Read this book and the light bulb goes on in a blaze of clarity. What we want for our sons and daughters doesn't have to depend on the whims of social services and funding programs; it depends on families regaining control of simple, fundamental questions: what do we want? and what is a good life? 

It's a profound shift in the way we help our children define themselves in our families [and in] our communities. This book is joyful. It is also sad,  difficult, practical, funny, passionate and profound just like a good life. It's clear we don't have to be recipients--we can be creators.

Karin Melberg Schwier, parent, writer - Saskatchewan

A crash-course in my continuing education about the potential of `people sculpted outside the mold.' A Good Life' [gently] challenges us to create and demand the kind of life to which every citizen--disabled and non-disabled alike--is entitled. We must use the successful models of caring described in A Good Life to expect more, not less, from our formal social service system.

Bonnie Sherr Klein, writer, artist - British Columbia

In my practice as a physician specialized in the field of disability, the issue of safety and security for the loved one and her family often becomes the central point of their physical and emotional health. Not addressing these concerns is almost a sure road towards anxiety-related ailments. I am convinced that this book could save hospitalization and medication for many of our patients.

This is a book about prevention and efficient public health without naming them.

Physicians, psychologists, and rehabilitation workers will find an in-depth understanding of the issues and a practical, step by step approach to securing  a good life for the loved one and her family.

After reading this book, to refer and to work with a group of senior parents who understand the issues and act upon them as the groups mentioned in the book becomes the right thing to do.

Andre Blanchet MD, Boston, Massachusetts

"Safe and Secure is an empowerment tool that has great relevance for family and life decisions that confront every parent.  By using the worksheet in the book, parents are offered the opportunity to contribute to their son/daughter's future and their own peace of mind."

Annamaree Reisch, advocate - Australia

It is part theory, part workbook, part road map.  In Safe and Secure, Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack have integrated the core strategies of person centred planning and community building with long range foundations of legal and financial issues in care for a family members with a disability.  They have also distilled more than then years of experience in facilitating self-directed supports.  Most resources usually have one or the other.  

The book has been a wonderful resource for individuals and families in New Jersey who are developing long range supports in our self determinations process. (Optional) If what works in British Columbia also helps in New Jersey.  There are lots of places in between where it can also be used.

Bill Gaventa, Advocate, activist, Executive Secretary Religious Division AAMR - New Jersey

As a parents and as an assistant to other families engaged in planning for the future of loved ones with disabilities, I frequently refer to Safe and Secure.  It has consistently proven a trustworthy and user-friendly guide, including practical recommendations, creative solutions, and valuable worksheets.  

Families who have drawn on its expertise feel more confident and competent about long-term planning.  I eagerly anticipate A Good Life and its contributions to the disability community.

Nancy Meltzer, parent, advocate, Senior Family Caregiver Support Project, ARC Seattle

You want to do everything you can for your challenged child.  Safe and Secure enables you to do this even after you’re gone, providing continuity and security for the future.  Setting up a Personal Future Plan for your child enables both of you to feel secure right now.  I’m doing it for my son.

Betty Jane Wylie, parent, writer - Ontario

Safe and Secure has enabled me to visualize a future for my daughter as a happy and loved member of her community in which she is carefully supported by a network of friends and advocates.  The valuable information, ideas and worksheets provided in Safe and Secure have also motivated me to work towards making this vision a reality for Claire.

Wendy Vickery, parent - Nova Scotia

Safe and Secure, with its practical tips and technical advice, provides much needed information and guidance to families who have a relative with a disability.  I encourage all families who have vision and determination in creating a future for their children, to become familiar with this outstanding resource.

Marilyn Kuna, parent, Self Determination Initiative - New Jersey

Having my first read of “A Good Life”, I was touched, troubled, tantalized, and then tranquil, with a sense of direction, hope and peace for the future.  

So easily we live in denial until something unforeseen happens that cracks our false sense of security.  Living through love in forward planning and preparation is a gift to our child and family as this beautiful book guides.  

This book is a love story of family and a love story of parents offering to other parents a path to peace of mind and heart.  Living life in interconnectedness is like a relay race.  It is ‘doing’ as a collective, and passing the relay torch on for others to carry forward.  As this book describes, the torch is our love and caring for our child or relative, and the relay is our loved ones’ live journey.  To pass the torch on we must learn to ‘let go’ and ‘let others’.  And for me, this is the message woven in “A Good Life”, the gift of love expanding and enduring beyond.

Cathy Anthony, Executive Director, Focus on Families, British Columbia

We all long for the good life.  PLAN's central concept is that the good life for people living with a disability has little to do with rights and services and everything to do with friends and choices.  

Safe and Secure is a wonderful resource.  It provides step by step guidance on creating a vision of the future and practical solutions to bring that  vision to fruition. It challenges families to dare to dream and then illustrates how dreams shape reality.  With a wealth of anecdotal evidence, it is inspirational... and an easy read!

Nicole Santilli