FUTURE THINK

FUTURE THINKBuild on the past, consider the present, plan for the future!PART I Think about the future! PART II Suggest Changes!

PART I: Think about the future!

STAKEHOLDERSPeople with disabilities and their families have an important role in future think.

FUTURE THINK INVOLVES . . .

Thinking about what has happened

Thinking about what might happen next

Using those ideas to prepare for the future

Leaders participate in future think!

LIFE CHALLENGES EVERYONE!

People with disabilities, and their families, while diverse, have unique histories and perspectives on change and a vital interest in the future.

CAN YOU IMAGINEAre you prepared?What lies beyond the next bump in the road?

THE WINDS OF CHANGE . . .

In our lifetime, we will all be effected by events that change how we live, work, think, and learn.

Macro Changes are big changes, often controlled by events that happen to us!

Micro Changes are gradual changes, often controlled by events that happen because of us!

The choices we make and our reactions to world events and people around us make a difference!

Events and choices interact!CHANGE AND CHOICE

EXAMPLES: EVENTS AND ACTION:World Events

Attack on 911WW IIGreat DepressionPolio vaccineComputer invented SARS epidemicIndividual Choices

Applying for a jobChoosing a mateServing on a boardMoving to a new townSelecting a cell-phone or apartmentBuying a computer

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE TRENDS OR MACRO-CHANGES THAT WILL IMPACT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES?

PLANET-WIDE CHANGE

World knowledge is growing very rapidly

Our collective wisdom may not keep pace

Global communications link people rapidly with remote events Disease, natural disasters, and acts of war or terrorism impact us all

Think about your world!

SOCIAL CHANGES

The average age in America is going up

Birth rates for Caucasians are declining

Birth rates for Hispanics and American Indians are rising

Society is more diverse

Think about the people you know!

PROGRESS

Doctors save medically fragile babies

People with disabilities live longer

The causes for some disabilities are now treatableDoctors perform surgeries while babies are still in the womb

Think about your family and friends!

HOW WILL GLOBAL CHANGES IMPACT OUR FUTURE?

How should we respond? What choices will YOU make?

DO YOU TAKE A WORLD VIEW?

World events can suddenly and dramatically change the big picture.

Future world events will influence the choices you have and decisions or discoveries you make.

OR DO YOU PREFER THE INDIVIDUAL VIEW?

You decide what is important and what services and supports you want! Our collective choices may even change the big picture.

Knowing which changes will come and what we want to happen can lead us to future think.

A RECENT EXAMPLE People with disabilities envisioned a world in which they had access to communities. They took action and passed the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Today many buildings are equipped with ramps and automatic door openers. Although more needs to be done, individual view changed the world view about what people with disabilities can do.

Why not take a few minutes to:

Remember the pastConsider the present andPlan for the future

You can participate in future think!Lets look at a few important choices!

PART II

Think about changing what is important to you!

FUTURE-THINK CHOICESChoose a topic important to YOU! Consider:

1) What has happened in the past 2) What may happen in the future 3) What YOU want to happen 4) What we should do to prepare for the future

Housing Employment Tools Health Care Education Transportation Lifestyles Family Support Retirement Roles Voice Leadership

Wrap-Up Final Thoughts !

HOUSINGIn the past, people with disabilities. . .

Lived in institutions, schools or hospitals

Remained at home with parents as adults

Could not access typical homes or apartments

Were expected to live atypical lives in group settings based on disability instead of choice

HOUSINGToday, people with disabilities . . .

Choose to own their own home or apartment

May choose group living arrangements to get the support they need

Seek housing that meets individual needs

Seek affordable mortgages or loans to pay for renovations

HOUSINGHow will housing change in the future. . .

Think about changes in housing ! Discuss . . .

AccessibilityAvailabilityNeighborhoodsTechnologySupportGrowing OldIndependence

Where are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN HOUSINGWhat should we do to prepare for change in housing?

TeachingWho needs to learn about accessible housing?What do they need to know?Research What changes in housing are most likely?How can housing support lifestyles? ServiceWho needs help with housing?What services will be most helpful?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in housing? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

EMPLOYMENTIn the past people with disabilities. . .

Worked in sheltered settings

Entertained others for no/low pay

Sometimes went on the lecture circuit

Were largely unemployed

Were considered handicapped with little to offer an employer

EMPLOYMENTToday, people with disabilities . . .

