By Robin L. Shaffert, Senior Executive Officer, and Liz Mahar, Program Manager, Individual and Family Support, The Arc

arcThe Center for Future Planning is pleased to announce the launch of its website https://futureplanning.thearc.org/. The website is the Center’s first step in supporting and encouraging families and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to plan for the future.

The Center’s website provides reliable information and practical assistance to families and individuals with I/DD on areas such as person-centered planning, decision-making, housing options, financial planning, establishing daily activities and making social connections. In addition, the website provides information to family members, friends and professionals that support individuals with I/DD.

The website also features stories of people and families who have created future plans or who are in the planning process. These stories illustrate how one family member started the conversation with a caregiver who wasn’t ready to plan, how long-term financial planning has contributed to an individual’s independence and how another family identified housing and daily living supports.

Legal professionals play a critical role in helping families complete a future plan. We are looking forward to working with members of the Special Needs Alliance as we move forward on this important issue. Please visit the website or contact [email protected] to learn more about the Center’s training opportunities and plans to develop more resources.

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. SNA is partnering with The Arc to collaborate on providing educational resources, building public awareness and advocating for policies on behalf of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.