SUPPORT SERVICES Families with a child with a disability often need specific information, including: details about the disability, school services, therapy, local policies, funding sources, transportation, medical facilities and much more. As parents, you know your children best, so look for a professional team that will truly listen to your interests and
EMPLOYMENT/CAREER Individuals of varying ability can work! As you consider entering the workforce, you should do some career exploration. This allows you to examine your skills, interests, preferences and abilities and how they might match up with various jobs and careers. One idea is to take a self-assessment, which gives you a
Recreation and leisure activities are critical dimensions of the quality of life for all people. They serve as a vehicle to have fun, meet new friends and develop skills. Enrolling in a recreational activity can be beneficial in teaching critical life-long socialization skills. There are many ways to enjoy your community, including: volunteering, joining a
TRANSPORTATION Transportation is helpful in maintaining employment, education, healthcare and community life. Transportation services will allow you to live independently within the community. If you do not drive, there are generally two options: public transit and paratransit. Public transit includes fixed route public transportation by bus, subway and light rail. Paratransit includes
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION Attending a post-secondary institution – a four-year college or university, a community college or other post-secondary training program – can present new opportunities and challenges. Pursuing post-secondary education allows you to broaden your social horizons while preparing academically for meaningful employment. You have a large array of options when it
HOUSING A home of one’s own, either rented or owned, is the cornerstone of independence for any individual. Many people with disabilities face tremendous difficulties in getting and keeping adequate housing. They face obstacles like discrimination, inaccessible construction and unaffordable housing. There are many government supports for home ownership and rental housing
FINANCIAL RESOURCES Having a child with special needs can be very expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are funds available to assist families. It is also important to plan ahead and put certain pieces in place early on to ensure that if something happens to you, your child will be cared for and
LIVING INDEPENDENTLY People with disabilities can live independently! You can decide how to live, work and participate in your community. However, living independently does not mean doing everything by yourself or living in isolation; instead, it means having the same choices in your every-day life that your non-disabled peers have. This can
LEGAL RESOURCES There are a multitude of legal resources in each state, which sets its own guidelines. You should check with your state agencies for guidance. Legal Resources to Consider: Health Insurance Medicaid health benefits are available for individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicaid provides government-funded health insurance for
KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS Laws and regulations provide guidance and clarification about what must be provided and what is not acceptable when providing support services. A number of Federal laws address accessibility and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. These laws cover access to a wide range of facilities and services, including
