Road Map to Success

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 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

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. https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Documents/BRIDGE-Checklist-FY19.pdf 

• Discussing requirements for getting into colleges or technical colleges. What course of study is needed for college entry.

 Understanding Diploma Options- Ga DOE FAQ from Ga DOE on Diploma Options 

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: https://gvs.georgia.gov/about-us    /   https://gvs.georgia.gov/application-process 

• Sign Parent Permission Vocational Rehabilitation Form.

• Get student involved in Pre-ETS services while in school: https://transitionta.org/topics/pre-ets/   

• 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.

• Consider re-evaluation needs in terms of updated testing for desired services and supports after graduating from high school .

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- http://www.gaipsec.org/includecollege.html  

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 - https://gvs.georgia.gov/transition-school-work/transition-school-work-resources 

• EmployAbility- https://employabilityga.org/ 

• Digital Technology Partners- https://www.dtpartners.com/work4eli/ 

• Kay Center - http://www.kayservicecenter.com/about.html 

• Happy Hour - https://www.happyhourservicecenter.org/ 

• Blessings Assurance- http://www.bsacommunityservices.org/developmental-disability-care-supportive-employment 

• Halo Group - https://www.halogroupga.org/ 

• The Arc (Macon) - https://thearcmacon.org/about/mission/

• Abilities Discovered- https://adiorg.com/# 

• Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities- https://gcdd.org/partnerships/advancing-employment.html 

  1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. A partial list of organizations employing Georgia IPSE students and graduates, as of August 2022 

                       2. Georgia Inclusive Post Secondary Education Promotional Video 

• Advancing Employment- https://www.advancingemployment.com/ 

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-

• New Generation Health Services-  https://nghsga.com/our-services/

• Care Wind Place-  https://carewindplace.com/   

• Wesley Glen Ministries- https://www.wesleyglenministries.com/ 

• Annandale Village- https://annandale.org/ 

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.

• https://gaprobate.gov/?s=Guardianship 

• Electronic Packet can be picked up- Jasper County Probate Court  126 W. Greene St. Ste. 111 Monticello, GA 31064706-468-4903 or by email at  jasperprobate@bellsouth.net

• Paupers Affidavit (financial assistance to cover court cost)- https://legalbeagle.com/5409223-paupers-affidavit.html  https://www.gasupreme.us/court-information/paupers-affidavit/ 

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 www.glsp.org or 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 NOW/COMP waiver, call waiver liaison to give the exact date of graduation.

• Contact Voc Rehab (VR) to transfer student to become a client. VR can assist with job training, job placement and education assistance.

• Contact DHBDD (if denied VR) to assist with post-secondary supports for home care, respite care, and community based services.