When parents are given their child’s diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) the world can seem to fall out from under them. Until now, there was no single source for the lifetime of information these families need. Oftentimes a window of opportunity for financial or other types of support was missed because parents simply didn’t know what was available or how and when to access it. This remained true throughout the lifetime of the person with the disability.
The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham has developed a series of booklets which span the lifetime of a person with I/DD, providing parents and other family members with critical information, resources, and supports available in our community or the nearest locality.
Click the links below to download the pdf files for The Lifespan Guide based on the age group you are looking for.
Families need realistic, actionable information with which they can make a wide range of decisions as their child grows up. Providing this information is the mission of The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, VA Lifespan Project.
Starting Life with a Child with a Disability
If your child has recently been diagnosed with a disability, or if you have concerns about your child’s development, you may be wondering what to do next. Parenting a young child with a disability or developmental delay can be challenging.
Getting the Most from Special Education – Preschool through High School
While all parents are understandably interested in their children’s education, parents of students with disabilities are particularly concerned that their child is taught in a manner that addresses his or her individual needs. Indeed, tailoring instruction for your child with a disability is the whole point of the special education
provided by your child’s school.
Securing a Future for Your Adult Child with a Disability
As the parent of a child with a disability, until now you and the school system have shared the responsibility of how your child will spend the majority of his or her time during the day. Most likely your child lives with you, goes to school, and perhaps engages in activities sponsored by the school system or in which other peers participate.
Entering the World of Work
Work builds self-confidence and self- esteem, teaches valuable skills, grows an individual’s community of support, and sets the stage for the next job. Start researching supports early to get an idea of what a young person may wish to do in terms of a job or career.
Finding a Home for Adults with Disabilities
We all need a safe, clean, comfortable place to live. If you’re a person with a disability, or you are helping someone with a disability, you may have already discovered that finding such a place is difficult. Lack of physical housing, long waiting lists for waivers and affordable housing, and reduced government funding for rental subsidies all make finding a place outside the family home a challenge. Moreover, rents in Virginia can be relatively high, and many places have limited physical accessibility features.
Aging with a Disability
As the parent of an adult child with a disability, you have been responsible for making most of the financial, medical, and legal decisions for your family member for many decades. Now that you are getting older, you may want to get ahead of the game and do some future planning.