After an individual reaches the age of 18, they are considered an adult and have the legal right to make decisions on their own. If an individual has a limited ability to make his/her own decisions, it is advised that an appointment of a legal guardian be investigated. There may be other alternatives such as Power of Attorney. A Special Needs Trust may also be considered to protect a person with a disability’s right to receive Medical Assistance, SSI and/or MH/MR benefits. A trust can provide peace of mind after parents are unable to care for their disabled child. For further information, it is recommended that you contact your lawyer. Information can also be accessed through the Disability Rights Network of PA.
If you are a man ages 18 through 25 and living in the U.S., then you must register with Selective Service. It’s the law. According to law, a man must register with Selective Service within 30 days of his 18th birthday. Selective Service will accept late registrations but not after a man has reached age 26. You may be denied benefits or a job if you have not registered. You can register at a Post Office or on-line. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and social security number. A certificate of registration can be printed out when your registration is complete. You should also receive an acknowledgment card by mail within 2 weeks of registration.
When you turn 18 years of age, are a citizen of the United States and a resident of PA, you become eligible to vote. In PA, you can register in person, by mail and at various government agencies. You can register to vote at the Bedford County Voter Registration Office, located in the Bedford County Court House. The Transition Coordinator can provide you with a voter’s registration form and will also deliver it to the Voter’s Registration Office. You can also register at the Bedford Driver’s Testing Center and other government agencies such as state offices that provide public assistance and services to persons with disabilities.
At age 16, you become eligible to take the driver’s permit test to ultimately obtain a driver’s license. An identification card can be issued to any Pennsylvania resident who is at least 10 years of age. For youths under the age of 18 parents or guardians must accompany individuals to obtain a photo ID. For children ages 10 to 17, proof of identification, social security card, application form and check or money order are needed to obtain photo ID. For individuals 18 years and older, the listed documents and two additional forms of residency are required for obtaining a photo ID. For more information and necessary forms, refer to the links at the right.
The Shared Ride Rural Transportation Program is a program for people with a documented disability between the ages of 18 - 59. It is called the Shared Ride Program because it shares transportation opportunities with the CART program. For more information or questions, click the link to the right.
The Bedford County Special Olympics provides a variety of opportunities for recreation through sporting activities for people with intellectual disabilities and anyone interested in participating. The mission of Special Olympics PA is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of 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 sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Information was obtained from Special Olympics Bedford County Flyer.
The Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program (PA ABLE) provides individuals with qualified disabilities as well as their families and friends, a tax-advantaged way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. Plus, Pennsylvania taxpayers can now deduct PA ABLE contributions from their state taxes, within limits.
PA ABLE offers seven different investment options, including a checking account with a debit card.
To learn more about saving through PA ABLE, and to read the disclosure statement, please visit PAABLE.gov or call the PA ABLE customer service center at 855-529-ABLE (2253).
The Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Before investing, please carefully read the Disclosure Statement (available at PAABLE.gov or by calling 855-529-2253) to learn more about the program, including its effect on federal and state benefits, investment objectives, risks, fees, and tax implications.