Supporting people to live their best lives : an action research inquiry

Abstract

Supporting individuals to live their best lives is the purpose of Southern Alberta Community Living Association. This thesis describes the inquiry that was designed to gather information about how the association could assist employees to enact this mission more fully. Employees were found to be dedicated, having important ideas about how the organization could assist them. This thesis reviews literature regarding the concept of best life as considered from a quality of life perspective, along with factors related to change in complex and dynamic organizations. Differing ways of viewing best life both by employees and through the literature, suggest that a shared understanding of the mission may benefit the organization, as well as strategies to strengthen and support communications and relationships. Further consideration of the concept of best life, or quality of life may be relevant to other agencies and the broader field of support for persons with developmental disabilities.