Future Planning
Regardless of your age, or your child’s age or disability, planning for the future is important.
- Begin planning when your child is identified as having a disability and revise your plan as your child grows into adulthood.
- The individual with a disability should share in developing the plan, and it should reflect what that person would like for his or her life.
- Your child will become an emancipated adult at age 18. Many people with developmental disabilities just need informal assistance and guidance from others; in other cases there may be a need to establish legal guardianship.
- Plan for your loved one’s financial future
- Learn about Special Needs Trusts, including The Arc Master Trust
- Explore Supports & Services to learn about state and federal programs that will be important to you and your family across your loved ones’ life span.
- Take steps to help your child become more independent. Connect with other families and local, state, and national organizations that can offer you information and support.
- Learn about creating natural systems of support and developing community connections
- Find Additional Resources – Helpful Resources and Links