Strategizing for adulthood.
Guidance for transition planning
Transition is the process of planning for adulthood for young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
While it may feel like it was just yesterday that you were learning about preschool disabled programs, the years passed in a heartbeat and now you find yourself overwhelmed by the idea of preparing for your child’s adulthood. Transition planning can be extremely stressful as you wrestle with difficult issues, such as guardianship, understanding Medicaid, promoting self-determination and trying to imagine your child’s future. Working with a knowledgeable therapist, for both emotional support and practical information, can make a big difference in your ability to tackle the task.
For an IEP, planning for adulthood is meant to focus on your child’s strengths, preferences and interests to develop skills of independence. Relevant issues include skills of daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, and money management; navigation throughout the community; vocational training; and/or postsecondary education.
You must also consider whether your child will need adult support services to function as independently as possible, in which case Medicaid-eligibility is essential. Depending on individual circumstances, there are several routes to obtain Medicaid, although the most common one is through Social Security’s SSI (Supplemental Security Income) program.
Methodical planning for adulthood can reduce stress. One step at a time.
Practical information matters.
Although the transition years in a student’s IEP are considered ages 18-21, planning for transition should start years earlier. In New Jersey, an IEP is required to have a transition statement starting at age 14. I encourage my clients to think of transition planning as a marathon, not a sprint.
Just as parents must plan their child’s education appropriately, you must also plan financially. If your child will need Medicaid, do not allow money to accumulate in his/her name. Their total resources must remain under $2,000. If excess money already exists, learn about Special Needs Trusts (with a qualified attorney) and ABLE accounts (https://www.ablenrc.org/).
Keep organized files of your child’s records to facilitate locating all necessary disability documentation for SSI and DDD (NJ’s Division of Developmental Disabilities) applications.
There are abundant free resources on the internet, so research, research, research.
Transition planning guidance can help you…
if you are stressed/overwhelmed thinking about adulthood
if you need concrete information about government benefits
if you need organizational help with the applications
if you are confused about the role of Medicaid
if you need assistance thinking “outside the box” for programs
Frequently asked questions about transition planning
FAQs
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If your child has an intellectual/developmental disability and will need support services, Medicaid is necessary. Your child can still use your private health insurance for medical care, but Medicaid pays for adult services, called Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), in NJ. Contact me.
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DDD will not provide services until your child turns 21-years-old, but you can apply as early as 18-years-old. It is advisable to apply early in case of a denial/appeal issue and to avoid service gaps. Contact me.
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Easy. Just contact me to schedule an initial free consultation. Contact me.