Are still often underemployed or unemployed

Increasingly seek higher education

Hold down diverse jobs in the workforce

Use technology to accomplish goals

Advocate for a level playing field in the workplace

EmploymentHow will employment change in the future?

Think about changes on the job and in the workplace! Discuss . . .

Attitudes TechnologyRobotics DiversitySkills Job trendsInsurance Accommodations


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENTHow should we prepare for change in employment?

Teaching Who will employ people with disabilities (PWD)? What will PWD need to succeed on the job?Research How will future job trends impact choices? How can new technologies impact employment? Service What employment resources will be available?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in employment? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

TOOLSIn the past people with disabilities. . .

Wore heavy braces or corsets

Used manual wheel chairs if available

Learned Braille or sign language

Relied on family for needed care or assistance

Had access to few adapted tools

TOOLSToday people with disabilities. . .

Use computers at work and home

Drive vehicles, or use power chairs as desired

Rely on lightweight support devices

May not read Braille

Use service animals and/or paid assistants

TOOLSHow will tools change in the future?

Think about tools for people with disabilities. Discuss . . .

Attitudes TechnologyPower sourcesDiversityUniversal designMicro trendsCreativity


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN TOOLSHow should we prepare for future changes is tools?

Teaching Who will teach PWD to use future tools? Who will teach the teachers? Research What kinds of tools are the best fit? How do we achieve affordability? Service Who will repair and service future tools? What happens when tools are outgrown or break down?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future advances in tools? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices.

HEALTH CAREIn the past people with disabilities. . .

Often lived shortened lives

Experienced inadequate health care or nutrition

Were sometimes victims of experimentation or torture in the name of science

Had little right to privacy during exams

Could not get health care or insurance

Had limited information about specific disabilities, conditions or treatment options

HEALTH CAREToday people with disabilities. . .

Have access to better information about health care and treatment options

Seek a medical home with one-stop, family centered care.

Still struggle to obtain health care and health insurance

Struggle to access health care settings

Demand cures not just treatment equal to the efforts made to address other diseases or conditions.

HEALTH CAREHow will health care change in the future?

Think about health care for people with disabilities. Discuss . . .

AccessAffordabilityEquityAvailabilityAdvancesHolistic medicineRising costs


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN HEALTH CAREHow should we prepare for future changes in health care?

Teaching Who will provide health care? How will providers learn about quality of care? Research What treatments are the best for persons with differing conditions? Service Who will pay for health care in the future? How will problems be overcome?How will shortages be addressed?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future advances in health care? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

EDUCATIONIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Were denied access to public schools

Were denied access to a free and appropriate public education

Encountered low expectationsDid not participate in after-school activitiesHad no voice in how schools were managed

EDUCATIONToday people with disabilities. . .Routinely access public schools

Seek a free and appropriate public education

Have high drop-out rates

Seek higher education

Struggle to overcome low expectations

Are both under and over identified

EDUCATIONHow will education change in the future?

Think about education for people with disabilities. Discuss:

InclusionStandardsOver identificationAssessmentExcellenceFriendshipUnified services


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN EDUCATIONHow should we prepare for future changes in education?

Teaching Will we have enough special education teachers? What should teachers know?

Research What information and technology do we need? How will we share this information?

Service Who will pay for education in the future? What resources and support will we need?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in education? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

TRANSPORTATIONIn the past, people with disabilities . . .Stayed homeRelied on families to take them placesCould not use sidewalks or safely cross streets in many areasPassed important legislation to secure accessible transportation

TRANSPORTATIONToday people with disabilities. . .

Still rely on families and friendsGet out more than they used toUse accessible public transportation when its available and affordableOften cannot get to work or after hour events especially in remote rural communitiesMust schedule their lives in advance

TRANSPORTATIONHow will transportation change in the future? Think about education for people with disabilities. Discuss:FundingAccessibilityIncomeCoordinationSafetyServiceWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATIONHow should we prepare for future changes in transportation?

Teaching Who will provide transportation services? What do they need to know? Research What policies will enhance transportation? What technologies will support transportation?Service What choices will people with disabilities have?What resources will be available?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in transportation? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

FAMILY SUPPORTIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Spent long periods of time apart from familiesMay have missed important socialization skillsHad care requirements that caused undue stress for familiesWere sometimes treated as perpetual children Were not encouraged to grow up

FAMILY SUPPORTToday people with disabilities. . .

