This workbook was created to encourage individuals with disabilities and families to start planning for the future before a crisis. It takes a person-centered and supported-decision
making approach. It recognizes that future planning is an important yet difficult process. It involves knowing the individuals wants and goals, looking at options, making decisions knowing it may change, creating back-up plans, and asking for help. There are four chapters that are outlined below. This project was supported by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. The workbook is available in English and Spanish.
The Future Planning: A Roadmap of Our Futures, Our Wishes is divided into four chapters.
Chapter One - Future Planning: What Is It All About?
This chapter includes topics and questions that come up frequently in discussions about future planning. It is about exploring goals, triggers, options, and the personal and family journey during the planning process.
Chapter Two - Worksheets to Guide Communication and Planning
This chapter includes worksheets that can help to: get to know the individual and what is important to him or her, what is needed to support daily activities, how to enhance quality of life, and face transition and change.
Chapter Three - Important Considerations
This chapter includes topics that often come up when a person approaches adulthood. It explores financial and legal decisions while emphasizing the importance of supported decision making when appropriate.
Chapter Four – Relationships and the Human Connection
This chapter shares experiences from individuals with disabilities and their families who support them. Topics include family relationships, changing roles, professional support, value of friendships, and culture and tradition. It ends with profiles of individuals and their personal journeys.
Resources:
The Future Planning - A Roadmap of Our Futures, Our Wishes (Workbook)
Future Planning Roadmap Summary (One page)
Future Planning Employment Section Summary (One page)