Supporting Special Needs Adults

In spending many hours researching this topic, the one thing that has become very clear is how many resources and how much information is available! It’s wonderful and so useful, yet it is easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer volume, and not know where to begin. When a special needs individual finishes High School, everything changes. They leave a somewhat organized provider system and enter a more complex and confusing world, not fully understood by most school professionals, much less by parents or consumers. One of the biggest challenges is that it is difficult to prepare for transition and/or work and adult living if we do not know about the agencies and the services that are available. We would like to share with you some specifics on some of the main agencies and organizations that can be very helpful for parents and families of a special needs adult. What if you are not a caregiver of a special needs individual, but would like to learn how you can help to support and strengthen this community? Yes!! We will provide lots of information on where and how you can get involved, either as an individual or as a group. These pages will be divided into 6 core categories; financial, employment, recreation, housing, parent/family support, and education. Under each category you will find ways you can participate serve and support in that area- as well as many other awesome resources. These ideas will be in blue. Families that remember these two points when setting up their expectations will probably be more successful: 1. No one is entitled to services. Each agency or program has its own eligibility requirements and acceptance may be based on the individual’s capacities and the potential for successful outcomes in that program. 2. Services are not coordinated or housed under one roof. Families may be required to access several programs and agencies to achieve goals and be creative, innovative, and open-minded in achieving goals. See more at: http://www.utahparentcenter.org/publications/infosheets/adult-services-transition        

RECREATION Everyone needs time for hobbies, sports, reading and other things to do. Having fun is good for all of us. It improves our outlook on life, our physical health and even social skills. Social skills can create a sense of community. There are different kinds of activities in which to be involved:     

Social clubs Sports Specialty clubs (i.e., knitting, book, card playing, etc.) Local church groups Community activities such as plays, haunted houses, sports, etc. Social experiences and recreation activities provide opportunities for improved physical, mental and spiritual well-being. They may also improve physical functioning, independence and self- esteem. It is important for you to engage in social outlets in areas of your interests, e.g. arts, crafts, dances and recreational pursuits. One of the very best resources is through local Universities.  When searching on the BYU website, I found 72  different community programs that they participate in and where you could find countless ways to volunteer.   Some of them are listed below, but there are too many, so check this website out to get some ideas flowing!  https://yserve.byu.edu/programs  Best Buddies--http://www.bestbuddiesutah.org Dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-toone friendships and integrated employment. Starting Best Buddies at my Middle School, High School, or College.  Joining the Advisory Board or Junior Board.  Joining a Parents' Committee.  Becoming an intern in my local Best Buddies office.  Donating products or services (ie office supplies, equipment, furniture, IT support, graphic design, etc).  Providing fundraising support.  Volunteering at a special event.  Participating in one of Best Buddies' signature five‐star cycling events and raising money for my local Best  Buddies office. Wasatch Adaptive Sports--http://wasatchadaptivesports.org/ Established in 1977 to help fill the need for affordable recreational and educational programs for children and adults with special needs. Programs operate year round to build strength, stamina and self-esteem while enhancing the quality of life for all our participants. Most programs available today are financially out of reach for many families and individuals. WAS does not turn anyone away, requires no initial fee, and provides full or partial scholarships so all can participate. Our programs build strength, stamina and self-esteem while enhancing the quality of life for all our participants. WAS operates year-round and provides many rewarding activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and adaptive hockey in the winter; hiking, fishing, orienteering, bicycling and tram rides during the summer. Adaptive horseback riding and bowling are year-round activities offered by WAS.

Special Olympics--http://www.sout.org/ Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 17 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Helping with the Special Olympics is one of the very best service experiences ever! Watching them compete and try so hard is rewarding and exciting. There are countless ways to participate. http://www.sout.org/volunteer-overview Courage Reins Therapeutic Riding Center--http://www.couragereins.org/ Seeks to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, by providing a safe, fun and challenging environment where physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth could occur through therapeutic riding and other equine based activities. Volunteers are so needed! You can help care for the horses and stables and lead the horses around the arena. Camp Kostopolus--http://www.campk.org/ Provides recreation opportunities for individuals ages 7 and up with mental or physical disabilities. Send a kid to camp! Volunteerism and service are at the heart of our agency.  Kostopulos Dream Foundation depends on the  support of the community to maintain our high quality facility and current programs.  Our volunteers serve in  many ways – from spending time with campers to using their muscles and participating in numerous grounds  projects. We could never do it without the help of our volunteers. National Ability Center--http://www.discovernac.org/programs/ Development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable outdoor sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment. The objective of these experiences is to build self-esteem, confidence and physical development, thereby enhancing active participation in all aspects of community life. Based in Park City. National Sports Center for the Disabled--http://www.nscd.org/ Positively impact the lives of people with any physical or mental challenge through quality adaptive recreation programs. The NSCD offers a variety of exciting summer adventures including: rafting, therapeutic horse riding, kayaking, cycling, sailing, canoeing, camping, fishing, rock climbing, resort activities and more! Activities and camps, unless otherwise specified, are open to seniors, adults and children. Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired--http://www.ufbvi.org/ Provide straining and instructional programs in areas such as independent living, athletics, and recreation for the purpose of enhancing the lives and capabilities of those we serve.

