Resources for Families and Caregivers

Being the parent or caregiver of a child with a disability comes with many challenges, with navigating transition from school based services into adulthood being at the top of the list. Knowing this, the team at Summit Future Foundation provides families and caregivers with tactical resources to assist them in preparing for their loved one’s life after school based services. Our areas of focus include assisting families in:

Understanding what opportunities are available for young adults after high school
Structuring a meaningful day that includes development of personal skills, community life engagement, and employment
Creating a diverse support system that promotes their child in leading a self-directed life while still receiving the person-centered supports they need to reach their fullest potential

What’s Next Workshop

Every parent of a child with a disability wonders and worries about what life will look like after their child ages out of school based services. This one-day seminar will provide families with a scope of information about what life after high school can look like, and how to plan for it. Our group of seasoned trainers will present content focused on the basics of preparing for the transition from high school into adulthood.

Whether your child is 12 or 21, we will be sharing practical tips that you can use to problem solve and plan for the future including: how to structure a meaningful day, how to establish formal and informal supports, and what local resources are available. Participants will leave with a framework and actionable tools that they can use to begin the process of creating a shareable transition plan for their child.

Workshop Topics Will Include

Community Life & Engagement
Employment
How to Develop a Life Plan for your Child with a Disability
Self Directed Supports
Housing & Remote Supports
Funding Sources and Support Coordination
Guardianship & Alternatives
IEP Planning & Advocacy

Pre-What’s Next Workshop Survey

Transition Readiness Snapshot 2024

Statistical graphic indicating that over 70% of families do not understand how to support their child's employment.

A statistic stating 60% of caregivers report they do not understand how to support their child in assisting with transition planning.

Bar chart titled "Transition Planning Areas of Concern" showing categories such as Community Life Opportunities, Daily Living Support, Employment, Financial Planning, Meaningful Relationships, Guardianship, Housing, and Transportation, with respectiv

Statistics showing 73% of families worry if their child is employed, they will lose social security and other benefits.

A graphic showing that 46% of families feel their child's IEP does not address employment development and daily living skills.

Bar chart showing age distribution of transitioned youth with percentages: 14-15 years 33%, 16-18 years 50%, 18-21 years 20%, 21+ years 23.3%.

A statistical graphic showing that 60% of families reported they feared someone in their household would have to quit their job to be a full-time caregiver for their adult child.

Blue background with white text stating that 93% of families have goals for their child to be employed as an adult.

A statistic showing that 26% of families reported they feared someone in their household and had to quit their job to care for an adult child.

A statement indicating that 93% of people do not understand or support resources available through the Department of Mental Health.

Pie chart showing locations of surveyed caregivers in Missouri and Kansas, including Clay County, Platte County, Jackson County, and Johnson County.

Text-based infographic in blue background stating that over 70% of caregivers do not understand the role of vocational rehabilitation.

Post-What’s Next Workshop Survey

Transition Readiness Snapshot 2024

Quote about family councils and guiding discussions with questions, with a light blue quotation mark graphic in the background.

A graphic with a dark blue background stating that 80% of families understand how remote supports can help their child live independently.

Text infographic stating that over 96% of caregivers understand services provided by Missouri Pre ETS and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Statistics graphic stating over 88% of families feel they can advocate an effective, transition focused IEP for their child.

A quote that reads "It's given us a starting point" with quotation marks in a light blue color.

Text on blue background stating 96% feel more confident creating a life plan for their child.

A blue infographic displaying that 92% of parents and caregivers feel more confident in understanding guardianship and alternatives to guardianship, including supported decision making.

Text infographic that states over 96% of families feel more confident in understanding employment opportunities.

Graphic showing that 84% of families understand supports available through Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Blue background with large white text stating 92%, followed by smaller white text that reads, "of families have a better understanding of what community life and engagement opportunities are available for their child in the future."

Text graphic stating '100% of families feel confident in their ability to plan for their child's future' against a dark blue background.

Quote: I feel hope for our children’s future and ability to have some independence as they enter adulthood.

Transition Planning Parent Mentoring

Designed to provide parents and caregivers with an immersive learning experience, Transition Planning Parent Mentoring gives a hands on approach to: exploring core areas of focus in transition planning, teaching strategies to problem solve and plan for the future, and connecting with local organizations and resources that assist adults with developmental disabilities in leading their most meaningful and inclusive life.

Session Topics Include

Creating a vision for your child's future and structuring a meaningful day
Establishing an integrated support system
Employment planning and other daytime engagement opportunities
Benefits planning and management
Housing and supported living
Supported decision making and alternatives to guardianship
How to incorporate your goals for your child's future in their IEP and ISP

The result of Transition Planning Parent Mentoring is parents and caregivers become better equipped to support their child in reaching their fullest potential, by living their most independent and self-directed life.

“I was so clueless going into this. Now, I feel confident that I can find the help I need.”

“I feel much more confident in my ability to advocate for my child’s future and the futures of the kids I care for. ”

2025 Sessions, Dates, and Descriptions

Attendance at all six sessions is required in order to participate.

Saturday, January 25, 2025 • 10am-12pm
Do you find yourself worried about how your child will spend their day once they aren't in school? With the understanding that most parents don't know what to expect for their child's future, this is a from-the-ground-up session that lays the foundation for the work that is completed throughout the Parent Mentoring program. This first session will be focused on helping families create a vision for what a meaningful life can look like, and explore life possibilities.
Saturday, February 1, 2025 • 10am-12pm
Nearly fifty percent of parents with a child who has a disability become the full time caregiver of their child once they age out of school based services. With proper planning, this doesn't have to be the case. In this session we will take the vision you have created and begin to explore what formal and informal adult support systems are available that will support your vision, as well as explore various models of care, providing parents a broad scope of strategies for how to assemble their support team.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 • 10am-12pm
Knowing how to structure your child's day is a crucial component of transition planning. This session will help families understand what local opportunities are available, for them and their child, that provide enriching and engaging experiences. Opportunities such as employment, community based day programs, social groups, and other life opportunities will be presented.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 • 10am-12pm
Guardianship is top of mind for many families whose child is approaching adulthood. Understanding how to support your child in making decisions that impact their life can be one of the most challenging aspects of transition planning. Being informed about guardianship, and what alternative options you have, can help guide you in ensuring your child has the support and security they need without losing their rights.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 • 10am-12pm
Taking all of the information we have learned, this session will focus on helping parents understand the basics of estate planning as well as benefits planning and management. Key objectives will help families understand how earned income impacts social security, explore how they can leverage financial support systems against each other to put your child in the best possible financial situation, and how to save for their future without compromising their current financial supports.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 • 10am-12pm
"Where will my child live when I am gone?" is one of the most common questions we hear from families who are planning for their child's future. This session will focus on understanding what housing supports are available, as well as exploring innovative approaches to meeting your child's long term housing needs.