NYHRC: A Housing Journey

Monica Robinson
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This podcast series delves into the journey of securing long-term, independent housing solutions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through a mix of expert insights and personal interviews, each episode explores the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating the housing process. Listeners will discover various housing models, funding options, and the crucial role of a person’s circle of support in creating sustainable homes.  Brought to you by NYHRC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/30/2025

    Chris Liuzzo: Hearing Arcs and Themes

    Chris Liuzzo: As the host of this impactful podcast series sponsored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and funded by the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Chris Liuzzo brings insightful conversations to the fore. Throughout the series, Chris engages with a variety of guests, including people who receive and provide supports, family members, administrators, and thought leaders, all while exploring the nuances of person-centered planning, work, and way of life. Episode Summary: In the concluding episode of a transformative podcast series on person-centered planning, host Chris Liuzzo delves into the essence of what person-centered work truly embodies. Sponsored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation and enriched by the voices of twelve diverse guests from various locales, this episode pays tribute to the legacy of John O'Brien, a pioneer in person-centered planning. In this summary episode, Chris reflects on the intrinsic connection between person-centered planning, the civil rights movement, and social justice, emphasizing its roots and significance in fostering inclusive communities. Chris outlines the crucial themes that have emerged throughout the series, focusing on the processes used in person-centered planning to develop authentic stories and contributions for individuals with disabilities. Among the vital components discussed are the clarity of purpose in person-centered work, the mystique surrounding the planning process, and how it truly aims to reveal and elevate personal stories that have been overshadowed by systemic assessments and technological constraints. Through engaging storytelling and expert insights, Chris articulates how this approach is less about technical processes and more about deep listening and fostering a community of belonging. Key Takeaways: Person-centered planning is deeply rooted in social justice and the civil rights movement, emphasizing inclusion and community belonging.The true purpose of person-centered planning is to unveil and narrate personal stories that empower individuals and allow them to contribute meaningfully to society.Deep listening and curiosity are crucial to successful person-centered work, focusing on personal gifts, capacities, and the individual’s sense of purpose.The process of person-centered planning transcends technical procedures, requiring an open mind to possibilities and a focus on personal growth and community building.The role of person-centered planning as a resistance to oversimplified planning systems that risk losing the individual's unique narrative. Notable Quotes: "The work calls us to cross boundaries with intention, to enter the world, to find spaces and allies, and to learn by acting." - Chris Liuzzo"Maybe then the first step of person-centered planning is not to learn about the person, but to learn about and examine self." - Chris Liuzzo"BJ Stasio tells us that his life does not fit in a drop-down box. The box leaves out the mystery of his story." - Chris Liuzzo"Bill O'Brien said the success of an intervention depends upon the interior condition of the intervener." - Chris Liuzzo"Person-centered planning is not an event, it's a way of being." - Chris Liuzzo Resources: New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation: WebsiteNew York State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Website Discover the profound impact of person-centered planning by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more engaging content from the series and continue to explore the complexities and beauty of person-centered work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Baturu Mboge: Person-Centered Engagement

