LifeCourse Library
Exploring the Life Domains
Holistic focus across specific, connected, and integrated life domains.
The Life Domains
People lead whole lives made up of specific, connected, and integrated life domains that are important to a good quality of life. Life domains are the different aspects and experiences of life that we all consider as we age and grow. Individuals and families plan for the present and future life outcomes that take into account all life domains and have opportunities for life experiences that build self-determination, social capital, economic sufficiency, and community inclusion.
The life domains help us think about the current realities in our lives while also thinking about what life experiences we want to have, which leads us to the good life that we want.
Hear about using LifeCourse thinking to have a good life through life’s changes and transitions.
Daily Life & 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 & Security
Staying safe and secure – emergencies, well-being, guardianship options, legal rights and issues.
Social & Spirituality
Building friendships and relationships, leisure activities, personal networks, and faith community.
Advocacy & Engagement
Building valued roles, making choices, setting goals, assuming responsibility and driving how one’s own life is lived.
Exploring Life Possibilities
Developmental Disability Specific
There are many options for living, working, and playing in the community. What might have been great 30 years ago, may not work for today’s vision of a quality life in the community. This tool is to help individuals and families look at a variety of life options in each of the life domains, some of which are traditional or historic and no longer preferred by many, some that are known and tried, but not necessarily the norm, and others that are new or unfamiliar to individuals, families and professionals.
Life Domain Kits
Learn more about the Life Domains and related topics, explore examples, and discover tools for your good life.
Abuse Awareness and Prevention
People 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.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges for individuals, families, professionals and organizations. The LifeCourse framework and tools can be put into action to deal with social distancing, changing routines, and working at home.
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.
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.
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