The Arc’s Center for Future Planning empowers people with disabilities and their families to take charge, plan ahead, and build lives filled with dignity, security, and purpose.
Planning With Priorities in Mind
There’s no right way to start planning. Start with what feels right for you and what matters most now.
Check out these planning resources.
Deciding
Where to Live
Financing the Future
Making
Decisions
Work & Daily Activities
Friends
& Social Life
Planning for the future is essential.
Watch people with disabilities, family members, and professional planners talk about how they have handled different areas of future planning.
Watch our free recorded webinars to learn from experts, families, and self-advocates about topics ranging from housing and decision-making to finances and building support networks.
Future Planning Basics
Learn why future planning matters and how you can support the planning process.
Explore Personalized Resources
Resources for People With IDD
Resources for Parents
Resources for Siblings
Resources for Professionals
Resources for Other Family & Friends
Ready for your next step?
Let’s Build a Future Plan
A written future plan—sometimes called a letter of intent—captures important personal details about a person with IDD, including their daily routines, preferences, and goals. It creates a roadmap for family and supporters to follow.
Keep Life Consistent
Make sure life feels familiar and comfortable, even when circumstances change.
Make Decisions Easier
Prevent confusion about health care, finances, lifestyle choices, and more.
Strengthen Your Overall Plan
Get a complete picture of the person’s life to support financial and legal planning.