IFIF – – The Challenges The Challenges AheadAheadFundamental & irrevocable

power shift with enormous implications

for all of society

David Wiens © 2

Individuals, Individuals, families/networksfamilies/networks

Embrace the role as critical centreRediscover the power to choose & dreamAbandon attitudes of dependency/passivityOvercome cynicism/weariness /despair

IF goes nowhere without the passionate, articulate leadership of individuals & families

David Wiens © 3

GovernmentsGovernments––limited limited resourcesresources

Re-think citizenship - right to self-determination

Accountability / cost effectiveness / value for $

Resistance to reform - expect foolproof solution/proposal from IF advocates

Entrenched, defensive bureaucracies

Limited resources? Why? Who benefits now?

David Wiens © 4

Service ProvidersService Providers Power shift - to user-driven model

Logistical, practical problems– Unbundling block $ arrangements– Core services– Multi-person arrangements– Specialized services

Transition protections & incentives Remind reluctant SPs who service is for!

David Wiens © 5

Professionals/social Professionals/social workersworkers Redefined roles & new roles as support

– Gatekeeper/manager/decision-maker roles– Professional vs amateur mentality– Listeners who enter into our lives– Represent after deep involvement– Practical accountability

Opportunity to do what first attracts most professionals to the field!

David Wiens © 6

Working conditions-Working conditions-unionsunions Context of misinformation & mistrust

Pro-active re: working conditions, security, wages, benefits plus new flexibilities

Plans will require/create /redefine roles/infrastructure new arrangements/jobs

Fundamental issue of priority: for whomdo these services exist?!

David Wiens © 7

Community Community confrontation !confrontation ! Not ready for people with disabilities

coming into the community in numbers

as equal participants

No longer able to ignore/avoid

Underlying negative attitudes exposed

David Wiens © 8

Egocentric worldview Egocentric worldview – – thethe enemy withinenemy within (person + disability = nonperson)

= burden

(person + disability) + institutionalization or death = freedom & return to normalcy... For whom? Who is central to this view?

Current flawed standards for personal worth—appearance, ability, $, achievement, status, etc.

Entrenched habit of manipulating relationships vs. interacting for mutual benefit / support / enrichment

David Wiens © 9

Courage plus vulnerabilityCourage plus vulnerability Understand & articulate exactly what

IF is and is not... facts / understanding

Communicate the citizenship vision vulnerably with all stakeholders – develop partnerships

Deal with underlying negative attitudes courageously but compassionately