Portland Post Card

Greetings from Portland Oregon and the Essential Lifestyle Planning Gathering 2006. Today's session began with a fast review of the planning tool changes created in advance of this year's conference. Well, it really began with positive productive meeting processes but I'm a poor reporter of such things.

The working lunch included a demonstration of ELP tools available on the intranet at Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC.) designed to make the identification and use of appropriate tools to be easier for ELP planners. This is an excellent resource for TCRC staff. It would be swell if something similar may be available on the ELP website.

Two instruments that have been used for essential lifestyle training. Graham Seaton, whose brother is an adult with autism demonstrated a movie-based ELP instrument done for his brother (which is available for a fee.) The next was a newsletter format Essential Lifestyle Plan written by a woman who receives support.

The final presentation is a discussion of "Life Plans" by the Pathfinders group from California.

Fifteen states and four countries are represented at this gathering.

Insight of the Day: In terms of the ELP corporate approach there is developing a use it or lose it approach to training certification. There is an emphasis on keeping abreast of changes which strengthens change.