PLAN RI
Personal Lifetime Advocacy Networks of Rhode Island
Building Networks for Life
What We Do
PLAN RI carries out two major functions
1. We assist families to develop a personal future plan for their relative. PLAN RI helps families follow a seven-step process to create a safe and secure future for their loved one. Each future plan is tailor made to include your wishes and dreams for the future and addresses any concerns you may have. Each future plan covers the following key areas:
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Will, estate and financial planning
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Long-term housing security
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Maintaining government benefits
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Personal relationships
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Making a contribution
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Alternatives to guardianship
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Monitoring quality of life
2. We establish and maintain a caring personal network in the life of the member with a disability. PLAN RI provides assistance in creating and expanding the network of friends and supporters to your loved one, contributing to their quality of life now and in the future when you are not there
Other ways we improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families are to:
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Offer families support in learning what they need to know about planning for the future of their relative with a disability, including safety, living arrangements, supported decision-making and whatever they might be afraid to ask.
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Provide information and referral on developing a will and estate plan, creating discretionary trusts and maintaining government benefits.
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Address through the support network the quality of programs and services that the member receives, particularly after their relatives are no longer able to meet this need.
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Advocate on behalf of people with disabilities with government and non-government agencies.
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Bring about community awareness of the contribution that can be made by individuals with disabilities
Creating Social Capital
PLAN RI and other similar groups throughout North America have been described as a "social enterprise", a new type of non-profit, deploying business skills in social settings to satisfy unmet needs, creating social capital instead of economic capital.
Without detracting from government's continuing responsibilities, we are developing lifelong security and well-being for our relatives with disabilities. Participants in PLAN RI are investing in:
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The capacity of families to solve their own problems
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The expanded capability of individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society through contribution and self-determination, helping them be viewed as contributors, rather than objects of charity
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The hospitality of neighbors in the community
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The enlightened self-interest and social responsibility of the corporate and private sector
Love is Not Enough
So let's get right down to it. In matters of future planning, love is not enough. Planning is an act of courage. Planning for the future when you have a son, daughter, brother, sister, or any relative with a disability means planning to let go. PLAN RI can provide a continuing good life when that happens