Description

Carol Blessing is an expert in person-centered planning and inclusion. Recently retired as a Senior Extension Associate at Cornell University, heshas made significant contributions to person-centered work, notably as the author and director of Cornell's Citizen Centered Leadership course. She has collaborated with prominent figures such as John O'Brien and Beth Mount, contributing to works like "Conversations on Citizenship and Person Centered Work." Carol also co-created the person-centered planning method known as "Frameworks for Planning" with Connie Farrell. Her insights into developing community through the 5A's commitments are influential in the field of developmental disabilities.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of our podcast series on person-centered planning, host Chris Liuzzo invites Carol Blessing, an influential voice in the world of inclusion and developmental disabilities, to discuss the intricacies of person-centered planning. This engaging conversation explores the practical applications of developing community through Carol's 5A's commitments model. Listen as Carol shares her journey and elaborates on the motivation behind her influential work. 

Carol Blessing delves deep into the concept of the 5A's commitments—Anchors, Allies, Assistance, Associations, and Agendas—that are vital to building community and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. Coupled with the influence of John and Connie Lyle- O'Brien's work, Carol discusses the significance of moving individuals from a consumer to a contributor role within society. The episode highlights her unique perspective on how person-centered planning can create inclusive communities that recognize and value every individual's gifts and contributions.

Key Takeaways:

• 5A's Model: The 5A's—Anchors, Allies, Assistance, Associations, and Agendas—are fundamental roles in building supportive communities for people with disabilities.
• Empowerment through Contribution: Moving individuals from consumers to contributors can enhance community life and foster inclusivity.
• Person-Centered Planning Principles: Key ideals include discovering personal gifts, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and recognizing the responsibility of giving back to the community.
• Action-Oriented Plans: Successful person-centered planning requires actionable steps and accountability to avoid plans being forgotten.
• Community Involvement Importance: Increasing community involvement through intentional planning supports societal change and structural improvements.

Notable Quotes:

1. 1."Community building is an intentional move into a new space."
2. 2."Most people won't say no when you ask them to do what they know how to do."
3. 3."Citizenship is at the heart of person-centered work and it is why we do person-centered work."
4. 4."Choose to dwell in possibility. We can't predict what will happen, but we make space for it, whatever it is."
5. 5."Remember the wisdom of John and Connie's book, we are members of each other and together we can make a world of difference."

Resources:

• Unfolding Capacity - Book discussing community-building with people with developmental disabilities.
• Conversations on Citizenship and Person Centered Work - Collaborative work with John O'Brien.
• The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation
• John and Connie O'Brien's chapter: "Members of each Other"

Listeners are encouraged to immerse themselves in the full podcast episode to gain further insights and are invited to tune in regularly for more enlightening discussions in this series.

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