Massachusetts

Connecting families, professionals, and community partners through Charting the LifeCourse to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Supporting Families in Massachusetts

Since joining the Community of Practice for Supporting Families in 2019, Massachusetts has worked with state agencies, community partners, and families to introduce and expand the use of Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) principles and tools to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Through educational opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and shared resources, Massachusetts has helped families and professionals explore ways to apply the LifeCourse framework in everyday life, strengthen connections, and plan for the future.

What We Are Working On

Massachusetts supports statewide collaboration and learning through several ongoing efforts designed to strengthen family support and advance person- and family-centered practices.

  • Statewide Network for Supporting Families
    A statewide network convenes regularly to strengthen coordination and alignment among agencies, family organizations, and initiatives focused on system transformation.
  • LifeCourse in Action Webinars
    Regular webinars highlight practical ways individuals, families, and professionals are using the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools in their lives and work.
  • Person- and Family-Centered Practices
    A Community of Practice leadership team supports efforts to strengthen person- and family-centered practices within the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

Innovation/Focus Areas

Kansas brings together state agencies and community organizations to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through shared learning and collaboration.

  • Family Connections and Peer Support: Connecting families with others who share similar experiences through peer networks and family support programs.
  • Community-Based Supports: Expanding access to services that help individuals live independently in their homes and communities.
  • Family Education and Resources: Helping families access information, training, and guidance to navigate services and plan for the future.
  • Family Leadership: Creating opportunities for family leaders to connect, share experiences, and learn about innovations in family support.
  • Workforce and Caregiver Connections: Helping individuals and families find caregivers and the support they need.
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration: Bringing together state agencies and community partners to strengthen communication and coordinate family support efforts.

State Team Members

Ali Braun
Family Systems Consultant
Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Allyson Infante
Deputy Director; Director of the KCDD Health Equity Outcomes Coalition
Kansas Commission on Developmental Disabilities

Corby Lockwood
I/DD Waiver Program Manager
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Corbym.lockwood@ks.gov

Kelsey Stock
Communication Access Services Program Manager
Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
kelsey.stock@ks.gov

 

Stacie Martin
Education Program Consultant
Kansas Department of Education
smartin@ksde.org

Stephanie Coleman
Autism Family Outreach Manager/Family Discipline Mentor
Kansas Family Support Center, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)

Tami Allen
Co-Executive Director
Families Together
tami@familiestogetherinc.org

Teresa Sowell
IDD/BH Crisis Stabilization Coordinator
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
teresa.sowell@ks.gov

 

Margaret Van Gelder

Facilitator
Department of Developmental Services
margaret.vangelder@mass.gov

Ingrid Flory

Facilitator
Department of Developmental Services
ingrid.flory@mass.gov

Kristin Britton

Facilitator
Department of Developmental Services
kristin.britton@mass.gov

Jane Ryder

Commissioner
Department of Developmental Services
jane.f.ryder@mass.gov

Dan Shannon

Director
Developmental Disabilities Council
dan.shannon@mass.gov

State Team Success Stories

Charting the LifeCourse Transition Conference
In November 2019, The Arc of Massachusetts collaborated with state agency partners and service providers to host a full-day conference focused on transition planning for families.

Organized around the Charting the LifeCourse framework, the event featured a keynote presentation, workshops, and resource activities, including opportunities to create Integrated Supports Stars for different life domains. The conference introduced Charting the LifeCourse principles and tools to more than 400 family members and professionals, encouraging participants to explore new approaches to planning and supporting individuals across life stages.

Resources and Highlights

Charting the LifeCourse Video Series
A series of 25 short videos features perspectives from family members and professionals about how Charting the LifeCourse principles and tools have made a difference in their lives.

The videos highlight different ways individuals and families have benefited from using the framework, offering personal experiences and practical examples of LifeCourse in action.

Link Coming Soon

State Team Success Stories

LifeCourse in Action: Building a Community of Learning
The LifeCourse in Action webinar series continues to bring together individuals, families, and professionals to share ideas and practical approaches for using the Charting the LifeCourse framework in everyday life and work. Organized collaboratively by The Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, and the Institute for Community Inclusion, the series provides ongoing opportunities for shared learning and connection.

Resources and Highlights

Supporting Families: A Guide for Family Support Services
Developed by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services in collaboration with families, this plain-language guide provides essential information about DDS eligibility and services. Available in multiple languages, the guide helps families better understand and navigate available supports.

Supporting Links

  • LifeCourse in Action
    Discover webinars and practical examples of how individuals, families, and professionals use Charting the LifeCourse.
    Explore LifeCourse in Action

Massachusetts State Team Lead Partners/Agencies