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What is a 688 Referral?
What is a 688 Referral?
In Massachusetts, students with disabilities access adult service agencies through the Chapter 688 referral process. Chapter 688 provides a two year coordinated planning process for students whose entitlements to special education services will end when they graduate from school or turn 22 years of age.
- What is a 688 Referral?
- Adult Agencies
- Eligibility
- Application Process
- How to Apply
Who is Eligible for a 688 Referral ?
Who is Eligible for a 688 Referral ?
Automatically Eligible
Automatically Eligible
- Individual receives Social Security Benefits (SSI or SSDI) based on his or her disability
OR
- Individual is listed in the registry for the MA Commission for the Blind
Potentially Eligible
Potentially Eligible
- Individual receives Special Education Services through his or her school district
- Individual requires ongoing services because of the severity of his or her disability
- Individual is unable to work 20 hours or more per week in competitive employment
688 Application Process
688 Application Process
Only school systems can refer students that they believe may be eligible for adult services through Chapter 688. The 2 year planning period allows enough time to determine eligibility for adult services and for an agency(ies) to include the anticipated cost of services for the student in the budget request which is submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature each year.
Important Note!
Important Note!
688 Referrals should be filed 2 years before the student graduates from High School or turns 22 years old.
If you are unsure which 688 agency to apply to, the following document includes referral guidelines with student profile descriptions for each agency:
688 REFGUIDE Oct 2013.pdfHow to Apply
How to Apply
- Discuss the referral process with your IEP Team or Special Education Liaison.
- Complete and sign the referral release form and submit to the school's special education department.
- The agency will either mail a full application to the your home or arrange a meeting with you at school.
- Parents and guardians may also choose to apply directly to 688 support agencies. Speak to your child's liaison or contact the agency for more information.
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