If you’re a lawyer, financial planner, or other professional who helps with legal and money matters, you have an important job in helping families create strong plans for the future. People may come to you for advice on things like public benefits, special needs trusts, financial planning tools, and guardianship.
It is important to have a discussion with the person with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) and the family about what support they need in order to best advise them.
For specific information in your state, contact a chapter of The Arc near you, find your stateās IDD agency, or use our resource directory to find professionals near you.Ā
How You Can Help
Start With the Personās Goals
Talk with the person with IDD and their family to understand their goals and support needs. This ensures your advice on benefits, trusts, and financial planning aligns with their wishes.
Stay Current on the Laws
Seeing a place in person can help your child understand what itās really like. Visit potential job sites, housing, or programs together. This can help them form their own opinions, and it gives you a chance to see what they respond to.
Know the Disability Landscape
Build awareness of local disability services and laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act. Understanding the community you serve strengthens your ability to provide informed, respectful support.
Understand Decision-Making Options
Help families consider options beyond guardianship, like supported decision-making. This lets the person with disabilities keep more control over their life while still getting help when they need it.
Build Partnerships
Collaborate with disability organizations like The Arc, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, or your stateās developmental disabilities council to access trusted resources and stay informed.
Start Building a Future Plan
A written future planāsometimes called a letter of intentāshares the person with IDDās 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
Debunking the Myths of Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship
Plain Language
This document shares tips for people with disabilities and their families on how to choose a lawyer to help plan for the future.