03
Jun
2025

KHS’s Intellectual Disability Services in Delaware Receives Proclamation from the Governor

, , ,

KHS’s Intellectual Disability Services in Delaware Receives Proclamation from the Governor

Keystone Human Services is honored to receive a proclamation from Governor Matthew Meyer of Delaware commending our work in Intellectual Disability Services, particularly our use of Charting the LifeCourse to support people with disability to direct their own lives.

Charting the LifeCourse is a person-centered framework designed to help people with disability construct a vision for their life, set goals, and develop an action plan to achieve them. The framework helps to drive individualized services, ensuring people receive as much or as little support as they need in various parts of their lives.

“Since we began using Charting the LifeCourse in 2020, we have seen a transformation in the way people are thinking about their lives, from what they need to know and do to finding or developing support,” said Ryan VenDouern, Executive Director of Keystone Human Services’ Intellectual Disability Services in Delaware. “The process has been highly effective in helping people discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.”

We are using these tools alongside people with disability to explore life possibilities; problem-solve and plan goals; share ideas, hopes, and fears; navigate the future; and achieve goals.

Some people have used Charting the LifeCourse to find and maintain a job, like Michael Lofink has. He also used it to develop a plan for all the ancillary activities involved in preparing for a day at work, such as packing a lunch, doing laundry, and ironing his clothes. Michael has now worked at Citibank for several years.

Others, like Bridget Tuohy, use Charting the LifeCourse for recreation. Bridget mapped a plan to take her basketball game from recreational to Olympic. She attended basketball practices and participated in the Special Olympics Basketball Jamboree in February 2025. In March, she competed in the final Special Olympics Basketball competition at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, DE.  

Charting the LifeCourse has opened new pathways for people to explore possibilities and determine how they want to live their lives. The recognition from Governor Meyer is a testament to the positive impact of our mission, alongside the true stories of people shaping the best life for themselves.

Below is the text of the Proclamation:

State of Delaware
Office of the Governor
Proclamation

Be it hereby known to all that Matthew Meyer, Governor of the State of Delaware, recognizes Keystone Human Services.

On behalf of the State of Delaware, Governor Meyer honors Keystone Human Services – ID Services Delaware for its outstanding commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a deep belief in the dignity, potential, and individuality of every person, Keystone Human Services has embraced delivering truly person-centered services – supporting individuals not just in meeting their needs but in achieving their goals and living full, meaningful lives. Keystone Human Services’ participation in the Charting the Life Course Annual Conference reflects its ongoing investment in learning, collaboration, and excellence. The insights and strategies gained there further strengthen their work and affirm its role as a leader in inclusive, forward-thinking service. We commend the staff, leadership, and partners of Keystone Human Services for their unwavering dedication and visionary approach to disability services in Delaware.

Presented on this 12th Day of May 2025 by order of the Governor.
Matthew Meyer
Governor