Document

Vision Planning: A Guide for Parents & Carers

> Resource Hub > Vision Planning: A Guide for Parents & Carers

What is a vision plan?

A vision plan is a clear and intentional description of what a good life looks like for your disabled family member. It is a person-centred process that is built around the disabled person’s hopes and dreams, to construct a picture of the kind of life they would like.

Vision Planning: A Guide for Parents & Carers ( PDF file, 1.73MB )
Why is a vision plan important?
Formalising a vision by putting it on paper helps us to clarify our thoughts and ideas as a family
It helps give us direction about what kind of life our disabled family member can have. When life gets tough it is easy to focus on the present and to lose sight of where we are headed or why we are doing things. If we have a vision, then we can all steer toward that vision. You may not know yet how you are going to get there, but the vision helps keep you on track.
Having a vision allows you to evaluate choices that are before you.
It allows you to ask, will this bring the person closer to the desired outcomes? It helps you see what kind of people you need to bring on board to support your vision.
A vision plan helps us to communicate our vision to others and to enlist support from them.
When we talk with family members, friends and professionals it allows them to see why we are doing certain things and why something that may seem small is an important part of a bigger plan. Understanding the vision plan means that others are more likely to adapt how they relate to or what they do with your loved one. A vision plan may even assist you with getting funding through NASC if the item in question is part of your plan.
Having a vision helps to recognise the disabled person’s rights to the same kind of ordinary life outcomes that all people have.
Having a clear vision of what a good life looks like means understanding that disabled people need to be given the same opportunities to fulfill their hopes and dreams like others at similar stages of life. This includes opportunities for learning, employment, having a home, family and social participation. If you would like to be further inspired about creating a vision then we recommend watching Wendy Stroeve’s clip Clarity of Vision - Imagine More.

Related resources

eNews NelsonRenew selfcare sitewide v
The gift of self-care for the carers
Our self-care Christmas shortlist includes a podcast, a book, an app and ideas from staff and Support Parents.
Article
IEP Sitewide v
Individual Education Plan
A guide for families navigating the IEP process.
Document
Five Top Tips Sitewide v
Five top tips for advocating for your child’s right to education
A helpful tool to empower you in seeking the best educational outcomes for your child and family.
Document
Book Review Sitewide Image
Book review: inclusive books for children
Reading together can be a great way to connect as a family. Check out our Top 10 list of recommended titles.
Article
Changes at Puberty: A guide for parents and carers
Document
Trauma Article Sitewide B
When disaster strikes
A look at the impacts of traumatic experiences and ways to help a family member.
Article
Overview of Disability Funding in NZ
Document
Sibling Support article header
Why is Sibling Support important?
Article
IEP header
What are IEPs?
Article
December article header
Promoting functional home and school relationships
Article
Separation header
Parenting through separation and beyond – children with additional needs
Article
EGL Mana Whaikaha article
Enabling Good Lives (EGL) and Mana Whaikaha
Article
NASC image
Accessing the NASC
Article
Picky eater header
Picky eating
Article
Puberty header
Parenting and puberty – how to navigate “The Agony and Ecstasy Years” with a special-needs child
Article
Autism Adult Diagnosis header
Adult Autism Diagnosis
Article
Adolescents and Anxiety
Adolescents and Anxiety
Article
nd Gen
Second Generation – Developing a Life Plan
Article
Travelling with ids
Travelling with children with disabilities
Article
Feeling judged
Feeling judged as a parent of a child with special needs
Article
autism in classroom article
Peer inclusion & understanding autism in the classroom
Article
Quality Sibling Relationship
Quality of the sibling relationship
Article
Employment
Employment and disability
Article
Peer Support website
The importance of peer support
Article
Safe and fun Xmas
A fun and safe Christmas
Tips for a fun, festive and inclusive holiday.
Article
HOTP July Website
Inclusive education – A right not a favour
Article
Succession planning
Caring for a disabled family member: The importance of succession planning
Article
Getting a break article
Tips for getting a break
Being a family caregiver for a disabled person, or person with a health impairment can be a stressful and dema
Article
Privacy Act Featured Image
The Privacy Act 2020
Article
COVID vaccine
New Zealand Begins Our First COVID-19 Vaccinations
Article
Childrens right to education
A child’s right to an education in New Zealand
Article
Te Ao Maori
Te Ao Māori and disability
Article
HOTP Website
What you need to know about voting in the 2020 general election: A guide for voting with disabilities
Article
Winter Bug Protection
Winter bug protection
Article
Curriculum Lead
Wellbeing Support for the Education Sector
Article
Sophie Tricycle
Innovative ways to use funding during COVID-19
Article
food allergy
Food allergies & intolerances
Article
anxiety sw
What is anxiety?
Article
POA article
Enduring power of attorney and PPP&R Act
Article
fasd
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Article
Fact checking header
Fact checking
Article
Dyspraxia article header
Dyspraxia
Article
InternetYoungPeople header
Internet Safety and Young People
Article
DD article header
Developmental Delay (DD) – Diagnosis and Prognosis
Article
Know your professionals
Know your professionals
Article
Language of ability header
The language of ability
Article
School Transition
School Transitions
Article
visual support
Visual supports
Article
summerholiday WP
Summer holidays
Article
AdobeStock e
Sensory and behaviour meltdowns
Article
Sleep hygeine
Sleep Hygiene
Article
Adobe Plan
What are Executive Function skills?
Article
meetings
How to prepare for meetings
Article
Study Tips for Exams
Article
Functions of behaviour
Article
social skills sw
What are Social Skills?
Article
bullying sw
What is bullying?
Article
about autism in childhood
About Autism in childhood
A practical tool to educate and empower you and your family.
Document
Resource Hub
Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takatini.
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.
  • Made by Scratch
Ask us a question
Send us a quick message and we'll be in touch to assist as soon as possible.