Writing the Book She Needed LIFEPlan member and Columbia County resident Samantha has wanted to be a children’s book author her whole life. Talking about her disability started at a very young age, especially when she got her first wheelchair at age 5.  Samantha’s mom thought using a stroller was easier and less stigmatizing than a wheelchair. But a family friend, who is a quadriplegic, opened her mom’s eyes […]

Tips for Self Advocates People with disabilities, like so many of us right now, are struggling with how and what to do as the world opens up. There is so much uncertainty.  In a recent dialog with self-advocates, people shared concerns about how to safely resume the many aspects of becoming involved in community gatherings while feeling comfortable with ongoing COVID protocols. The discussion was facilitated by mental […]

The Person-Centered Planning Process Care Managers assist with a person-centered planning process to document how and where someone wants to live. This leads to securing services that help that person move toward a life of meaning and productivity.  To access these meaningful services, OPWDD eligibility is required. Once achieved, a variety of assessments are administered […]