Embedded Files
Elementary School
Developing an IEP for the student and encouraging student attendance and participation at IEP meetings.
Ensuring access to the general curriculum and development of functional skills related to the unique needs of the child.
Developing self-determination skills as part of the curriculum.
Apply for Family Support Services through DBHDD- Eligibility: Individuals age four (4) and up with a diagnosed developmental disability living in Georgia at home with their families, and are not currently receiving a NOW/COMP Waiver, are eligible for Family Support Services. Eligible diagnoses include, but are not limited to: Developmental Disability, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome. Program funding is estimated around $2000-$3000 for Traditional Services and up to $4950 for Respite Services per Fiscal Year (Fiscal Year is currently 7.1.23-6.30.24). Family Support Coordinators work with families to develop Individualized Family Support Plans. Click this link to find the application for services and providers listed by county https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/be-compassionate/home-services/family-support-services .
Apply for Family Supports through Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare (Middle Flint BHC): Additional financial support for families with children ages 3 and up who have developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Funds can pay for Respite services, support for the family and more
https://www.freementalhealth.us/services/americus_middle-flint-behavioral-healthcare_lj
https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/locations/middle-flint-behavioral-healthcare
Georgia Support Services : Support Coordinators - 478.275.4845 - We offer Support Coordination services to people in Georgia who are served by Georgia's Medicaid waiver program for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
The SOONER the BETTER to apply for Waivers & Funding!!
Between Elementary and Middle School
Apply for Medicaid: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/how-apply
If denied Medicaid/SSI due to income, apply for Katie Becket for assistance with medical services and other support for the individual
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)- (assists in services after high school, sometimes while still in school)
Application for Waivers- https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:79e91e47-1193-3c8a-914d-75dd017963cb
Helpful Resources for Medicaid Basics & Community-Based Waivers-
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d38c7390-f78e-346e-92ac-21179e7feac9
Apply for NOW/COMP Waiver- (long wait list, aids with respite, home and community based services) https://georgia.gov/apply-new-option-waiver-program-now-and-comprehensive-support-waiver-program-comp
Apply for SSI: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/start.html
Eligibility of SSI before the age of 18 is determined by parent’s income in addition to the student’s disability and needs. (SSI provides a list of diagnosis/disabilities they accept. If denied, apply for Katie Becket)
Middle School
Identifying post-school goals. Developing a transition plan by end of 8th grade year.
Discussing diploma requirements and review student status: Understand which academic path your child is on: alternative curriculum or general education diploma path. By middle school, the certificate/diploma path is determined for high school. Meet with your child’s teacher to understand exactly what type of diploma (alternative curriculum or general education curriculum diploma) will be received.
Understanding the Alternate Diploma FAQ from Ga DOE on Alternate Diploma
Creating a transition portfolio with references, descriptions of acquired skills, work/experience history, and related assessment information.
Completing necessary BRIDGE requirements for middle school to ensure students are made aware of available college and career options. BRDIGE Checklist GA Futures BRIDGE Checklist
Discussing requirements for getting into colleges or technical colleges. What course of study is needed for college entry.
Understanding Diploma Options- Ga DOE
As Early as Age 14
Parents can contact the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) to start planning for their child’s college life or professional career: GVRA
Get student involved in Pre-ETS services while in school: Understanding PreETS Services
Sign Parent Permission Vocational Rehabilitation Form: PreETS Permission Form
Work with your child on their ability to communicate their personal information (name, DOB, address, number).
Identify which independent living skills you want your child to work on (i.e., personal finance skills, health care needs, daily living skills, etc.).
Discuss long-term goals after high school. Items include if applicable:
Employment after high school - supportive vs competitive
Technical school / 2 or 4 year college
Day center / residential care
Military service (meet with recruiter, additional steps needed if child had IEP after the age of 14, must be medication free for 24 months, many disabilities are denied entry)
Discuss possible CTAE Pathways that are offered at the high school: Career Pathways
Consider re-evaluation needs in terms of updated testing for desired services and supports.
High School
School should conduct initial transition planning meeting with student and parents before starting school if possible and provide referral to other agencies as appropriate:
Georgia Department of Labor
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)
Regional Boards Division of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Technical College System of Georgia disability counselor
College/University, Disability Services Provider
Benefits planning assistance
Other agencies as IEP team determines appropriate
By the age of 16, your child should obtain a valid State ID:
https://dds.georgia.gov/how-do-i-handicap-id
https://dds.georgia.gov/handicap-id-and-symbol
Call the local DMV to discuss testing accommodations for the driver's license test. Some accommodations can be provided.
