DRAFT
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 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. Which is designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autismlive a self-directed life 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 to thewaiver 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
Smart911 is a unique and free community resource that can provide natural support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families.
Smart911 allows citizens to provide additional details 9-1-1 call takers may need during an emergency to assist them. The information provided toSmart911 can be registered to an address and/phone number and will be available to first responders to utilize during an emergency. What kind of
information would be beneficial for Smart911? Information such as, limited mobility, best way to communicate with this individual, ways to de-escalate a situation etc. This helps first responders be as informed as possible when approaching someone during an emergency. The features to Smart911 do 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. Each episode touches on a different topic of April’s journey of navigating life as an adult with ASD. Along with the episodes, self-advocate and professionals joins the podcast to share stories and the lates 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 Meeting 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.