Creating a vision is the first place to begin in planning for people with developmental disabilities. 

Start by engaging/asking the individual to share what their vision or dreams are.  It is very important at this point to just listen.  Have an open mind.  Some individuals have never before been asked their opinion on their lives or may have challenges that might make sharing more difficult (non verbal), so you may need to ask questions and pay attention to gestures or cues in addition to words.

Sometimes it's nice to put paper up on the walls and assign thje task of keeping "minutes" to someone with coloured markers.

The bottom line is unless you and your loved one create a vision, they WILL be subjected to someone else's vision/agenda.

There are no limits to vision, don't get wrapped up in the logistics of how (that's later).

Components to consider in vision:

• Home
• Education/Employment
• Variety of relationships
• Valued Social roles
• Choice
• Community Inclusion

Try to approach this process by taking disability out of the equation.  Instead, approach visioning as "What would they be doing at this time, if they did not have a disability?"

What are other 20, 30, 40....year olds doing?

Another point to consider is that a vision is a living-breathing document.  NOTHING is written in stone.  If your loved one's vision changes, update the document.  Revisit the vision at least annually.