|
Interviewer: In closing Mike, I'd ask what advice you would give
to agencies that want to move or change their current segregated programs
to integrated community employment?
Michael Callahan: Well, I'd start with the adage of trying to eat
an elephant. It's a pretty big task, and you can't do it all at one
sitting. So, for those agencies that are taking the step to really
begin to embrace the concept that work in the community is an expected
lifestyle for people, start with individuals. Really get to know people.
And while I think there are agency strategies that you want to implement
from an organization clearly, [getting to know people] clearly moves
your organization along.
I can think of nothing better to do, than to target an individual,
to get to know that individual, to plan in a customized individualized
way and to have something happen for that individual that really shifts
our view of what we thought was possible. Or, even if it doesn't just
to where we look at the person and say "you know we really helped
them get as close to what they wanted as we possibly could."
In doing that, keep that exemplar in mind, and we do it again, and
we do it again. And that way the big job of this shift, which is not
to be taken lightly, is absolutely doable. We can then begin to build
into more of the organizational aspects. But, I really do recommend
making it happen. Having staff really see some of the possibilities
of what can happen when you truly individualize, when you truly customize.
And when you put your efforts in this direction, it can really be
the foundation that any organization would need to move from their
current status to something new or exciting.
back to top |