Quality Assurance (QA) Trainer and self-advocate Michelle Rudoff teamed up with QA Administrator Colleen Tapia to organize ongoing life planning support for people receiving services. Colleen and Michelle launched Person-Centered Planning Presentation meetings in 2024 with two successful sessions and held their third on January 9, 2025.
“We want to help the people who we support reach their goals and dreams,” Michelle said. “We just finished our third group that we started at the Compass validation visit last year. We would like to do two a year.”
During these gatherings, people who are supported through day habilitation meet, present their life plans and provide mutual support. Men and women from Lynbrook, Glen Head, and Sea Cliff locations joined together at the Brookville Mansion to hear one another’s life plans, discuss goals, and learn life-planning strategies from members of the Personal Outcome Measures (POM) department.
POMs team members including Department Coordinator Susan Gil Orange and CQL (Council on Quality and Leadership) Certified POM Interviewers, Kate Zimmerman and Samantha Rodonis, supported the self-advocate-led meeting by sharing resources on the five core principals of POMs: human safety, community, relationships, choices and goals.
Self-Advocates and Their Life Plans
After a brief introduction from Susan, self-advocates Matthew Futterman, Kevin Van Nuis, and Michael Arata presented their life plans, sharing the meaningful pillars that shape their lives.
Matthew’s presentation focused on his love of music, sports, and the supports he depends on to pursue his favorite hobby, running. So far, he has run several half marathons and completed the New York marathon twice, in total raising $20K for a nonprofit supporting autism awareness.
Matthew shared his goal of becoming a sports professional and increasing his independence. He shared his fears and the tools he uses to address them.
“I’m not a big fan of certain species of dogs,” said Matthew, which incited a chuckle from the crowd. “I’m not a fan of heights and only ride airplanes when I absolutely have to. I also don’t like crowds, which is why when I run marathons, I don’t run alone. I run with people that will be there with me in case I need support.”
Sue chimed in to emphasize a key point from Matthew’s presentation. “It’s important to label and share your fears because then you can find people to help you overcome them.”
These ongoing presentations, along with the triennial person-centered life plan meetings, provide people with a valuable toolset. With this support, they can take meaningful steps toward setting and achieving their goals.