The Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
A guide for families and individuals to successfully transition from an education-based support system to adult services provided for those 21 and older.
Successful Transition to Adulthood for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
After the school year, individuals and families of individuals with intellectual disabilities must find services and programs to help ease the transition into adult life. This is often a stressful time for both the individuals and their family. Preparation and an understanding of how the support system in Maryland changes will ease the burden.
As individuals with developmental disabilities transition to adulthood, many require services and support to help them lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. In Maryland, as in the rest of the United States, individuals under 21 with disabilities are entitled to services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, children with disabilities have a right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
The transition to adulthood for individuals with special needs – such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and others – is an important and often challenging phase for them and their loved ones. It involves shifting from the education-based services they are entitled to under IDEA to new opportunities that cater to their specific needs and aspirations as adults. In this blog, we explore the transition to adult-based services in Maryland so you can navigate this time with ease.
A mindset shift for families of youth with special needs
Adults with developmental disabilities are eligible for numerous federal, state, and community-based services. These include personal supports to facilitate independent living, employment support, community-based meaningful day services, residential services, and more. The biggest mindset shift for many families during the transition to adult services is moving from education-based goals to a broader perspective centered on fostering independence. Embracing a person-centered approach that values the individual’s goals and preferences is essential.
The role of schools in transition planning for developmentally disabled youth
High schools, community colleges, and other post-secondary programs are essential stakeholders in guiding families through the transition process. Under IDEA, schools are required to start transition planning for students with disabilities by the age of 16. This includes preparing for life after high school, including post-secondary educational options, employment, and independent living skills.
In Maryland, some high schools are doing an exemplary job of connecting families with the right information. They host events such as transition fairs to help high school students and their families connect with service providers and post-secondary programs. Others are still working to improve their transition support.
Transition Connections Academy, a program out of Carroll County Public Schools in Maryland, offers valuable resources for individuals with developmental disabilities, with the goal of ensuring post-school success in the areas of independent living, community engagement, and employment. The program was designed in collaboration with community partners such as community colleges, local healthcare and rehabilitation services providers, local businesses, and local government and law enforcement agencies. Such formalized school transition support is required to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities and their families do not feel as though they are falling off a “services cliff” during this time.
Securing adult disability services
A significant difference between adult and educational services is the wide array of options in terms of service providers, including home-based services, community-based programs, center-based services, and more. When researching adult service providers, you will interview each other to find the customized program that is a great match for your loved one. Ensuring the program meets your loved one’s needs and goals is essential. While this process is more time-consuming than with school support, rest assured you’ll find a customized program that will be a great fit.
The Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) serves as a coordinated service delivery system for people with developmental disabilities in Maryland. Through the DDA, you can apply for federal funding to support your loved one by completing and submitting the DDA eligibility application. The DDA will provide you with the appropriate waiver to meet the needs and desires of your loved one with a disability. Families can apply for a waiver through the DDA as soon as possible, ideally before high school graduation, to ensure continuity of services.
Once approved for services, a Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) will help you and your loved one navigate all the services and programs available to them. Families should work closely with the CCS to research programs, advocate for their loved one with a developmental disability, and create a comprehensive care plan.
For example, Bello Machre offers day programs, group homes, and personal supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These include job development and career coaching so your loved one with a disability can thrive in a career that aligns with their passions and interests.
Learn More About Bello Machre’s Disability Services
The importance of continuity when transitioning to adult services
Families often worry about the abrupt change in services and benefits that come with turning 21. Continuity is crucial to a successful transition process; the more the new phase matches the past 21 years of an individual’s life, the smoother the transition will be. The family of a loved one with an intellectual disability can help serve as a bridge and advocate to make sure future services are informed by the success of those that were provided before the individual turned 21. The sooner you begin considering the transition to adulthood, the more time you have to explore different services and programs that are available to your loved one.
Support networks, mentorship, and advocacy
Support networks, mentorship, and advocacy are essential throughout this process. Connect with people who have been through the transition, including other individuals and families, educators and service providers, and local advocacy organizations. Seek out a mentor who has been through the transition and can help support you through the process. Advocacy skills, the ability to be a strong advocate without being overbearing, are essential in ensuring that your loved one receives the services they need.
An opportunity for a rich, full life
The transition to adult disability services is a significant life event for people with developmental disabilities and their families. It involves careful planning, collaboration between schools and service providers, securing services through the Maryland DDA, and selecting the right options to match your loved one’s unique wants and needs. Recognize that the transition can be positive and lead to a more customized and fulfilling life for individuals, allowing them to thrive and find their place in the world as adults.
No matter where you are in the transition journey, Bello Machre can help. For more than 50 years, we have offered children, adults and seniors with developmental disabilities the services, opportunities, and support they need to live full, independent, rich lives. Reach out to us if you’re in need of transition support.
