Every child must graduate feeling hopeful about their future and ready for further educationalopportunities and the workforce. It is our mission to prepare Wisconsin’s students to become contributing members of their communities and the world by connecting youth to the resources necessary for a successful transition. For students with disabilities, this can be accomplished with comprehensive advance planning for life after high school. The purpose of this interagency handbook, Opening Doors: A Guide to Adult Services, is to assist youth and their families to navigate through this planning process.
This guide provides important information about empowering individuals with disabilities and aging adults to make informed decisions about their life that protect both their rights while ensuring their safety and privacy.
Being able to make choices about your life is crucial for the independence and happiness of all people, including those with disabilities. Decision-making is a skill, and everyone needs practice.Just like all of us, people with disabilities continue to grow and gain experience throughout their lives. Regularly involving young people with disabilities in decision-making results in adults who are able to make informed decisions and direct their own lives.
Click on the website link below to access this resource.
Supported Decision-Making is an alternative to guardianship through which individuals get help from trusted family members, friends and professionals to help them understand the situations and choices they face, so they can make their own decisions. Supported Decision-Making enables individuals to ask for support where and when they need it. Supported Decision-Making agreements can be used for many kinds of decisions including medical, financial, housing and other life matters. Powers of attorney, representative payees and simple release of information forms can also help families provide the needed supports and safeguards without going to court and imposing guardianship restrictions.
To access this resource, click on the website link below.