    Baturu Mboge serves as the Vice President for Learning and Development at the Care Coordination Alliance of New York. With an intrinsic passion for person-centered planning, Baturu leads its Person Centered Engagement initiative, guiding a vast organization almost spanning statewide. He strives to foster values-driven, person-centered practices aimed at nurturing beloved communities through innovative care management strategies. Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris Liuzzo hosts Baturu Mboge to delve into person-centered planning and its impact on care management. Baturu explains the transition towards person-centered engagemen,an initiative to transform care management practices across a nearly statewide organization. The discussion transitions into an exploration of how purpose and intentionality help foster meaningful change for both the caregivers and those they support. Baturu elaborates on how person-centered engagement is more than just a framework; it's a transformative journey aimed at enhancing community involvement and citizenship among individuals. By shifting the focus from deficits to gifts and from isolation to community connection, this initiative nurtures valuable contributions from all individuals, thereby building beloved communities as envisioned by Martin Luther King Jr. The discussion underlines how organizations like Lifeplan and Advanced Care Alliance (ACA) of New York leverage deeper listening and purposeful engagement to redefine the narrative and empower care managers. Key Takeaways: Purposeful and Intentional Work: The Person Centered Engagement initiative emphasizes being purposeful and intentional, focusing on an individual's gifts and potential rather than deficits. Building Beloved Communities: The ultimate goal is creating spaces where individuals can freely contribute and engage, nurturing a sense of citizenship and community belonging. Transforming Care Management: Real change comes from transitioning organizational behavior to foster stronger relationships and trust with the supported individuals, enabling a shift towards more person-centered strategies.Prototyping Innovation: The approach encourages prototyping shifts — trying out new perspectives and ideas to see what emerges from the process, leading to deeper understanding and innovation. Empowerment Through Listening: Genuine person-centered care stems from listening with an open mind, allowing the voices of the silent to be heard and valued within the community. Resources: Care Coordination Alliance of New York: Explore their initiatives at CCA NY New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation: Learn more about the organization sponsoring this podcast at NY AllianceNew York State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Discover more about the council's role and initiatives at NYSCDD To get the full picture of Baturu Mboge's inspiring take on person-centered planning and its significance in community involvement, be sure to listen to the complete episode. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions and insights from our series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    Danyetta Najoli: Embracing Cultural Humility

    Danyetta Najoli is the founder and principal consultant of the Najoli Learning Group. She has an illustrious career as an author and thought leader in the fields of person-centered planning and cultural humility. Danyetta spent 12 years at Starfire, a Cincinnati-based organization, as a senior community builder and learning network associate. Her commitment to fostering environments that empower individuals shines through in her work, emphasizing the importance of cultural humility in human services.  Episode Summary: In this episode of the podcast series about person-centered planning, host Chris Liuzzo is joined by Danyetta Najoli, an expert in cultural humility and person-centered work. The discussion delves into the intersection between cultural humility and person-centeredness, exploring how these concepts can transform relationships and experiences within human services. Cultural humility emerges as a profound theme throughout the conversation. Najoli explains this concept using the framework established by Doctors Tervalon and Murray-Garcia. It's described as a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, personal critique, and addressing power imbalances in relationships, especially pertinent in service-oriented fields like those supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Najoli emphasizes that cultural humility shifts the expert into a learner role, fostering deeper, mutually beneficial partnerships. The conversation touches on the challenges of traditional human services, where prevailing practices might inadvertently overlook critical aspects of individual identity — a gap cultural humility seeks to bridge. The episode elaborates on the dynamics of cultural competence, proficiency, and humility through a vivid analogy of a house with a hole in the roof, highlighting that knowing what, why, and how to fix it contrasts with having the desire to actually do it. Liuzzo and Najoli further explore how person-centered work is enriched by joy, challenging conventional practices that might focus more on control rather than holistic individual support. This dialogue encourages listeners to engage in self-reflective practices, challenge traditional paradigms, and foster environments infused with humility, understanding, and genuine care. Key Takeaways: Cultural Humility Defined: A commitment to lifelong learning, self-reflection, and addressing power imbalances in service relationships. Person-Centered Planning: More than methodologies and practices, it requires a sincere desire to foster understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Importance of Joy: Recognizing and integrating elements that bring joy in individuals' lives can transform person-centered work. Nuclear Soft Skill: Cultural humility is described as a nuclear soft skill, emphasizing its capacity to fundamentally improve interactions and service delivery. Cultural Artifacts: Identifying cultural artifacts that are significant to individuals can lead to more inclusive and rich person-centered practices. Notable Quotes: "Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to things like self-evaluation and personal critique." "We are practicing cultural humility when we turn the expert into a learner." "If they miss out on what brings the person joy, then they miss out on joy." "Cultural humility is not a tool; it's a way of being." "We are willing to check ourselves or to self critique when it comes to how we interact with the person." Resources: Najoli Learning Group Starfire, Cincinnati Keystone Institute The conversation with Danyetta Najoli reveals vital insights into cultural humility's role in enhancing person-centered services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    BJ Stasio: Breaking Free From Boxes

