Final Years of High School, Graduation, and the Bridge to Adulthood

Why
Resources

As you begin the transition into adulthood, it is important to remember to maintain good records. There could be numerous times throughout your life where you might need to produce an important record, and especially as you legally become an adult at age 18.

Personal records that are important to maintain are: social security card, birth certificate, medical records, and all evaluations (from schools, specialist, doctors, and other agencies).

You will need to produce these various documents for eligibility assessments, obtaining a State ID or Driver’s License, health visits, and more.

The Process of Transitioning to Adulthood with Stark DD

Resources

Transitioning to adulthood is an exciting time in your life! With Stark DD in your corner, we can help you with many different parts of this exciting time. Check out this document: starkddnav.org – Transition to Adulthood for how Stark DD can help you work through the process.

Call Stark County Board of DD’s Intake at, 330-479-3582 to get a transition SSA for your child.

Knowing and making connections

Resources

You can make connections is so many ways. Reach out to other parents and attend events to get to know your community and find resources.

Other agency representatives are able to be a part of your child’s team and the transition process. It is good to be familiar with how they can help.

Guardianship... what is it, and where do I start?

Overview
Resources

As your child turns 18, guardianship may be an option up for consideration. The process to establish guardianship can begin at 17 years and 6 months at the earliest.

See the resources tab here for more information on guardianship, as well as less-restrictive alternatives, which may help guide you and your family in what is right for you.

You can also seek assistance from your SSA at Stark DD to navigate this process.

Community Integration, Friendships, and Relationships.. and why they're important.

Why
Contact Info

Being a part of the community doesn’t have to be all work and no play.

Finding enjoyable activities and events to attend is meaningful. Staying active and being a part of a community not only enriches your own development, but is a part of being included as a citizen and making friendships and relationships with those around you.

The more connected a student is to the community, the more supports, happiness, and success they experience.

Continue Exploring Career Paths

Continue career exploration and work experiences through school, but also look into services from vocational rehabilitation. Ohio Means Jobs has great resources to assist with career exploration. Make sure that you sign up for the online services.

project10.info – Explore Careers

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

Ohio Means Jobs: Search for Jobs

Resources for Secondary Transition and Workforce Development

US Dept of Labor Disability Resources

National Association of Special Education Teachers

Link to needed supports after graduation

Resources

Along with your school, there are other agencies that can assist you with meeting your future goals.

Transition Specialists are Service & Support Administrators (SSA) from 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, SSI, 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.

Consider Estate Planning, and Apply for Benefits

Why?
Resources

Taking consideration of the value of total assets, as certain public benefit programs have requirements about income level in order to keep your coverage. It may also be valuable to consider Special Needs Trusts, or a Stable Account.

Families in need of insurance may be eligible for various benefits based on income, need, and disability. Insurance coverage can be recalculated when a student turns 18 years old or unique to private insurance guidelines. Around the age of 18, application for necessary benefits should be considered (Social Security benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Medicaid).

See the Resources tab for more information and links!

Register to Vote

Overview
Resources

All citizens have the right to vote.

Federal laws protect your right to vote as a person with disabilities. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (as amended) requires state and local governments to assure people with disabilities access to all government programs, services, and activities. Therefore, Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to make voting places and equipment accessible to people with disabilities.

Male students should register for the draft, no matter the level of functioning

Why

It is Law: The law says men must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. That means men are required to register with Selective Service sometime during the 30 days before their 18th birthday, their 18th birthday, and the following 29 days after their 18th birthday – that is a 60-day registration period.

Selective Service: Why Register?

NAVIGATION TOOL

Final Years of High School, Graduation, and the Bridge to Adulthood

Graduation and the Bridge to Adulthood