Neighborhood House-- http://nhutah.org/ -Manage the community garden -Teach computer skills, music, film making United Angels Foundation-unitedangelsfoundation.org UAF is looking for volunteers that would be willing to help with our activities, operations, and special events. We are especially looking for relationships with organizations that could organize volunteer groups on a regular basis. If you are interested in becoming a UAF Volunteer, please contact [email protected]. Help someone learn to ride a bicycle Volunteers Walk/jog/run alongside a rider with special needs as they are learning to ride a bike.  Plan a 5 K fundraiser National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) A free national library program of Braille and recorded materials for persons with visual and physical disabilities is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. With the cooperation of authors and publishers who grant permission to use copyrighted works, NLS selects and produces full-length books and magazines in Braille and on recorded disc and cassette. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating network of regional and local libraries where they are circulated to eligible borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail. www.loc.gov/nls Louise Isobel‐‐http://louiseisobeladaptiveart.blogspot.com   “I'm a community artist who works with all kinds of people. I have found it hard to find art activities  specifically for people with disabilities so I decided to start this blog to share my experiences. Most of the  art lessons are adapted from other people's blogs (thank you!) but hopefully I can add something new by  describing how they can be used with people with learning & physical disabilities”  Camps for special needs http://phdinspecialeducation.com/groups‐activities/  Special Needs Vacations:   http://phdinspecialeducation.com/groups‐activities/#vaca  http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/06/20/82‐summer‐activities‐for‐families‐with‐special‐needs/  There are numerous apps available for special needs adults and the people who work with and love them.   http://www.friendshipcircle.org/apps/

FINANCIAL Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program ‐ jobs.utah.gov/housing/seal/heat.html Government utility bill assistance (needhelppayingbills.com) Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rent Assistance Programs. (needhelppayingbills.com) Apply for Medicaid OR a Medicaid Waiver  Medicaid is one of the primary medical supports for people with disabilities. Generally, Medicaid is available to  low‐income families and those receiving SSI. To apply for traditional Medicaid an application must be made  through your state Medicaid office. Each State has its own Medicaid office. See the Resource Links in your  state for the contact information for the office near you. Contact them directly to apply.  OR.... An individual who does NOT qualify for traditional Medicaid MAY qualify for benefits and funding  through several Waivers currently available but which may vary from state to state. You will need to contact  YOUR state DSPD office for further program information. Many waivers have more liberal eligibility guidelines  that are not based on family income. When you receive services through the Department of Services For  People With Disabilities (DSPD), you may be eligible for a Medicaid Waiver. Ask if your child may qualify.  The three of the more common waiver programs currently in use are:  Developmental Disability or Mental Retardation Waiver.  Brain Injury Waiver.  Physical Disabilities Waiver.   

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services‐ www.hhs.gov‐has links to a variety of financial resources  that affect family life and health. Many programs (but not all) do require that you meet the definition of  poverty, but this definition varies by state so check everything before you assume your family does not qualify.     United Way Utah County‐www.unitedwayuc.org‐‐ might not give money directly to individuals, but they do  fund local agencies that can! United Way funded agencies might have money to help with utilities, home  repair, transportation, etc.. United Way also sponsors "Days of Caring" every year, where they recruit local  volunteers to help with service projects.   United Healthcare Children's Foundation‐www.uhccf.org‐ provides individual grants for medical‐related  services and products, but only to individuals with private insurance. There is a list of excluded services and  excluded insurance carriers on their website.    

AutismCares http://www.autismcares.org ‐helps families affected by autism cover costs associated with  critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair, daycare, funeral expenses, and other essential  items on a case‐by‐case basis.     Challenged America http://www.challengedamerica.com/‐ "The Challenged America Website is a medium  through which disadvantaged, physically challenged children (or their parents) submit requests for medical  attention, rehabilitative therapy and/or assistive devices they would otherwise be unable to obtain.     United Cerbral Palsy‐www.ffiutah.org‐ is a resource for all disabilities, not just CP. They do have an individual  grant program, ask your local office for an application.  With the resources on this page, there aren’t a lot of ways to “get involved” and volunteer. The best way to help in this area is to make a financial donation.                                      

