Planning Services & Supports for the Future

In this section you received general information about services & supports and the process and system through which services are provided to individuals with developmental disabilities in Florida. You learned about Family Care Councils and the role of a support coordinator. You also identified those areas where your loved needs supports or services now, and will in the future.

We did not include information about specific services here, since that may change periodically. Instead, you should discuss specific service needs with your support coordinator. You may also go to the "Directories & Information Links" section by Clicking Here

Or for a direct link to the Developmental Disabilities Program Web site, Click Here. This site has the most current information about available services. It also will provide a wealth of other information and contacts for specific service questions.

By now, you've also had the opportunity to work through the various planning topic areas on this web site: Health Care, Legal Issues, Financial Concerns, Residential Options and, Work & Leisure. If you have not completed the fourth step (documenting your plans) in those five areas, we suggest you do so now.

Use the links below to go directly to the fourth step of the topic area(s) you need and insert the information required to complete the final step(s). You may insert the information on screen and print out the completed form, or print out the blank form and write in the information. Either way, you should have five completed plans at hand before you continue any further.

Now that you have the five completed document forms, add the completed Step One from this section (Services & Supports Planning) as the sixth form. [Once again, if you have not yet completed this document, take the time to do so now.]

Combine these six planning documents into one by placing them into a binder or folder.
Label your folder as "Future Plan for…. (insert loved one's name) and Date:" Leave blank lines for inserting future dates when you will change or update the Plan. We suggest you review and update the Plan at least every five years or, whenever the needs of your loved one or your family's circumstances change.

Don't lock your Future Plan away for safekeeping. Instead, keep it in a visible and accessible place where it will be found when it is needed. You will also want to give copies of this plan (and future updates) to the other people who play a key role in your family member's life now, or will in the future. Remember to include your other grown children, close relatives, future guardians and trustees, your attorney and your support coordinator. The decisions and choices you have included in your Future Plan will guide your loved one's life in the future. Once it is completed, take the time to discuss the detailed Plan with your loved one, too.

Not sure about computer or Internet terms? Click on the "Help" button at the left for brief explanations of terms and directions. You may do this now, or at anytime you see the Help button throughout this web site.