    BJ Stasio is a prominent figure in the field of developmental disabilities. He has served as the president of the New York State Self Advocacy Association. Currently, he is a peer specialist at the New York State Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Known for his advocacy, training roles, and support for voting rights, BJ contributes significantly to nurturing a person-centered culture within organizations. As someone who receives support himself, he offers a unique perspective on systems concerning person-centeredness. BJ is also a writer and speaker, maintaining an active presence through his website, bjstasio.com. Episode Summary: In this episode of the person-centered podcast series BJ and host Chris Liuzzo focus on understanding the genuine essence of person-centered planning.  BJ sheds light on the constraints that current systems impose, particularly through things like dropdown boxes in life plans, which he argues limit exploratory choices and person-centered approaches. BJ emphasizes the importance of going beyond these limitations to truly embrace person-centeredness, which involves understanding and supporting the individual beyond system-defined boxes. The podcast also touches upon the importance of having a supportive circle of trust and the risks of reverting to outdated, segregate practices if current systems do not evolve. Key Takeaways: Person-centered work should extend beyond system-driven constraints like dropdown boxes, advocating for individualized and expansive planning. BJ Stasio highlights the danger of tokenism and how genuine person-centeredness involves exploring what is possible outside predefined boxes. Circles of support—which BJ prefers to call circles of trust—play a crucial role in challenging individuals to grow by offering genuine feedback and support. The risk of system regression to segregationist practices is real, highlighting the importance of advocacy and storytelling to promote systemic change. BJ encapsulates self-reflection and progress with the mantra "I am enough," emphasizing his commitment to moving advocacy forward. Notable Quotes: "My life doesn't fit in a drop down box, nor do I being so large and I don't fit in the dropdown box." "Person centered work is about exploring what more is possible." "Why does the system even talk about dignity of risk when they don't allow you to experience it?" "Systems are built to say no first and not think about the possibilities of saying yes, because no is safe." "Build your circle of trust and don't believe in you." Resources: BJ Stasio's Website: bjstasio.com Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode to gain deeper insights into developing truly person-centered systems and to stay updated with more episodes from this enlightening podcast series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Mike Green: Exploring Asset-Based Community Development

    Mike Green specializes in community development, embodying decades of experience. Currently based in Denver, Mike’s professional journey began in small business, where he managed three operations before shifting to social work. Influenced by his daughter Annie's experiences, he developed a passion for fostering inclusive communities. He collaborated with the notable John McKnight on asset-based community development models, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships. Mike, now 78, shares his expertise globally, promoting the integration of service and community life. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode sponsored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, podcast host Chris Liuzzo engages with community development expert Mike Green. The discussion, rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights, delves into the heart of person-centered planning and community integration. Through his journey from small business owner to social work and community advocacy, Mike shares how personal experiences, particularly with his daughter Annie, shaped his approach to community building. Mike Green explores the concept of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), illustrating how genuine community connections can bring about meaningful change. He emphasizes that true power lies in relationships, not in meticulously crafted plans, and shares key strategies for building inclusive communities that welcome diverse contributions. Through poignant stories and thought-provoking observations, the episode underscores how person-centered work is mirrored in successful community integration, pivotal for fostering greater inclusivity. Mike closes with practical advice for families seeking to navigate and improve community interactions. Key Takeaways: Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) focuses on leveraging existing community assets to foster stronger connections and achieve positive change.Person-centered work mirrors successful community development techniques, emphasizing co-creation and discovery of individual and communal assets.Establishing a two-way support bridge between human services and community integration is essential for effective inclusion.Community members, often unfamiliar with the support needs of individuals with disabilities, must be guided on how to accommodate and welcome diverse abilities.Engaging everyday community networks is crucial for fostering inclusive environments where everyone’s contributions are valued.Notable Quotes: "Power is in relationships, not in plans." - Mike Green"The problem is that people don't know they need Annie, her contribution, her gifts, her presence in their life." - Mike Green"We need love and power and that power without love is abusive, love without power is anemic." - Mike Green"Every human being’s lived experience is that power is in relationships." - Mike Green"It’s about discovery, not about manufacture." - Mike GreenResources: New York Alliance for Inclusion and InnovationAsset-Based Community Development InstituteJohn McKnight - Co-founder of the ABCD InstituteTo dive deeper into how person-centered work can truly transform communities and individual lives, listen to this engaging episode. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on person-centeredness from our podcast series! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Carol Blessing: Core Principles of Person-Centered Work