EMPLOYMENT The transition from school to work is recognized as a difficult one for the student. Equally important is the stress and apprehension it causes parents. The focus of transition to employment and adult services and activities should be on the strengths of the individual. We need to be asking, “What does the person do best and enjoy?” not “What are the weaknesses that will make this person’s transition difficult?” This positive approach will open our minds to more possibilities. www.utahparentcenter.org Deseret Industries-- /www.ldsjobs.org- a Resource for Bishops and Quorum Leaders The mission of Deseret Industries is like that of other divisions of the Church’s Welfare Services, to “help people to help themselves” (see Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 3; see also Welfare Services Handbook, 1). Specifically, Deseret Industries helps people remove barriers to employment through the training programs made possible from ward members’ donations. The resources at Deseret Industries help members learn to overcome whatever obstacles prevent them from holding a job, and ward members can use Deseret Industries as a way to serve others in their community. Goodwill Industries International-- http://www.goodwill.org/ Goodwill’s network of 165 independent, community-based Goodwills in the United States and Canada offers customized job training, employment placement, and other services to people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges. Enter your zipcode on its website, and find Goodwill training centers in your area. JobAccess and ABILITYJobs-- http://www.jobaccess.org/ The goal of ABILITYJobs and JobAccess is to enable people with disabilities to enhance their professional lives by providing a dedicated system for finding employment. By posting job opportunities, or searching resumes, employers can find qualified persons with disabilities as well as demonstrate their affirmative action and open door policies. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation-- http://askjan.org/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902 Vocational Rehabilitation is a nationwide federal-state program for assisting eligible people with disabilities to define a suitable employment goal and become employed. Each state capital has a central VR agency, and there are local offices in most states. VR provides medical, therapeutic, counseling, education, training, and other services needed to prepare people with disabilities for work. VR is an excellent place for a youth or adult with a disability to begin exploring available training and support service options. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) 1.800.526.7234 (Voice) | 1.877.781.9403 (TTY) Spanish spoken; Spanish materials available http://askjan.org/ The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace. Career One-Stop-- http://careeronestop.org/ This website is a publicly funded resource for job-seekers (including those with disabilities) and businesses. Job-seekers can search for jobs—from entry level to technical to professional to CEO—locate public workforce services in their area, explore alternative career paths, compare salary data for different occupations, learn which careers are hot, get resume writing tips and job interview strategies, and much more. Employers can

identify job-ready workers with the right skills. Disability resources in particular can be found at: http://www.careerinfonet.org/acinet/crl/library_search.aspx?Keyword=disability&x=15&y=12 ‐If you have good writing skills, volunteer to help and individual with special needs with their resume.  ‐If you are self‐employed, look for opportunities in your work where you might be able to hire an adult with  special needs.  ‐If you’ve learned a trade or special skill, volunteer to train a special needs adult and help prepare them to  find a job.       

 

Housing Adult Special Needs Housing Options  There are many options for housing available to the individual with disabilities. It is in everyone's best interest  that adequate research is done by the individual and their supports to assure the best option is chosen for  them.  Some of those options are:  Apply for Supplemental Security Income  At age 18, a person with disabilities will be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other assistance  programs. You will need to contact your local Social Security Administration Office to obtain the necessary  forms and to set up your initial appointment. Some case managers can do this process over the phone; others  will require an office appointment depending on the situation. Case Managers doing an initial investigation for  eligibility will generally have an e‐mail address for ease of communication and will require ORIGINAL  documents. This includes birth certificates, Social Security Cards, etc. They will copy the documents and send  them back to you. DO NOT SEND NOTORIZED COPIES! These documents must be originals.  Contact the toll  free number for the Social Security Administration, (800) 772‐1213, and they will refer you directly to the  office in your area.  The SSA also directs work incentive programs, which may also apply. Ask your contact  person for information regarding these programs.  Respite Care, in home. Respite care is temporary care, in home, provided by a trained person for a family  member with disabilities living at home. This is to relieve caregivers temporarily from the day‐to‐day care they  provide. It can be provided in the family home, in the home of the Respite Provider or in a specialized facility,  depending on the needs of the family and the individual. (See the HOUSING section for alternative accessible  home plans)  Family Assistance and Support (Family Support) This service is a means of supporting and maintaining a  family's capacity to keep a child with a disability at home. These services are flexible and might include:  assistance with activities of daily living (ADL's), supplemental childcare, help with therapies, assistive  technology, or environmental modifications as necessary for accessibility, or activities that promote inclusion  in community such as recreation and social skill building.  Host Home Service An out‐of‐home placement for a short or extended period of time within the private home  of a trained host family. This is an alternative to institutional or group home settings.  Supervised Group Home or Apartment Supervised living services are provided in single homes or apartments  in which up to 4 individuals with disabilities may live. Services in the homes are designed to assist individuals  to develop personal daily routines and activities. Homes are located in neighborhoods with access to  shopping, work, and recreational activities. Typically, agencies that provide these services are required to  provide 24 hour supervision of the individuals residing in the home. The amount of supervision is determined  buy the needs of the individuals residing in the home. 

