At Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center, we are proud to integrate Charting the LifeCourse tools into our work to foster meaningful and impactful planning conversations. These tools serve as a foundation for helping families and individuals with disabilities navigate critical areas such as education, transition, and community living. By focusing on person-centered planning, we empower families to envision and achieve outcomes that align with their unique hopes, dreams, and goals. Join us in this collaborative journey as we provide high-quality, practical resources to guide discussions, encourage informed decision-making, and support the realization of a fulfilling life for every individual we serve
Charting the LifeCourse: A Guide for Supporting Students, Parents, Self-Advocates, and Educators in Illinois
Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) is a framework designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families develop a vision for a good life while planning and navigating services and supports. Developed by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development, CtLC provides tools and strategies to help people make informed choices about their future, focusing on self-determination, inclusion, and meaningful life experiences.
Key Principles of Charting the LifeCourse
- Focus on the Whole Life – Planning starts early and considers all life stages, from childhood to adulthood.
- Person- and Family-Centered Approach – Every individual and their family have unique strengths, needs, and goals that shape their journey.
- Trajectories and Life Domains – People should think about their goals for independent living, employment, relationships, and community engagement.
- Integrated Supports – Success comes from combining personal strengths, family support, community resources, and formal services.
- Self-Advocacy and Empowerment – Individuals with disabilities should be encouraged to take an active role in decision-making about their lives.
How Family Matters PTIC Utilizes CtLC to Support Illinois Students, Families, and Educators
Family Matters PTIC (Parent Training and Information Center) empowers students, parents, self-advocates, and educators by integrating the CtLC framework into its training, advocacy, and resources.
For Students and Self-Advocates
- Provides training on self-advocacy and goal-setting for a meaningful adult life.
- Helps students understand their transition plans, strengths, and supports needed for success.
- Offers resources on employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
For Parents and Caregivers
- Guides families in using the CtLC trajectory tool to envision their child’s future and identify supports.
- Offers workshops on navigating IEPs, transition planning, and self-determination.
- Connects families to state and community resources for long-term planning.
For Educators and Professionals
- Provides professional development on incorporating CtLC principles into transition planning and special education.
- Supports teachers in using CtLC tools to help students develop self-determined goals.
- Encourages collaboration between schools, families, and community partners to enhance inclusive practices.
