Re-connect with us in Kansas City

Join us for the 6th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase in Kansas City, MO, April 13-14, 2022.

Re-new and re-focus your commitment to the LifeCourse core belief that all people have the right to live, love, work and play in the community.

This annual event brings together advocates, family leaders, professionals and other stakeholders who have joined us on the journey of learning, sharing and networking around the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools.

In order to accommodate our colleagues, the Showcase will offer two ways to participate – an in-person conference and a virtual track. The in-person conference will be held at the Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center and a virtual track will be for those who would like to participate in a limited selection of interactive virtual sessions.

Re-connect with presenters, industry influencers, attendees, and sponsors and discover promising practices that support the achievement of a person-centered good life for individuals and their families.

The CtLC Showcase is the annual event hosted by the LifeCourse Nexus – a national training and technical assistance center – which is housed at the UMKC Institute for Human Development.

Showcase At-A-Glance

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Registration
8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Breakfast
9:10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Welcome & Plenary Panel: Charting Our OWN LifeCourse
Century Ballroom and Simulcast, Sponsored by Healthy Blue
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.Break
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Breakouts by Innovation Area
Self-Advocacy and Family Leadership
Aligning Plans & Practices with Philosophies & Purpose
Room: Pershing North

Deeply exploring the CtLC principles as an organization can provide an opportunity to identify what is most important, and to commit (or re-commit) to your “why.” Join this session to hear how the staff and board members of joint advocacy organizations in Indiana (Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana) have used the CtLC principles to help guide their future direction and organizational culture. Learn about specific implementation in human resource practices, strategic planning processes, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Presented by: Andy Kirby, Arc of Indiana
Quality Supports and Service Providers
Beyond Compliance: Using CtLC to Enhance Quality
Room: Pershing South

Direct service providers have a unique and important role in the lives of people and families, underscoring the importance of providing supports and services that do more than meet the regulatory requirements. CtLC is an opportunity to impact day to day practices that have a direct impact on the lives of the person supported and the staff working with them. Join this session to hear from a panel of providers about how they have practically and concretely used the CtLC framework and tools in their organizations to go beyond compliance to support quality of life.

Facilitated by: Shae Dotson
Panelists:
Jack Butler, Achieva
Pam Schaefer and Karen Feeney, KenCrest
Janet Delehanty, Liberty Corporation of Indianael
Employment and Meaningful Day
Engaging People and Families in Competitive Employment
Room: Pershing East

Utilizing person-centered and family-focused principles is critical in supporting individuals to find meaningful and lasting employment. This session will highlight the key elements of customized employment, including how to engage people and families in leading the discovery, exploration, and job-seeking processes. Hear about how a program is Canada is implementing use of LifeCourse online to empower youth with disabilities, providing support, specialized training, and enhancing pathways for meaningful, stable employment opportunities.

Presented by: Sean Roy, TransCen • Sal Morello, Sonderbloom
Front Door/No Wrong Door
Using CtLC at the “Front Door” to Integrate Supports
Room: Pershing West

CtLC can be used to enhance conversations, problem-solving, and brainstorming at every “touchpoint” or interaction with both formal and informal supports and services. These conversations can lead to more integrated supports and services, which is especially important if someone is waiting for formal services. Like many other states across our nation, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has been working to eliminate a waiting list for applicants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) seeking Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS). Join this session to hear how CtLC is being used to identify programmatic and person-centered needs and to assist families in accessing and navigating community resources, while on a waiting list for waiver services.

Presented by:
Sheli Reynolds, LifeCourse Nexus
Amanda Cothern, Liberty Corporation of OK
Beth Scrutchins, MSW; OK Developmental Disabilities Services Division
Education
Cross-System Collaboration to Supports Students Across the Lifespan
Room: Shawnee Mission

The skills students learn in school have a life-long impact. In St. Louis, MO, a crosssystem collaboration has formed with stakeholders representing school districts, universities, and direct service providers working together to support good lives for people with disabilities. Join this session to hear more. Learn how the consortium was formed and how they have adopted the common language and tools of the framework, are integrating it within their own organizations, and are working collectively to support people and families in school, post-secondary education, and adult services.

