My Background & History--Briefly

• Beginning in 1978—Experience in direct service provision with people with significant disabilities / support needs

• • Institutional/residential & vocational services (1978-1979)
  • Vocational training (1979-1983) then supported employment (1985-2003),
  • Augmentative and facilitated communication training (1991-present)
  • Positive behavior supports (1985-present).

• Significant positive influences in my career have included

• • The work of Marc Gold (“Try Another Way”)
  • University of Oregon STP supported employment models and ASWO
  • TASH
  • Herb Lovett’s positive approach (Learning to Listen)
  • Autism National Committee (AutCom)
  • The work of Rosemary Crossley, Doug Biklen and others in facilitated communication
  • My mentors: Individuals who experience significant disabilities ( “accused of” having severe and profound mental retardation) and who have been willing and persistent and gifted instructors for me and others once we learned to pay attention.