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Youth in Transition Toolkit:

Youth in Transition Toolkit

3

Educate families

Charting the LifeCourse

Charting the LifeCourse provides a valuable framework families can use for person-centered planning.

In Minnesota, the Charting the LifeCourse framework is being actively embedded across systems to improve the experiences of people with disabilities and their families. Charting the LifeCourse reinforces inclusive life planning and establishes a common language and approach that's applicable at any stage of life. It's helpful for families to understand the philosophy behind the framework and how Charting the LifeCourse tools can be used to support transition planning.

To learn more about specific Charting the LifeCourse tools, see Envisioning a best life in this toolkit.

LEARN: Develop your knowledge

Learn about Charting the LifeCourse so you can explain it to families.

Charting the LifeCourse is a framework and system of tools to help people with disabilities and families articulate what they want and need. It was designed by families for families. Charting the LifeCourse frames life in six life stages that intersect with six life domains.

Charting the LifeCourse Framework - The Foundation For a Good Life

What are life stages?
Life stages are the ages and stages we go through as we learn and grow, from infancy to adulthood. The life experiences in each stage build upon one another and prepare a person for future life stages. See details of each life stage in the Charting the LifeCourse for families section.

What are life domains?
Life domains are the different aspects and experiences of life that we consider as we age and grow. We lead whole lives made up of specific, connected and integrated life domains that are important to a good quality of life. The life domains help us think about the current realities in our lives as well as the life experiences we'd like to have, which together lead us to the good life that we want. See details of each life domain in the Charting the LifeCourse for families section.

Also check out the Charting the LifeCourse website.

DO: Work with families

Share information and resources to help families get familiar with Charting the LifeCourse.

Give families a tour of the Charting the LifeCourse for families section.

Start by educating them on the framework. Share the introductory video on this page, and explain how you'll apply the framework and tools throughout the process. 

Then, review the life domains. Understanding the life domains can help families think about the current realities in their youth's life, as well as the experiences they'd like their youth to have.

A screenshot of the Disability Hub MN's website, Charting the LifeCourse for Families landing page.
Charting the LifeCourse for families

The Charting the LifeCourse for families guidebook (PDF) introduces families to Charting the LifeCourse materials. The guidebook includes examples to spark ideas and conversation.

Cover of the Hub's Charting the LifeCourse for Families guidebook. Featuring a photo of a mother with her arms wrapped around her elementary school-aged son.
Charting the LifeCourse for families guidebook (PDF)

Share Charting the LifeCourse's transition to adulthood (PDF) guide to help families brainstorm questions to ask, options to consider and things to discuss as they help their youth move toward a vision for a good life. You may find it helpful to share the other life stage guides with families as well.

Ctlc Nexus Focus On Transition To Adulthood Quickguide
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