By now you should have some idea of what is available to help people with a disability to live life to as near as possible their full potential. You should now start to work out for yourself what you would like to do or have for to help you make the most of your life.

Start thinking about some longer-term aims. These might include for example walking or travelling independently; finding a job; meeting more people; establishing a relationship; starting a new hobby, activity or sport*; coping better with any difficulties; driving a car; having your own accommodation.

Next think about short term goals that will help you to achieve your longer term aims. For example:

Walking/travelling independently: set goals for example for distances you can walk, climbing up and down stairs, ability to get on and off buses or trains.

Finding a job: specify the kind of work you would like to do; find out what qualifications are needed and how to obtain these; enrol for relevant courses; identify any difficulties with transport or access and overcome these.

Meeting more people: ??

Establishing a relationship: find out about relevant agencies/organisations; contact one or more organisations; proceed with applications.

Starting a new activity*: using the self-assessment website if necessary, choose one or more activities that you would possibly like to engage in; contact one or more organisations; proceed with applications.

Coping with problems/difficulties: look up the self development section of the self-assessment website; select course(s) that interest you and apply.

Driving a car: discuss the possibility with ??; find out about any necessary modifications/equipment for the car; find out about grants etc

Accommodation: identify local housing associations; obtain forms for housing and any medical support documentation; submit the completed forms, and ask about likely priority and timescale.

*There are many options to think of. For example:
Leisure pursuits: eg. hobbies, playing a musical instrument, art work
Recreation: eg. sports, cinema, theatre, visiting galleries
Other activities: eg. voluntary work

It is important always to emphasise what you can do, or - with help - could do, rather than what you can't do. Also remember that once you have achieved a goal, you will almost certainly want to set your sights higher still and to achieve even more.

Go on to Next Steps page 2 to see the other areas you should focus on after you have had a good think about your long term aims.
Page 2