Supporting Your Loved One in Setting Goals for 2025: Tips for Families and Carers
Goal-setting can be an exciting way to plan for the future, but it’s important to approach it with respect for each person’s unique needs and abilities. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, friend, or carer of someone with a disability, your support can make a significant difference in helping them set and achieve meaningful goals. Below are practical ways to offer assistance without unintentionally slipping into ableist mindsets.
Highlight Strengths and Interests
Instead of focusing on perceived limitations, encourage your loved one to explore their strengths, hobbies, and passions. For instance, if they enjoy writing, suggest goals around creative expression, like blogging or journaling. This approach not only helps them build confidence but also ensures the goals genuinely align with their interests.
Tailor the Approach to Their Needs
Each person’s needs will vary, so adapt the goal-setting process accordingly. Some individuals may need visual aids, such as charts or step-by-step guides, while others benefit from verbal discussions or written prompts. Providing multiple ways to plan and track progress can help avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, which can inadvertently be ableist.
Encourage Collaboration and Choice
Offer support and ideas, but let your loved one lead the way. Avoid making assumptions about what they can or can’t do—ask questions like, “How do you feel about this idea?” or “What do you think the next step should be?” Giving them the opportunity to decide fosters independence and respects their autonomy.
Break Goals into Manageable Steps
Large goals can feel daunting, so break them down into smaller milestones. Celebrate each accomplishment, whether it’s a big breakthrough or a small step forward. Recognising every achievement can help counter ableist beliefs that only large or “traditional” accomplishments matter.
Include Flexibility and Adaptation
Timelines and plans might need adjustments due to health fluctuations, changing interests, or other factors. Work together to adapt goals as needed. This flexibility acknowledges the realities of living with a disability without treating adaptations as failures.
Practical Ways to Avoid Ableist Pitfalls
Use Person-First Language: When possible, acknowledge the individual before the disability (e.g., “a person with a disability” rather than defining them by their disability).
Ask, Don’t Assume: If you’re unsure whether something is helpful or accessible, ask for their input.
Celebrate All Forms of Progress: Recognise achievements, even if they look different from mainstream ideas of success.
Be Mindful of Tone: Avoid framing goals as things that need “fixing.” Focus on support and growth, rather than “overcoming” a disability.
Revisit and Review
Regularly check in on how your loved one feels about their goals. Celebrate successes, learn from setbacks, and adjust plans as necessary. These check-ins help maintain motivation and show you value their perspective and comfort level.
By emphasising your loved one’s interests, offering flexible support, and being aware of ableist tendencies, you can help them set meaningful, realistic goals for 2025. Through collaboration, respect, and open communication, you’ll foster an environment where they feel empowered to pursue what truly matters to them.