The LIFEspan model provides a coordinated transition pathway for youth with disabilities from childhood to adulthood. It focuses on preparing children early through skill-building, facilitating independence, and planning for change. As youth age, leadership gradually shifts from providers and parents to the young person through a shared management approach. The model emphasizes partnerships across the lifespan to ensure continuity of services and support. Formal evaluation of the LIFEspan model's outcomes is needed to inform best practices for funding and resource allocation to transition services.

1. The LIFEspan (Living Independently and
Fully Engaged) Service Model
LIFESPAN
Growing Up Transfer Adult
Ready Services Services
Maxwell, J., Zee, J. & Healy, H.

2. Growing Up Ready for Life.

3. Preparation for adulthood should
start early, be real and positive with
shared expectations and provide
hope for the future.
Kieckhefer, 2002
Reiss & Gibson, 2002

4. The ultimate goal of care is to assist
children to participate fully in the
lives of their families and of their
community.
King G. et al

5. Growing up Ready framework provides a
coordinated pathway developed
through evidence based practice.
Gall, Kingsnorth and Healy, 2006

6. Shared management is a
philosophical approach to transition
planning from childhood, an alliance
between children, families and service
providers is essential to allow young
people with disabilities to develop into
independent healthy ,functioning
adults.
CM. Trahms 2004 Kieckhefer and Trahms 2000

7. Shared Management Roles
PROVIDER PARENT/FAMILY YOUTH
Major Provides care Receives care
responsibility
& knowledge
source
Supports Manages Participates
TIME
parents &
youth
Consults Supervises Manages
Acts as Consults Supervises
Resource
(Kieckhefer,
2002)

8. The role of the players in the alliance
change as the young person grows
up, leadership is gradually shifted (in
a planned systematic and
developmentally appropriate way)
from the service provider and parents
to the young person.
Gall, Kingsnorth & Healy, 2006

9. Shared management requires a
shift in thinking to consistently
facilitate preparedness for adult life

10. Start to help prepare children and youth
for adult life by:
• Thinking about the future,
• Fostering independence and problem solving,
• Look for chances to practice and master skills,
• Planning for change and celebrating
milestones.
Reiss & Gibson, 2002

11. The Growing Up Ready
Framework
The Growing Up Ready framework
provides a coordinated pathway
developed through evidence based
practice.
Gall, Kingsnorth & Healy, 2006

12. Timetable for Growing Up
• Starts early
• Outlines a progression
of skills targeted at age
appropriate times
• Voice of text shifts
• Poster & Pamphlet
versions

13. Life Skills are the problem solving & life
management skills that an individual uses to
function successfully.
• Experiential learning provide real life opportunities
• Encourage calculated risk taking
• Promote problem solving skills
• Opportunity to make mistakes in a supportive
environment and learn from them
Kingsnorth, Healy, Macarthur (2007)

14. ANY ENCOUNTER CAN BECOME A SKILL
BUILDING OPPORTUNITY!

16. Transitions
Transition from childhood to adult life
became increasingly recognizes as a
major hurdle that few were well
prepared for.

17. The LIFEspan model
The LIFEspan model recognizes the value of:
• Partnerships with the client, family, and other
health care and community providers –
increasing the capacity of the client, caregivers
& the community
• Age-appropriate services that focus on
Preparation for, Access to, Coordination of, and
Continuity of service across the lifespan
• Developing and sharing expertise in the
management of the chronic health care needs
of persons with disabilities of childhood onset

18. Transfer Services
LIFESPAN
Growing Up Transfer Adult
Ready Services
Services
Maxwell, J., Zee, J. & Healy, H.

19. Transfer Process Essentials
• A plan that is managed & has a definite
structure
• A family centered approach in collaboration
with professionals
• A documented clinical pathway
• Continuum of services support for youth and
families
• Somewhere to go! (adult providers)

20. A shift in practice..
The Chronic Care Model (Wagner, 1998) focuses on:
• Improved patient/client self management which aims to
make the patients and their caregivers more knowledgeable
about their conditions,
• Planned visits are needed to address prevention and health
maintenance
• Strong links and partnerships with the community
• Care coordination between facilities, and at a client level
• Development of expertise
• The importance of improving the primary care for chronic
conditions

21. Transition essentials
Youth are ready for
transition when:
• Professional Checklist
completed
• Personal/portable health
record
• Family doctor in place
• Consent & guardianship
• Transfer of care

22. Formal Evaluation
 “…transition models… need to be trialed and
evaluated in order to best inform how
resources need to be distributed.” (Steinbeck,
Brodie,Towns, 2007)
 ONF proposal – Evaluation of the LIFEspan
model of linked care
 Primary outcome: Continuity of care (remain
linked to the healthcare system)
 Secondary outcomes: improved health,
wellness, participation, quality of life

23. Lessons learned
• Network, network, network
• Make connections in adult sector even if
not perfect match (“start somewhere”)
• Make connections with primary care,
acute care, rehab, and community
providers
• Engaging and working with consumers
• Find local champions and experts
• Research & evaluation