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 Website
• New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation
• New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities
• US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living

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