Perspectives for the Future, Monadnock Developmental Services

Perspectives for the Future

Introduction

Several weeks ago, the Management Team of Monadnock Developmental Services viewed a portion of the film Titicut Follies, a documentary about the conditions at Bridgewater State Correctional institution in Massachusetts in 1967. With its stark images, the film evoked a strong discussion about the conditions inherent in institutionalized settings. This group also talked about the differences (and the similarities) in the ways supports are provided today. As a result, the Management Team initiated this workshop, Perspectives for the Future, to give everyone a chance to reflect upon the attitudes and values that drive our work.

Discussion topics included:

The Elements of Institutions

Isolation
Loneliness
Lack of Privacy
Lack of Personal Possessions
Segregation from Community
Arbitrary Congregation

Often we can find these same elements present in the current programs and life situations of the people we support today. Is it enough to say that "at least conditions aren't as bad as they were in the days of institutions?" How many of these elements would need to be present in a program before we would agree that it is an institutionalized setting?

The Attitudes of People at Institutions

Hopelessness
Despair
Resignation
Avoidance of Responsibility
Acceptance of the Situation

The attitudes in institutions seem to be the same for both residents and those who provide support. To what extent do we shape our environment and to what extent does our environment shape us?

The Differences of Power and Authority

Disrespect
Abuse
Humiliation

Differences of power and authority exist in our current system as soon as one person is put in the position of helping another. What can we do to minimize the inherent differences of power and strive toward mutual respect and regard?

Follow Up

At a subsequent All Staff Meeting, members of MDS were asked to reflect upon what they learned by attending the Perspectives for the Future workshop. Specifically, they were asked:

What insight would you like to pass along to the next generation?

People shared their insights with each other then, in small groups, they distilled their insights into sage advice that could take the form of a fortune cookie.

Sage Advice:

If you don't have a vision of where you've been, where you are, and where you want to be, how will you know when you get there?

Follow your heart; be passionate. Never forget a friend, especially if he owes you.

Keep constant: reflecting and vision.

The only barriers to improving the quality of life are those we create ourselves.

Informed dissent and discourse may foster problem solving.

Don't under estimate the power of One to make Change.

A life without purpose and vision is an empty life.

Treat others as you would want to be treated with dignity and respect.

Insights Resulting from Perspectives for the Future:

Seek to minimize power and control issues through mutual respect.
Only love, kindness, and compassion for all that exists can insure true freedom for all generations to come.
Better understanding of life's challenges and how to handle them effectively.
When making decisions in the future, or today, consider the following: Will this bring happiness to all involved; is this a wholesome activity?
Be open to change. Be mindful that even a small change can make a difference in an individual life.
Life is full of ups and downs but you need to continue on with a vision.
It's important to remember the past and its context but it's more important to keep standards present and as high as possible.
When one finally realizes life is nothing but the self, doing the self, through the self, then all conventional values collapse.
Even though we tear down the walls of institutions, it takes years to have the walls really be torn down.
History is revisionist. Any sufficiently complex problem is a matter of perspective. You trade tit for tat and will be judged on that trade.
Good, well-meaning people can do negative things in the dynamic created by institutions and systems.
Learn from history but with a vision to the future.
No matter what position you hold, never be afraid to question how things are being done and always look for ways you can effect change.
Don't be complacent!
We have come a long way but still need to have a vision to move forward even more.
Everyone has valuable gifts to share.
Question why you do things. Don't just do things the way they have always been done.
Our "system" has come a long way. There are many lights to be seen through the tunnel, but the end of the tunnel, although perhaps in sight, has not been reached.
People are equal whether healthy or not. They all deserve to be treated fairly and justly. No person deserves to be treated badly because they are having a problem.
Be aware of the past, but plan and look forward to the future. Always be open minded to changes and do not think that your idea or way is the best.
Treat others as you would want to be treated.
Treat others with respect and you will be respected. Don't fear change.
Always treat all people with respect and dignity.
Always remember that "Oh for the grace of God goes you or I."
Vote Liberal! Really - we need to respect people and to honor the right of choice.
All people need to be valued as individuals.
When people get treated like animals, they react in the same way. But if they are treated like valued individuals, they can grow and achieve greater things.