Welcome and congratulations for deciding to visit this important web site! Most people find it difficult to consider a future time when they will not be around to care for their loved ones. But the reality is that people with lifelong disabilities are now living longer and are likely to outlive their parents. The #1 question for parents is, "What will happen to my son/daughter after I'm gone?" Without formal planning, there is no sure answer to that question. The information on this site can help you make those formal plans for the future-care of a family member.

It's not always easy, but it's necessary...and you can do it. Sometimes families feel overwhelmed and discouraged about making plans or believe they can't control the future. The fact is, the quality of the future life of your son, daughter, sister, brother or other relative will depend largely upon the formal, written plans you make today and the actions you take now. But, you don't need to go through this complex process without any help.

The information on this web site is arranged by topic, to guide you as you consider several important aspects of your loved one's life - Health Care, Legal Issues, Financial Concerns, Residential Options and Work & Leisure.

Two other sections are provided: Services & Supports and Directories & Information Links. Both supply facts and resources, to help you complete the planning process.

How do you know where to start?
Read through all the topic areas and then return to work carefully through those topics that are of the greatest concern to you. Or, you may choose to visit one or more specific topic(s) rather than the entire site. Either way, to begin…go to the topic area you select by placing your cursor on the corresponding link (underlined text) and clicking your mouse.

What information will you find and how can you use it?
Some of the five life topic areas have more content than others, but all are arranged in a similar way. Each contains the following components: a brief explanation of the information to be covered; answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's); and, definitions of specific terms used. These are followed by several planning "steps."

Step One is a printable checklist that will help you assess the planning you have already done on that topic and recognize where action is still required.

Step Two highlights key information and gives the context to link back to FAQ's and Definitions. Challenging questions will help you select the links you need to receive new information, while skipping over details more familiar to you.

Step Three is a self-check to see how well you understand the information. You have the option to review that topic information before moving on to the next step.

Step Four is the document or portion of the written plan dealing with that topic. You can either complete the form on your computer and print it, or print out the blank version to fill out later. Once you complete the documents for all five life topics, and add the service needs you identify, you will have the critical core of your future plan.

Not sure about computer or Internet terms?
Click on the underlined "Help" for definitions and explanations. You may do this any time you see the word Help on each page.

Want a roadmap that shows you where the different topic pages are on this site?
Click the underlined word "Sitemap" at any time to get an outline of the contents of this site.

Want to mark this web site for future reference (to Bookmark or Add to Favorites in Internet Explorer)? Just Click Here for instructions. You may bookmark this page or any section that you would like to return to in the future.

Want to contact us with questions, comments or feedback?
Any time you see the words E-mail Us underlined, click on it and you will see an e-mail screen appear. Send us your message; we will respond to it at the first opportunity.