Michelle Rudoff, AHRC Nassau Board Member and Quality Assurance Trainer, was the featured speaker at the August 11 Personal Outcome Measures (POM) InformMe workshop. 

As part of the monthly InformMe educational series, Michelle’s presentation focused on person-centered planning, Life Plan management, and opportunities available through disability support services.  

InformMe is a year-long, agency-led series designed to give people supported, their families, and community members deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within the disabilities services system. The series launched earlier this year with an advocacy and government workshop, followed by monthly topics ranging from managing transitions to community inclusion. 

During the POM presentation, Michelle shared her own journey and emphasized what it took for her to reach her goals.  

“With me, living in Valley Stream did not come easy,” Michelle said. “A lot of people had concerns because of my mobility and the medications I was on, but I never gave up. I kept going, and here I am.”  

Michelle lives independently with her brother and receives Self-Direction Services. Previously living in a supported home, Michelle credits her support system—including her care manager, family, and friends—as essential in helping her pursue and reach her goals. 

She encouraged attendees to speak up about their interests, goals, dreams, likes and dislikes. Identifying and communicating what matters to a person can help shape their Life Plan, the central document that guides the services for people with OPWDD eligibility. 

Patricia Heisohn, who recently enrolled in Day Services at Wheatley Farms and Arts Center, found the POM presentation informative.  

“People have jobs and stuff like that, disabled people,” Patricia said. “I learned how disabled people have rights to do what they want. I want to live in a pet- friendly house, and adopt a cat someday down the road, and get a job someday.”  

Patricia also shared wanting to work at an animal shelter or library.  

The InformMe Educational Workshop Series serves to bring awareness to the various parts of the disability services system, allowing people to gain practical information they can use to make choices and access resources that meet their needs.  

To learn more and register for an upcoming workshop, visit ahrc.org/informme.