Life Building

Life Building: Opening Windows to Change Using Personal Futures Planning by Dr. Beth Mount, is a practical and inspiring guide for people with disabilities, their families, and supporters. ​ It introduces Personal Futures Planning as a person-centered approach to help individuals envision and create meaningful, community-connected lives. ​ Through six “windows” and one “door,” the workbook offers reflection tasks and tools to explore relationships, personal gifts, community opportunities, and actionable steps toward a positive future. ​

The book emphasizes hope, relationships, and empowerment, encouraging readers to shift from a “deficiency view” to a “capacity view” of people with disabilities. ​ It highlights the importance of building support networks, recognizing individual strengths, and fostering inclusion in community life. ​ Real-life stories, like those of Temple Grandin, Bernard Carabello, and Joseph Moses, illustrate the transformative power of this approach. ​

Readers will find exercises to identify personal preferences, map relationships, brainstorm community roles, and develop a vision for the future. ​ The workbook also addresses the challenges of navigating service systems and overcoming barriers, offering practical strategies for turning dreams into reality.

With its blend of heartfelt storytelling, actionable advice, and creative tools, this workbook is a roadmap for anyone seeking to build a life of purpose, connection, and contribution. ​ Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member, or a supporter, this guide will inspire you to open new doors and windows to change. ​