Preparing for the Future

As a young person gets older, it is important to start thinking about the future and what kind of activities, educational setting, and supports a young person will need.

We encourage families to start to think about insurance coverage, medical care, educational plans, financial plans, and any supports that a young person may need in decision making (such as Supported Decision Making or a need for Adult Guardianship).

The Illinois Life Span program of the Arc of Illinois is an excellent resource for families as you prepare for a young person’s transition to adulthood.  They developed a useful “Connect the Dots in Transition” Checklist to help.

Short 3-minute Videos to Start thinking about the Transition to Adulthood Process

• Tips for Parents, From Parents: The Transition to Adulthood
• Transitioning to Adulthood Explained: Transitioning to Adulthood Explained
• Video Directed Toward the Young Person: Future Planning 101

Legal/ Decision Making Supports

General Information

Supporting Daily & Major Life Decisions - The Arc's Center for Future Planning

Videos/ Recorded Webinars

• Video Overview of Decision Making Support Options
• Lurie Children's Video - Understanding Adult Guardianship

Forms

• Supported Decision Making Agreement (blank form to fill out)
• Physician Report For Adult Guardianship forms are found by your County
  • Cook County Physician's Report Form
  • Dupage County Forms

Low Cost Legal Assistance for Adult Guardianship Cases

• Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL): 312.376.1880
  Hotline is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Greenlight Family Services: 773.728.7800 or 800.572.2390
• Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS): 312.332.1624

Important Benefits Information

• Planning for Transition in Benefits:  SSI, Medicaid, and Education
• Medicaid Fact Sheet
• What Is The Illinois PUNS List, And Why Is It Important?
• Independent Service Coordinator (ISC) and Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) agents in Illinois

Financial Planning

Financing the Future - The Arc's Center for Future Planning

Free (Live and/or Recorded) Webinars:

• The Arc of Illinois

Recreational Opportunities for Young Adults

Search Rush Autism Resource Directory for resources close to home