Planning for Adulthood

Sources of Information and Key Terms

Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is a wonderful resource for parents and families to understand and assist with post-secondary transition. The following are one-page helpful tips for students and families (click on underlined items):

• Exploring the Option of a Two or Four Year College

• When considering a two- or four-year college, it is important for youth to self-advocate for their needs and live as independently as possible. This family-friendly one-page guide describes considerations for discussions family members may have with you about college options.

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• Financial Fundamentals: Discussion Starters

  This family friendly 1-page guide describes six topics to discuss with youth when discussing how you can managing their financial future.

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• The Importance of Employment: Why Work

  This family friendly 1-page guide provides family members with discussion topics to review with their youth specific to the importance of employment.

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• Job Skills: Getting Ready for Work

  Learning and practicing job skills while youth are still in schools helps youth with disabilities to be more successful at finding and maintaining employment. This family friendly 1-page guide describes skills for youth that lead to success in the workplace.

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• Post-Secondary Education Expectations

  This family friendly 1-page guide describes difference between high school and post-secondary education.

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• Promoting Independent Living While Still in School

  There are many aspects of independence for a young person with a disability and family members to consider. This family friendly 1-page guide addresses examples of activities in the school, home, and community that parents and family members can discuss with their youth.

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Important Terms and Considerations

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Age of Majority

At the age of majority, 18 in Pennsylvania, the student gains all of the legal rights and responsibilities of an adult. At this time, the educational decision-making rights of parents, including parents of a student with a disability, transfer to the young adult.

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Eligibility vs. Entitlement

Entitlement:

Entitlement for public education refers to the legal right of every child to access a free and appropriate education, regardless of their background, abilities, or socioeconomic status. In the United States, this principle is rooted in federal and state laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), guaranteeing all students access to equitable educational opportunities. Services are documented within the student’s individualized education program (IEP) as determined by the IEP team and funded by the local educational agency. Students are entitled to: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), Related Services, Preparation for post-secondary education, employment, and Independent Living.

Eligibility:

Eligibility for adult services for disabled individuals refers to the criteria determining whether a person with a disability qualifies for support and services once they reach adulthood. These services are designed to assist individuals in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, healthcare, and independent living. Eligibility requirements vary by program, state, and country, but the general factors include:

1. Age: Adult services typically begin when an individual reaches a certain age, often 18 or 21, depending on the program and jurisdiction.

2. Disability Diagnosis: The individual must have a documented disability, which can include physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health conditions. A medical or psychological assessment is usually required.

3. Functional Limitations: The disability must result in significant functional limitations in one or more areas, such as communication, mobility, self-care, learning, or independent living.

4. Income and Financial Criteria: Some services may require the individual to meet specific income thresholds, as certain programs are needs-based (e.g., Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)).

5. Residency: Many programs require the individual to be a resident of the state or locality offering the services.

6. Individuals may qualify for services, but services are not guaranteed.

7. It is the individual/parent/guardian's responsibility to obtain services.

8. Services may be provided if there is enough staff and capacity at the facility and/or funds to provide services.