Presented by:
Jonathan Lidgus, UMSL Succeed
April Regester, UMSL Succeed
Kateland Davis, UMSL Succeed
Sharon Spurlock, St. Louis Arc/CtLC Coach
Karen Cooper, F.A.C.T.
Jeff Schneider, Special School District of St. Louis County
Person-Centered Planning
Charting My LifeCourse: Self-Determination and Advocacy
Room: Liberty

CtLC was created by and with people with lived experience and their families to identify and share what they want, and to brainstorm and access the supports and resources needed to achieve their vision. Join this session to learn how self-advocates are using the framework and tools to support self-determination and decision making in their own life, in peer support with other self-advocates, and to help in strengthening self-advocates networks.

Presented by:
David Forbes, People First of MO
Susan Parker, SARTAC Fellow
Amanda Koch
Kyla Mundwiller, UMKC Individual Advocacy
Virtual
Using CtLC to Support Family Caregivers
Room: Virtual with In-Person Watch Party Century Ballroom

Supporting the person in the context of their family and community is one of the key principles of the CtLC framework. Understanding the wants and needs of both the person and family, and designing supports and services that lead to a good life for all is critical. There are tools designed specifically for the family to support person-centered and family-focused planning and problem-solving. Learn about these tools and hear highlights from the ARCH National Respite grantees, who will share the ways they used and adapted CtLC to help individuals and their family caregivers plan for and use supports for the whole family.

Presented by:
Jane St. John, LifeCourse Nexus
Jill Kagan, Director, ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
Cheryl Dinnell, Executive Director, Nevada Lifespan Respite Care Coalition
Jamie Ahumada, No Wrong Door Coordinator, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services Division
Vonda Reeves, Training Specialist, Alabama Lifespan Respite
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Lunch | Century Ballroom
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Breakouts by Innovation Area
Self-Advocacy and Family Leadership
Self-Advocacy and Family Leadership
Strengthening Family Networks for Statewide Impact and System Change
Room: Pershing North

Ohio has embraced CtLC to enhance supports to families, both through systemic changes at the state agency and in grassroots community organizing. Join this session to explore how CtLC was applied in the development of a statewide family network and how that network was then leveraged to expand the footprint of the CtLC framework in local communities throughout the state of Ohio. Hear from the network partners – including the Family to Family and Parent to Parent agencies – to learn simple ways to integrate the Charting the LifeCourse principles and tools into an organization’s already established procedures, trainings, and day-to-day efforts.

Presented by:
Celia Schloemer, University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Marion Cosgrove-Rauch, Ohio Parent to Parent Coordinator, UCCEDD
Tracey Manz, Program Coordinator and Lead Parent Facilitator, Aspirations, Family Resource
Network of Ohio Program Coordinator, OSU Nisonger Center
Lynne Fogel, Central Ohio Family Information and Resource Specialist, Ohio F2F, UCCEDD
Corey Ferguson, OH Dept of Developmental Disabilities
Quality Supports & Services
Moving Beyond the Tools: Using CtLC to Change Organizational Culture
Room: Pershing South

Charting the LifeCourse is more than tools, it is a framework that can inspire and support culture change within an organization. Join this session to learn from two direct service providers who have integrated CtLC into their strategic planning process, aligned their organizational policies and practices, and ensured leadership of people with disabilities to become a person-driven organization. Each organization is at different places in their journey, and you’ll hear both how to get started and how to move to the next level in this inspiring discussion.

