A Strong Plan Builds a Stronger Future
Future planning helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live the lives they want, now and in the future. It provides an opportunity for people to say what they want for their life. They can choose things like where to live, where they want to work, and how they want to spend their time. It also helps families understand how they can help the person with IDD as they move through different life stages.
With a good plan, we can make sure the person with IDD gets the help they need to find the right services, navigate important transitions, and reach their goals.
Planning Works Best When We Work Together
Everyone involved in a personās life has a role to play in future planning, and the best plans happen when people work together as a team. This includes family members, service providers, doctors, friends, and most importantly, the person with IDD themselves.
When you have a planning team that communicates well, plans are stronger and more meaningful. It reduces confusion, saves time, and ensures that the person with IDD is truly at the center, making their own choices and working toward their goals.
The Keys to a Good Future Plan
A future plan is written by a person with IDD to help others understand what matters most to them. Others who might help with this document include family members, close friends, support coordinators, health care providers, and anyone else who knows the person well. Here are some examples of what to include.
Talk About Personal Goals
Start by talking about what the person wants for their life, like where they want to live, what kind of work or activities they enjoy, and who they want to spend time with.
Identify Strengths & Needs
Think about what the person is good at and what they need help with. This will make it easier to plan and find the right supports.
Map Out a Support Team
Identify the important people in their life who can help with daily routines, health care, finances, decisions, and companionship.
Check In & Adjust
Plans should change if the personās life changes. Check in regularly to see how things are going. Make changes if needed to help the person succeed.
Prepare for Tough Times
Itās important to have a plan for hard times. This helps make sure the person still gets the support they need when things don’t go as expected.
Ready for your next step?
Letās Build a Future Plan
A written future planāsometimes called a letter of intentācaptures 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 personās life to support financial and legal planning.