Life Domain and Possibilities

Holistic focus across specific, connected, and integrated life domains.

What is the Life Domain and Possibilities Series?

The Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Life Possibilities Series helps people explore what is possible in different areas of life. These resources support people and families to think about what they want now and in the future, as well as how different parts of life work together to build their “good life.”

Why Life Domain and Possibilities Matter

People live whole lives made up of many connected areas. These are called life domains. Thinking about all areas of life, not just one, can help people:

  • Explore options and opportunities
  • Make informed choices
  • Plan for the future
  • Build a good quality of life
 
Achieving outcomes across life domains supports the whole person and expands what is possible throughout life.

Explore the Life Domains

Each life domain represents an important part of everyday life:

Daily Life and Employment

What a person does as part of everyday life – school, employment, volunteering, communication, routines, life skills.

Community Living

Where and how someone lives – housing and living options, community access, transportation, home adaptations and modifications.

Healthy Living

Managing and accessing health care and staying well – medical, mental health, behavioral health, developmental, wellness, and nutrition.

Safety and Security

Staying safe and secure – emergencies, well-being, guardianship options, legal rights, and issue.

Social and Spirituality

Building friendships and relationships, leisure activities, personal networks, and faith community.

Advocacy and Engagement

Building valued roles, making choices, setting goals, assuming responsibility and driving how one’s own life is lived.

Life Possibilities Series

Explore specific topics within the life domains. Each topic includes information, examples, and tools to support a good life.

Abuse Awareness and Prevention

People living with disabilities experience abuse at higher rates than people without disabilities. Knowing more about types of abuse and planning for safety are important aspects of abuse prevention.

Daily Life and Employment

Employment is part of the Daily Life domain. It includes thinking about possible jobs, career choices, volunteering, and education or training. Our jobs and careers often provide the means to other things that help us have a good life.

Health Care Transition

Health care transition is the process of moving from pediatric care to adult care. Part of health care transition is deciding about your own health. It also means learning about your rights and responsibilities around health care.

Healthy Living

Our health can have an impact on many other aspects of our life. Healthy Living is more than just getting medical care. Fitness, nutrition, physical and mental health and overall wellness all contribute to living a healthy life.

Respite

Respite is another word for taking a short break from caring for an adult or child family member who needs extra care. Respite can be planned or emergency care to provide temporary relief to family caregivers of someone with extra care needs.

Supported Decision-Making

Supported decision making is about helping people, regardless of age or ability, make their own decisions by using a variety of integrated supports, including other people they trust, technology, community supports, or paid supports.

Transition to Foster Care

Youth transitioning from the foster care system to living on their own often face unique circumstances and challenges. Planning for the future by having a vision and exploring a variety of supports can help to create successful transitions that lead to good lives.

Friendship

Friends make life better. They help us laugh, feel safe, and know that we belong. Friendships are built by spending time together, sharing interests, and caring about each other.Â