Are You Ready?

BelieveDo you believe your young adult can continue to learn, grow, make choices, and do more, even if they will always need support?

BelieveHave you ever assumed your young adult couldn't do something before giving them the opportunity to try it, even with the right support?

BelieveAre there things you still do for your young adult because it feels safer or easier, even though they may be able to participate or learn part of the task?

BuildDo you have a clear picture of the life you are helping your young adult build beyond school, including purpose, relationships, community, daily life, work or meaningful activity, and the supports they may need?

BuildAre you ready to move from doing everything FOR your young adult to discovering what you can begin doing WITH them, or allowing them to do for themselves?

BecomeAre you ready for your role to change as your young adult grows, from being the person who manages everything to becoming a guide, advocate, and supporter of their choices?

InvestmentAre you ready to invest in yourself, your time, energy, learning, and resources, to increase your capacity while building a bridge toward greater independence for your young adult?

ChoiceDoes your young adult make choices about their own life, such as what they wear, eat, do, buy, or how they spend their time?

CommunicationCan your young adult communicate what they want, don't want, need, like, or dislike, using speech, AAC, gestures, behavior, pictures, or another communication method?

Daily lifeWhat parts of everyday life can your young adult participate in: meals, laundry, cleaning, shopping, hygiene, medication routines, scheduling, or caring for their belongings?

CommunityCan your young adult safely participate in their community with whatever support they need, through transportation, recreation, volunteering, faith activities, shopping, or social activities?

PurposeDoes your young adult have opportunities to contribute, through employment, volunteering, education, household responsibilities, hobbies, or another meaningful role?

Self-determinationWhen decisions are being made about your young adult's life, is their voice included in the decision in a way they can understand and communicate?

If your young adult could become more independent in ONE area over the next 12 months, what would you want it to be?

What is your biggest worry when you think about your young adult's future?

Where are you in the journey?