Usually live with families during childhood

May need community based services to prevent out of home placement

Get information through better-informed families

Are encouraged by some families to set goals and become independent

Struggle to understand and access a fragmented service system

Prefer generic rather than disability specific agencies

FAMILY SUPPORTHow will family support change in the future?Think about support for families of people with disabilities. Discuss:

FamiliesAvailabilityUnified servicesTechnologyChild careInformation and trainingChoice and control


PREPARE FOR CHANGE IN FAMILY SUPPORTHow should we prepare for changes in family support?

Teaching What do families need to know to raise a child with special needs? What do we need to know to support families? Research How will changing family dynamics impact support? What models for family support are most effective? Service Who will provide community based support services? How will services be guaranteed?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in family support? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

LIFESTYLESIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Often focused their lifestyle around care routines

Had limited opportunities to explore options

Had difficulty meeting people or making friends

Were expected to be asexual

Received negative messages about differences

Were sometimes penalized for trying

Relied on families for their major social group

LIFESTYLESToday, people with disabilities . . .

Expect more of life than survivalUsually choose to live ordinary livesMay enjoy opposite or same sex partnershipsStill have difficulty joining informal social eventsStill depend on families a great deal Sometimes experience intense conflicts over separation from familyMay choose what is safe instead of what is wanted

LIFESTYLESHow will lifestyles change in the future? Think about lifestyles. Discuss:

RelationshipsAssociationsOpportunitiesAccessibilitySelf-expressionAcceptance


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN LIFESTYLESHow should we prepare for future changes in lifestyle?

Teaching What information about lifestyles will be available?What do teachers and families need to know?Research What options contribute to optimal health and wellness? What strategies can overcome barriers? Service What resources must be available to support increasingly diverse lifestyles?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in lifestyle? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

RETIREMENTIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Died early and never got to retirementLived hidden lives with unknown futuresHad conventional dreams that were seldom realized

RETIREMENTToday, people with disabilities . . .Prefer to live in the same location upon retirementMay save for retirement through an IRA or other investmentsRely intensively on family and friends as they ageMay be unable to support aging care-givers

RETIREMENTHow will retirement change in the future? Think about retirement and people with disabilities. Discuss:

EmploymentAgingHealth careDiversityHousingDeath & dying


Prepare for Changes in RetirementHow should we prepare for future changes in retirement?

Teaching What information about retirement will be available?What do retirement planners need to know? Research How are retirement options changing? What strategies can overcome problems associated with aging? Service What support systems will be available for seniors with disabilities? What resources must be available to support increasingly diverse retirement options?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in retirement? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

ROLESIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Were the recipients of service

Always required lifelong support

Sometimes entertained others

Often became objects of scorn or pity

Were frequently feared and avoided

ROLESToday, people with disabilities . . .

Are recognized as people first whoHave diverse interests and needsMay be highly educated and productiveSeek full inclusion in societyEnjoy healthy relationships of their choiceChallenge expectations and exercise rights andSometimes experience discriminationPrefer to live ordinary lives

ROLESHow will roles change in the future?

Think about. . .Attitudes LifestyleReligionDiversityEducationPossibilities


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN ROLESThink about how we might change . . .

Teaching How will teachers, doctors, employers learn about people with disabilities?

Research What approaches work best to prepare young people for changing roles?

Service Who will the role models be? What opportunities will be available?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for new and changing roles? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

VOICEIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Were isolated

With limited power or means of communication.

Were barred or excluded from voting

Represented by a few tireless advocates

Were easy to ignore and

Seldom if ever heard

VOICEToday, people with disabilities . . .

Speak up and speak outSit on boards and committeesMay employ or govern service providersAre increasingly able to voteAre beginning to get to the table andAre a little less easy to ignore

VOICEHow will voice be expressed in the future?

Think about changes in focus and means. Discuss . . . Attitudes TechnologyPowerDiversityEducationPossibilities


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN VOICEThink about how we might change . . .

Teaching How will we teach young people with disabilities to communicate? What will educators and families need to know?

Research What opportunities to express ideas and choices are critical for participation and voice?

Service What opportunities for participation in community development or the disability community will exist? What barriers must be overcome?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future opportunities for voice? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

LEADERSHIPIn the past, people with disabilities . .

