The Arc of Adams County

In this Section

• Who Qualifies/What will we do/What is Advocacy Support?
• Disability Related Information for Children in Colorado
• Ensuring your child reaches their potential
• Guardianship
• Parents Rights and Responsibilities
• School District Information
• Special Education
• Transitional issues (Ages 14-21 yrs)

Transitional issues (Ages 14-21 yrs)

• Transitional Issues (14-21)

  Families are encouraged to consider the following general age-related transition steps to find appropriate adult services for those with a developmental disability.

  At 14 years of age:

  • Complete the intake eligibility process through North Metro Community Services (303-252-7199 or www.nmetro.org ) if the individual has a developmental disability and hasn’t done so already.

  • Contact Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213 or www.ssa.gov ) to determine if financial assistance such as, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), is possible. Determination is based on family income.

  • Consider a special needs trust for your child so that he or she is cared for after your death. Some trusts or monies in a child’s name may impact eligibility for benefits and services.
    

  At 15 years of age:

  • School must identify a general transition goal/statement in the student’s IEP.
    

  At 16 years of age:

  • School must identify goals and objectives in the student’s IEP in the areas of; education/instruction, career/employment, community/mobility and adult living/residential.

  • Obtain a driver’s license, if appropriate, or a Colorado ID card.
    

  At 18 years of age:

  • Apply for SSI benefits through Social Security Administration on or immediately after the individual’s birthday. The person will qualify as their own household even though he or she may live at home. If the individual already receives benefits, he or she must re-qualify as an adult.

  • Contact North Metro Community Services regarding status on adult wait lists; Supported Living Services (SLS) and Comprehensive Services. Currently there is a long waiting list for services.

  • Contact the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for employment options (303-866-2110, Northglenn office)

  • Request a transition staffing during the individual’s senior year of high school. School districts provide a transition program for ages 18 to 21.

  • Individuals may register to vote.

  • Apply for eligibility for transportation services with Access-A-Ride and disability card/pass (303-299-2960).

  • At the age of 18, individuals are their own legal guardian. If you believe your adult child is unable to make informed choices on their own, please go to our Guardianship link.

  • Review EPSDT benefits that are available until age 21.