1. Creative Supports that Work: Values, Principles, and Processes John Lord Presentation to: Guelph Spring Conference Creative Supports for Vulnerable Adults April 29, 2005

2. Stories that Break Your Heart Traditional supports involve compliance and clienthood This reflects an OLD STORY Many stereotypes Waiting List is a metaphor for the old story – WAITING for professionals and for programs to fix or solve our problems

3. Finding a New Story New Paradigm Provides Foundation for Creative Supports New Stories emerging everywhere “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them” (Albert Einstein)

4. Finding a New Story Foundation of Creative Supports New Paradigm Values Self-determination Community Vision of a Good Life Citizenship Inclusion

5. The Essence of Support in the New Paradigm A new metaphor: LIFE ITSELF

6. The Essence of Support in the New Paradigm Purpose Relationship Process

7. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Principles are guideposts to implementing the values & vision Without principles, there is no grounding

8. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports The power of decision- making about supports rests primarily with the individual, & family & friends Principle # 1

9. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Community is seen as a first resort in building a good life Principle # 2

10. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Dreams (intention) & strengths (identity) guide what supports we need Principle # 3

11. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Planning support is independent from service providers, is transformational, with facilitation built on genuine dialogue Principle # 4

13. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Networks of people are supportive, connected, & empowering Principle # 5

15. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Funding for support is individualized and portable Individual and family decide where, when, and how they want their support Principle # 6

16. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports Principle # 7 Direct practical support is context oriented & seemingly spontaneous Principle # 8 Autonomous groups for families & individuals expand the possibilities for peer support, collective initiatives, & advocacy

17. Eight Key Principles for Building Creative Supports These principles work most coherently & benefit more people when all levels practice them – government, community agencies, & individuals & families This coherence is rare

18. Discerning the “What” of Creative Supports A Template for Discerning Supports Planning Supports (facilitation) Community Connecting Supports Direct Practical Supports Peer Supports Intentional networks, Community associations Individualized, Context oriented Autonomous Family/consumer groups

19. Being Creative with the “How” of Supports Planning and Facilitation Support Know the person well Know the community well Listen deeply Dialogue with respect Plan with the principles

20. Being Creative with the “How” of Supports Community Connecting Support Know the person well Know the community well Build relationships with community members Ask, ask, ask – you are a connector!! Use the principles

21. Being Creative with the “How” of Supports Direct Practical Support Know the person well Read the context, trust the process Honour the directions of individual & family React with deep respect & mindfulness Work from principles

22. Being Creative with the “How” of Supports Peer Support & Autonomous Family & Consumer Groups Deep listening Story telling Providing information Education on New Paradigm Advocacy

23. Policy Implications for Building the New Story Provincial Policy Needs to Reflect the New Paradigm by: Basing policy on self-determination, community & citizenship Ensuring that portability of funding and supports exists for all Funding planning support that is separate from service provision Providing individualized funding Funding autonomous family groups & autonomous consumer groups

24. Creative Supports that Work “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come” (Victor Hugo) “It is within everyone of us to be wise” (Song by Anne Mortifee)

25. Creative Supports that Work Let us build the NEW STORY by nurturing our creativity & mindfulness And by connecting with others who can help us expand & refine the story