Were encouraged to fix or overcome disabilities rather than to build on strengths

Had limited leadership roles in schools, government and communities

Were expected to look up to other persons with disabilities who achieved greatness by performing or overcoming disabilities

Developed leadership skills through system change activities rather than opportunities in employment or community service.

LEADERSHIPToday, people with disabilities . . .

Exercise legal and human rights

Encounter attitudinal and policy barriers

Encounter apathy and low expectations

Resist attempts to weaken disability legislation

Are sometimes at the table with policymakers

Reserve the right to live ordinary lives

LEADERSHIPHow will leadership change in the future?

Think about leadership. Discuss . . .

Attitudes VisionApathyPersonal developmentTechnologyPower


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP

How will leadership change in the future. . .

Teaching Who will the leaders and role models be? Who will teach and inspire new leaders?

Research What kind of challenges and support produce effective leadership? What prevents some people from developing leadership skills?

Service Who will support and nourish leaders? What leadership opportunities are available for people who desire ordinary lives?

Back to Choices

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future leaders? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

Back to Choices

Final ThoughtsYou've got to think about big things while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction. Alvin Toffler

Who decides what the right direction will be? You decide!

InformationCathy HaarstadNorth Dakota Center for Persons with DisabilitiesMinot State University500 University Avenue W.Minot, ND [email protected]

Future Think Build on the past, consider the present, plan for the future. Click on parts I or II to begin your journey. We suggest you begin with Part I. The links only work in slide show mode. PART I: Think about the future! The slides in part I will help you think about future world changes that can impact all of us. Use these slides the first time you view this presentation. STAKEHOLDERS People with disabilities and their families have an important role in future think.Future think involves . . . Thinking about what has happenedThinking about what might happen nextUsing those ideas to prepare for the futureLeaders participate in future think!

Life Challenges Everyone!People with disabilities, and their families, while diverse, have unique histories and perspectives on change and a vital interest in the future.

CAN YOU IMAGINEWhat lies beyond the next bump in the road?Are you prepared?

THE WINDS OF CHANGE . . .In our lifetime, we will all be effected by events that change how we live, work, think, and learn.

We experience two distinct kinds of change!Macro Changes are big changes, often controlled by events that happen to us!Micro Changes are gradual changes, often controlled by events that happen because of us!The choices we make and our reactions to events and people around us make a difference! Events and choices interact!

Think about Events and Actions. World Events such as the attack on 911, WW II, the Great Depression, the Polio vaccine, the Invention of the computer and the SARS epidemic are macro events that dramatically impacted our world. Individual Choices such as applying for a job, deciding what to wear, choosing a mate, serving on a board, selecting a cell-phone or apartment or buying a computer are micro-events that may impact your future.

Individual choices impact you and the people you know and care about.THINK ABOUT FUTURE TRENDS Or MACRO-CHANGES THAT MAY IMPACT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES! How is our world changing?Future Trends: Some changes impact nations planet wide. Consider the fact that: World knowledge is growing very rapidly, Our collective wisdom may not always keep pace with that knowledge, Global communications link people rapidly with events that take place a world away, Disease, natural disasters, and acts of war or terrorism impact all of us, and governments control resources and set limits. Think about your world. SOCIAL CHANGES Some coming changes will impact whole populations. Consider the fact that the average age in America is going up. Birth rates for Caucasians are declining while at the same time, birth rates for Hispanics and American Indians are rising. American society is becoming more diverse. Think about the people you know. PROGRESS Consider advances in science and health care that impact individuals with disabilities and their families. Doctors save medically fragile babies, People with disabilities live longer, The causes for some disabilities are now treatable and Doctors perform surgeries while babies are still in the womb. Think about your family and friends!

How will global changes impact our future? How should we respond? What choices will you make?DO YOU TAKE A WORLD VIEW? When we think about changes in population, technology, climate, health care or government we are taking a world-view of events. World events can suddenly and dramatically change the big picture. Future world events will influence the choices you have and may drive future decisions or discoveries you make.

OR DO YOU PREFER THE INDIVIDUAL VIEW? Many people prefer to think about future events from an individual perspective. Individuals decide what is important and what kind of services and supports they want! The decisions you make will also determine what choices are available in the future. Our collective choices may even change the big picture. Recognizing which changes are coming and what we want to happen can lead us to future think.

