Issue 4 | Fall 2024
9th Annual Charting the LifeCourse: April 29th to May 1st, 2025
The Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework is person-centered tools and principles designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental (I/DD) and autism so they can live an independent and self-directed life. Each year the University of Missouri Kansas City holds a Charting the LifeCourse Showcase. This is an event where a parent, sibling, case manager, supports broker etc. of an individual with I/DD and autism can attend the showcase and become an Ambassador of the LifeCourse. Attendees of the Showcase will learn how this person-centered approach helps individuals, families, programs, and systems to explore, plan, and problem solve for positive change.
Charting the LifeCourse is a great tool Supports Brokers can use when supporting an individual with I/DD to help them live a self-directed life. When incorporating Charting the LifeCourse when supporting someone, it allows everyone in the circle of support to understand the goals and potential capability of the individuals being supported.
More information on the 9th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase
Person/Family Directed Service (P/DS) Waiver Update
The Person/Family Directed Service (PF/DS) Waiver, designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism living will be getting a cap increase. Effective January 1, 2025, the PF/DS waiver will now have a cap at $47,000 per year. This increase will help individuals with I/DD and autism increase existing supports and allow access to additional supports to live a self-directed life.
More information on the Person/Family Directed Service (P/DS) Waiver increase
Smart911 Offers Informed Emergency Assistance
A unique and free community resource, Smart911 can provide natural support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism, and their families.
Smart 911 provides additional details to 9-1-1 call takers to assist them during an emergency. Beneficial information can include knowledge of a person's limited mobility, the best way to communicate with the individual, ways to de-escalate a situation, etc. The information provided to Smart 911 can be registered to an address and/or phone number and will be available to first responders so they can be better informed and respond more efficiently when approaching someone during an emergency. Smart911 features vary from county to county.
Podcast: Adulting with Autism
The Adulting with Autism is hosted by April Ratchford, MS OT/L, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an adult. A down-to earth and delightful host, April shares her experiences in her journey of navigating life as an adult with ASD. Each episode touches on a different topic. Self-advocates and professionals sometimes join the show to share their stories and the latest news in the autism world.
Adulting with Autism Podcast Series on Apple Podcasts
Upcoming Events
Supports Broker Networking Meetings
2024
- November 20 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
2025
- January 15 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- February 20 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Note – All SB Network Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.
Supports Broker Re-Certification
2024
- November 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2025
- January 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We want to hear from you!
If you have a suggestion for our newsletter, please email jamie.ray-leonetti@temple.edu.