Planning for Transitioning Special Needs Students

If you’re like most parents with a special needs student, you might find yourself thinking “My teenager is finishing school soon, what do I do about their services?” or “Why do I need to prepare ahead of adulthood, and when?”
 
Preparing for the future of special needs teenagers who are nearing the end of their school experiences can be a daunting task, particularly when they require further care as they age. For parents and guardians who feel under-equipped for what’s next, with proper preparation and a timeline, the outcome and experience for all can be positive and productive – and hopefully allow for a seamless shift to adult services. 
 
The process of youth transition to adult services is critical to understand before your young adult turns 18.  GBS resources help families to gain the knowledge to complete the following transition-specific objectives:
 
•Gather information and make decisions regarding guardianship
•Apply for adult service eligibility with DHHS/Office of Aging and Disability Services
•Apply for Social Security and Maine Care at age 18
•Apply for Maine Care Waiver funding packages for home and community-based provider services
•Explore community support services
•Gain information regarding adult crisis services
•Coordinate the development of pre-employment and employment skills, and utilize assistance of job coaching as appropriate
•Research special needs trust funds
 
Adult disability services have strict timelines and application processes that can be overwhelming to organize and sort through. Contact Great Bay Services to discuss how we may be able to help you.

- Shannon Cantara, Transition Specialist/Adult Case Manager