Elise Olson became the first person receiving support services to lead a community class at the Wheatley Farms & Arts Center (WFAC) on March 25. She guided a group of 25 people in Day Services through an energetic Zumba class featuring popular hits including “Uptown Funk,” “Y.M.C.A.” and “Dancing Queen.”

“The Zumba class was good,” Elise said after completing her first session. “I liked seeing the people dance. It’s fun. I feel good doing it, and I like dancing to the beat of the song.”

Elise at WFAC. She’s been dancing since she was three years old and has been actively enjoying Zumba as a participant and coach for fifteen years. Many of her successes have come from her willingness to express herself—A Life Plan goal that she works on consistently.

In New York State, people who receive services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) have a Life Plan, a person-centered document highlighting their interests, goals, support needs, and services. It is updated regularly to ensure people’s lives are moving in a positive and fulfilling direction.

The supports Elise receives help her build self-awareness, confidence, and independence. She benefits from Day Services and attends Hangout One Happy Place in the evenings, an organization supporting recreation for adults of all abilities.

In Day Services, she trusts that she can share her feelings with the staff and adopts valuable coping skills from discussions with the behaviorist on duty. Skills that benefited her the most include engaging in hobbies, regular exercise, and seeking therapeutic support.

“I like expressing my rights and standing up for myself and my friends,” Elise said.

Elise contributes as a self-advocate by being a member of the Executive Council for Day Services. She also rallies in support of disability services whenever she can. Along with dancing and physical activity, Elise is a strong writer.

“I write poems about Pride and advocacy. They are both important to me,” said Elise, who has published poems in the newsletter of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS).

Elise is also set to deliver a speech and lead a group in dance at the Hangout One Happy Place Autism Walk on April 25 at Baldwin Park.

These milestones give Elise the confidence to take on new challenges, like leading the Zumba class at WFAC.

“I’m not defined by my disability,” Elise said. “I define myself as a person with a disability who can do anything I put my mind to.”