The Value of Together

Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) is a place which quietly provides mighty support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These services are life-giving and lifesaving for individuals, their families and our entire community. Recently, Behavioral Support Services (BSS) has launched to support individuals and their sphere of advocates. This person-centered program is crucial to empowering everyone to live their best life.

Paul Wellstone, former US senator from MN, famously said, “We all do better when we all do better.” This universal truth is the core of the Path Forward – Behavioral Support Mini Conference. Attendees will engage and encourage professionals, family members, educators and community members to build a brighter tomorrow.

My experience at the Path Forward – Behavioral Support Mini Conference in 2024 reminded me of the value of “Together”. Particularly poignant in the aftermath of a global pandemic, being together with a room full of like-minded folks was nurturing and affirming. Stories (including yours) matter. Three specific takeaways for me were:

  1. Re-connecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones reminds us that we are not alone, that we cannot do life alone and that these connections strengthen us.
  2. Listening to the experiences of others molds our resolve and aspiration to create space for collective and individual growth.
  3. Learning about where we are and where we are going, understanding data and research and finding out “who is doing what” stimulates us to action.

Better Together. Never more true than right now. Be a part of this movement. You won’t regret it.

About the Author

Linda Maytan DDS MPH is a special care dentist, and is the Dental Policy Director for Minnesota Health Care Programs (Medicaid) at the MN Department of Human Services. She currently serves on the LBSA Board of Directors.