Massachusetts

Strengthening person- and family-centered practices through collaboration, shared learning, and
Charting the LifeCourse.

Supporting Families in Massachusetts

Since joining the Community of Practice for Supporting Families in 2019, Massachusetts has worked to strengthen person- and family-centered practices through collaboration among state agencies, family organizations, and community partners.

The state’s efforts focus on building connections across organizations, sharing practical strategies, and supporting individuals, families, and professionals in using the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework in their everyday lives and work.

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

 

Ingrid Flory

Facilitator
Director of Family Support, Central/West Region
Department of Developmental Services
ingrid.flory@mass.gov

Holly McCarthy

Facilitator
Director, Client Assessment Systems
Department of Developmental Services
Holly.mccarthy@mass.gov

Ellen Kilicarslan

Facilitator
Director of Family Support
Department of Developmental Services
Ellen.kilicarslan@mass.gov

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