The Future is Coming!

Parents of children with disabilities need to put more effort into planning for the future than parents of children who do not have a disability. And parents of children with disabilities need to start that planning earlier than other parents. As your child approaches adulthood, there are many new things to consider, decisions to be made and tools to help you make them. But where do you start? The questions below and links to resources will provide some guidance. 

What is important to my child? (happiness, fulfillment, contentment, satisfaction, comfort) 

What is important for my child? (health, safety, valued member of community) 

Where will my child will:

• Learn – pre-k through 12 and post-secondary learning 
• Live – where will they call home 
• Work – Employment First
• Spend leisure time – with specialized and natural supports 

How can I help my child create social capital – make friends, build a community? 

What day-to-day support will my child need? 

Can my child benefit from assistive technology or adaptive aids? 

Does my child need a guardian or will alternatives to guardianship work? 

Will my child need publicly funded benefits or long-term services and supports?

What does the transition to adult healthcare look like? 

Can person-centered planning help guide transition services? 

What graduation plan is best for my child? 

How can I support my child’s self-determination and self-advocacy? 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires transition planning to start at age 14. I encourage you to start now! The future happens based on what you do TODAY!! Without a vision, without goals, you are unable to create a plan and take steps to get there.