---
title: Ladder of Lived Experience Engagement (Adapted from Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation)
description: "#### Ladder of Lived Experience Engagement (Adapted from Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation) The document explains levels of lived experience (LEX) engagement in projects, from initiation to tokenism, emphasizing decision-making roles. - Projects initiated by LEX involve shared decision-making, with…"
url: "https://bridges4mentalhealth.org/hub/youth-family-engagement/ladder/"
updated: "2026-10-16"
category: Engagement of Lived Experience
tags:
  - Child welfare professionals
  - Mental health professionals
  - School professionals
  - TA sites
---

# Ladder of Lived Experience Engagement (Adapted from Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation)

#### Ladder of Lived Experience Engagement (Adapted from Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation)

The document explains levels of lived experience (LEX) engagement in projects, from initiation to tokenism, emphasizing decision-making roles.

- Projects initiated by LEX involve shared decision-making, with site leadership in a supportive role, or LEX leading with site support.
- When site leadership initiates projects, decision-making may be shared with lived experience participants.
- LEX provides advice on projects designed by site leadership, with input shared but outcomes decided by leadership.
- LEX roles can be defined or superficial; sometimes LEX is informed or given a voice without genuine influence.
- LEX may be used to support causes indirectly, with leadership claiming inspiration or using LEX for their support without true involvement.

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