Just Enough Support: 7 Principles in 8 Minutes!

Summary

The video from LiveWorkPlay leadership discusses 'Just Enough Support,' a concept that emphasizes the right balance of assistance to foster independence. It outlines principles like honoring personal autonomy, person-centered thinking, and building bridges to maintain natural community relationships. The approach also focuses on assets-based solutions, authentic valued roles, and community-first solutions, avoiding parallel structures. Lastly, it highlights the use of barrier-busting technology to enhance lives without overstepping personal boundaries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Just enough support is a concept to provide the right level of help without over or under-supporting individuals.
• 🧠 Honoring personal autonomy places the person at the center of decision-making and allows flexibility to change plans as needed.
• 🤝 Person-centered thinking ensures that the perspectives of those being supported are prioritized in all decisions.
• 🌉 Building bridges emphasizes connecting people to natural community relationships instead of replacing them with service-based ones.
• 💡 Assets-based solutions focus on recognizing and utilizing individuals' strengths, avoiding deficit-focused assessments.
• 🏆 Authentic valued roles stress the importance of real, meaningful roles in the community rather than fabricated ones within agencies.
• 🌍 Community-first solutions prioritize integrating individuals into existing community venues rather than creating isolated or parallel services.
• 📱 Barrier-busting tech highlights the use of technology to enhance autonomy and reduce unnecessary face-to-face interventions.
• 🔑 The right use of technology, like coded locks and voice systems, can solve daily challenges and allow people to live more independently.
• 🔬 The approach is grounded in neuroscience, showing that over-supporting can be just as harmful as under-supporting, stressing the importance of balance.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'Just Enough Support' as discussed in the video?

'Just Enough Support' is a concept embraced at LiveWorkPlay that aims to provide individuals with only the support they need to live independently, without over-supporting them, which can be as harmful as under-supporting.

How does LiveWorkPlay incorporate the principle of 'honoring personal autonomy'?

LiveWorkPlay ensures that individuals are at the center of their own decision-making. The organization encourages continuous reflection on how their support enhances the autonomy of each person, allowing them to change their minds and adjust decisions as needed.

What does 'person-centered thinking' mean in the context of this discussion?

'Person-centered thinking' involves placing the perspectives and needs of the people being supported at the forefront of all decision-making processes, despite external pressures.

What does the principle of 'always building bridges' emphasize?

'Always building bridges' emphasizes the importance of connecting individuals to natural relationships within the community, rather than replacing these relationships with agency-based ones.

How does LiveWorkPlay apply an 'assets-based solution' approach?

LiveWorkPlay focuses on recognizing individuals' talents and strengths rather than deficits. They aim to highlight and use these assets to benefit the individual and the community, especially in employment support.

What is the significance of 'authentic valued roles' for individuals supported by LiveWorkPlay?

'Authentic valued roles' emphasize ensuring that individuals participate in genuine, reciprocal roles within their community, such as being a friend, co-worker, or teammate, without replacing these roles with agency-manufactured ones.

What does 'community-first solutions' refer to in this video?

'Community-first solutions' encourage integrating individuals into real community spaces and activities, such as using public gyms, rather than creating isolated, agency-based programs that mimic these services.

How does LiveWorkPlay use 'barrier-busting tech' to support individuals?

LiveWorkPlay uses various technologies like coded locks, voice systems (e.g., Alexa, Google Voice), and video apps to provide support that reduces the need for constant in-person assistance, allowing individuals to maintain control and independence.

Why does the video suggest that over-supporting individuals can be harmful?

Over-supporting individuals can limit their autonomy and personal growth. Neuroscience research shows that too much support can be as damaging as not enough, as it can prevent individuals from developing independence and making their own decisions.

What is an example of honoring personal autonomy shared in the video?

An example given is Tim’s decision to wear purple gardening clogs for a photo. When asked if he would change them, he asserted his autonomy by giving the choice to either take the photo with his clogs or not take it at all.