Gathering Agenda

Meredith is a social worker who initially focused on domestic violence and sexual assault. Given her own disabilities, she has gone on to become a passionate advocate for the disability community. She is Program Coordinator at Advocating Change Together (ACT) and manages Little.NotLess, a nonprofit organization that she founded. She educates and trains individuals with disabilities on self-advocacy, leadership, and the importance of inclusion. She aims to create an accessible community where everyone can work, play, and learn together without feeling "different." “Being person-centered should be common sense. We should all focus on the person first and following their lead toward what they want or need. No one else would know better anyways!” she says.

Lori has supported individuals and families for 40 years. She began in occupational therapy and then specialized in home and community-based services. Lori co-founded a provider agency and led it for 15 years. She received international training in nine planning methods, becoming a Person-centered Thinking Training, Charting the LifeCourse Coach/National Consultant, and a Trauma-informed Supports Trainer. Personal and professional life intersected when her great nephew was diagnosed with multiple disabilities 17 years ago.