A RECENT EXAMPLE Once upon a time, people with disabilities envisioned a world in which they had access to community buildings. They passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today many buildings are equipped with ramps and automatic door openers. Although more needs to be done, individual view changed the world view about what people with disabilities can do.

Why not take a few minutes as an individual or group to:Remember the pastConsider the present andPlan for the futureYou can participate in future think!To begin lets go on to Part II and look at a few important choices!

Part II Think about changing what is important to you. The slides in part II ask you to think about topics that are important to you. Use these slides once you are familiar with future-think. Recommend ways that we should change teaching, research and service. Your ideas can help us prepare for the future and make the world a better place.

FUTURE-THINK CHOICESChoose any topic below that is important to YOU! Use the information at each topic to consider:What has happened in the pastWhat may happen in the futureWhat you want to happen What WE should do to prepare for the future

Housing Employment Tools Health Care Education TransportationLifestyles Family Support Retirement Roles Voice Leadership

When you have finished you will return to this page. Select another choice or go to the Wrap Up Section for some Final thoughts

HOUSINGIn the past, people with disabilities. . .Lived in institutions, schools or hospitals for long periods of timeRemained at home as adults, living with parents or siblingsCould not access typical homes or apartmentsWere expected to live atypical lives in group settings based on disability instead of choice

HOUSINGToday, people with disabilities . . . Increasingly choose to own their own home or apartmentMay choose group living arrangements to get the support they needSeek housing that meets individual needsSeek affordable mortgages or loans to pay for renovations

HOUSINGHow will housing change in the future. . .Think about changes in housing ! Discuss . . .AccessibilityAvailabilityNeighborhoodsTechnologySupportGrowing oldIndependenceWhere are we going and what do you want?

Think about what WE should do to prepare for changes in housing.

Use these questions to help you make some suggestions.TeachingWho needs to learn about housing?What do they need to know?Research What changes in housing are most likely?How can housing support lifestyles? ServiceWho needs help with housing?What services will be most helpful?

Recommendations: Your suggestions can help us prepare for future changes in housing. Now that you have talked over what you want, what changes should we make in teaching, research or services?EMPLOYMENT:

In the past people with disabilities. . .

Worked in sheltered settingsEntertained others for no/low paySometimes went on the lecture circuit Were largely unemployedWere considered handicapped with little to offer an employer

Employment

Today, people with disabilities . . .

Are still often underemployed or unemployedIncreasingly seek higher educationHold down diverse jobs in the workforceUse technology to accomplish goalsAdvocate for a level playing field in the workplace

EMPLOYMENT

How will employment change in the future?Think about changes on the job and in the workplace! Discuss . . .

Attitudes TechnologyRobotics DiversitySkills Job trendsInsurance Accommodations


PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENTHow should we prepare for change in employment?

Teaching Who will employ people with disabilities (PWD)? What will PWD need to succeed on the job?Research How will future job trends impact choices? How can new technologies impact employment? Service What employment resources will be available?

Recommendations: Your suggestions can help us prepare for future changes in employment. Now that you have talked over what you want, what changes should we make in teaching, research or services?

TOOLSIn the past people with disabilities. . .Wore heavy braces or corsetsUsed manual wheel chairs if availableLearned Braille or sign languageRelied on families for needed care or assistanceHad access to few adapted tools

TOOLSToday people with disabilities. . .

Use computers at work and homeDrive vehicles, or use power chairs as desiredRely on lightweight support devicesMay not read BrailleUse service animals and/or paid assistants

TOOLSHow will tools change in the future?

Think about tools for people with disabilities. Discuss . . .Attitudes TechnologyPower sourcesDiversityUniversal designMicro trendsCreativityWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN TOOLSHow should we prepare for future changes in tools?

Teaching Who will teach PWD to use future tools? Who will teach the teachers? Research What kinds of tools are the best fit? How do we achieve affordability? Service Who will repair and service future tools? What happens when tools are outgrown or break down?

RECOMMENDATIONS Take a few minutes and as an individual or a group, make a few recommendations. For example: What should we do to prepare for future advances in tools? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?HEALTH CAREIn the past people with disabilities. . .

Often lived shortened lives Experienced inadequate health care or nutritionWere sometimes victims of experimentation or torture in the name of scienceHad little right to privacy during examsCould not get health care or insuranceHad limited information about specific disabilities, conditions or treatment options

HEALTH CAREToday people with disabilities. . .

