Developing a Vision
"Having a vision for the life of a person with a disability is really about claiming the right to ordinary dreams...and believing that they can happen."
Wendy Stroeve (2007) Clarity of Vision: A Compass for the Journey
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
A mother speaks about the power of having a vision for her son, and how it has helped shape the decisions that their family has made. By focusing on the individual and using the vision as a compass, families can help achieve “everyday dreams”.
Click below to see the DVD presentation – of the same title - delivered by Wendy Stroeve at The Odyssey Conference in 2007.
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.
Ordinary Dreams & Living the Dream Jo and Nathan Basha
Nathan and Jo Basha share their insights around having and acting on a vision.
Never Say Never Shari Raymond
An encouraging story about not limiting dreams.
Hannah’s next steps Anne Chaffey
Is school going well? Terrific - but don’t be complacent. That is the message from Hannah’s mum who shares her thinking and planning about life beyond school.
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.
Resourcing Families has invited Families to share their vision for their son or daughter.
Here are some examples.
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
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or phone on 02 9869 7753 or 1800 774 764 (free call for NSW non metro callers).
