

In the beginning movement was slower than I hoped for

People bristled at the introduction

They felt the way I introduced was critical of them

At the start staff perceived this as an added responsibility

Having Michael come at regularly scheduled intervals helped move things along

I did not confront the negativity but moved the process forward by accepting and applauding positive movement

Much of the negativity took place outside of my knowledge and it was only later in the process that I became aware of it

When person centered thinking achieved success it was celebrated

Transitions Are Already Occurring in New Jersey

CMS’ HCBS Community Rule Will Alter How We Deliver Services and Supports

The Transition To A Fee For Service Individual Budget Model by DDD Will Have an Impact On How We Do Business

Managed Care Is On The Horizon

Funding will drive less intensive services for individuals

Person centered thinking provides a pathway to creating more independent options

THE IMPACT OF OUR EFFORTS

The impact for individuals has been substantial

Their lives include more of what they want in it

A certain amount of behavioral acting out has disappeared

Staff feels more confident and view people differently

We are able to connect Important To with Important For

CFS is regarded as the face of the future and receives recognition

Individuals and families who want something different are referred to us

OUR CHALLENGES & THE FUTURE

One of our challenges has been to deal with accepting more risk

We have had to contend with varying interpretations of choice

There is often a discrepancy between staff’s cultural values and the principles of person centered thinking

We wrestle with our opinions of the capacity of people we serve

How to become more assertive in changing how we support individuals to have more of a community life is our greatest current challenge

This journey is not for the faint of heart

The more you do the farther away from your goals you seem to be

Be prepared to spend time and money changing your organization

You will need outside help

Expect resistance, deal with it and the fact that some staff will leave

The rewards are worth the fight.