This New Year may feel more promising than ever for many Oklahoma citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Because there is hope for the future. This year and next, her 5,100 in IDD, Oklahoma, are expected to finally receive the services and support they’ve been waiting for so long to live more independent lives. Community Waiver.
Annual resolutions have never been more important for this segment of Oklahoma to consider what really matters to their lives and their future. Regardless of age or income, Oklahomans with IDD and their families should begin the planning process for the future now.
Planning for the Future basically creates a guide for people with IDD to live as independently and well as possible. Planning is important at all stages of life, especially in the future after a parent or caregiver can no longer provide support.
It can be very difficult for parents to imagine what will happen to their child with IDD if they are no longer able to provide support. Some may have a plan in mind, but many have never thought of it. Families on the waiting list should make plans for the future in their New Year’s resolutions for 2023.
Some families may feel unable to take advantage of planning because they do not have money to leave for adults with IDD or cannot afford to hire a lawyer or estate planner. I have.
Planning ahead can reassure parents and lay the groundwork for a smooth transition for their son or daughter to IDD. Experience has shown that adults with IDD make a better transition out of the family home when future plans are in place.
Oklahomans with IDD have to make many important decisions in their daily lives, just like people without disabilities. These decisions range from simple purchases to managing budgets to talking to healthcare providers about care.
Person-centered planning should reflect not only the wishes of the IDD patient, but also those of parents, siblings, extended family and friends, and other important people in an individual’s life. A plan should include information about all aspects of a person’s life. Questions to consider include:
More than ever, planning for the future is possible and absolutely necessary for IDD Oklahomans. To guide the planning process, families can use The Arc’s free Build Your Plan ® tool, available at futureplanning/TheArc.org. available.
Taking the time to think about what life might look like for an IDD loved one may be the most important contribution an Ally will ever make in that individual’s life.
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Consider where and with whom the person with IDD currently lives. Where does she or he want to live in the future? What support does she or he need to live in that environment?
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Is the person able to make their own decisions independently? If not, what level of support does the person need to make decisions? who is
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Do current assets and future financial gifts, such as inheritances, jeopardize the public interest of the person?
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Who are the person’s extended family and friends?
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Who are the IDD Interested Persons?
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How can the person maintain and build new connections in the community?
More than ever, planning for the future is possible and absolutely necessary for IDD Oklahomans. To guide the planning process, families can use The Arc’s free Build Your Plan ® tool, available at futureplanning/TheArc.org. available.
Taking the time to think about what life might look like for an IDD loved one may be the most important contribution an Ally will ever make in that individual’s life.
Editor’s Note: Ellyn Hefner represents District 87 in the State House of Representatives.her column regularly oklahoma city sentinel.
