Open Future Learning: Revolutionizing Support Staff Education and Empowering Learners
The internet has revolutionized the way we learn, offering unprecedented access to educational resources and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Open Future Learning (OFL) exemplifies this revolution by providing innovative training and resources for individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. OFL is transforming how support staff learn, promoting person-centered practices, and ultimately, empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
The Philosophy Behind Open Future Learning
Open Future Learning challenges traditional approaches to disability services that often prioritize independence as the ultimate goal. While independence is undoubtedly important, OFL emphasizes the critical role of support networks and community connections in fostering true freedom and well-being. The organization recognizes that everyone, regardless of ability, needs support in various forms, whether it's listening, guiding, helping, or simply showing up. This understanding forms the bedrock of OFL's person-centered approach.
Moving Away from Labels and Ownership
OFL actively discourages the use of labels such as "my client," "my service user," or "my participant," which can create distance and reinforce a sense of ownership. Instead, OFL promotes person-centered language that respects the individuality and autonomy of the people being supported. This shift in language reflects a deeper commitment to recognizing that individuals with disabilities belong to themselves and have the right to make their own choices and lead their own lives.
Person-Centered Practice: Putting People First
The Open Future Learning staff training module "Person-Centered, A Guide to Being" embodies this philosophy. It teaches the importance of recognizing each person as a unique human being with their own history, preferences, dreams, and relationships. The module provides practical tools for listening, thinking, and planning in ways that prioritize the individual's needs and desires. It encourages support staff to move beyond system-centered approaches that focus on policies and procedures, and instead, build supports around the person, empowering them to lead lives with dignity, connection, and control.
Embracing Risk and Growth
OFL challenges the tendency to "bubble-wrap" the lives of individuals with disabilities, recognizing that real independence involves embracing risk, making mistakes, and learning from failures. By creating space for risk and growth, support staff can empower individuals to develop resilience, make their own decisions, and experience the dignity of trying.
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Innovative Training Methods
Open Future Learning utilizes a variety of innovative training methods to engage support staff and promote effective learning.
Online Learning with Multiple Formats
OFL offers online learning resources that can be accessed on computers, tablets, or phones, providing flexibility and convenience for busy professionals. Audio Learning Modules are also available, making it easy to learn on the go.
SCORM Compliant Staff Training Resources
OFL provides SCORM compliant staff training resources that can be easily integrated into existing learning management systems. These resources offer a comprehensive and standardized approach to staff training, ensuring that all employees receive the same high-quality instruction.
A Wide Range of Modules
While OFL has 7 mandatory course modules, support staff are encouraged to expand their learning by completing as many modules as possible. Several new modules have been added to Open Futures Online Learning including Growing Older, Looking After My Mental Health, and many, many more.
Real-Life Examples and Impact
Open Future Learning's impact is evident in the real-life stories and examples shared through its training modules. These stories illustrate the transformative power of person-centered practices and the importance of creating meaningful connections with the people being supported.
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Daniel's Story: Finding a Voice Through Connection
The story of Daniel, a young man with profound and complex disabilities who was initially considered "non-verbal," highlights the importance of looking beyond traditional forms of communication and finding ways to connect with individuals on their own terms. By mirroring Daniel's humming, support staff were able to create a shared experience that allowed him to express himself and build a deeper connection with others. Over time, Daniel began to smile more, hold his gaze longer, and eventually, even laugh, demonstrating the power of connection and understanding in fostering well-being.
Peter's Story: Understanding the Person Beyond the Disability
The story of Peter, an older man with Down syndrome who lived in a group home, illustrates the importance of understanding the individual beyond their disability. Peter's prankster personality was well-known among the staff, but one day, his behavior took an unexpected turn. As it turned out, Peter was experiencing early-onset dementia, which was affecting his memory and cognitive abilities. This story highlights the need for support staff to be aware of the potential challenges faced by individuals with disabilities as they age and to provide appropriate support and understanding.
Intensive Interaction
Intensive Interaction is not about teaching people to do things our way. Open Future Learning has a full module on Intensive Interaction, created with leading experts, where stories like Daniel’s come to life and staff can see the approach in action.
Open Futures: Extending the Learning Revolution to Schools
The principles of Open Future Learning have also been successfully applied in educational settings through the Open Futures program. Originally developed in collaboration with expert partners and 64 Primary Schools over a period of 5 years, together they established a flexible framework and training programme, which addressed each schools’ unique needs and diverse contexts. Open Futures offers a pedagogical framework which supports teachers in the delivery of quality teaching and learning that embraces enquiry-based learning and the development of life skills in young people. Open Futures also provides a strategic framework to help senior leaders to achieve their vision for their school. The approach connects with deeply held values amongst parents, carers, teachers and school leaders. Open Futures sits at the heart of the curriculum, underpinning it both in ethos and in practice. It helps teachers to engage children with their learning through the rewarding processes of thinking and doing.
Integrating Practical Activities into the Learning Environment
By integrating engaging, practical and relevant activities into the learning environment, Open Futures provided contexts which enabled independent learning and the acquisition of fundamental life skills and knowledge. The Open Futures approach helped teachers to plan learning experiences which raised attainment in literacy, numeracy, science and technology. It also encouraged community involvement in young people’s learning and thus supported community cohesion.
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The Four Strands of Open Futures
During the operation of Open Futures, the four strands could be taught independently but were most effective when used together. In all cases the objective was to support the schools’ existing curriculum and children’s learning.
Open Education Week Spotlight
In celebration of Open Education Week, it's important to recognize learners who have used educational resources to change lives, advance their careers, switch fields, or simply fuel their passion for learning. Tahmina S., for example, was studying computer engineering in Afghanistan when a new government policy banned women from pursuing education. Inspired to start her own learning adventure, she exemplifies the spirit of open education and the power of accessible resources to overcome barriers and achieve personal and professional goals.
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