“One thing I got out of it was knowing who I am and learning a couple things about rights and the responsibility that comes with those rights,” said Devon Rivera, , reflecting on a Personal Outcome Measures (POMS) workshop at the 2026 Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Conference.
Devon, who serves as a member of the Citizens Board of Directors and Citizens Residential Council, was among 25 peer advocates from Citizens Options Unlimited and AHRC Nassau who traveled to Albany for the Oct. 15 conference, joining hundreds of self-advocates from across New York State to share experiences, strengthen advocacy, and build connections.
For many, the annual conference is an opportunity to travel, reconnect, and explore ways to have a greater voice in their lives and greater communities.
One highlight was the presentation, “Running Your Life Plan Meeting,” co-presented by Michelle Rudoff, a Quality Assurance Trainer and Camp Loyaltown camper; Matthew Hofele, POMs Interviewer, Office Clerk, and Residential Council President; Colleen Tapia, Quality Assurance Administrator, and Susan Gill-Orange, POM Interviewer/Trainer.
A seasoned presenter, Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge with fellow self-advocates and helping people recognize the important role they play in shaping their lives.
Michelle hopes attendees left the presentation understanding that “they have control of their own meetings, and they decide what they want.”
POMs is a person-centered discovery tool created by The Council on Quality Leadership (CQL) that uses interviews to help people better understand their goals and experiences. Life Plan meetings turn those priorities into meaningful goals and supports.
According to Colleen, the SANYS conference offers opportunities for advocates to deepen their understanding of POMS, self-expression, and decision making.
“They can use that and bring it to their Life Plan meeting to make sure they’re working on what matters to them, as well as decision-making support and guardianship,” Colleen said. “They can find out what’s available to them and whether they’re satisfied with that part of their life.”
Beyond the workshops, the conference also offered opportunities to connect, including a Halloween party where many people wore costumes and danced all night.
“SANYS gives attendees a real sense of freedom, and the networking is amazing,” said Colleen.
This year’s conference marked 40 years of SANYS, which was started by Bernard Carabello, a former resident of the Willowbrook State School. He worked with a group of self-advocates to make SANYS happen.
Today, conferences, trainings, rallies, and other events help raise awareness of civil rights, representation, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), presented a proclamation to SANYS from Governor Kathy Hochul to honor the milestone. She also gave carnations to all the DSPs who attended. Next summer’s event will bring another chance to plan presentations.
“We focus on how we want to contribute instead of just what we can receive,” Colleen said.