Your Role in Planning & Why It Matters
As a professional who works with people with disabilities and their families, you play a meaningful role in the future planning process. Planning ensures people with disabilities can live safely, confidently, and with dignity, guided by their own choices and needs. It ensures families are prepared for a time when a parent or main caregiver can no longer provide support.
Each professional brings different skills and knowledge. Ask families how you can help, share your expertise, and encourage them to make plans that respect what the person with disabilities wants for their life.
How Different Professionals Can Help
Disability Service Professionals
Guide families through available services, encourage early planning, and connect them with other trusted professionals.
Legal & Financial Professionals
Assist with wills, trusts, and guardianship alternatives, help families navigate benefits, and plan for long-term financial stability.
Health Care Professionals
Talk with families about future medical needs and recommend steps for identifying trusted decision-makers.
Teachers & Therapists
Highlight the person’s strengths, needs, and goals to inform a more personalized and effective plan.
Faith Leaders & Counselors
Offer emotional support and create space for families to work through fears, uncertainty, or difficult conversations about the future.
Planning Priorities
There are several key areas to think about when working on a future plan—from deciding where to live, how to pay for things, and who can help with making decisions.
Explore these resources to help guide people with IDD and their families through the planning process.
Watch Recorded Webinars on Future Planning
Learn more about key future planning topics from experts, families, and self-advocates.
These free recorded webinars cover everything from housing and decision-making to finances and building support networks.