Self-Organization in Housing Choices of Persons with Disabilities

ABSTRACT

Complexity theory provides a promising exploratory framework for demonstrating quantifiable improvements of disability interventions. This paper introduces concepts of complex systems theory and applies one particular underlying concept, self-organizing, to a program providing housing and other support services to persons with disabilities. Using this specific component of complexity theory provides a beginning point to explore how consumers and their allies made choices on where their homes would be located.

Key Words:

• Complexity theory
• exploratory self-organization
• disability
• consumer choice
• community inclusion