Losing sight of a person was influenced by staff being distracted while holding the hand of a slow walker in the group and watching their footing. This was further influenced by the crowded zoo and the varying needs of each of the four people in the group. Also this was the staffs first time at Como Park Zoo and he was unfamiliar with the park and available resources. He wanted to do an activity the group enjoyed and was not afraid to take risks by going to a new place for an outing. It was known that the people living in the home enjoyed seeing animals, and considering that Como Zoo was a free activity, this outing was selected. The staff’s willingness to take risk was likely impacted by the disability advocacy community’s emphasis on allowing people with disabilities the dignity of risk. 
Additional factors that influenced the Como Park outing and staff decision making were the community inclusion goals developed by the provider. These goals are outlined in the CSP/CSSP for each person in the group based on the MN Choices Assessment and the Person Centered/Informed Choice protocols. 

The staffing pattern on the day of the outing to Como Zoo was impacted by the provider’s budget and the hours allocated to the home during the negotiation process facilitated by DHS Form 6790. This process is impacted by the individual needs of each person in the home, assessed by MnCHOICES and developed into each person’s Coordinated Services and Support Plan. The hours and rate are further impacted by the Disability Waiver Rate System created by the Minnesota Legislature. 

The staff training established in 245D statute and the Positive Supports Rule influenced the provider required training to prepare staff for community based outings and discretion for decision making. Staff demonstrated competency in this area when he was able to describe the clothing worn by the missing person and share “the book” with details about the person.