Introduction
I had the privilege to work on a project sponsored by the state of California that strives to better measure the outcomes of service delivery to people experiencing Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
(I/DD). One of the highlights of my work was to meet and collaborate with Dr. Jule Beadle-Brown, who has trained hundreds of thousands of people (no exaggeration) to be practitioners of this methodology. She also authored or co-authored most of the peer reviewed / evidence based research on this topic. You can tell I'm a fan... But the reason that I'm such a fan is because it's very hard to get things published in medical journals to begin with, and given that every person's abilities dreams and fears are different, it's even harder to prove that a technique makes a difference in the support of People experiencing I/DD.
Active Support is an evidence-based approach designed to increase participation in daily activities for people with disabilities. It is a practical strategy that promotes independence, skill development, and social inclusion. Active Support shifts the focus from doing things for individuals to doing things with them. This model is used across various settings including residential care, community programs, and day centers.
In this article, we discuss:
- The definition and principles of Active Support
- How Active Support works in practice
- The benefits and challenges of using Active Support
- Research evidence supporting the model
- Resources for further reading
Below is a video that explains the basics of Active Support:
Defining Active Support
Active Support is a strategy used to engage people with disabilities in meaningful activities. Its primary focus is on:
- Engagement: Encouraging participation in everyday tasks.
- Independence: Supporting the development of skills so that individuals can perform tasks independently.
- Community Inclusion: Helping individuals take part in community life and fostering social connections.
The model is built on the belief that everyone benefits from being actively involved in life. Instead of waiting for support, individuals are encouraged to ask for help when needed and to participate as fully as possible.
Principles of Active Support
The Active Support model rests on several key principles:
- Inclusion: Involving individuals in everyday activities rather than isolating them.
- Choice: Providing options for how and when to participate.
- Skill Building: Emphasizing learning and practicing skills for greater independence.
- Staff Involvement: Encouraging staff to work alongside individuals rather than simply doing tasks for them.
- Environment: Adjusting the physical and social environment to support participation.
- Flexibility: Adapting support to meet changing individual needs over time.
Disability Descriptions
The following table provides common acronyms used to describe disabilities:
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| DD | Developmental Disability |
| ID | Intellectual Disability |
| I/DD | Intellectual/Developmental Disability |
| CP | Cerebral Palsy |
| ASD | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| ABA | Applied Behavior Analysis |
| BIP | Behavior Intervention Plan |
How Active Support Works in Practice
Active Support changes the way support staff interact with individuals. Traditional models often involve staff doing tasks for people. With Active Support, staff are trained to include individuals in every activity.
Implementation Steps:
- Assessment: Evaluate each individual's skills, interests, and needs.
- Planning: Set goals that focus on increasing participation and independence.
- Engagement: Involve individuals in everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or community outings.
- Monitoring: Regularly track progress and adjust support as needed.
- Feedback: Gather input from individuals to refine support strategies.
Staff training is crucial. Workers learn techniques to identify opportunities for engagement, prompt participation, and adapt tasks to be both challenging and achievable.
For example, in a group home, staff might work with residents to plan a cooking session. Instead of preparing the meal for them, staff guide residents through each step—from choosing recipes to measuring ingredients. This builds practical skills and boosts self-confidence.
Benefits of Active Support
Active Support offers measurable benefits:
- Improved Quality of Life: Increased participation leads to a greater sense of purpose and belonging.
- Enhanced Skills: Individuals refine everyday skills, resulting in improved independence.
- Social Inclusion: Daily engagement fosters social interaction and community integration.
- Empowerment: Active involvement in life decisions promotes self-determination and confidence.
- Positive Staff-User Relationships: Collaborative engagement creates mutual respect between staff and individuals.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, reduced reliance on intensive support can lower costs.
Challenges and Considerations
While Active Support is beneficial, its implementation comes with challenges:
- Staff Resistance: Shifting from traditional care methods can be met with resistance.
- Resource Allocation: Training and ongoing supervision require investment.
- Consistency: Success depends on consistent application by all staff.
- Outcome Measurement: Assessing improvements in participation and independence is complex.
- Adaptability: Active Support must be tailored to meet individual needs; a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.
Evidence and Research
Research shows that Active Support leads to improved outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Studies demonstrate that active engagement in daily activities correlates with better health, enhanced skill development, and higher life satisfaction.
For further insight into best practices, refer to this resource from Praxis Care: Praxis Care Resource.
Below is another video that provides additional insights into Active Support, its impact, and practical strategies:
Active Support and Person-Centered Care
Active Support aligns with person-centered care principles by prioritizing:
- Respect for the Individual: Honoring each person’s unique strengths and preferences.
- Collaboration: Encouraging active participation in planning and decision-making.
- Empowerment: Enabling individuals to take control of their lives.
By embedding opportunities for participation into everyday tasks, Active Support ensures that care is not just provided but experienced actively.
Measuring Success in Active Support
Organizations use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success in Active Support:
- Frequency of Participation: Count of activities individuals engage in.
- Skill Development: Tracking improvements in daily living skills.
- Quality of Life: Standardized assessments of overall satisfaction.
- Staff Feedback: Regular input on the effectiveness of support strategies.
- Individual Feedback: Direct feedback from service users on empowerment and independence.
Training and Implementation Strategies
Effective implementation of Active Support relies on:
- Comprehensive Staff Training: Instruction on the principles and practical methods of Active Support.
- Ongoing Supervision: Regular monitoring and feedback to maintain consistency.
- Individualized Planning: Customizing support to match each person’s needs and goals.
- Tools and Resources: Utilizing checklists, visual prompts, and digital aids to support staff.
- Collaboration: Involving families and stakeholders to create holistic support plans.
Future Directions and Conclusion
Active Support is an evolving model. Future directions may include:
- Technology Integration: Using digital tools to track participation and support skill development.
- Enhanced Measurement: Developing more precise methods for outcome assessment.
- Broader Adoption: Increasing uptake of Active Support as standard practice.
- Policy Support: Advocating for policies that foster person-centered, active engagement in disability services.
In conclusion, Active Support is a practical, evidence-based model that transforms care environments. It emphasizes engagement, independence, and community inclusion. With the right training and resources, Active Support improves quality of life and empowers individuals with disabilities to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Understanding and implementing Active Support is essential for professionals, families, and advocates. As the field evolves, the focus remains on empowering individuals and promoting inclusion. Embrace Active Support to ensure better outcomes and create environments where everyone can thrive.
This article provides an overview of Active Support in disability services. The embedded videos and linked resource offer further insights. Use this guide as a reference for understanding and implementing Active Support in your organization.
Ankota's mission is to enable the Heroes who keep older and disabled people living at home to focus on care because we take care of the tech. If you need software for home care, EVV, I/DD Services, Adult Day Care centers, or Caregiver Recruiting, please Contact Ankota.
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