Presented by: Sharon Spurlock, St. Louis Arc • Mollie Mattingly, Easter Seals Midwests
Employment and Meaningful Day
Transitioning to the Good Life: Exploring and Planning for Employment
Room: Pershing East

For many people, work is a key part of their good life. Working can break the cycle of poverty, help people grow social networks, and improve mental health. However, getting and keeping a job can also be hard work. Join this hands-on session, and practice using a workbook that integrates CtLC to explore how employment is part of the transition to a good adult life, and what it takes to get there. Learn how you or your organization can support transitioning youth in exploring employment.

Presented by: Maya Cox, PCG
Front Door/No Wrong Door
Navigating Support Across Life Stages
Room: Pershing West

Each life stage has unique experiences and opportunities, with experiences that impact both the person and their family members. The role of family members will shift and change throughout the lifespan, including how they are involved in exploring decisions and providing support. Join this interactive session and learn how navigators at two agencies are using CtLC in supporting families to identify their preferences and possible supports. Discuss concrete stories and strategies for individual use and organization wide implementation.

Presented by: Tammy Costlow • Rachel Svejkosky & Karen Cooper, FACT of MO
Education
Charting a Course for Student Success: Integration of CtLC in all Educational Environments
Room: Shawnee Mission

All educational environments- from early childhood through job training – can use CtLC to create a student forward approach. Join this interactive, participatory session to learn how the framework and tools can be effectively applied – specifically in high school and higher education settings – to support all students toward their good life.

Presented by: Heather Troth, Missouri Valley College
Person-Centered Planning
Getting Started with LifeCourse: Guided Implementation
Room: Liberty

Excited about using Charting the LifeCourse for planning, problem-solving and decision making, but not sure how to get started? Or, have you been sharing CtLC for years but not hearing success stories of its use? Participate in this skill-building session, where Ambassadors from Ohio will describe and demonstrate their Guided Implementation Series. Learn (and experience) how they have moved from sharing CtLC with people with lived experience, families and professionals across several service systems, to impacting practice and day-to-day use.

Presented by: Barbara Sapharas & Tracey Manz, Family Resource Network of Ohio
Virtual
Integrating CtLC to Meet HCBS Requirements for Person-Centered Planning
Room: Virtual with In-Person Watch Party Century Ballroom

The HCBS Final Settings Rule elevated the importance of choice and control. In response, state agencies who provide Medicaid Waiver programs have been working to enhance their person-centered planning processes to ensure people and families are engaged in conversations about what is important to them. These conversations are captured in a robust planning document, and these plans are monitored to ensure services and supports are consistent with the goals and outcomes most meaningful to the person. Learn how different states integrated the CtLC framework as an approach that both meets the requirements of the rule, but also supports the needs of people and families. Hear from multiple states about a variety of approaches for implementing and integrating CtLC in policies, practices, procedures, and IT systems.

Facilitated by: Jenny Turner
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Break
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Charting the LifeCourse Innovation in Action
CtLC Innovation in Action: Self-Advocate and Family Networks
Room: Pershing North

Network with other advocates and family leaders who integrate CtLC into their self-advocacy or family organizations in this interactive breakout session focusing on how to use the CtLC framework and tools to support self-advocate and family leadership, and to build strong networks. Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
CtLC Innovation in Action: Quality Supports & Services
Room: Pershing South

Join with other direct support professionals, supervisors, administrators, managers, training and quality assurance staff, therapists and board members in this interactive breakout session focusing on how to use the CtLC framework and tools in providing person-centered and family-focused direct supports to people and families. Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
CtLC Innovation in Action: Employment and Meaningful Day
Room: Pershing East

Interact with secondary transition educators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, employment specialists and day habilitation staff in this interactive breakout session focusing on how to use the CtLC framework and tools for discovery, exploration, and planning to support employment and meaningful day outcomes. Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
CtLC Innovation in Action: Front Door/No Wrong Door
Room: Pershing West

Join other options counselors, intake specialists, navigators, information and referral staff in this interactive breakout session focusing on how to use the framework and tools at the “front door to support,” for providing information and referral, navigation, person-centered options counseling, and more. Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
CtLC Innovation in Action: Education
Room: Shawnee Mission

