"If your real aim is to control, you will be controlled. The real issue should be to positively influence the individual toward self-determination and as independent a life as possible." --Jim Rice is one of the outstanding speakers, trainers, behavior specialists, and consultants in the field of developmental disabilities and human services. Rice is a former Federal Surveyor, Federal Survey Team Leader, and Federal Developmental Disability Specialist. He was one of the ten original investigators and surveyors of the legendary Weicker Project Congressional investigation that forever changed how funding, services and supports are provided for people with developmental disabilities. While with the Federal government Rice conducted some of the most talked about surveys and investigations in the history of the Medicaid program. Rice won two national performance awards from his agency (now known as CMS) and the acclaim of parents, professionals, advocates, unions and executive directors for his work in improving living conditions and active programming for people with developmental disabilities. While with the Federal government Rice completed two drafts of what would become "Appendix J," the Federal ICF/DD regulations and survey protocol.Rice also developed, along with Ken Crosby and Ken Kuhlberg, the program audit survey process (while with the Accreditation Council) that is the standard survey protocol presently used by all state and Federal surveyors, as detailed in Appendix J. Jim was also a surveyor and National Training Director for The Council.
Rice's earlier work included assisting in the establishment of one of the first self-advocacy organizations in the country, Independent Living Center of Iowa City, IA.  Bill Sachter of the "Bill" movie series (portrayed by Mickey Rooney) was one of the founding members of this organization as well as Barry Morrow, who several years later would receive an Academy Award for writing the screenplay for "Rainman."
While working for the State of Missouri Rice helped facilitate the establishment of the first Medicaid Community Based Waiver placement into a residential home, in St. Louis. That model serves as the basis for tens of thousands of people with developmental disabilities to now live, integrated, in community settings funded by state Community Based Waivers.
Since, 1974, Rice has developed, implemented and supervised hundreds of behavior intervention and support plans addressing a wide range of behaviors and issues. He is a nationally recognized expert in reducing violence in Developmental Disability programs and increasing positive outcomes for both individuals and staff. Rice is the creator of the FOCUS Behavior Analysis system which combines elements of both behavioral and humanistic psychology to achieve more effective and lasting results toward self-determination and true independence.
Since leaving federal service Rice has been President and CEO of FOCUS Seminars and Consulting, a nationally known training and consulting firm. Developer of the "FOCUS System" of active treatment and programming, Rice and his staff are highly sought for their expertise in establishing active program supports, resolving the most troubling behavioral issues, resolution of survey issues, staff training and development, management and supervisory training, and developing innovative, positive teaching and redirection techniques.
With over 35 yrs experience in the field of human services, Rice has also been a direct contact worker, QMRP, Behavior Specialist, Community Living Specialist, Developmental Disabilities Specialist for the U. of Iowa, Program Director, Director of Active Treatment, National Training Director for AC MRDD (now known as The Council), Director of Quality Assurance for MO Div. of DD, and an Agency Director. Jim is currently CEO and President of FOCUS Seminars and Consulting, St. Louis and Chicago.
Mr. Rice has made over 1500 professional presentations, seminar trainings, and keynote addresses over the past 35 years.
 --Shannon Richardson
"Every situation is a teaching situation for the individual, and for you and your staff." --Jim Rice
 Jim Rice Publications:
  • Active Treatment, FSC Press
  • Appendix J Explained--Survey Survival Manual, FSC Press
  • The FOCUS System of Active Programming, FSC Press
  • FOCUS Neutralization and Redirection, FSC Press
  • FOCUS Behavior Analysis, FSC Press
  • FOCUS Window Scheduling, FSC Press
  • Individual Program Planning, U of IA, Div. of DD
  • Legal Issues in Developmental Disabilities, U of IA, Div. of DD
  • Developmental Disabilities: Basic Information,U of IA, Div. of DD 
  • AC MRDD Accreditation Standards, AC MRDD
  • The Program Audit Survey Process, AC MRDD 
  • Direct Observation Method, AC MRDD
  • Deinstitutionalization Patterns and Trends, U. of IA, Div. of DD
  • ICF/MR Federal Regulations and Survey Protocols (drafts: 1985 and 1986), US  DHS

Mr. Rice has also published over 800 newspaper and magazine articles.
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