Project Description:
Overview:
The LifeCourse Nexus is the National Training and Technical Assistance Center connecting and equipping people and organizations to use the Charting the LifeCourse framework for exploration, planning, problem-solving, and decision making. CtLC is a framework and way of thinking, articulated through educational resources and interactive tools, that can been woven into existing practices to support people, families, and organizations.
This proposal provides an overview an initial phase to raise awareness and identify potential integration opportunities and strategies that are consistent with the Arc of Evansville's ongoing efforts to enhance the services they provide to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Phase 1: Awareness and Exploration
As an initial step, the LifeCourse Nexus recommends a Professional Development Day with Direct Support Professionals (and their supervisors, and other team members who will support the DSPs in their application/implementation) to learn about the Charting the LifeCourse framework, and how it can be used in their day to day work. This full day event will provide an interactive, hands on introduction to the Charting the LifeCourse principles and accompanying tools, and include an informal brainstorming/feedback session from attendees on what they are most excited to use in their work.
Following the Professional Development Day, the LifeCourse Nexus recommends a half-day strategic brainstorming session with leadership also engaged in the Person-Centered Organizations work (and in collaboration with the team facilitating that process) to identify how the Charting the LifeCourse framework can complement the existing practices and/or priorities identified, and be implemented in policy, practice, and culture in alignment with and support of the efforts underway to enhance services and supports. This Strategic Exploration Summit may help to identify specific training and technical assistance activities that may be beneficial in a second phase, based on the key priorities and identified path forward.
Strategy and Activities:
As a result of the Awareness and Exploration phase, the Arc of Evansville and the LifeCourse Nexus will collaboratively:
• Ensure a foundational understanding of the key principles of the CtLC and related tools and resources, and their applicability for the role of DSPs in supporting individuals in day services
• Consider opportunities to build upon and leverage how the framework can be utilized in policy, practice, and culture change
• Engage in strategic brainstorming and initial identification of organizational priorities and opportunities for integration
During this phase, the Arc of Evansville will receive:
• Up to 1.5 days (10 total hours) of in-person facilitation and consultation
