Be ready for important legal changes ahead:

Guardianship - start process at age 17:

A person (over the age of 17) who is unable to make decisions regarding matters related to everyday living as a result of developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, or infirmities of aging like dementia may need another person to assist him or her. A guardian is a person appointed by a court to provide this type of assistance to an individual (called the ward) or make decisions on behalf of the individual.  A guardian of the person would make decisions for the individual related to personal matters such as medical care, housing arrangements, and daily activities. A guardian of the estate would make decisions for the individual related to financial matters.  A guardianship is created by a court, and the guardian only has those powers that state law and the court specifically provide.

Waukesha County - Guardianship

Adult Guardianships are handled in the Probate Court and are filed in Room JC-103 at the reception desk at 521 Riverview Avenue.A person (over the age of 17) who is unable to make decisions regarding matters related to everyday living as a result of developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain injury, or infirmities of aging like dementia may need another person to assist him or her. A guardian is a person appointed by a court to provide this type of assistance to an individual (called the ward) or make decisions on behalf of the individual.  A guardian of the person would make decisions for the individual related to personal matters such as medical care, housing arrangements, and daily activities. A guardian of the estate would make decisions for the individual related to financial matters. A guardianship is created by a court, and the guardian only has those powers that state law and the court specifically provide.

Phone:  262-548-7468

Address: 521 Riverview Ave, Waukesha, WI 53188 Room:  JC-103

Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/adultguardianship

Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin - Guardianship

Our Corporate Guardianship Program provides a caring, professional service that goes beyond the legal requirements of guardianship. We provide advocacy for clients’ best interests; responsible decision making for medical, financial, personal, and social needs. Corporate Guardianship is managed by Easterseals and is a member of the National Guardianship Association. This service is provided throughout our six county service area.

Phone:  414-449-4444

Address:  2222 S. 114th Street, West Allis, WI 53227

Website:https://www.easterseals.com/wi-se/our-programs/respite-community-support/corporate-guardianship.html

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA):

What can medical professionals can share with parents that are no longer legal guardians and do not have power of attorney of medical?

Website: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html

Graphic: https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/docs/hipaa-ferpa-infographic-508.pdf

Need for a  Wisconsin ID:

A Wisconsin ID will be an important proof of identity, required for employment, voting and more.  

Phone: 608-264-7447

Address: 2019 Golf Rd

Pewaukee, WI 53072

Website: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/id-card.aspx

Personal Legal Rights and Responsibilities: 

How will things change moving from childhood to legal adulthood?  Here is a resource published by the State Bar of Wisconsin to help you prepare.

Link to PDF version: https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/ForEducators/Documents/What-You-Should-Know.pdf

SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING

Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a set of strategies that help individuals with disabilities have more control over their life and future. It involves family and friends working together with individuals to support them in making complex decisions.   

Information WI BPDD:   https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/supporteddecision-making/ 

Information from Disability Rights of WI: https://disabilityrightswi.org/resource-center/supported-decision-making/

Electronic Agreement Form: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/form

Booklets to read: 

English versions - folder with all of the following: 

A New Way of Thinking

Opening Doors to Self-Determination

Opening Doors to Post Secondary Education

Opening Doors to Employment

Opening Doors A Guide to Adult Services

Community-Based TransitionOptions for18- to 21-year old Students with Disabilities

Contact Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 

Contact the ADRC when your child is 17-17.5 years of age.  They can help with guardianship, services available and other important information.  Mission: to provide older adults and people with physical or developmental/intellectual disabilities the resources needed to live with dignity and security and to achieve maximum independence and quality of life. The goal of the Aging and Disability Resource Center is to empower individuals to make informed choices and to streamline access to the right and appropriate services and supports.

Phone: 262-548-7848

Address: 514 Riverview Ave Waukesha, WI 

Website: www.waukeshacounty.gov/adrc

Email: adrc@waukeshacounty.gov

ADRC Resource Guide: ADRC Resource Guide 2022-23

Explore Project Search:

Project SEARCH is a business led collaboration that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration.  A 9-12 month program, Project SEARCH provides total immersion in a large community business. Students with disabilities are offered a workforce alternative for their last year of high school. All participants must be eligible for services with the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). At some sites, young adults who have completed high school may be eligible to participate in Project SEARCH.    

General information:

Wisconsin Project Search Information Sheet:  https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/programs/project-search/

Maps of Locations: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr

Milwaukee County Zoo Project Search

Tour Dates (must register): Tour dates and contact information

Application:  Application form

Selective Services (men only):

Men who register with Selective Service remain eligible for federal student financial aid, state-funded student financial aid, federal employment, state employment, job training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, security clearances, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men.  Selective Service accepts early registrations as young as 17 years and 3 months.

General website: https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration

Website registration: https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Register-Now/Registration-Form

Social Security - Supplemental Security Income:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  is a government program that provides monthly cash assistance to low-income people who are either aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled.  This stipend helps eligible participants meet the costs of their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. It is not uncommon to be denied and there are strict timelines to appeal the decision.  If you received services as a child those benefits will end and you need to reapply.

Local Phone:  866-220-7885 

Toll Phone: 800- 772-1213 

local office: 707 N Grand Ave, Waukesha WI 53186 

Website: www.ssa.gov

General information website: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/index.htm

How to apply website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm

Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-able.html

Voter Registration & Voting:

Ways to register to vote website: https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/254/Registering-to-Vote

Polling places in Waukesha: https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/258/List-of-Polling-Places

My Vote Wisconsin website: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

Waukesha Transition Academy

Mission Statement: 

Waukesha Transition Academy prepares young adults between the ages of 18-21, for independent living through experiences within community-based partnerships and engagement in a meaningful life-based curriculum through authentic learning experiences building a bridge into adulthood. 

Vision:

To provide authentic learning experiences for young adults ages 18-21 to increase engagement and independence in the community. Students will engage in a variety of community-based learning activities allowing them the opportunity to develop work readiness, social and independent living skills. 

Main Office: 262-970-4355

1150 Whiterock Avenue      Waukesha, WI 53186