Join other teachers, transition specialists, administrators, job coaches and professors in this interactive breakout session focusing on how to use the CtLC framework and tools in school settings, including integrating into IEPs, developing curriculum, supporting transition, and planning for post-secondary education. Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
CtLC Innovation in Action: Person-Centered Planning
Room: Liberty

Support coordinators, case managers, their supervisors and others who facilitate person-centered planning are encouraged to attend this interactive session focusing on how to use the CtLC framework and tools in person-centered planning processes, policies, and documents. Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
CtLC Innovation in Action
Room: Virtual with In-Person Watch Party Century Ballroom

Facilitated by CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors, this session will be an opportunity for all attendees to share their innovative ideas for implementing CtLC and to ask questions and brainstorm together.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Reception and Awards Ceremony | Century Ballroom and Virtual Live Stream
Cash Bar and Appetizers, Sponsored by Therap

Thursday, April 14, 2022

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. One-Slide Challenge | Century Ballroom and Virtual Live Stream
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Break
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Breakouts by Development Area
System Wide Implementation
Partnering to Support Youth Transitioning from Foster Care
Room: Pershing North

Indiana has been on the journey of system transformation for several years, working to align the goals and timelines of multiple efforts to further the individual goals of each initiative and the collective goal of systems transformation. Join this session to learn how IN has used CtLC as the organizing framework for this transformation.

Presented by: Jenny Turner • Kimberly Case, Anthem • Rhonda Brown, Healthy Blue of Missouri
Foster Care
Partnering to Support Youth Transitioning from Foster Care
Room: Pershing East

The Transition from Foster Care Toolkit is a resource to equip youth with the knowledge and skills to plan for the present and prepare for the future. Learn about how Anthem and the LifeCourse Nexus partnered to ensure the voice of people with lived experience led the development of these resources, and explore promising practices for using the CtLC framework at this life stage.

Presented by: Cathy Robinson & Jessica Harlan-York, Indiana Division of Developmental and Rehabilitative Services
Assistive Tech
Integrating Supports for Good Lives: CtLC and Assistive Technology
Room: Pershing West

Too often people with disabilities are not given a full voice or a wide range of options as to how they can live their best lives. Using assistive technology (AT) to help meet a need or perform life activities may seem like a daunting task, but there are strategies to make it easier. Join this presentation to explore how CtLC can support exploring, accessing, and using AT to increase daily and long-term success in achieving the desired good life.

Presented by: Julie Reynolds, UMKC – Institute for Human Development • Scout Merry, MO Assistive Technology
Education
Empowering Students and Families for Success
Room: Shawnee Mission

Supporting all people to have good lives includes providing anticipatory guidance and support, especially in life transitions. Join this session to learn how the CtLC framework was used to support students, families and school teams develop individualized transition plans for middle and high school students in a highly diverse district. This interactive session will highlight a collaborative and consistent framework to increase parent and student involvement in IEP processes, and to connect staff to the resources for equipping and empowering families.

Presented by: Theresa Warren, Emily Johnson, Janet Maine
CtLC Framework and Tools
Creating Belonging for All: The Evolution of CtLC Framework and Tools
Room: Virtual with In-Person Watch Party in Liberty

Celebrate the work of people and families from many different backgrounds and experiences, who are adapting the CtLC framework and tools to be more inclusive and accessible to “the ALL.” Learn how Ambassadors and Champions are translating and interpreting the key principles and tools to share with others and how the LifeCourse Nexus is partnering with people from many backgrounds to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Presented by: Sheli Reynolds & Jane St. John, LifeCourse Nexus • Menorca Collazo • Ilea Ortiz & Kellia Torres • Warda Ahmed
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Closing Plenary and Raffle | Century Ballroom and Virtual Live Stream
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch and Next Step Gatherings
Grab n’ Go Lunch

All times Central Standard Time.

Showcase 2022 Sponsors

— Platinum Level —

— Silver Level —

— Bronze Level —

— Blue Level —