Key Takeaways: Build Support Around the Person’s Preferences

For disabled people, LGBTQ students, and migrants, a useful support plan starts with the person’s choices and the services needed to make those choices possible.

• Record the Person’s Preferences: Document where they want to live, whom they want involved, and what support they need. Obtain consent before sharing this information.

• Keep Written Decisions: Save service plans, school policies, benefit notices, and immigration documents. Record deadlines exactly as they appear.

• Verify Support Before Moving: Confirm accessible housing, personal assistance, healthcare, transportation, and school accommodations. Ask about eligibility, waiting lists, costs, and continuity of services.

• Connect With Appropriate Advocates: Identify disability rights, education rights, or immigration assistance that serves the person’s location and circumstances. Confirm current intake availability.

• Explore Independent Living Resources: Centers for Independent Living may offer information, peer support, advocacy, and assistance with independent living goals. Ask the local center which services it provides.

• Track Deadlines and Follow Through: Assign a trusted contact to confirm referrals and help record responses. Identify another option if the first organization cannot assist.

Read more: Learn about Centers for Independent Living through the Administration for Community Living.

This newsletter provides general information. Service eligibility and availability vary by location.