It is important to know as much as possible the system and who to call for assistance.  This video DODD’s Explanation of DD Services and Eligibility can help you navigate through some of the initial questions you may have on DD Services and Eligibility.

If you feel you or a loved one are eligible for DD services, you can also contact Stark DD at 330-477-5200 for help on where to get started.

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is the legal document that defines a child’s special education plan, and includes the disability under which the child qualifies for special education services, services the team has determined the school will provide, the child’s yearly goals, and objectives and any accommodations that must be made to assist their learning.  These accommodations can include Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (SLP), and assistive technology.

Education is not “one size fits all” and being aware of available options promotes success. Families should have an understanding of educational options. This could include career technology programs, job training partnerships, and elective courses of interest.

Transition planning includes a flow of 5 activities. These activities include: Age-Appropriate transition Assessment, Measurable Postsecondary Goals, Course(s) of Study, Transition Services/Activities, and Annual IEP Goal and Objectives.

Transition to Adulthood Guidelines

By age 14, the transition planning should begin and be included in the Individual Service Plan (IEP). The IEP should include a statement related to planned coursework and other educational or training experiences that will be arranged for the student to develop knowledge that may lead to an eventual career path. A transition team should be formed. You may also want to contact Stark DD to request placement on the waiting list for waiver services.

Being able to do as much for yourself as possible is working towards independence, and having the chance to learn and practice will not only build skills for your child, but will also promote self confidence.

Activities that are important pieces to the upkeep of the house teach responsibility, as well as build on skills that can be utilized for possible jobs and careers in the future.  Establishing daily or weekly routines at home become learned over time, promoting responsibility and independence.

Teens With ASD: Life Skills

Understood – 6 Independent Living Skills Kids Need Before Moving Away From Home

Governor John Kasich officially launched Ohio’s Employment First Initiative when he signed Executive Order 2012-05K on March 19, 2012.

The Executive Order established statewide collaboration and coordination by creating the Employment First Taskforce and Advisory Committee, and made community employment the preferred outcome for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Employment First enhances lives by creating greater opportunities for all people to advance their careers. Individuals can use their strengths and talents in order to increase their economic wealth, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity.

The community benefits from community employment as this provides diversity and enrichment to the community, promotes equal opportunity within the community and decreases dependency on public funding.

Employers benefit from community employment as it will provide more value to their businesses because of access to dependable and qualified employees.

As your child ages and becomes an adult, if they continue receiving DD services the state mandates that your SSA review path to employment with you annually.  This is to ensure you know your options and staff are helping you to be as independent as possible.

Once determined eligible for services, Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities may be an important resource as your child goes through school and transitions into the adult world.

Transition Specialists are Service & Support Administrators (SSAs) from the Stark County Board of DD that help you to prepare for life after graduation.  They will work with your school, and connect you to outside agencies such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), mental health services, and/or governmental assistance programs (Medicaid, Social Security, etc.).

Transition SSA’s can also explain services available to you upon graduation through the Stark County Board of DD. The services they can explain are Medicaid waivers, waiver waiting lists and vocational opportunities/day programming available for adults.

Call the Stark County Board of DD (SCBDD), Intake, 330-479-3582 to request a Transition SSA.

Every person should have dreams for the future. What are your dreams? What do you want to be when you grow up? What kind of life do you want to live?

By tapping into this information for each child, and then providing an opportunity to have experiences that fall in line with those dreams, it allows for development and growth of the student.

This will help the student to shape a career goal for after high school.  A goal that will have a good chance of leading to a happy fulfilled life.

It is important to begin graduation planning early to map out an appropriate plan of  action.  Graduation requirements and alternate diploma options must be understood by youth and their families in order to set a clear path to earning a diploma that will be consistent with how the youth sees their future.

Ohio’s Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements and Diploma Options for Students with Disabilities