Walker’s Law Affidavit- https://dor.georgia.gov/mv-43-walkers-law-affidavit#:~:text=This%20affidavit%20is%20to%20be,expected%20driver's%20ability%20to%20communicate.
This affidavit is to be used by a vehicle owner to provide information regarding certain conditions which may interfere with their ability or an expected driver’s ability to communicate.
During High School:
School should be providing a series of career development activities. Completing necessary BRIDGE requirements for high school to ensure students are made aware of available college and career options.
Discussing the development and need for independent living skills.
Determining needs of the student necessary for successful graduation and establishing a definite graduation date. With an IEP, the individual can stay in school until they are 22 years old. Consider all these options between ages 18-22. The individual will exit at the end of the semester they turn 22.
Determine path after high school:
Obtaining a General Education High School Diploma and want to attend college after high school? Discuss school options and research admission requirements. Schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor to discuss requirements and placement exams:
Apply for ACT/SAT accommodations with high school counselor
Investigate financial aid support- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-basics/advice/financial-aid-checklist
Schedule campus visits and include the disability center for the school
Consider re-evaluation need with updating testing because this may be a requirement for post-secondary supports
Obtaining an Alternative Curriculum High School Diploma and want a college experience? Inclusive college programs across the state offer students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) a variety of experiences and opportunities for growth as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives:
Learn about IPSE programs in Ga- https://www.p2pga.org/roadmap/post-secondary-education/inclusive-post-secondary-education-programs/
Attending the military after high school? Schedule an appointment with a recruiter to discuss requirements. After the age of 14, having an IEP/504 could lead to a denial into the military. A waiver application must be filed with the recruiter to apply for entry:
Consider joining JROTC during high school
Prepare for ASVAB. No accommodations are given
Going to work after high school? Competitive employment is when the individual secures a job on their own without assistance. Supportive employment is provided through community/state organizations to assist with job training and job placement:
Some examples of Supportive Employment Assistance Organizations-
Voc Rehab - Apply for Services
Need a Day Center or Residential Care after high school? Adult Day Care Centers are designed to provide care for older adults who need assistance/supervision during the day. Residential care provides accommodations, meals and personal care for people with disabilities:
Some examples of Day Centers & Residential Care Centers-
Age 17
Transfer of Rights-
Understand all rights are transferred to the individual at the age of 18. This includes educational, medical and financial records. The school system will always include parents in educational decisions, but ultimately the student will have the final say in his/her educational future unless a parent has legal guardianship.
Understanding Guardianship-
This should only be considered if the individual is not capable of making any decisions for themselves and can be proven through Probate Court. A petition is filed with the local Probate Court.
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Minors - Probate Court - Houston County Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Probate Court - Houston County
Electronic Packet- https://www.houstoncountyga.org/skins/userfiles/files/Adult%20Guardianship%20Conservatory%20Packet(1).pdf
As the parent/guardian, you will have to make the decision as to what you are looking for. If you need assistance with an attorney, you can reach out to Georgia Legal Services at 1-833-457-7529. Pro Bono legal aid can be found here https://www.georgialegalaid.org/ .
Alternatives to Guardianship-
These should be considered prior to considering guardianship. Guardianship should be the last resort. Developing self-advocacy and skills should be a priority.
Supportive Decision Making- https://supporteddecisions.org/
FERPA Release- https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:9d8dc087-dfa6-30ec-a5b8-c73354c6da7b
Power of Attorney- https://georgia.gov/establish-power-attorney
Advance Directive- https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:ee6b986c-31a2-379e-a185-b1b0b68f2a1e
Age 18
Student can register to vote: https://georgia.gov/register-vote
Males must register for Draft/Selective Service: Click on Register Online- www.sss.gov
Last Year in High School
Students should have both these options on their Transition plan and decide which to pursue upon graduation:
Consider Option A: Employment (competitive or supported)
Consider Option B: Postsecondary education
With an IEP, the individual can stay in school until they are 22 years old. Determine whether the young adult will graduate or remain in school. Upon exiting:
If an individual has been approved for the NOW/COMP waiver, contact the waiver liaison to provide the exact graduation date. Be sure to make this call 6 months prior to the graduation or exit date to begin the process. This timeline is important because it typically takes about 6 months to complete all final steps and ensure waiver services are in place and ready to begin immediately upon graduation or exiting. If this step is not taken, the individual may end up sitting at home for up to 6 months waiting for services to be approved.
Want to work? Contact Voc Rehab (VR) to transfer student to become a client for adult services. VR can assist with job training, job placement and education assistance.
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