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TRANSITION
TRANSITION
Transition is the time between ninth grade and graduation from high school or a transition program for students with disabilities. It is the time when students, families and schools look at what the student will need, in addition to academics, to live and work as independently as possible when they transition from school to adult life.
West Central Regional Quality Council: Grade 7th-12th & Ages 19-22 TRANSITION CHECKLIST-
West Central Transition Resources - resources and best practices to increase the understanding of what people with disabilities need to consider as they transition to adulthood.
Age Of Majority- A Guide For Parents HERE
EMPLOYMENT:
EMPLOYMENT:
Having a job or career is an important part of adult life. For many adults, work helps them learn important skills and pay for what they need. Work also gives you a chance to build relationships with others in the community. As you think about your work options, it's important to know what services are available to help you overcome barriers.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) – helps students with disabilities learn about themselves, understand work requirements, practice work skills, choose a career, and explore training options.
The Transition/Pre-ETS Inventory is a tool that can completed with the youth, family, and other support team members. It allows for the identification and prioritization of the youth’s strengths and needs.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Student Career Services: Connecting Students to Work
Rural MN CEP: RMCEP offers a comprehensive set of employment and training services designed for at-risk youth which focuses on helping them complete high school and develop a career plan, while providing them with practical hands-on work experience opportunities. Youth & Adult program information, HERE.
MNCHOICES ASSESSMENT: Are you/your student in need of support to remain in your home or the community? A person of any age in need of long-term services and supports can ask for an assessment.
MNCHOICES ASSESSMENT: Are you/your student in need of support to remain in your home or the community? A person of any age in need of long-term services and supports can ask for an assessment.
Clay County Social Services provides MnCHOICES assessments. MnCHOICES is a person-centered, comprehensive assessment to help people with long-term or chronic-care needs make care decisions and select support and service options. MnCHOICES assessments determine eligibility for various publicly funded programs.
Clay County Social Services
Phone: 218-299-5200
GUARDIANSHIP
A guardian is appointed by the court to make the personal decisions for the person subject to guardianship. The guardian has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the protected person about where to live, medical decisions, training and education, etc.
Persons subject to guardianship are minors or incapacitated adults who have a court-appointed guardian, lack sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible personal decisions, and cannot meet individual needs for medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, or safety. MN law requires that ALL less restrictive approaches be ruled out (see Supported Decision Making) before guardianship is requested. This is a tool of last resort.
Resources:
Overview, Manual, Video: mncourts.gov
Guardian Information Line: 952-945-4174 or 1-844-333-1748
Court Forms (and manual):
Legal Kiosk: https://www.legalkiosk.org/ for help with court forms.
Free legal information self-help court (help with court forms/guardianship paperwork) clinic in Clay County:
Clay County Self-Help Clinic
No pre-registration is required
1st & 3rd Tues. of each month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. & Th. from 10:00- 12:00 p.m.
Clay County Law Library (located in the Courthouse basement)
807 11th Street North
The guardianship process can be expensive, some people may be eligible for financial support, such as In Forma Pauperis.
SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING: Rethinking Guardianship for Transition Age Youth
Supported Decision Making (SDM) is a newer approach to decision-making that acknowledges everyone, even people with disabilities or cognitive impairments, has the right to make decisions. Instead of having a guardian make choices for them, people with disabilities use supporters -- family, friends, peers, professionals, community members, or others -- supporters who help them make their own choices. A person using supported decision-making might make a formal written agreement to appoint trusted advisors, such as friends, family, or professionals, to serve as supporters. The supporters help the person with a disability understand, make, and communicate their own choices.
Resources:
Volunteers of America (Minnesota & Wisconsin) Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making: Navigating less restrictive alternatives to guardianship in Minnesota.
Guide to supported decision making in Minnesota: A resource for families and other supports
CESDM Guide to Supported Decision Making in Minnesota
Guardianship & Transition Age Youth with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities- Myths and Facts Sheet
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (MA):
Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s Medicaid program designed for people with disabilities, people with low incomes, pregnant women, children, adults without children, and people who are blind. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is a federal agency that works in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to direct MA programs. MA pays for medical insurance and home & community-based services.
Click HERE for:
Eligibility Criteria
How to Apply
Benefits through MA
Additional Information
TEFRA:
TEFRA:
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers a health-related benefit called TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act.) This benefit may allow students who qualify for special education services to qualify for medical assistance (MA) without considering the income and assets of parents. Even if your child is covered under another insurance, they may still qualify for TEFRA, which can sometimes pay the out-of-pocket cost of the other insurance. As of July 1, 2023, the parental fee for TEFRA was removed. See the application process HERE.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI):
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, elderly, or blind and have limited income and resources. It is also helpful for young adults with disabilities aged 18 and over as they begin to live independently.
Click HERE for:
Eligibility Criteria
Medical Definition of Disability
How to Apply
Decision
Appeals
Managing the SSI Benefit – Representative Payee
What can Affect the Benefit Amount
Resources
AFTER 18th birthday, call and make an appointment to apply for Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) or get an appointment online. This can take 3-6 months.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disabilities. Manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.
Minnesota & ND colleges with programs for students with intellectual disabilities
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH
ADULT MENTAL HEALTH
Services and Resources- HERE
BIRTH CERTIFICATE & SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
BIRTH CERTIFICATE & SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
Housing: As you become an adult, you have decisions to make about where you live. You have the right to live in the least restrictive, most integrated setting that fits your needs.
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