Supported Decision-Making with Jane St. John [IN-PERSON]

Join us for a free learning opportunity focused on Supported Decision-Making and Alternatives to Guardianship through the lens of Charting the LifeCourse—with nationally recognized expert Jane St. John.

Jane is the Lead Product Development Specialist for the LifeCourse Nexus team at the UMKC-Institute for Human Development, UCEDD. With decades of experience, she has been instrumental in the creation of the Charting the LifeCourse framework, tools, and trainings. Jane specializes in family support, leadership, and supported decision-making (SDM), and currently co-leads the Missouri Consortium for Supported Decision-Making. She also serves on Mo-WINGS, Missouri’s Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders, helping reform state guardianship laws and promote inclusive practices across the state.

A parent of three young men, including her son Ben who has an intellectual and developmental disability, Jane brings both personal insight and professional knowledge to her presentations. She has co-presented with national SDM leaders like Jonathan Martinis and Morgan Whitlatch, and regularly speaks at national conferences such as AUCD, TASH, and the Council on Quality and Leadership.

What to Expect:
This session will introduce self-advocates, family members, and professionals in Buchanan County to decision-making options—focusing on supported decision-making and alternatives to guardianship.

Who Should Attend and Why It Matters:
If you are a self-advocate, you’ll learn how to speak up for yourself, get support without giving up your rights, and make choices that reflect what you want for your life.

If you are a parent, sibling, or other family member, you’ll discover how to help your loved one build skills and confidence to make decisions—from small, everyday choices to big life decisions. You’ll also learn about alternatives to guardianship and how to create a plan that respects your loved one’s voice while ensuring the support they need is in place.

Whether your family member is a young child, a teen approaching adulthood, or an adult seeking more independence, this session will give you tools, ideas, and real-life examples to help them live a self-determined life.

If you are a professional helping individuals prepare for adulthood, build independence, or navigate decision-making, this session will provide valuable tools and practical strategies to better support those you serve. This includes:

• Special Education Teachers and Transition Coordinators
• School Counselors and Administrators
• Service Coordinators and Case Managers
• Support Coordinators (Targeted Case Management/DMH)
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
• Behavioral Health and Mental Health Providers
• Healthcare Providers
• Independent Living and Youth Transition Specialists
• Disability Advocates and Legal Representatives
• Adult Services Providers (residential, employment, or community-based)
• Guardianship and SDM-focused Legal Professionals
• Family Navigators, Parent Educators, and Peer Support Specialists

By attending, you will:

• Learn practical ways to support decision-making in all life domains across the lifespan.
• Explore ideas for incorporating decision-making skills and experiences into everyday life.
• Learn about tools for Supported Decision-Making to explore the need, plan for it, and put supports in place well before the transfer of rights occurs at age 18.

Seats are limited, and we expect strong interest—so secure your spot now and be part of the movement toward more empowering, person-centered approaches to decision-making.

This event is co-hosted by: Progressive Community Services, Missouri Family to Family, and LifeCourse Nexus.