QUALITY:
A Changing Definition
by Irene Bollen
Liberty's
Director of Quality Enhancement
Val T. resides in a Liberty home with three other ladies. Val and her housemates have opportunities and choices that were not available to people with developmental disabilities 50 years ago.
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As Liberty continues to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, it is amazing to look back and see how our definition of quality has changed over the years. Our mission has always centered on quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families. The evolution of services and supports, the role of people with disabilities in their communities, and the awareness of diversity within community has changed significantly in 50 years.
In my personal life, I know my parents hoped that I would not have as many hardships and challenges in my life as they had experienced. Of course, I hope for the same thing for my children. This desire exists in the field of disabilities as well. Fifty years ago, parents worked hard to establish an organization that would provide opportunities for their children with disabilities. They provided support to each other and also found that much could be accomplished by advocating together. Dreams became reality and their sons and daughters began working in a center where they could be productive and have opportunities to make friends. Today, there are more than 200 people with disabilities who are contributing members of the Montgomery County workforce—working for, and being paid by, local companies.
In the mid ’70s, as New York State committed to closing developmental centers (institutions), residences were developed throughout Montgomery County which included homes for up to 12 people. Twenty years later, residential supports are developed according to individual needs and can range from a person living alone or with up to 4 roommates.
In addition to program changes, our approach to services is always changing. Today, we strive to be “person centered” which means that we want to find out how each person defines his or her own quality of life. We all have different definitions of a quality life based on our experiences and circumstances. Our goal is to align our services and all resources available in the community to help people attain that life.
The citizens of Montgomery County have been great partners in this quest. People with disabilities are contributing members of churches, social organizations, and cultural events. In addition to being employees, they are consumers of products and services, neighbors and volunteers. The relationships being made will extend throughout their lives.
The definition of quality will continue to change in all of our lives. Just imagine how different life will be in the next 50 years! |
