If your Student is earning a Certificate
Your student is earning a certificate if they are eligible for an IEP due to an intellectual disability (or related) and are currently in an Independent Living Skills (ILS) or TRACE programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certificate of Achievement vs. Certificate of Completion
When ILS students graduate from their comprehensive High Schools, they earn a Certificate of Achievement.
(Students have "achieved" completing the required high school credits)
When TRACE students complete their program the year they turn 22 years old, they earn a Certificate of Completion
(Students have "completed" all requirements for special education public school district programs)
Can my student stay in public school district programs after age 22?
By California Education Code law [Cal. Educ. Code § 56026(c)(4)(D) ], your student must exit their SUHSD special education public school program the year your student turns age 22, using this schedule:
If student turns 22 years of age during the months of January to June, inclusive, student will exit in June, and may elect to attend Extended School Year (ESY/Summer school).
If student turns 22 years of age during the months of July, August, or September, student will exit in June of that year and is not permitted to begin a new program term in that Fall.
If student turns 22 years of age during the months of October, November, or December, student will exit on December 31 of that year and is not permitted to begin a new program term the following year.
**Click here if your student is not eligible for an employment permit (i.e. social security card)
If your certificate student is not eligible for a social security card, they are still eligible for GGRC (Golden Gate Regional Center) services. Please check the "Students with GGRC" section for information on how to apply for GGRC and learn what other benefits your student may be eligible for.
Are there college programs for my student?
There are college programs throughout California and the United States that serve students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Typically, students that are appropriate for these programs are:
Able to navigate the community independently (or can learn)
Can read at least a 3rd or 4th grade level (sometimes not required, but preferred)
Able to take public transit (or can learn)
Click here to explore these college programs with your student.
For students who do not fit the above profile, some Adult Day Programs collaborate with college programs to integrate an adapted class as part of their day program. If interested, it is worth it to inquire when looking at Adult Day Programs.
For more parent information about College Programs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, click here.
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Click on the button below to find events and announcements that might be of interest to parents.
Come back to section often for updates.
Signing Forms as an Adult
Your student can participate in signing forms when writing their own name is difficult or even if they are conserved by using a rubber signature stamp. Individuals who have difficulty with motor skills can have an assistant/witness help with pushing the stamp.
Many agencies accept this type of signature for individuals with disabilities.
But most importantly, your student can feel a sense of being an adult if they are able to sign their own forms.
You can easilty purchase one at Office Depot (or similar stores) or online.
Click the buttons below for more information:
Image Credit: livingwithdisability.info
GET ON THESE EMAIL LISTS
Many of these agencies host informational presentations or will send updates and news on issues or services relevant to your student.
California State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Join their mailing list (click here) to get information on informative webinars and events throughout the state of California.
Statewide organization that promotes self-determination and advocacy for your student.
Sign up on their email list (click here) to receive updates on policy changes, events (that GGRC might be able to fund), and other announcements that may help navigate the array of services your student is eligible for.
PARENT GROUPS
It is recommended you connect with other parents of students and adults with Developmental Disabilities. You can share solutions or connect through similar experiences. Participate in inclusive events hosted by these organizations. Or use these organizations when researching services for your student.
Partners and Advocates of Remarkable Children and Adults
Saving Money for your Student
SSI What is it, how to apply
34 minute Video from our local community partner PHP Parents Helping Parents (San Jose). Clear explanation from a parent who has experience applying to SSI for their own child.
Please note that the money amounts they describe is from 2018. These amounts change a little bit every year.
Also note that ABLE accounts are briefly discussed in this videos and are now available in California
More information about PHP (San Jose) and how to get their help for SSI, Click here.
CID Center for Independence (San Mateo) can also help you with SSI. Contact information click here.
CalABLE Accounts - Everything you need to know
1 hour & 30 minute Video from our local community partner PHP Parents Helping Parents (San Jose).
From the PHP e-learning Library:
A CalABLE account is an investment and savings tool available to eligible individuals with disabilities. Learn about this financial option in the PHP webinar presented by Carrie Fisher Stone, Deputy Executive Director of California’s ABLE program.
More about California’s ABLE program can be learned through the Helpful Tools.
Download a CalAble Fact Sheet
Learn More About CalAble on the website for the California Office of the Treasurer
If you already own an ABLE account, check out this information about managing your account.
More information about PHP (San Jose) and how to get their help for C, Click here.
CID Center for Independence (San Mateo) can also help you with SSI. Contact information click here.
Learn about CalAble Credit Card here
Employment for your student
Hear from parents, individuals with disabilites and adult programs why participating in the district's work training program during high school benefits your student.
Respite Services
Abilitypath is now affiliated with VIA Respite Services
Information on this new partnership click here.
Information on VIA Services click here
San Francisco
(Respite program suspended due to COVID until further notice)
Specialists for your student
Information in this section are provided for informational purposes only. Your transition team does not have any experience with these groups. It is recommended you do your own research on these companies using platforms such as Yelp, Better Business Bureau, or talking to other parents through groups such as AbilityPath's Family Resource Center or Parents Helping Parents.
Guide: Autism Tool Kit for Dental Professionals.
Developed by Autism Speaks, for you to give to your Dental Provider to help them better serve your student's needs.
Offers Guides for Caregivers on a variety of Dental related practices.
They have publications in both English and Spanish
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