Fearless self-advocate, leader and mentor, Michelle Rudoff, received the 2023  Best Practices in Person-Centered Support by True Link Financial this June.

The True Link Financial grant aims to support the work of field-builders actively engaged in advancing person-centered supports and services through their work. With her compassion, advocacy and many talents, Michelle has implemented positive change for people receiving disability services and inspired others to do the same.

Michelle was nominated by Colleen Tapia, Compass Quality Enhancement Administrator, and Karen Hirshfeld, Compass Director, for her years of service leading decision making and advising programs and services as a Quality Enhancement and QI Trainer for the agency. Since embarking on her role 11 years ago, Michelle has matured and grown in this position.

“When I started receiving services I didn’t speak up,” said Michelle. “I want to teach (people) while they are young. I want them to see that they can do it too.”

Michelle actively participates in many committees and councils, using her lived experience to guide agency decision making. She created the person-centered packet for agency life plan meetings which generally take place every three years for people supported. Life plan meetings are an important self-discovery tool, empowering people to take ownership of the direction they want their life to take. The packet developed by Michelle is essential in helping people discover their interests, set goals and achieve their life’s purpose.

Michelle has also led numerous trainings and meetings to drive the agency’s person-centered goals. She shared that one of the most impactful training initiatives she has led so far is the safe-driving initiative, teaching people about pedestrian safety and how to stay safe on the road. She’s also proud of her voter registration drive where she makes weekly visits to day services sites to educate and register potential voters.

Throughout the years, Michelle has become a leader. She meets with executive staff as well as prepares agendas and maintains minutes. She’s also an integral part of strategic planning, readily lending her voice and expertise. For example, when there was a proposal to upgrade the vending machines with more expensive options, she pointed out that it would negatively affect the people supported who visit and work there. She then coordinated with the Purchasing Department to keep the vending machine options more affordable.

Michelle plans to use the $2,500 award from True Link Financial to organize a training event for high school graduates who receive disability services. The training will focus on self-advocacy, what it means to speak up and empowering attendees to do so. It will connect them to available resources like the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS), an advocacy organization created and run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will also teach the importance of DEI initiatives and how to get involved.

Michelle enjoys being a mentor and is dedicated to improving the lives of others. She has witnessed first-hand the benefits of advocating for herself after successfully enrolling into the self-direction program and is committed to helping others experience the same independence.

“Michelle has learned and blossomed so much in her role,” said Colleen. “She is a go-to person who supports and assists others. She knows how to work with the human services system to find resolutions to problems that may be overlooked.”