Future planning is possible regardless of income.

Questions to think about

Consider where and with whom the person with I/DD lives at the moment. Where does she or he want to live in the future? What supports will she or he need to live in that setting?

Is the person able to make his or her own decisions independently? If not, how much support does the person need to make decisions? Who can provide that support to make decisions?

What public services or benefits is the person eligible for or enrolled in?

Will current assets and future financial gifts, such as an inheritance, jeopardize the person’s public benefits?

Who are the person’s extended family members and friends?

What are the person with I/DD’s interests?

How can the person maintain and build new connections in the community?

 Tips on how to start planning

Involve your family members, friends, and professionals in the planning process. This will help with creating a plan for future needs and wishes.

Talk to other people and build a support network. Learn how other families have created future plans.

Find out about public benefits eligibility – this will vary state-by-state. Contact The Arc Mower County for more help.

Contact The Arc Mower County — many chapters offer informational workshops or can help you navigate the process.

Contact The Arc’s national office at futureplanning@thearc.org for more help.

 Upcoming Events

•People First Aktion Club’s All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Dumpling Soup and Chili Supper and Fudge Sale: 4:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22 at the Mower County Senior Center, 400 3rd Ave NE, Austin, MN. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4 to 12), children ages 3 and under are free. Includes your choice of chicken dumpling soup and/or chili, beverage and dessert. Tickets are available at The Arc office or at the door. We will also be selling fudge at the supper. Free samples will be available. Every donation, large or small, will help cut expenses and increase profits: Boneless chicken, hamburger, carrots, celery and financial donations to purchase other items needed. Call The Arc at 507-433-8994 today and let us know how you can help.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@thearcmc.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102. You can also visit our website (www.thearcmc.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thearcmc).