The Diffusion of Innovations

� Diffusion is the act or process of spreading a new idea (innovation) � Rate of adoption is the relative speed with which an innovation is adopted by members of a social system Did you know? � Natural Environments terminology appeared in law for the first time in the IDEA Amendments of 1991 almost 15 years ago… Why has the diffusion of NE taken so long? Tired of excuses! � Public awareness has focused on identification not intervention � Program description information doesn’t highlight NE model � Clinical settings have a vested interest in keeping the doors open � Vendor system of service delivery leads to reimbursement issues � Physician referrals are generally for “hands on therapy” � EI providers are busy learning what they are supposed to do � Families lack knowledge on what NE is and what to expect The diffusion of family centered EI in Natural Environments has involved… � Policy makers � Organization leaders � Scholars � Service Providers Who are we missing? Our most important stakeholders… Families To Diffuse this Innovation begin by: � Connecting with families � Providing a clear description of the EI program and the rationale for NE � Valuing the role of families in intervention Diffusion Action Plan