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:

1. “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
2. “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
3. “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
4. “Bill O’Brien said the success of an intervention depends upon the interior condition of the intervener.” – Chris Liuzzo
5. “Person-centered planning is not an event, it’s a way of being.” – Chris Liuzzo

Resources:

• New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation: Website
• New 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.

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