After graduation: the path to support

Your Child‘s Future: Explore Paths and Support

TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD

Between the ages of 14 and 22 is the time when students receive school services and prepare to graduate. It is important to start at age 14 for the final high school years and future plans.

Along with your school, there are other agencies that can assist you with meeting future goals. As you begin planning for your child’s transition to adulthood, boards of developmental disabilities and agencies should be invited to annual meetings and join your planning team.

CREATING A TRANSITION PLAN

By age 14, transition planning should begin and be included in the individual service plan (ISP). It should have a statement related to planned educational or training experiences that may lead to an eventual career path. This is an important time to advocate for your child and create a transition team.

WHERE TO BEGIN: HOW SERVICES START

It is important to know as much as possible about the system and who to call for assistance. An Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities video, ”Explanation of DD Services and Eligibility,” can answer some of the initial questions you may have on DD services and eligibility. Next, call your local county board of developmental disabilities to begin determination of eligibility for county board services.

HOW YOUR LOCAL COUNTY BOARD CAN HELP: TRANSITION SPECIALIST

Once determined eligible for services, your local county board will be important.

For example, the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities has transition specialists who will work with your school and connect you to outside agencies such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.

Transition SSAs explains services available to your child upon graduation through your local county board of DD, including Medicaid waivers, waiver waiting lists, and vocational opportunities/day programming available for adults.

EXPLORING CAREER PATHS

As your child ages and becomes an adult, if they continue receiving DD services, the state mandates that your SSA review the path to employment with you annually. This is so you know your options and there is help for your child to be as independent as possible.

THE BRIDGE TO ADULTHOOD

It also may be valuable to consider special needs trusts, or a STABLE account. Around the age of 18, application for necessary benefits should be considered (Social Security benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Medicaid).

Need Help during transition, Stark DD Navigation Tool, starkddnav.org.