INDIVIDUALIZED QUALITY OF LIFE PROJECT (IQOL)

A demonstration project based on principles of person directed planning and individualized funding

Family Service Association of TorontoFamily Service Association of Toronto

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Duration:

Funder:

Hosting Agency:

Evaluator:

3 years (Sept’97-Sep’00)

Ministry of Community and Social Services

Toronto Region

Family Service Association of Toronto

The Roeher Institute

Participants

Children and adults with intellectual disabilities

Project Participants

45 Families with children from 0-6

52 Young adults (age 18 and up) who have left school and are in transition to work, continued education or other community activities

54 Adults who are living at home with parents over age 65

Accountability

Ministry of Community and Social Services of Ontario

Toronto Region

Family Service Association of Toronto

Project Participants

Community Advisory

Committee

IQOL Project Values

Individual focus

Self determination

Dignity, respect, and personal choice

Community inclusion and participation

Components of the Project

Infrastructure Supports for Individuals and Families

Budget Support and Monitoring

Mechanism for Funding

Infrastructure Supports for Individuals and Families

Provide information

Facilitate person directed planning

Support plan implementation

Build circles of support

Facilitate community inclusion

Flexibility of the Process

Flexible process that allows different timeframes for different individuals and families

Role of facilitator as catalyst, “focusser”, someone who can help clarify and who is accountable to the person/family

Mechanism for Funding

Funding approval based on clear guidelines

Flexibility for reviews and changes in budgets to meet emerging needs

Clearly established appeal process

Funding Process

Person directed plan

Person with family/friends

(with support of facilitator)

Budget

Funding Approval

(FSA)

Funding Approval

Balancing

Person’s needs

with

Equitable use of limited money

Budget Supports and Monitoring

Payroll and administrative supports

Ongoing financial reporting to recipient

Financial reporting

Family Service Association of TorontoFamily Service Association of Toronto

Effectiveness

More control over supports

Portability of dollarsProcess builds capacity to choose/hire own

supports

Process that enhances creativity

Capacity to respond to gaps/emergencies

Maximizing non-paid supports

Evaluation

Findings point out to successful outcomes in four inter-related aspects of self-determination: A vision for the future

Choice and control in decision making Recognition and value in personal

relationships

Personal development

Evaluation Findings

Several factors underlie the outcomes. All appear as necessary conditions for

successful outcomes: Individualization of funding Independent planning support Support circles development Capacity to make decisions about support

arrangements Facilitating use of generic resources