Presented at the 2011 CHARGE Syndrome Conference
Presenter Information: Beth Jordan is the Great Plains Regional Representative for the Helen Keller National Center, serving deaf-blind consumers and their families. She also provides training and technical assistance to agencies/organizations who work with deaf-blind people. The Great Plains Region includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Prior to her work at HKNC, she worked four years as a VR counselor with a deaf caseload in Pasadena, Texas. Ms. Jordan received her Master of Education degree from the University of Arkansas in 1988, majoring in rehabilitation counseling and independent living with an emphasis in deafness.
Presentation Abstract: Often, the transition after high school can be confusing, overwhelming and stressful. Avoidance doesn’t help. We will discuss the key differences between high school and adult services, and reveal the secret to success for your young adult. We will discuss the broad spectrum of options for work and home, from the least to the most supports. Walk away with an action plan of next steps for/with your young adult.
Agenda
- How are Adult Services Different?
- The Key to Success
- Employment Spectrum
- Residential Options
- Resources
Key Differences between High School and Adult Services
- Entitlement vs. Eligibility
- Funding
- Individual Responsibility and
- Self Advocacy
The KEY
Identify goals and then look for supports
DO NOT identify programs and then select from your choices
Person-Centered Futures Planning
- Establishes a vision of the future based upon strengths, capacities and interests
- Working together to achieve the dream through action planning
- Well-known tools:
- MAPS (The McGill Action Planning System, by Vandercook, York, Forest)
- Personal Futures Planning (Beth Mount)
- Essential Lifestyle Planning (Michael Smull)
- PCP Modules from IN DB Project
Services and Supports
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Ticket to Work
- Medicaid
- Social Security Administration (SSA) Work Incentives
- PASS (Plan for Achieving Self-Support)
- IRWE (Impairment-Related Work Expenses)
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Key Points
- Vocational Rehabilitation can provide support/services with the end goal of employment.
- No one can be denied an application.
- Even during Order of Selection, persons with the most severe disabilities get first priority.
- An IPE (plan) will be developed with the VR counselor once eligibility is determined.
- Services are time-limited.
Employment Options
- Most Restrictive to Least Restrictive
- Day Program
- Sheltered Workshop (social enterprise)
- Enclave
- Supported Employment
- Competitive Employment
- Self-Employment
Customized Employment (CE)
- Person-Centered approach to work
- Time-intensive; consumer focused
- Use of “discovery” to develop direction
- Michael Callahan of Marc Gold & Associates is national leader in the field
- Office of Disability & Employment Policy published Customized Employment: Practical Solutions for Employment Success part 1 & 2
Residential Options
- Most Restrictive to Least Restrictive
- ICFMR (Skilled Nursing Care)
- At Home with Parents/Family
- Group Home
- Apt/House with Paid Staff
- Independent
- College dorm
- Apartment
- House
Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver (KS Example)
- DD (age 5+)
- Technology Assisted (< age 22)
- Autism (>5 yrs)
- Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (age 4-18)
- Physical Disability (age 16-64)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (age 16-65)
- Frail & Elderly (age 65+)
Possible Services Provided under the Medicaid Waiver
- Case Management
- Day Services
- Medical Alert Rental
- Sleep Cycle Support
- Personal Assistant Services
- Purchase technology
- Home modifications
- Residential Supports
- Supported Employment
- Supportive Home Care
- Wellness Monitoring
- Skilled nursing
- and more…
Where is the entry point(s) for Residential Supports in your state?
Waiver Advice
- Apply when your child is young (there is often a waiting list)
- Explore your residential options
- Make visits
- Talk with other families who use services
- Educate yourself about options
- If it’s already late in the process, ask about “crisis funding”
Continuing Education
We are ALL learners every day.
- Seek ways to stay active :
- try a new ___________ .
- take a class
- learn a new skill
- Benefits
