There are more than 600,000 families in the United States in which adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live with aging family members. In many cases, there is no plan in place for what happens next.
Whether you’re a support coordinator, case manager, staff member at a chapter of The Arc, or other disability service professional, you play a key role in helping people with IDD and their families plan for the future.
For specific information in your state, contact a chapter of The Arc near you, find your state’s IDD agency, or use our resource directory to find professionals near you.
How You Can Help
Start the Conversation
Bring up future planning during annual support plan meetings or other regular meetings. Treat it as a normal topic, not something scary or overwhelming.
Listen to What the Person Wants
Talk directly with the person you support about their dreams and goals for the future. Help them build the skills they will need to make their vision happen.
Connect Families With Resources
If your agency doesn’t offer future planning services, help families find training sessions or other professionals in the community who can help. This website is also a good resource you can share.
Explore All the Options
Work with families to look at different choices for where to live, work, spend time during the day, and what kinds of support they might need.
Keep Plans Current
During annual support plan meetings, remind families that future planning isn’t a one-time thing. Plans need to be updated as the person’s life changes.
Build Community Connections
Help the person you support get involved in their community and build relationships. These connections can become important sources of support.
Start Building a Future Plan
A written future plan—sometimes called a letter of intent—shares the person with IDD’s wishes and daily routines, so the people who help them know how to provide support and can help make decisions with confidence. A future plan can guide health care, finances, and lifestyle choices. It also provides information about important people, including caregivers, support workers, and medical professionals.
Professionals can help families understand the importance of future planning and provide guidance when they explore planning priorities. Our planning template makes it easy to get started!
Explore Future Planning Webinars
Learn more about key future planning topics from experts, families, and people with disabilities. These free recorded webinars cover everything from housing and decision-making to finances and building support networks.
Related Resources
Video
Why Future Planning Is Important
Webinar
#FreeBritney: Lessons for People with IDD and Their Families