{"id":375,"date":"2011-03-11T09:21:18","date_gmt":"2011-03-11T09:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/grafton.local\/?p=375"},"modified":"2014-10-29T12:42:58","modified_gmt":"2014-10-29T16:42:58","slug":"vol-2-issue-2-mar-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grafton.org\/vol-2-issue-2-mar-2011\/","title":{"rendered":"Vol 2 \u2022 Issue 2 \u2022 Mar 2011"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Self-Determination and The Power of Choice<\/p>\n

Often, we talk about the science and data behind the services we provide. There is no question, both are absolutely critical to achieving our mission. In order to determine the right approach for clients, we focus on evidenced-based best practices and thoughtful analysis of each case. But, throughout our 50 year history, Grafton has learned that there is something even just as critical to achieving success: the opportunity for an individual to make meaningful choices.<\/p>\n

Each plan we develop is as unique as the client for whom it is crafted. We know that there is no set, prescribed treatment; rather each approach must be carefully tailored to the client. It is a natural progression, then, to ensure that a client\u2019s plan of care reflects their own personal choices and preferences.<\/p>\n

The idea of allowing clients to make their own choices seems so simple \u2013 and something that those of us without disabilities take for granted. But for individuals with developmental disabilities or psychiatric problems, meaningful choices are not always the norm. Anthony, the focus of this issue\u2019s success story, is a prime example. As you will see, he was not always offered the opportunity to make decisions for himself. However, once in the \u201cdriver\u2019s seat\u201d so to speak, Anthony began to thrive.<\/p>\n

Choice is a critical component to Grafton\u2019s person-centered approach at all levels of service. When clients are able to exercise control over their treatment plans, their lives and their futures, their quality of life can be more effectively enhanced. The Career and Technical Education Program at Grafton, for instance, is a highly customized program in which each client is allowed to flourish based on their own choice.<\/p>\n

There are fundamental principles that help to define and recognize best practices, which in turn generate positive outcomes and a good quality of life for individuals with co-occurring disabilities. At Grafton, we have found that simply taking some very basic steps to offer choices can improve quality outcomes:<\/p>\n