Developing a Vision
Having a clear vision and some positive dreams about the kind of life you want for a family member with disability can be invaluable. A good quality of life in connection with family, friends and community that includes a job, interests and opportunities is unlikely to just happen for children and young people with disability. Achieving a good life is far more likely with a clear vision and determined action.
The clearer the vision, the easier it will be to both make a plan and stick to it – it can act as a compass. Having a vision helps families plan productively and withstand pressures from others to settle for something else.
Please click on the following stories to read more about the importance and process of creating a vision.
Clarity of vision: a compass for the journey Wendy Stroeve
Click below to see the video presentation – of the same title - delivered by Wendy Stroeve at The Odyssey Conference in 2007.
Clarity of vision - video
Broadening our perspectives – families and vision building for socially inclusive lives and pathways Judith Ellis
A parent reflects on how having a vision for the good life has enabled her son to have a life full of the things commonly valued by all.
This family article was extracted from the periodical Thinking about which is put together by an organisation in Victoria called Belonging Matters. To find out more and how to subscribe click here.
To NAPLAN or not to NAPLAN? Is it the real question? Sharon Williams
A mother shares how a clear vision for her son’s future helped the family consider the best way to approach an issue. Although the story relates to Naplan, the approach of using a vision to weigh decisions could be applied to other situations.
Developing a Vision Colleen Tomko
Learn more about why it is so important to build a vision for children and young people with disability, and the types of things to think about as they are created.
Planning for Now, Tomorrow and the Future Jeremy Ward
Many parents worry about the future, and what will happen after they are no longer able to support their son or daughter. This article explains that having a vision is a crucial part of planning for the future as it can help safeguard the rights and interests of a person with disability.
The Power of Imagination Kathie Snow
Don’t let a failure of imagination get in the way! Be bold enough to have big dreams and expectations. Only then can you begin to work towards these goals.
Never Say Never Shari Raymond
Hannah’s next steps Anne Chaffey
The Joy of Taking the Ordinary Path Shelley, Deni and Matt
Hear about how one family embraced the ordinary path and had alot of fun along the way.
Practical exercises
The following exercises are designed to help you think about the unique qualities of your family member and what a good life could look like for them. Your responses in the worksheet could form the basis of the vision you create.
Contact Resourcing Families to share the vision you have prepared and any positive outcomes that have followed from taking this step.
If you would like to talk through preparing a vision for the future of your family member with disability you can contact Resourcing Families on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone on 02 9869 7753 or 1800 774 764 (free call for NSW non metro callers).
