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

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.

Register Now

How do I register?

Those interested in joining TPPM can register now or contact us for more information.

Who is this for?

TPPM supports families of individuals between the ages of 16 - 22, who are in the process of transitioning from school to adulthood.

How long is the session

TPPM is a six-part series over six weeks, reviewing one topic per week.

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