Youth with Disabilities
Entering adulthood is a time of change. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, complete independence may not be an option as they will require ongoing support. When planning for any sort of transition, it is important to know what options you have. At CHOC, we provide you with the resources and tools you need to feel empowered by your own decision-making. In this section, we will discuss accessibility to supplemental support, financial planning, education, insurance, housing, and decision-making options.
Supplemental Programs
- Supplemental Security Income: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial payment to individuals with disabilities to help them meet their basic needs of food, clothing, and housing. To apply and to determine if you meet criteria, visit the SSI website.
- For individuals who were receiving SSI prior to 18 years old, a disability redetermination will happen at 18 years old using adult disability rules. Learn more about information on disability redetermination.
- In-Home Supportive Services: Under the Department of Social Services, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a county specific program that provides financial assistance to help a disabled person with activities of daily living (meal preparation, laundry, shopping, grooming, hygiene, etc.) Payments are provided to caregivers to help with tasks. Family or friends can be certified as a caregiver. To apply and to determine if you meet criteria, visit the IHSS website.
- Department of Rehabilitation: Through the Department of Rehabilitation, services are provided to assist individuals with disabilities to obtain employment, education, or independent living. Other programs are available.
- Regional Center: Under the Department of Developmental Services, Regional center is a county specific organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Services such as case management, adult day programs, and other supplemental programs are provided using a person-centered approach. To apply and to determine if you meet criteria, visit the RC website.
- ACCESS Transportation: Transportation services are available for disabled individuals. Individuals with developmental and physical disabilities can obtain rides to appointments, work, and other places in the community. To apply and to determine if you meet criteria, visit the ACCESS website for your county: https://accessla.org/riding_access/overview.html (LA), https://www.octa.net/Bus/OC-ACCESS-Service/Eligibility/ (OC), https://www.riversidetransit.com/index.php/dial-a-ride/what-is-dial-a-ride (R)
Financial Planning and Preparation
- ABLE Accounts: ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that allow contributions to be made that will not affect income-based government programs, such as SSI. Savings can be deposited into these accounts by individuals, family, and friends.
- Special Needs Trusts: A Special Needs Trust is a future planning arrangement that allows assets or financial support to be designated for an individual with disabilities. This type of trust may impact your child’s government benefits and it is recommended that you discuss the use of a special needs trust with a SSI representative or an attorney.
Education
- Adult Transition plan at school: Adult Transition Programs (ATP) are special education programs for students with disabilities after completion of the high school program. This program is for adults 18-22 years old and focuses on daily living skills, work skills, and community experience. Discuss this option at the next IEP meeting.
- Office of Disability Services: Colleges have a disability services office that assists with accommodations at school. Accommodations may not be the same as in an IEP in high school but have the same goal of providing assistance to increase success.
Insurance
For more detailed information, please visit the “Insurance and Legal Changes” section.
- Medicare: This is just one of the types of federal insurance. Generally, this option is available for individuals over 65 years old, but people with disabilities under 65 years old may qualify to receive Medicare benefits.
- Medi-Medi is the abbreviation given to the insurance combination of Medi-Cal and Medicare insurance. Some individuals with lifelong disabilities, or whose parents are on disability, can qualify for Medicare. The Social Security Department determines qualification. If receiving SSI benefits, ask your representative if you qualify for Medicare.
- Remaining on parent insurance past the age of 26: Most dependents can remain on a parent insurance until 26 years old. If an adult dependent has a disability that will impact their ability to obtain employment that would provide insurance, they may be able to continue on their parents’ insurance plan. Speak with the Human Resources department of the company providing insurance to determine options.
Housing & Independent Living
- Assisted living housing and Section 8: Regional Center service coordinators can help you to get on the list for Section 8 housing at 18 years old.
- Department of Rehabilitation: Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) has independent living centers that work with individuals with disabilities to be as independent as possible and to live on their own. Through support programs, they can explore living options that match the abilities of the individual.
Decision-Making Support
There are many options to provide support for young adults while they make big life and medical decisions. Every individual is different and will have different support needs. Learn more about your decision-making options: Decision Making Chart (English) | Decision Making Chart (Spanish)
Additional Resources and Support
For additional outreach and support options, see below:
- Dayle McIntosh Disability Resources Center
- Youth Transition Program, My Best (18-22)
- Assistant Registry
- PEERS – A Social Skill Group for Young Adults
- Direct Assistance