If you work in education or therapy, you have a powerful role in shaping the future for students and families with disabilities. Your connection and insight can spark conversations that help families plan ahead, opening opportunities and building confidence for what’s next.
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
Use Plain Language & Visual Supports
Avoid complicated words or legal terms. Use simple, clear language your child understands. Visual supports, like pictures, videos, or charts, can help explain choices. This makes it easier for your child to understand and take part in the planning.
Visit Programs & Places Together
Seeing a place in person can help your child understand what it’s 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.
Watch How Your Child Responds
Your child may not always communicate with words. Pay attention to how they act and what makes them happy or uncomfortable. Nonverbal cues, like body language, facial expressions, or behavior, can tell you a lot about their preferences.
Respect Their Preferences
Even if your child’s choices are different from what you imagined, try to listen with an open mind. The plan should reflect what they want and not just what others think is best. When people feel respected, they are more likely to feel confident and supported.
Learn About Disability Rights
Get familiar with the laws and person-centered practices that protect rights and help students build the skills to lead their own lives.
- The Arc@School Transition Planning for Students
- National Technical Assistance Center on Transition
- Center for Parent Information and Resources
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
Webinars
IDD and Mental Health: What We Are Learning About Challenges and Needs