FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

From Amy--I hear common questions from parents and program participants. I certainly don’t have all of the answers, but I know people who know more than I do! If we skip a question you’re dying to have answered, send us a message!

Q: What can families do to be better prepared for graduation?

A: As young adults graduate from high school, available services change. This is often called the “services cliff.” In school, students are guaranteed by law that they will have equal access to education. This means they have teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselors, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and accommodations arranged through an IEP process or a 504 plan. These accommodations level the field so that students can benefit from education and be more prepared for adult life. However, after graduation, these services abruptly end, and families must seek out services provided in different locations by different providers with different funding sources. Government benefits have different application processes and different qualifying criteria. It is often confusing and frustrating even when families have help and some education. Here are four important tips to getting ready for graduation:

• Determine your family support needs--as a family, you can decide how much support you will need. Will you need residential options? Post-secondary school support? Employment? Respite care? Know what kinds of services you will need so that you can ask the right questions.  
• Apply for government programs. Government programs are overwhelmed and underfunded. This results in lists of individuals waiting for services. Many services are provided based on need rather than when you sign up for the services, so don’t let the wait list scare you. Apply anyway. Here are links to the most important services to apply for.
• Social Security--There are two kinds of Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You apply for both benefits at once, and may be denied for one benefit and approved for the other. https://www.ssa.gov/forms/apply-for-benefits.html
• SSI is a means-based program designed for those who have low income and minimal assets. Qualifying for SSI means you automatically qualify for Medicaid, which is also means-based. Because this program is means-based, disabled family members are considered their own household at age 18. Prior to that, the parents’ income is taken into consideration.
• SSDI is like an insurance plan. You pay into this plan as you earn money through employment. When you become disabled, this insurance is paid to you monthly.
• Benefits counselling--When you receive social security benefits, you are still encouraged to work. Working not only helps the monthly budget, but it provides you with purpose, community, and activity. Social Security provides benefits counselors who can help you navigate the impact of work on your benefits. Seek this counselling from a professional Social Security benefits counselor. They will give you the best advice.
• Vocational Rehabilitation--Also known as Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps with training and employment. VR has an order of service, and provides first for those who are most severely disabled, no matter when you apply. VR works with Community Rehabilitation Providers (such as Columbus Community Center, Turn, Rise, etc.) to implement a variety of employment services based on individual needs. http://www.usor.utah.gov/vr
• Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)--this program also has an order of service, and administers Medicaid waivers based on individual need. This service is primarily for severely disabled individuals who will likely need support across the lifespan. DSPD pays for job coaching, residential supports, respite, and day programs. https://dspd.utah.gov/
• Check out the Utah Parent Center. They have lists of resources, provide parent training, and have become a central location where parents can get the education they need to support and advocate for their children. You can also meet other parents and share information.  http://www.utahparentcenter.org/
• Learn about Community  Service Providers (CRPs) and find out which ones are best for you. There are many CRPs, and each may have a different focus, different connections, and different types of services besides employment, including day programs, employment training, residential services, supported living, representative payees, etc. You can use multiple service providers for different services to custom build a program for your child. Ask about funding options.