    Carol Blessing is an expert person-centered planning and citizen-centered leadership. Until recently, she was a long-time employee at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability at Cornell University. While there, she developed and implemented the Citizen Centered Leadership Development Course, and she has been a fervent advocate for social justice, equity, and inclusivity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for nearly 40 years. Carol is recognized for her impactful teaching and dedication to preserving the integrity and intention of person-centered planning. Episode Summary: Join host Chris Liuzzo as he delves into the heart of person-centered planning with Carol Blessing on the latest episode of this enlightening podcast series. Sponsored by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, this episode sheds light on the core principles of person-centered work and the broader concept of citizenship as a universally inclusive idea. In this episode, Carol shares her insights from decades of experience in the field, discussing how person-centered planning has evolved over time. She emphasizes the original intent behind these methodologies, which focus on integrating individuals with disabilities into communities as citizens with equal access to opportunities. Carol also shares her thoughts on how person-centered work was co-opted over time, becoming more about checking boxes than truly celebrating shared humanity and social justice. Highlighting voices like Beth Mount and John O'Brien, Carol focuses on reclaiming person-centered planning's roots in social justice and inclusivity. Key Takeaways: Person-Centered vs. Citizen-Centered: Carol Blessing built upon person-centered planning by focusing on the broader concept of citizenship, aiming to cultivate a sense of shared humanity and inclusion.Core Ideals of Person-Centered Work: All people are born with inherent gifts and should have equal access to opportunities, emphasizing a shared responsibility toward community contribution.Challenges in Current Practices: The integration of person-centered planning into mandates risks losing its foundational purpose, becoming more of a task rather than an empowerment tool.Restoring the Ideal of Community: Person-centered planning should evolve to help community members feel comfortable supporting diversity and inclusion, breaking down barriers of unfamiliarity and fear.Role of Language: The importance of language in conveying the true essence of citizenship and how it affects perceptions of identity and belonging.Notable Quotes: "The idea of person-centered planning started to devolve…it started to become a thing we do for those people." – Carol Blessing"How do we cultivate that sense of shared humanity?" – Carol Blessing"All people are born with gifts, capacity, interests, and a higher purpose in life." – Carol Blessing"We do what's good for the whole because it makes sense.” – Carol Blessing"Communities are missing something when people with disabilities are not there." – Beth Mount as referenced by Carol BlessingResources: Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability: Explore their resources and work on disability employment (no specific URL mentioned in the transcript).New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation: Further information about their initiatives and sponsorship.Stay tuned for more insightful episodes as the series continues to explore and deepen the conversation around person-centered planning and inclusivity. Don't miss out on the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of these vital concepts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Beth Gallagher: Organizational Culture, the Community and Person-Centered Work

