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
FINANCIAL RESOURCES & BENEFITS Proper financial planning is very important – it is never too early to plan ahead! Creating a financial plan requires you, and your support system, to consider your vision for life when you get older. First, ask yourself these questions: What supports will need to be in place
PARENT SUPPORT SERVICES Parenting is the most challenging job that some adults undertake. With such high demands, it’s not uncommon to feel frustrated. Parents can lose control when they are feeling isolated, involved in difficult relationships, experiencing financial stress or lacking information on child development and child-rearing techniques. However, becoming an informed
ADULTHOOD (18+) Every adult faces difficulties in the transition to living independently. The key to living life with the most independence is developing positive relationships, valuable work habits and making good personal choices for healthy living. Even when things get difficult, remember that it’s your constitutional right to be fully included, and
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
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
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
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
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
