READING ROOM: Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with a Disability

Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with

a Disability

Planning for

the Future

Planning

for the Future

What will happen to my child when I am no longer around? Although thisis an uncomfortable and overwhelming thought for any physician-parentto contemplate, it is a particularly critical question for the parent of achild with an emotional, physical, or mental disability. L. Mark Russell and Arnold E.Grant help parents plan a safe and happy life for their child in the updated edition oftheir book (Planning for the Future, Inc; 2005). With a combined 30 years of experiencehelping families, Russell and Grant draw on their expertise in this extraordinarilycomprehensive 643-page book that guides parents through the estate planningprocess step by step.Where will my child live? Who will carefor my child? Will there be enough finances? empowers parents with methodical instructionsfor tackling the important issues in ensuring the continuedcare of a disabled minor or adult. The book includes worksheetsto prepare you for attorney meetings, an estate planningorganizer, and financial charts for analyzing the futureneeds of your child. No matter how small or large yourestate, you need to plan for your child's future, and is the most important first step you couldmake towards ensuring it.