This November, PSI’s own Katie Rathers, Occupational Therapist, co-presented at the 2025 OCALICON Conference, leading a session titled “Charting the LifeCourse: Person-Centered Portfolio for Exploring in Educational Settings.” The session focused on helping educators strengthen IEP development by centering student voice, preferences, and long-term vision.
The impact was clear. With 35 evaluations submitted, participants rated the session highly across all categories on a 4-point scale — including presenter knowledge (3.71), content relevance (3.71), and likelihood of recommending the presenters return next year (3.69).
More importantly, attendees shared powerful reflections about how they plan to apply what they learned. Many reported they will begin incorporating the LifeCourse tools directly into IEP and transition planning meetings, elevating student voice and strengthening collaboration with families. Others shared that the session helped them rethink traditional approaches to disability services, embrace person-centered planning, and empower students to advocate for themselves.
Participants described the session as “eye-opening,” “confidence-building,” and even “emotional,” with one attendee sharing, “I cried after this one. Wish I had known about this sooner.”
From improving family engagement to promoting self-determination and long-term planning, Katie’s leadership at OCALICON reflects PSI’s ongoing commitment to innovative, student-centered practices. We are proud to see PSI professionals influencing conversations across Ohio and beyond — and equipping educators with tools that help students dream boldly and plan practically for their futures.