Smith-Magenis Syndrome Day SMS is a very rare chromosomal disorder that is estimated to occur in one in every 15,000- 25,000 births. LIFEPlan Member Briahna Marshall has SMS. On November 17 in honor of Smith-Magenis Syndrome Awareness Day, The Local…
Continue ReadingA Lasting Legacy During the month of October, we have focused on the aging process for many of our members and their families. Staying active and connected to community is so critical, especially when a life ends too soon. In…
Continue ReadingA Survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury LIFEPlan member in the North Country Region Rick Clark likes to tell everyone that he is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. He has an incredible story of faith, hope, and love. It is also a reminder to…
Continue ReadingProviding Unconditional Love Over the course of the last few years, we have shared the good work and commitment of Mohawk Valley Member and Family Advisory Council member Steve Gonyea. You may recall Spectrum News’s recent story on the Autism Barn Steve built for…
Continue ReadingLIFEPlan Member Joseph Roche Advocates for Himself Emily Brunelle knew Joe long before she started working with LIFEPlan. She first met him at Camp Wilton many years ago and remembers being impressed by Joe’s sense of humor and his sparkling personality. Now as his Care…
Continue ReadingWriting 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…
Continue ReadingAriel Turns his Hardships into Motivation Ariel is a creative, passionate, and sensitive twenty something young man. He has been a Hudson Valley LIFEPlan member since 2018. He is also an advocate for children and others and is using his…
Continue ReadingAn Inspiring Story Growing up, LIFEPlan member Megan Minnick and her sister Kate cherished their sibling relationship. The two spent a lot of time together doing the things sisters do. When they grew up, Kate married and established a home…
Continue ReadingChoosing Success | Choosing Self Direction Mike is a LIFEPlan member from Hamilton, NY who has Self Direction services that give him access to many different aspects of life that he might otherwise not have. What is Self Direction? Self…
Continue ReadingMembers Go the Extra Mile to Advocate for their Services LIFEPlan members depend on Care Management Services funded through OPWDD. Now, OPWDD is planning to cut another 23% from the CCOs’ budget after a 16% cut in late 2020. In just…
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