PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) is one of many futures planning tools that can help individuals with disabilities and their families move into a more positive and possible future.  It is a creative and visual process that is daring, bold and action oriented.  It is not linear, straight, or black and white but is full of color and graphics. 

John O’ Brien, Marsha Forrest and Jack Pierpoint of Inclusion Press in Canada developed PATH.  It has been used with people from ages 3-93.  Children, families, organizations, education systems, recreation organizations, and advocacy groups have participated in the process.  PATH values include respect for the person, community inclusion, and diversity.

The process is co-facilitated by two people – a graphic recorder and a process facilitator:

1. Process facilator - The process includes eight essential components or sections. PATH asks all the questions and in order.  A PATH is not a PATH if facilitators skip over essential components or juggle the order of the process.  During the PATH facilitators help people to dream, to develop goals, and to describe where they are at in their lives now.  Participants are given the opportunity to identify people they would like to enroll to help them on their PATH.  Participants are asked what their strengths are, how they stay strong and to identify what they will need to do to stay strong.  And finally, the PATH helps people identify practical steps that will help them achieve their goals.

2. Graphic recorder – Graphics are an essential component of the PATH.  The graphic record is approximately 3 feet wide and 8 feet long.  The pictures, images and colors switch on parts of our brains that we do not use regularly, and thus help us to think differently and more creatively.  Upon completion the graphic record is given to the individual or the family.  They can modify it as they please, check off accomplishments, delete goals or add new ones.  They may choose to display it in their home and share it other people.

PATH is a tool.  As with any tool it is important to know when it is appropriate to use it and when not to use it.  PATH is not for everyone or for every situation.  Used in the right situations it can be a very powerful tool to help individuals or families move ahead to a more positive future.

If you are interested in having a PATH done for yourself or a family member and/or if you are interested in becoming a facilitator contact:

Randy Costales
Director of Empowerment and Community Building
The Arc of New Mexico
3655 Carlisle NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
1-505-883-4630
1-800-358-6493 (in-state only)

Inclusion Press
24 Thome Crescent, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada M6H 2S5
Tel (416) 658-5363
Fax (416) 658-5067
http://www.inclusion.com