Listen
Start with the person’s preferences and communication.
Know Your Rights
Parents & Caregivers
Build respectful family support around the person’s voice, changing needs, and meaningful participation.
Quick Overview
What to keep in mind
Coordinate
Keep support roles and information clear.
Advocate
Describe barriers and practical solutions.
Care for yourself
Sustainable support includes caregiver wellbeing.
Key Rights / Information
Support should strengthen the person and family
These are practical starting points. Exact rights and processes can vary by service and location.
Person-centered decisions
Include the person directly in choices in a way they can understand and express.
Clear service information
Ask providers to explain options, responsibilities, and next steps.
Consistent communication
Agree how family members, schools, and services will share essential updates.
Privacy and boundaries
Balance useful coordination with the person’s dignity and confidentiality.
Changing support needs
Review plans when routines, health, education, or goals change.
What You Can Do
Turn information into a practical next step
-
1
Listen first
Identify preferences, strengths, concerns, and goals.
-
2
Create one record
Keep contacts, plans, reports, and decisions together.
-
3
Prepare for meetings
Bring priorities, examples, and questions.
-
4
Agree next steps
Record who will do what and by when.
-
5
Review family capacity
Ask for help before support becomes unsustainable.
Common Situations
A clearer way to respond
Services give conflicting advice
Request a coordinated meeting and a written summary.
My child is excluded from an activity
Ask what barrier was identified and what adjustment was considered.
I am overwhelmed by appointments
Prioritize urgent needs and create one shared schedule.
The support plan no longer fits
Request a review centered on current strengths, needs, and goals.
Support
Contact the team
Looking for guidance for your family?
Tell us what is happening now and what outcome would make daily life or participation easier.