As families we need to be intentional about planning for our children’s future and think broadly about possibilities. We need to find ways for our children to build independence to help prepare them for their future. Children without disabilities have everyday experiences that get them ready for their future and teach them to advocate for themselves, however, children with disabilities have fewer chances to practice these skills.

Tools for Future Planning

Have a conversation with the important people in your child’s life like care providers, teachers, friends and other family members. This can be an insightful first step in the visioning process.

Some families find that using person-centered planning tools like developing a Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope (PATH) or McGill Action Planning System (MAPS) can move this process forward. These formal tools provide a process for thinking about your child’s interests, gifts and talents as well as their long-term goals. They also organize your thoughts about the services, both formal and informal, that will be necessary to help your child reach those goals. These tools can be used at any time of a child’s life but they may be most useful at periods of transition, like at the beginning of high school or the move from education to employment. Information gathered from these tools can also be introduced during the IEP process.

To learn more about person-centered planning read the Administration for Community Living’s article, Person-Centered Planing.

Building Skills Takes Time and Practice

Use teachable moments and role playing to support your child’s independence. Break down chores around the house into smaller steps for your child and do the same with self-care activities like dressing and bathing. Realize that it might take longer for your child to become independent with these tasks, but the important thing is that you keep offering the opportunities. This shows your child that you have high expectations for them, which is a good way to grow their self-confidence and independence.

Encourage your child to participate in activities such as school clubs, team sports and faith youth groups. Think about the community connections you already have that can offer new experiences for your child. These opportunities can build friendships and teach advocacy skills.

As your child gets older, look for ways to increase their leadership skills and opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and self-determination. One example is the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum through the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.