Future Planning Information

Last Updated September 2023

This Fact Sheet is available for download in the following languages:

• English: Future Planning Information
• Spanish Español: Planificación Para el Futuro para Personas con IDD

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• Where to start?
• Additional Guides and Workbooks
• Helpful Articles and Documents
• Where to Find Professional Help
• For More Information
• Related Fact Sheets and Information

Resources to help guide families through the process of planning for the future.

Where to start?

The Arc is a great place to start, providing a variety of tools to help each step of the way. This fact sheet was developed for parents and caregivers, to provide access to a variety of resources spanning multiple topics of importance in the future planning process. It is in no way meant to be a comprehensive guide – but a helpful tool to begin the process.

• Future Planning from The Arc of US
  • The Arc’s Center for Future Planning® has resources to help people with I/DD and their families create future plans. https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/futureplanning/

• The Arc Center for Future Planning
  • Learn details about what future planning entails, guides to help build your future plan with resources to help, see examples of how others have planned, and find help for urgent needs. https://futureplanning.thearc.org/?_ga=2.157448248.347981663.1629 922244-88651520.1484748314

Additional Guides and Workbooks

A variety of resources that have been developed across the United States.

• Future Planning Workbook
  • Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council A “roadmap” workbook designed to be used by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, direct support professionals, and advocacy groups to guide the planning process. https://addpc.az.gov/future-planning-workbook-roadmap-our-futures-our-wishes

• Pacer Center Resources on Future Planning
  • General guide and strategies for creating a Person-Centered Plan. https://www.pacer.org/advice-guidance/topic-preparing-for-adulthood/

• Sibling Leadership Network – Future Planning Guide
  • Informative guide for helping siblings of people with disabilities to better understand their role as they navigate planning for their sibling’s future. https://siblingleadership.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Future-planning-for-siblings-of-people-with-disabilities.pdf

Helpful Articles and Documents

Articles and documents focused on future planning that may be helpful along the way.

• Exceptional Parent – Financial Planning Resources Page

• Letter of Intent – Rubin Law – A sample Letter of Intent Form

• Free Trustee Handbook

Where to Find Professional Help

A variety of organizations that offer helpful information and listings for professionals providing future planning assistance.

• Special Needs Alliance
  • This national organization offers a searchable listing of attorneys who are members of the organization. Illinois list: https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/find-an-attorney/illinois/

• Special Needs Answers
  • “The Academy of Special Needs Planners consists of special needs planning professionals such as attorneys, financial planners and trust officers who provide the highest quality service and advice to persons with special needs and to their families.” A searchable list of Illinois future planning professionals is available here. https://specialneedsanswers.com/about-us

• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys – IL Chapter (NAELA-IL)
  • “The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) was founded in 1987 as a professional association of attorneys who are dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to seniors and people with special needs. The NAELA membership is comprised of attorneys in the private and public sectors who deal with legal issues affecting seniors and people with disabilities.” The webpage for Illinois has a Directory for finding member professionals. https://naela-il.org/

• Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul Legal Assistance Referrals
  • Statewide resources for pro bono and other legal assistance options. https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Legal-Assistance-Referrals/index

For More Information

For further assistance, please contact the Illinois Life Span Program of The Arc of Illinois during regular business hours at 1.800.588.7002 or via their website at www.illinoislifespan.org.

Related Fact Sheets and Information

• Adult Guardianship and Decision-Making Options [English and Spanish]
• Connect the Dots Transition Tool [English and Spanish]