In life, we don’t always get to choose where our story begins, but with the right support, we can choose where it goes. This is certainly true in the story of Matthew Berman.

Matthew was originally born in Soviet Russia and was placed for adoption at birth. At just five to eight months old, he was adopted and brought to the United States, where he grew up in the Rockville/Gaithersburg area. Like any adult, Matthew dreamed of more than living in his parents’ home. He wanted a self-determined life, but with autism and ADHD, there were real questions about what that could look like and whether it would be financially possible.

With just the right amount of support and direction, Matthew was able to move into his own apartment and begin building a life of his choosing. As Matthew puts it, “MyPad was the answer.” MyPad is a Makom program that connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to affordable, accessible housing. 

Through guidance from a direct support professional (DSP), he learned everyday skills, including how to cook, do laundry, stay organized, and manage responsibilities. These skills empowered him to live confidently. The support he received helped him discover he could do these everyday things himself, without his DSP. 

The belief that people are capable when given the chance has deep roots for Matthew. His cousin Irving is a Holocaust survivor who endured four concentration camps, a death march, and a bombing. Today, he wears a ring as a reminder that being treated as “less than” does not make it true, and that other people’s opinions do not define your worth. That message has stayed with Matthew throughout his life and shapes how he views identity, dignity, and self-determination.

Recently, Matthew stepped into a new role, becoming a Makom DSP. For him, this transition is more than a career move; it is a full-circle moment. When asked what he hopes to bring to this new chapter, Matthew shares that he doesn’t know if he will ever be rich, and that money has never been his motivation. What matters to him is a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to give back in the same way hope and guidance were once given to him.

Matthew wants to know, at the end of each day, that he has done good in this world. He hopes to show others with disabilities that self-determination doesn’t require doing everything alone. It starts with believing in yourself and having someone walk beside you.

Matthew has never let labels define who he is. Instead, with just the right support and guidance, he is living a self-determined life. Now, he’s helping others do the same.