Introduction to Charting the Life Course Framework, Tools, and Resources

The “Good Life Vision”

The Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework was created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.

The “Good Life Vision”

Life is a journey where each stage of life impacts the other and different life experiences bring us closer or further away from our “good life.” In the LifeCourse framework, we will use the term “life trajectory” to describe the path the journey takes. It helps us to think about what has helped or hindered us in the past and what might work or may get in our way moving forward. The higher our expectations, the more opportunities and experiences we will have, and the closer we will get to achieving our goals and dreams. Every life stage is connected, and what happens in each, affects all the stages to come. The life experiences in each stage build upon one another and prepare a person for the future life stages.

Purpose: Enhance and expand planning for students with disabilities from age 14-21

For:     Parents of children with disabilities ages 14-21

Outcomes:  As a result of the training . . .

(1)   Parents/caregivers are familiar with CtLC tools and resources

(2)   Parents/caregivers are using “the good life” vision to support their loved one

(3)   IEPs are better informed with goals to support the child’s envisioned “good life”

(4)   Services and resources necessary for life after high school are identified

(5)   Ultimately, the DDA Person-Centered Plan for services is easier to write, and families report the transition process is less stressful

Presented by Beth Benevides, Hussman Institute for Autism, Charting the Life Course Ambassador

Sponsored by the Autism Society of Maryland