Brothers with autism learn to communicate for the first time Stacy Mason is a social worker with two sons, Trevor, 24, and Tyler, 22. Both have autism. Also called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), autism presents in many ways but is…
Continue ReadingLeading the Way College sports teams often have an emotional leader who is looked to for motivation and the cultivation of team morale. Over the past four years, the person the Plattsburgh State Cardinals men’s soccer turned to for smiles,…
Continue ReadingFostering Growth On Stage and Off Many LIFEPlan members are drawn to the theater and the creative community of support they find there. Some start in the production tech crew like Andy O’Rourke in 2019 when he joined in his…
Continue ReadingSmith-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…
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