After I'm Gone

Overview

Welcome to After I’m Gone, a guide to future planning for aging caregivers concerned about future care for their loved one with a disability.

This guide is for you if…

  • You or your adult child are concerned about your adult child’s future.
  • Your adult child needs help making decisions.
  • You would like to be inspired.
  • You want peace of mind.
  • You wonder what will happen when you are gone.
  • You would like to improve your adult child’s life right now.

Adult children with disabilities will most likely outlive their parents. A plan must be in place in case of a sudden death or other circumstances that will directly impact your child.

We can help you produce a plan that will live on after you are no longer able to be an active caregiver, coach, or overseer of your loved one’s activities, services, and other key aspects of their life.

Planning centers on the desires, goals and support needs of the individual. For some, desires and goals may be expressed non-verbally.

We know that it’s hard to think of the future when you’re busy in the present. However, if you begin now, make changes gradually and prepare, you can ease the transition.

There is no better way to change the future than to plan for it.

The Arc of Massachusetts received a Cummings Foundation grant to support our work on this project.

Resources

Public Resources

As you work towards a safe and secure plan for your loved one’s future, it’s important to understand the scope of public resources that may be available to your family. These pages contain information on what is available at the state and federal level, the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and more.

Private Resources

Finding the right support for your loved one with an intellectual disability or autism can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating services. Private resources fall into at least three categories.

Planning and Tools

This section includes different tools which will aid in future planning.  It will evolve over time based on family and other stakeholder feedback.

Connect with The Arc

After I’m Gone aims to open doors to current ideas, resources, and perspectives. We know that when families have access to a supportive community that they are more equipped to make thoughtful decisions and support their son or daughter’s growth, well-being, and sense of belonging. 

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Latest News

After I'm GoneJob Postings
March 18, 2026

Job Posting: Part-Time Future Planning Associate

Job Title: Part-Time Future Planning Associate Reports To: Innovation Development Director Location: Hybrid with office requirements Employment Type: Half-Time, Donor-Funded Contract Position 6 months (extension possibility) Compensation:  $35 to $38…
After I'm GoneNews
January 8, 2026

After I’m Gone: January 8, 2026 Update from Leo Sarkissian

We are happy to share this short update on the After I’m Gone program. A longer version is available on the program’s landing page. This initiative focuses on a key…
After I'm GoneNewsPress Releases
June 4, 2025

RELEASE: The Arc of Massachusetts Receives $135,000 Grant from Cummings Foundation

The Arc of Massachusetts Receives $135,000 Grant from Cummings Foundation Funding to Support “After I’m Gone,” a Project Helping Families Plan for the Future  WALTHAM (June 4, 2025): The Arc…