State Operated Residential Care Facilities These programs are generally set up by the individual states to  provide 24‐hour residential services and supports for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. They  generally have on‐site medical and dental facilities intended to serve individuals who are 18 or older who have  complex needs and are in need of intensive health supports or training. This is generally considered a  Constrictive Environment and admission is considered ONLY after DSPD Emergency Services Management  Committee has reviewed the options for least restrictive and most appropriate available alternative.  Independent Living Center   www.uilc.org  To assist persons with disabilities achieve greater independence by providing services and activities which  enhance independent living skills and promote the public's understanding, accommodation, and acceptance of  their rights, needs and abilities.  For additional events and services bulletin board that are specific to Utah only visit:  http://www.snrproject.com/Utah_Bulletin_Board.html  The federal government Housing and Urban Development department coordinates a number of rent, housing, and low income programs. Individuals will need to apply for rent help at their local housing authority, social service agency, or non-profits in their community. Programs that are funded or coordinated by HUD include:   

Section 8 housing vouchers for low income families. Seniors can receive rent assistance from Section 202 vouchers. Housing for the disabled, including Section 811 For more information and to apply contact your State DSPD office. After High School Graduation                       

 

EDUCATION One important transition occurring in this time period is the transition from school into the "real" world.  Leaving the school system at age 22 should be as smooth a transition as possible and will be if the proper  steps are taken before hand.  To be the best advocate for you child go out and visit the programs and community options available in your  area. Use your best judgment in choosing, or discarding, the program right for your child's unique  circumstances. This should be accomplished BEFORE your child's 21st year. This is the time to learn all you can  about your area Adult Services for people with disabilities. Be sure that your Critical Needs assessment (A  DSPD Function. Ask your Case Manger if it has not been mentioned to you) is updated BEFORE age 22 and  your child is on the DSPD Division waiting list for adult services. Post High School Education Options  Age 19‐22  Your State office of Education is responsible for education issues. Your child has the right to remain in school  until age 22 (See IDEA ACT 2004 Part B). Your IEP plan can determine whether or not your child should remain  in the educational system beyond the age of 18. During these extra years he/she can focus on improving basic  academic skills, gaining independence, and further vocational and social skills. Your child may want to  graduate with their graduating class and it is appropriate should they so choose. But they should receive a  Certificate of Completion, not a diploma. If the student is awarded a diploma, they are NOT allowed to return  to the school system.  Many families assume that once their child graduates from their local School District programs there are no  further educational options available for their children. Not so. Many programs are available if a parent is  willing to take the time to look and then enquire.  Consider some of these options:  College‐ Many technical Colleges, traditional 2‐year and 4‐year colleges offer educational opportunities for  students with disabilities to continue their education. Many have ancillary services such as tutoring assistance,  housing, etc. for disabled students. Contact the Student Services Office at the school your student may wish to  apply.  Vocational Training‐ Available at schools for Applied Technology, traditional Trade Schools, and many Junior  Colleges.  Community Continuing Education Courses‐ Varied by community but many are available for adults of all ages  and abilities through local school districts. Contact District Continuing Education offices for course listings.  On‐The‐Job Training‐Many high schools will begin on‐the‐job training as part of their regular job  sampling/training curriculum.  Continuing Vocational Rehabilitation‐ Vocational rehabilitation services are for those who have a physical or  mental impairment that constitutes a substantial impediment to employment. Those who qualify require 

vocational rehabilitation services to become gainfully employed. For more information on these services  contact your State Division of Rehabilitative Services.  Use your imagination. Options for pro‐active parents intent on finding an appropriate program for their child  may be almost endless. Be inquisitive, do your homework and network with other parents. Your child does  NOT have to sit at home watching TV or playing Video games. Help them to be as productive as they are  capable of being by finding the appropriate programs for them.                                             

Parent and Family Support Special Needs Resource Project (SNRP) provides a basic guide for parents of children with chronic health  issues, disabilities and special needs. This site is designed to help you get a jump‐start in your search for  helpful information and resources. Every situation is unique. Our aim is to help you learn the basic skills you'll  need to obtain the specific resource information, equipment, and services your child and family needs. Though  focused on children ages 0‐22, most of the information we offer is applicable to adults as well.  www.snrproject.com    Utah Parent Center (UPC or Center) The mission is to help parents help their children, youth and young adults  with all disabilities to live included, productive lives as members of the community.  We accomplish our mission by providing accurate information, empathetic peer support, valuable training and  effective advocacy based on the concept of parents helping parents.*  *The term parent is broadly defined to include anyone serving in that role.  www.utahparentcenter.org