In-Person Workshops on Conversations and Tools to Build a Person-Centered Life
In June, the CLEP team partnered with the NJ Division of Development Disabilities (NJDDD) to pilot a new, in-person workshop called Using Conversations and Tools to Build a Person-Centered Life. This workshop was created for self-advocates, families/caregivers, support coordinators, and provider agencies who support individuals moving out of a family home, a nursing facility or other congregate setting and into a home or apartment in the community.
This interactive workshop was developed to help people recognize the importance of person-centered thinking and planning – especially as individuals are embarking on such an important time of transition.
One overarching theme woven throughout the day was learning to ‘dig deeper’ during our conversations, to allow the opportunity to learn more about what is truly important to, and important for, the person who is exploring community living options.
Three Tools in Action
The day focused on three different person-centered planning tools: the One-Page Profile, the Integrated Star, and The Life Trajectory. Each tool was highlighted to demonstrate how they may be used to ask questions, listen deeply, and better understand what is important to and for the person. Through interactive activities, attendees were able to experience why it is so important to have a voice, and a choice, in the activities that make up your day.
One participant noted “the presentation of the tools with real examples of how they are used with real people, and real families, was very impactful.”
Real People, Real Person-Centered Lives
Participants also heard first-hand from Self-Advocate Carmelys Vincent, and Isabella Nyabeta, the owner of MomCares, where Carmelys lives with three other housemates. Together, they answered several questions about how person-centered thinking and planning led to Carmelys moving out of a long-term care facility and into a home where she could have a garden, eat the healthy vegetarian diet she craved, and even continue her education. Isabella also answered questions about the ways MomCares works to meet the needs and support the interests of each member of the household, even when those interests may be different.
After the workshop, one attendee in the audience shared “I was really pleased with the open and honest dialogue by the presenters and attendees.”
Mark your Calendar!
Because these two sessions were so well-received by attendees, CLEP and DDD will provide four more workshops around the state, two in the fall of 2026 and two in the spring of 2027. The fall dates are Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in Paramus (Bergen County) and Thursday, October 29, 2026 in Hamilton (Mercer County). Registration will be open very soon!
