About Independent Facilitation and Planning
People will call on their independent facilitator as needed for a number of different things over time. This important position exists in other jurisdictions around the world, sometimes under a different title or name. Roles will change throughout a facilitation and planning process over time. Roles are varied through the ebb and flow of life as directed or needed by the person being supported.
The impact of having the support of an independent facilitator walking with a person over time is profound. The Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario captured this on a graphic created by two of our members in preparation for a presentation to government. Click the following link to see the graphic called: Impact of an Independent Facilitator Infographic – IFCO
Key Roles: The varied roles of an independent facilitator include:
- Getting to know the person well; assisting the person to have a ‘voice’
- Building relationships with the person, their family, network, and the local community
- Listening deeply – people say things in many different ways
- Providing information
- Linking with others (family networks, People First, etc.)
- Networking and relationship development, building of support networks
- Facilitating with the planning process
- Facilitating community connections in both formal and informal settings
- Building on the strengths, capacity and self-determination of the person to create a good life
- Community development
- Recognizing people, their families and networks as decision makers
- Ongoing monitoring/evaluation with the person and their family/network
- Brokering Roles, these include:
- Negotiation
- Mediation and
- Third Party Document/Contract writing
Learn More about Independent Facilitation in Ontario
Connect with the Ontario Independent Facilitation Network . This ‘network’ also known as OIFN, envisions people with developmental disabilities being supported to direct their own lives, and live as valued community members and citizens.
They are a growing Community of Practice that includes people with developmental disabilities, family members, Independent Facilitators, and other allies interested in supporting people to live meaningful, everyday lives in their chosen neighbourhoods and communities. Check out their history and see how the Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario has played a part in the evolution of Independent Facilitation in Ontario. https://www.oifn.ca/history/
The Ontario Independent Facilitation Network (OIFN) is committed to FACILITATING CHANGE and CUSTOMIZING SUPPORT in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, and their families helping them create new ways for people to be supported.
Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario 