For the third year in a row, Values attended the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Showcase in Kansas City. Values Into Action is an early adopter of the CtLC framework. In recent years, we have invested in bringing the framework to our organization. We do this because CtLC aligns with our values. We see the value in the framework as a way to accomplish truly person-centered services and supports.
As with previous years, we presented on our alignment with and use of CtLC. This year, we led a session called, “Self-Direction: An Organization’s Lessons Using CtLC as an Accelerator.” In it, representatives from various parts of our organization talked about how we embed the framework in our work with:
- people and families supported
- employees and teams
- projects and initiatives, such as the True Friendship project and our quality management plan.
The presenters included: Dorinda Young, Julie Corredato, Myra Brown, Pamela Zotynia, Robert Zotynia (virtual), and me (Rachel Milano-Davis). We were met with lots of interest and questions about how we help people to successfully direct their services.
We were super excited to talk about our collaboration with CtLC/Nexus on the development of an Implementation Job Aid. This guide offers practical tips for how and when to use the framework. The guide is so new that it is not yet on the CtLC website. It can be accessed here:
At the same time and in the room next door, our Executive Director, Marian Frattarola-Saulino, also presented. She collaborated with people with lived experience to share insights on the right to self-determination. Also, how CtLC can help to promote self-direction and advocacy. The next day, we joined our colleague from Temple for her poster presentation. Her presentation also focused on self-direction.
Attending the Showcase has become a highlight of my Spring. I enjoy the opportunity to connect with people from across the country who also use CtLC. It’s interesting to hear how the framework is used outside of the intellectual and development disability system. For example, this year, I learned from colleagues working in education, mental health, and vocational services.
Another highlight of the week was the Innovation Award given to Pamela Zotynia. This is why Pamela received the award:
Pam has been a dedicated advocate for the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework, both personally and professionally. As an early adopter, she completed the Ambassador program as a family member, which enabled her to utilize the framework for exploration, planning, and problem-solving with her adult son with disabilities. This personal experience has given her a deep understanding of the framework’s impact.
In her professional role, Pam leads the Participant Directed Services team, which encompasses Supports Brokering and Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining services. With her leadership, the team supports approximately 300 individuals across Pennsylvania. Pam ensures that the CtLC framework is consistently used to tailor supports to each person’s and family’s unique needs, enabling them to self-direct their services, and assess and achieve their housing goals.
Pam’s commitment to the CtLC framework has significantly enhanced the quality of support provided, helping individuals and families achieve their self-direction and housing goals. Her coaching has empowered people with disabilities, their families, and their supporters to confidently use the framework as a valuable resource. This has enabled them to achieve their current goals and plan for future life transitions.
Pam is also the Project Lead for the True Friendship Project, a grant initiative aimed at increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to have and sustain freely chosen relationships. The CtLC framework was incorporated into the project early on and has been used to explore individuals’ visions for friendship, as well as to plan and problem-solve ways to enhance these connections meaningfully. Now in the third year of the grant, there will be further engagement with providers to promote system change, ensuring adequate attention is given to supporting people in building friendships. With Pam’s leadership, CtLC is embedded in this important work.
Other attendees share their experience and takeaways from the Showcase:
Julie shared:
“Kansas City, MO was full of surprises, and the perfect setting for engaging with the Charting the LifeCourse Framework. In between the dynamic learning sessions, our team enjoyed exploring the revitalization of a city known for its jazz. We met people from across the country and discovered how CtLC tools are being used for positive change.
Presenting to a roomful of people was the highlight of the Showcase. Our topic was Self-Direction: An Organization’s Lessons in Using CtLC as an Accelerator. We shared stories of how self-advocates have used CtLC tools to enhance their lives. Storytelling resonates with many audiences and inspires people to listen. Our examples demonstrated that the tools are best used when we remain open-minded. Exploring, planning, and problem-solving can be simplified when we focus on using methods that are truly person-centered.”
Marian shared:
I enjoyed seeing colleagues from across the country and learning new ways of thinking about and approaching our work. In the context of such uncertainty in our system and in the world, it was good to spend time with other members of the Values Family. We had the chance to get to know one another better, appreciate what each of brings to the organization and get in some good trouble.
Myra shared:
Attending Charting the LifeCourse Showcase in Kansas City with the Values team was an incredible experience. I gained valuable insight into new technology and devices that could benefit both our team and the people we support. It was also meaningful to connect more deeply with my team and build relationships with others from across the country. Exploring the city and enjoying the local food was the perfect finishing touch.
We are already looking forward to next year’s Showcase. Between now and then, commit to advancing our collective learning and use with CtLC. Also, to continuing our collaboration with the CtLC/Nexus Team!