ALL people, regardless of age, ability or family role, are considered in our vision, values, policies and practices for supporting individuals and families. All families have choices and access to supports they need.
In the past, conversations about supporting people and their families focused on those who are known to formal systems of support. We know that people need supports that are inclusive of and integrated into community life. We want to make sure ALL families have access to and choices about the supports they need, not just those who are known to formal systems of support.
In the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families , the focus on “all people” is very important to driving systems change within the developmental disability community. The All Triangle is a visual reminder that only 25% of people with developmental disabilities access Medicaid Waiver Home and Community Based Services and Supports through their state Developmental Disability Service system, however, the work must create change for 100%. This serves as a reminder that for transformational change to reach all people across the lifespan, changes must occur beyond the government-funded disability programs. It is important that policy, practice, and systems change is available, accessible, and equitable to all people that need services and supports.
This concept and tools can be used to think about any specific target group or a sub-group within a population. Schools have created All triangles thinking about students in Special Education. Aging programs have looked at the racial and ethnic proportions of those served in their program. Employment organizations looked at the number of people with guardians, compared to those without guardianship in becoming employed.
In order to begin creating change for all people, the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families developed the Universal Strategy for Transformational Change triangle. This provided a visual map for thinking about and planning specific activities for engaging three different types of organizations. This concept builds on universal design and public health concepts.
The left section of the triangle lists ‘interventions’ that can be implemented on a community-wide scale to improve access for all people.
The middle section shows policies and practices frequently used in the partnerships between public and private entities. These are typically “inclusive” of many populations, but may not be designed for everyone.
Finally, the right section portrays paid, formal service system supports or interventions
When we think about the supports available in a community, area, and/or program, we need to think about the populations that we are targeting. Are the supports limited to a subset of the population or are they designed to meet the needs of all?
This universal strategy can be used to show the full picture of supports or interventions in a community or area as well as identify gaps or needs.
Sheli Reynolds, Co-Director of the National CoP, provides an overview of the Universal Strategy for Providing Supports based on thinking that emerged from the public health field.
