I’m sure this is a pretty universal experience when living with a disability. You enter a room and most of the eyes in the room focus on you. Maybe it’s just a glance. But hey, is that person staring at…
Continue ReadingFor LIFEPlan member Spencer Blevins, challenges are part of everyday life. Spenser is a young man on the Autism Spectrum but that has not stopped him from doing what he loves. Spencer was struggling in school. Like many who have autism, he needed support learning how to respond to different social situations. In a homeschool…
Continue ReadingLIFEPlan Member and Hudson Valley Regional Liaison Stacy Mason shares the story of her family journey with a seizure disorder. In my 16 years working as a Social Worker and Parent Trainer with special needs families, I had worked with many families whose…
Continue ReadingOver the past five months the COVID-19 pandemic has given us plenty to complain about, but LIFEPlan Care Manager Melissa Imm chose to look at things differently, saying, “I am finding the silver lining in every single day and I’m staying positive.” Melissa only had…
Continue ReadingSometimes the job of a Care Manager presents extraordinary opportunities to improve the lives of not only people we support but extends to peers and others alike. Such is the case with Abigail Remington, and the member she works with, Ed Duryea. Ed is…
Continue ReadingIf you are a pet owner, you know what a huge role pets play in our lives. Pets are a great source of unconditional love, emotional support and many happy memories. In return we provide them with food, security and of course, love and companionship. The companionship between pet…
Continue ReadingFor members of the class of 2020, the senior year of high school is very different from classes before them due to COVID-19. Instead of donning a cap and gown to graduate, schools and families are celebrating this achievement in…
Continue ReadingOwning a house with a white picket fence is often referred to as the American dream. At a very young age, Edwin “Ed” Dingman cherished his independence and chased this American dream. To reach this goal, Ed worked hard, employed…
Continue ReadingAn intelligent man with a great sense of humor, Ed Duryea has worked throughout his life to help others. Ed, who has Cerebral Palsy, helps to train and teach new staff at The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence Commerce Lane day habilitation, where he attends. He is a strong…
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