Are We There Yet? An Examination of the Effectiveness of Individual Support Plans in Promoting the Human Rights and Quality of Life for Persons with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Individual Support Plans (ISP) play a significant role in ensuring that the value-based disability-related goals of international and provincial legislation are brought to fruition—mainly with a focus on promoting Human Rights and improving quality of life (QOL) outcomes. The ISP is a living document that, through person-centered planning practices, guides the day-to-day supports provided to persons labelled with an intellectual and/or development disability (PLWIDD). Literature has demonstrated that ISPs are most effective when there is an alignment between an individual’s identified needs and wants, clearly defined goals with matched support strategies, and measurement tools to monitor and evaluate individual and team progress towards goal attainment. Further, ISPs are more likely to demonstrate improved QOL outcomes when the goals capture and promote the following QOL domains: self-determination, personal development, interpersonal relationships, social inclusion, rights, and physical, emotional, and material well-being. This project aimed to promote improved QOL outcomes for PLWIDD supported by Community Living Haldimand, through a collaborative examination of their current ISP framework and processes. The goal of this project was to provide recommendations for a new ISP framework that was shaped by current research on effective and efficient ISPs, and authentically founded in the expressed concerns and recommendations of those who are responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness of the ISP. A document analysis of 9 completed ISPs identified the alignment across the components of an effective ISP and the number and types of QOL domains that were or were not present. A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and focus group participation from Coordinators and Supervisors assisted in capturing the culturally sensitive language surrounding QOL and the ISP process. Recommendations for the new ISP framework included the use of culturally sensitive language and recommendations from Coordinators and Supervisors, including staff support and training in identified areas of concern such as, how to identify needs and wants of persons they support and how to define ISP goals. The methods used in this study may assist other organizations in the evaluation and improvement of their ISP process.