http://loulairusa.multiply.com or http://1sun.multiply.com "You must be able to dance if you are to heal people",he said."And will you teach me your steps?" I asked, indulging the old priest. Santiago nodded."Yes, I can teach you my steps, but you will have to hear your own music." (C. Hammerschlag (1989), The Dancing Healers: A Doctor's journey of Healingwith Native Americans)  "What constitutes the freedom, the soul of an individual life, is its uniqueness. The reflection of the universe in someone's consciousness is the foundation of his or her power, but life only becomes happiness, is only endowed with freedom and meaning when someone exists as a whole world that has never been repeated in all of eternity. Only then can they experience the joy of freedom and kindness, finding in others what they have already found in themselves." —Vasily Grossman, Life and Fate When children are very young it is simple to leave instructions for the baby-sitter to follow. For parents of a child with a disability, it is natural to continue this as the child grows. However, as this child reaches adulthood, while leaving instructions may continue, it is often difficult to plan ahead to a time when we will not be available to leave the list of "do's and don'ts" or "likes and dislikes." We even find it difficult to plan ahead for the time when we will no longer be here - who will inherit what, where we want to be buried, etc. This planning ahead is even more critical when there is a child with a disability in the family who will grow up continuing to possibly need supervision and support in a few or many areas of their life. It becomes very important to commit to writing what we would like the future to be, to leave a verbal picture for new supports and caregivers. Planning ahead today is quite different from anything that could have been imagined twenty years ago. We would never have believed that so many persons with disabilities could be making many of their own choices, living in the community, owning their own homes, holding regular jobs, establishing and working toward their own goals. Keep these thoughts in mind so that whatever plan you believe is best now won't prevent that person from moving forward far beyond present expectations. Words you will be hearing often, and four primary principles to remember are: Inclusion - People with disabilities are no longer separated from those who are not disabled. They participate and interact with others in the community just as you and I do. Inclusion also includes addressing cultural diversity. Self Determination - People with disabilities take control of their own lives, make choices and exercise their rights. Person-centered Approaches & Planning - The focus of planning is done by and with the individual. The planning process must be geared to the individual's particular desires and personal wishes. Planning is on-going and responds to the needs of the individual and respects their personal choices. Person Centered Planning is not a quick solution or just a written document to address problems - it is a consistent and on-going approach to support the individual in realizing goals and outcomes he has set for himself and responds as goals and outcomes change.A few areas to think about when planning with the individual: • Honoring the individual's voice and vision of what he wants his life and future to look like and supporting him to realize his vision; • Respecting diverse ways of communication; • Insuring that a variety of natural and community supports are present to provide a solid foundation for the individual including spiritual, civic and other community alliances, and that family, friends and other connections are nurtured; • Providing meaningful and stimulating opportunities through work, where one lives and leisure opportunities; • Providing information and resources including educating the individual about options and opportunities so he can choose and experience a wide variety of what life has to offer; • Respecting the individual's right as a citizen and as a human to enjoy a fulfilling, safe and healthy life; • Providing supports and security in the form of financial, health, freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitation and in making plans for their future. If guardianship is present in the individual's life, insure that the guardianship is a support to the individual in realizing his preferences and choices. In addition, guardianship at any level should be frequently reviewed to determine if it is still needed and, if not, to ensure action is taken to restore rights as needs and situations change. Personal Outcomes - Services and supports provided should be based on the personal outcomes desired by each individual to improve that individual's quality of life. 
Computer Based Training / Using Web PortalEach area Medicaid office schedules provider training for the providers who are in the counties served by the area office. Please contact your local AHCA area Medicaid office or visit the Area Office page on this site for a training calendar. &... more
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It's never too early. It's never too late.370 Centennial Office Building658 Cedar Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
Marc Gold: "Try Another Way" OverviewVideo at: http://www.mnddc.org/extra/marc-gold1.html Marc Gold began his career as a special education teacher in Los Angeles. It was there that he formulated a values based systematic training approach, “Try Another Way.” This approach was... more
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