Have access to better information about health care and treatment optionsSeek a medical home with one-stop, family centered care.Still struggle to obtain health care and health insuranceStruggle to access health care settingsDemand cures not just treatment equal to the efforts made to address other diseases or conditions.

HEALTH CAREHow will health care change in the future?

Think about health care for people with disabilities. Discuss . . .

AccessAffordabilityEquityAvailabilityAdvancesHolistic medicineRising costsWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN HEALTH CAREHow should we prepare for future changes in health care?

Teaching Who will provide health care? How will providers learn about quality of care? Research What treatments are the best for persons with differing conditions? Service Who will pay for health care in the future? How will problems be overcome?How will shortages be addressed?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future advances in health care? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.2.3.

EDUCATIONIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Were denied access to public schoolsWere denied access to a free and appropriate public educationEncountered low expectationsDid not participate in after-school activitiesHad no voice in how schools were managed

EDUCATION Today people with disabilities. . .Routinely access public schools Seek a free and appropriate public educationHave high drop-out ratesSeek higher educationStruggle to overcome low expectationsAre both under and over identified

EDUCATIONHow will education change in the future?

Think about education for people with disabilities. Discuss:

InclusionStandardsOver identificationAssessmentExcellenceFriendshipUnified servicesWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN EDUCATIONHow should we prepare for future changes in education?

Teaching Will we have enough special education teachers? What should teachers know?Research What information and technology do we need? How will we share this information? Service Who will pay for education in the future? What resources and support will we need?RECOMMENDATIONS What should we do to prepare for future advances in education? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

TRANSPORTATIONIn the past, people with disabilities . . .Stayed homeRelied on families to take them placesCould not use sidewalks or safely cross streets in many areasPassed important legislation to secure accessible transportation

TRANSPORTATIONToday people with disabilities. . .

Still rely on families and friendsGet out more than they used toUse accessible public transportation when its available and affordableOften cannot get to work or after hour events especially in remote rural communitiesMust schedule their lives in advance

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATIONHow will transportation change in the future? Think about transportation for people with disabilities. Discuss:FundingAccessibilityIncomeCoordinationSafetyServiceWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATIONHow should we prepare for future changes in transportation?

Teaching Who will provide transportation services? What do they need to know? Research What policies will enhance transportation? What technologies will support transportation?Service What choices will people with disabilities have?What resources will be available?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future changes in transportation? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.2.3.

FAMILY SUPPORTIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Spent long periods of time apart from familiesMay have missed important socialization skillsHad care requirements that caused undue stress for familiesWere sometimes treated as perpetual children Were not encouraged to grow up

FAMILY SUPPORTToday people with disabilities. . .

Usually live with families during childhoodMay need community based services to prevent out of home placementGet information through better-informed familiesAre encouraged by some families to set goals and become independentStruggle to understand and access a fragmented service systemPrefer generic rather than disability specific agencies

FAMILY SUPPORTHow will family support change in the future?Think about support for families of people with disabilities. Discuss:

FamiliesAvailabilityUnified servicesTechnologyChild careInformation and trainingChoice and controlWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGE IN FAMILY SUPPORTHow should we prepare for changes in family support?

Teaching What do families need to know to raise a child with special needs? What do we need to know to support families? Research How will changing family dynamics impact support? What models for family support are most effective? Service Who will provide community based support services? How will services be guaranteed?

RECOMMENDATIONS What should we do to prepare for future changes in family support? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.2.3.

LIFESTYLESIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Often focused their lifestyle around care routinesHad limited opportunities to explore optionsHad difficulty meeting people or making friendsWere expected to be asexual Received negative messages about differencesWere sometimes penalized for tryingRelied on families for their major social group

LIFESTYLESToday, people with disabilities . . .

Expect more of life than survivalUsually choose to live ordinary livesMay enjoy opposite or same sex partnershipsStill have difficulty joining informal social eventsStill depend on families a great deal Sometimes experience intense conflicts over separation from familyMay choose what is safe instead of what is wantedLIFESTYLESHow will lifestyles change in the future? Think about lifestyles. Discuss:

RelationshipsAssociationsOpportunitiesAccessibilitySelf-expressionAcceptanceWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN LIFESTYLESHow should we prepare for future changes in lifestyle?

Teaching What information about lifestyles will be available?What do teachers and families need to know?Research What options contribute to optimal health and wellness? What strategies can overcome barriers? Service What resources must be available to support increasingly diverse lifestyles?

