21 to 40






		21 TO 40 OVERVIEW Whether you're just beginning to get a sense of the adult service system or you're well traveled and somewhat weary, the need for information remains constant. Chances are your son or daughter is living in your family home. If not, he or she is still very much a part of your life and it's important to stay informed about changes in programs and eligibility requirements. It goes without saying, but is worth reinforcing: involve your son or daughter in all aspects of planning and decision-making about his or her life. Support your adult child in making choices, gaining independence, being involved in your local community and continuing to develop goals that reflect his or her interests and strengths. The good news is that since turning 18, your son or daughter's income is used to determine financial eligibility for publicly funded health care, personal care, vision services, durable medical equipment, some dental care and other income-based services, such as supplemental security income and food stamps. SOCIAL SECURITY If you have not already done so, contact the Social Security Administration to have your son or daughter apply for disability benefits. Call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 or visit online at http://www.ssa.gov/. If your son or daughter is determined eligible for supplemental security income, called S.S.I., the door to Medicaid and other services will open. Look in your phone book for a Department of Social and Health Services community services office for information and assistance in applying for services. WASHINGTON STATE DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES At this point in your journey through the service system, the Division of Developmental Disabilities is your son or daughter's main vehicle for reaching most destinations. This is where case management and a range of services are contracted or provided directly by the state. D.D.D. administers an assessment to all new clients as well as current clients who are not receiving a paid D.D. service. The D.D.D. Assessment gives a snapshot of your son's or daughter's needs and determines his or her level or priority for services. Depending on the results of this assessment, your son or daughter may be referred to a more comprehensive evaluation, bringing them one step closer to receiving the services they need. At the very least, the majority of adults who apply for D.D.D. services will be referred to something called a "care" assessment, which determines eligibility for Medicaid Personal Care Services, also known as M.P.C. If your son or daughter is eligible for Medicaid services, they may be entitled to receive personal care hours determined by the assessment. M.P.C. provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, meal preparation and housework. M.P.C. is generally provided in your own home by individual or agency providers who are contracted with the state. As a parent, you can also become an M.P.C. provider for your adult child. Keep in mind that if your son or daughter's situation and needs change, be sure to contact their D.D.D. case manager for a re-assessment to see if they have moved into a higher priority category. As you've likely discovered, very few services are offered as an entitlement. The majority of D.D.D. programs are based on funding appropriated by our state legislature. As a result, thousands of people have been waiting years for DD services, such as employment or day programs, family support, or supported living services provided outside the family home. Home and Community Based WaIvers Essentially, there are several streets, checkpoints and detours through the adult service system. The best ticket to have is the one that gets your son or daughter on a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver. These are service packages that provide a range of in-home and out-of-home habilitation supports in your own community rather than a state institution. Access to these waivers, however, is limited based on available funding. Most people find themselves placed on waiting lists and/or limited services such as in-home Medicaid Personal Care. D.D.D. has four waivers: basic, basic plus, core and community protection. Individuals living with their parents are most likely placed on the basic or basic plus waiver to receive employment and day services, personal care, therapies and other basic services. Some individuals with intensive support needs may be placed on the core waiver and receive services within your family home, although most core waiver enrollees live outside the family home in a supported living setting. If your son or daughter is not currently on a waiver, ask to have him or her added to the “waiver enrollment database”, which is the official waiting list for waivers. If he or she is already receiving services through a waiver, be sure all service needs are included in the individual support plan. Do not approve a plan that does not fully address your son or daughter's needs. Other out-of-home services include adult family homes and state-run residential habilitation centers. Adult family homes provide basic Medicaid personal services, plus room and board, but no habilitation or support to access the community. Residential habilitation centers are state-operated institutions founded before community alternatives were developed. If your son or daughter is living with you, one of your biggest concerns is probably finding something for them to do during the day. Perhaps they have physical care needs, require supervision or simply need help finding a job. There are two ways to get support if this is the case. One is called family support and the other is employment and day services. Family Support Family support provides limited respite, therapies, assistive technology and modifications to your home or car. Family support services can be offered to individuals who are not on a waiver, as well as those who are, but there is a waiting list for non-waiver clients. Employment Services Employment and day services provide long term job development and support. Regardless of your son or daughter’s disability, the expectation in our state is that all working age adults who receive D.D.D. employment and day services will be employed or on a pathway to employment. While there are exceptions to this policy, the intent is to engage everyone in his or her community as an active, contributing member. Long term employment and day services are typically offered through a Medicaid home and community-based waiver, but sometimes the legislature appropriates money for individuals who are not on a waiver. Be sure to ask your son or daughter's case manager how your child can receive support to find and maintain employment. While your son or daughter is in high school, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, known as D.V.R. may assist with initial job placement services. Visit www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr for more information. Most adults with developmental disabilities will need long term employment support ; however, services do not begin until age 21. Therefore it is important for young adults to consider staying in school until that time. Be sure to ask the D.D.D. case manager about meeting your son or daughter’s employment needs. You may want to contact your county DD office about employment resources available to you now and in the future. Look in the blue pages of your phone book under County Government.\ ADVOCACY Just as with every other phase of your child's life, advocacy is vital – both your own and that of your adult son or daughter. Problems with services, limited funding, and long waiting lists can be solved with effective grassroots advocacy. Local Arcs and parent coalitions offer current information and connection with others who share similar concerns. They help improve the service system by advocating with a unified voice. Contact the Arc of Washington State toll-free at 1-888-754-8798 or visit the website at http://www.arcwa.org/ to find out if there's a parent coalition or Arc chapter near you. SELF-ADVOCACY Now that your son or daughter is an adult, it's especially important to engage him or her in developing self-advocacy skills. People First of Washington and Self Advocates of Washington promote self-advocacy in all areas of a person's life. In many parts of the state, they are creating self-advocacy chapters in high schools. For more information, call People First toll-free at 1-800-758-1123. In Pierce and Kitsap counties, contact Self Advocates of Washington at 1-253-597-3709. Self Advocates in Leadership, known as SAIL, also offers many opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to shape the services and policies that affect their lives. For more information about SAIL, contact the Arc of Washington state toll-free at 1-888-754-8798 or visit http://www.sailcoalition.org. SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS If you have not already done so, begin thinking and planning for your son or daughter's later adult years. It's hard to think about a time when you won't be around, but the reality is that as you and your child age, your child's support needs will change, and so will your own. You may also want to consider a special needs trust. The Life Opportunities Trust, administered by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, is a public/private partnership that creates a stable resource to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. Outreach, enrollment and disbursements are coordinated by the Arc of Washington State. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-754-8798 or visit http://www.ddlot.org. OTHER SERVICES AND RESOURCES Local parks and recreation departments administered by the county or city you live in offer many activities, such as Special Olympics or other community opportunities from bus tours to ballgames and classes. Look in the blue pages of your phone book for more details or call your local city or county information line. Community colleges are another great resource to explore for personal enrichment and education. Take care of yourself and make plans to keep things in place for your son or daughter when you are no longer there to provide support. If you do this, you’ll feel a lot better. An investment in planning now will pay off later and you can rest more easily knowing that your son or daughter will receive the support he or she needs.