    Beth Gallagher is the CEO and founder of LifeWorks, a person-centered services organization based in San Diego, California. Since its inception, LifeWorks has been focused on providing person-centered support, particularly through supported living services. Gallagher is a prominent figure in advocating for person-centered planning and has co-authored a book titled "Intentional Teaming: Shifting Organizational Culture." Her work extends beyond traditional planning methods, emphasizing the cultivation of a culture that enriches both clients and staff through understanding individual gifts and fostering potential. Episode Summary: This episode features Beth Gallagher, CEO of LifeWorks,who provides an enlightening discussion on what person-centered planning truly involves. LifeWorks, a distinguished organization in San Diego, focuses on empowering individuals with supported living services, operating on the belief that person-centered approaches go beyond traditional planning events. This philosophy not only enhances the lives of those they support but also enriches everyone involved in the organization's reach, including the communities in which LifeWorks operates. Gallagher explains the core principles of LifeWorks, emphasizing that person-centered planning should be a cultural ethos rather than a one-off event. This approach involves fostering a culture of respect, contribution, and maximizing the potential within every interaction LifeWorks engages in—whether with the supported individuals, their families or the employees who serve them. Gallagher elaborates on the story of Joaquin, a former state institution resident now thriving in the community due to LifeWorks' dedicated support. By sharing his remarkable transformation, Gallagher highlights the necessary commitment and the relational foundations required to support individuals authentically. This episode offers a profound insight into the realities of compassionate care and the transformative power of love and community in developmental support services. Key Takeaways: Person-Centered Planning: It's not just an event but a way of life. Person-centered planning should embody a culture of ongoing support and personalized engagement.Intentional Teaming: LifeWorks employs a unique management style termed "Intentional Teaming," which emphasizes a supportive and adaptable work environment.Notable Quotes: "Person centered planning is really a culture. It's a way of providing opportunities for people to live their best life.""If you don't ask, the answer is always no.""He goes to a classroom at SDSU… and he's not killing people and he's not dangerous. He just needs activity… and to be loved.""It's got to be 100%, 100%. So Joaquin's trying hard, we're trying hard… to meet in the middle.""It's mean… I can't imagine doing this work without having a relationship with the person that I support."Resources: LifeWorks: LifeWorks, Inc. Website (URL not explicitly mentioned in transcript)Intentional Teaming Book by Beth Gallagher (no URL provided)San Diego State University: Featured due to Joaquin's involvement in community classes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Hope Dittmeier: Organizational Leadership and Person-Centered Planning

    Hope Leet Dittmeier is the executive director of Mattingly Edge, a nonprofit organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, that is committed to providing person-centered supports. With a focus on social justice, Hope has dedicated her career to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her leadership at Mattingly Edge emphasizes tailored, individualized services that are rooted in values of authentic person-centered planning. Hope's work is recognized for its clarity of purpose and commitment to inclusivity. In this episode, Chris Liuzzo talks with Hope Liet Dittmeyer about the true meaning of person-centered planning and how it is implemented at Mattingly Edge, a leading organization in Louisville, Kentucky. Hope shares insights into the challenges of working within a system that often inhibits person-centered work, and how Mattingly Edge remains dedicated to upholding its values despite these obstacles. The conversation delves into the importance of grounding person-centered planning in social justice, emphasizing that holistic support and individualized planning go beyond clinical techniques. Hope explains how Mattingly Edge recruits justice-minded individuals who are passionate about making meaningful changes in the lives of people with disabilities. She addresses the concept of "congregation" and the importance of resisting conventional methods that group people based on disability, fostering instead environments that enhance inclusion and community integration. Hope also highlights the significance of continuous, relationship-driven person-centered planning that evolves over time. She shares how Mattingly Edge employs innovative goal-setting strategies to explore valued opportunities for the individuals they support. Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on collaboration, trust-building, and perseverance in creating new pathways for community involvement and personal fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Person-centered planning should be grounded in social justice and aim to include individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.Mattingly Edge prioritizes finding justice-minded employees to ensure clarity and commitment to person-centered values.Congregation, or grouping by disability, is avoided in favor of personalized support that fosters true community participation.Effective person-centered planning is an ongoing process requiring strong relationships and collaborative exploration of new opportunities.Courage and partnership are essential elements in achieving successful person-centered outcomes, enabling individuals to exceed previously set limitations.Resources: Mattingly Edge: Mattingly Edge WebsiteNew York Alliance for Inclusion and InnovationNew York State Council on Developmental DisabilitiesUS Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
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About

This podcast series delves into the journey of securing long-term, independent housing solutions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through a mix of expert insights and personal interviews, each episode explores the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating the housing process. Listeners will discover various housing models, funding options, and the crucial role of a person’s circle of support in creating sustainable homes.  Brought to you by NYHRC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Monica Robinson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Monica Robinson
  • Show Website
    NYHRC: A Housing Journey