RECOMMENDATIONS What should we do to prepare for future changes in lifestyle? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?

RETIREMENTIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Died early and never got to retirementLived hidden lives with unknown futuresHad conventional dreams that were seldom realized

RETIREMENTToday, people with disabilities . . .Prefer to live in the same location upon retirementMay save for retirement through an IRA or other investmentsRely intensively on family and friends as they ageMay be unable to support aging care-givers

RETIREMENTHow will retirement change in the future? Think about retirement and people with disabilities. Discuss:

EmploymentAgingHealth careDiversityHousingDeath & dyingWhere are we going and what do you want?

Prepare for Changes in Retirement How should we prepare for future changes in retirement?

Teaching What information about retirement will be available?What do retirement planners need to know? Research How are retirement options changing? What strategies can overcome problems associated with aging? Service What support systems will be available for seniors with disabilities? What resources must be available to support increasingly diverse retirement options?

RECOMMENDATIONS

What should we do to prepare for future changes in retirement? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

In the past, people with disabilities . . .

Were the recipients of serviceAlways required lifelong supportSometimes entertained others Often became objects of scorn or pityWere frequently feared and avoided

ROLESToday, people with disabilities . . .

Are recognized as people first who . . .Have diverse interests and needsMay be highly educated and productiveSeek full inclusion in societyEnjoy healthy relationships of their choiceChallenge expectations and exercise rights andSometimes experience discriminationPrefer to live ordinary lives

ROLESHow will roles change in the future?

Think about. . .Attitudes LifestyleReligionDiversityEducationPossibilitiesWhere are we going and what do you want?PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN ROLESThink about how we might change . . .

Teaching How will teachers, doctors, and employers learn about people with disabilities?

Research What approaches work best to prepare young people for changing roles?

Service Who will the role models be? What opportunities will be available?

RECOMMENDATIONS What should we do to prepare for new and changing roles? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?

VOICEIn the past, people with disabilities . . .

Were isolatedWith limited power or means of communication. Were barred or excluded from voting Represented by a few tireless advocatesWere easy to ignore andSeldom if ever heardVOICEToday, people with disabilities . . .

Speak up and speak outSit on boards and committeesMay employ or govern service providersAre increasingly able to voteAre beginning to get to the table andAre a little less easy to ignore

VOICEHow will voice be expressed in the future?

Think about changes in focus and means. Discuss . . . Attitudes TechnologyPowerDiversityEducationPossibilitiesWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN VOICE Think about how we might change . . .

Teaching How will we teach young people with disabilities to communicate? What will educators and families need to know?Research What opportunities to express ideas and choices are critical for participation and voice? Service What opportunities for participation in community development or the disability community will exist? What barriers must be overcome?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future opportunities for voice? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.

2.

3.

LEADERSHIP

In the past, people with disabilities . .

Were encouraged to fix or overcome disabilities rather than to build on strengths Had limited leadership roles in schools, government and communitiesWere expected to look up to other persons with disabilities who achieved greatness by performing or overcoming disabilitiesDeveloped leadership skills through system change activities rather than opportunities in employment or community service.

LEADERSHIPToday, people with disabilities . . .

Exercise legal and human rights Encounter attitudinal and policy barriersEncounter apathy and low expectationsResist attempts to weaken disability legislationAre sometimes at the table with policymakersReserve the right to live ordinary lives

LEADERSHIPHow will leadership change in the future?

Think about leadership. Discuss . . .

Attitudes VisionApathyPersonal developmentTechnologyPowerWhere are we going and what do you want?

PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN LEADERSHIPHow will leadership change in the future. . .

Teaching Who will the leaders and role models be? Who will teach and inspire new leaders?Research What kind of challenges and support produce effective leadership? What prevents some people from developing leadership skills?Service Who will support and nourish leaders? What leadership opportunities are available for people who desire ordinary lives?

RECOMMENDATIONSWhat should we do to prepare for future leaders? What changes should we make in teaching, research or service?1.2.3.

Final Thoughts You've got to think about big things while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction. Alvin Toffler

Who decides what the right direction will be? You decide! Information We hope you enjoyed this slide presentation. Please send your suggestions for future-think to Cathy Haarstad at the ND Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot State University500 University Avenue W. Minot, ND 58707 or email her at [email protected]

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FUTURE THINK