Strategic Planning for an Inclusive Community Arts Center for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

110 pagesThe Oregon Supported Living Program (OSLP) is a private, nonprofit organization that works with adults with disabilities offering support services in group homes, supported living, and vocational training. In 2012, the OSLP Arts & Culture Program became the fourth pillar of the organization, formed in response to the limited artistic opportunities available to people with disabilities. The program serves OSLP clients, adults with disabilities from other programs, and the general public. The OSLP Arts & Culture Program provides classes, workshops, a mentorship program, organizes exhibitions, and provides opportunities for cultural activities in the Eugene/Springfield area. What makes this program unique is its inclusivity, bring open to individuals with and without disabilities. During the 2015-2016 academic year, a team of graduate students, facilitated by John Fenn, served in the capacity of consultants to create a three-year strategic plan in collaboration O S L P A R T S & C U L T U R E S T R A T E G I C P L A N | 4 with the OSLP Arts & Culture Program. This project used multiple research methods to acquire data necessary to produce the document, including review of existing documents, surveys, observations, and in-depth interviews. The final result, a three-year strategic plan, describes the goals, objectives, and action steps that the OSLP Arts & Culture Program can use to manage growth, implement evaluation, and establish financial sustainability. In addition to the strategic plan, an academic document was composed of several sections narrating the process undertaken to achieve the strategic plan, further information about the results found through each stage of the process, and individual reflections about the experience. Throughout the year, the team undertook various aspects of consultancy. In the Fall, they worked to develop a charter document outlining the project and individual interest areas, as well as addressing literature on the topics of consulting and project management. In the Winter, they completed interviews with OSLP staff and knowledgeable professionals to assess the needs of the OSLP Arts & Culture Program, conducted site visits, familiarized themselves with literature, conducted a focus group, and surveyed the OLSP support staff. In the Spring, they produced the detailed three-year strategic plan, including goals and recommendations designed to inform and advance the OSLP Arts & Culture Program’s mission