Transition Resources
- Emotional Disturbance Resources
- Independent Living Information
- Career Research & Exploration
- SSI/ SSDI
- Day Habilitation/Respite Care
- Post-Secondary Education Information for Students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
- Career Information by areas
- Guardianship and Alternatives
- Agency Lists
- Resource Providers
- Emergency Preparedness
- Texas Transition: Student Centered Transition Network
- Graduation Toolkit
- State ID/ Drivers Permit/ Drivers License
- Houston Area Resource Guide for Families and Children with Disabilities
- Medicaid for children and adults with disabilities
- CISD: 18+ Services Program
- Student IEP Involvement/ Self-Determination
- Resources for IDD/AU
Emotional Disturbance Resources
The Arc of Greater Houston has a resource guide that lists the contact information for various Houston area resources. Under the section for "Behavioral/Emotional/Medical" lists a lot of options. Click on link to access the Houston Area Resource Guide-->Houston Area Resource Guide
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD services is the governing Agency for our area. They offer a variety of supports for mental health and behavioral issues. Click the link below to see an overview of their services.
Overview of Outpatient Services--> outpatient mental health
Children Mental health Services--> child mental health services
Adult (18 years or older) Mental Health Services -->Adult Mental Health Services
Mental health supports for those involved in the justice system--> Forensic Mental Health Services
24-Hour Crisis Line
If you are experiencing a mental health or IDD-related crisis or if you are a current client and have an after-hours medication concern, please call our 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-866-970-4770.
Crisis Mental Health Supports --> Emergency/Crisis Mental Health Services
Independent Living Information
Teaching your child to be independent is extremely important for their adult life. Below is a link that gives some suggestions for age appropriate chores that you can use a starting point for your child. Think of all of the tasks that your child will need to do as an adult and start teaching them how to perform/manage those tasks. Some of those tasks include...
- Waking themselves up (setting alarms)
- shopping on a budget
- learning how to save money when shopping
- cooking/following a recipe
- doing laundry
- washing dishes
- sweeping
- creating/using a budget
...these are just a couple of ideas of tasks that your child will need to do as an adult.
Click here to see more detail about possible chores-->Age Appropriate Chore List
Rules for driving in Texas have changed within the past couple of years. Now, ANYONE wanting to get their drivers license MUST complete two courses if they are under 25 yrs old:
- An Accredited Drivers Ed program (can be at a driving school OR online )
- Impact course
Click on the link to find a list of driver ed programs--> Drivers Education Provider Information (cost is around $400)
Click on the link for online/parent taught programs--> Parent Taught Program Information (cost $50-$150)
Click on the link to access the Impact course-->Impact Drivers Course (FREE)
In addition to the changes in the required course work, the documents that you are required to bring/complete has also changed. Obtaining your permit/drivers license takes planning and time to schedule. Keep this in mind if you are wanting to be able to legally drive.
Click on the link to find a list of required documents--> documents list
brochure of acceptable documents
Drivers License/State ID Application
A person of ANY age can get a State ID, if they complete the appropriate forms and have the proper documentation. A State ID does not legally allow a person to drive.
Career Research & Exploration
When most people think of what to do after high school, they envision college, but did you know that many of the "high demand" jobs do not require college or a degree? There are so many options for future careers that is can be chard to choose!One of the hardest things we do in life is to decide what to do for a career.
Below you will find several links that offer some career exploration activities and information. They will go over the expectations for college, or a career, as a person with a disability. In high school, students are able to receive many services through Special Education, however, once they graduate, Special Education ends. In college, your child can apply for some accommodations, but the ones that are available are very limited. Do your children know what accommodations they can and do receive?
Read the descriptions then click the links that are of interest to you.
Youthhood: From Childhood to Aduldhood Here you can start thinking about what you want to do for the rest of your life. This site offers information for high school students, finding/choosing a job, live tutorial chat, and planning for all aspects of your future.
Texas OnCourse: This resource explains graduation requirements, Persoanl Graduation Plans, endorsement pathways, college requirements and some career exploration options. It also has a MIDDLE SCHOOL option!!!
University HQ : Want to explore specific college pathways, find ways to help pay for college or just explore a varety of college options (from Certificates to PHD)?? Then this is a site to checkout!
Not sure what you want to do when you grow up???
Want more information about the job that you are considering?
Career One Stop has videos and information on requirements, job duties and videos of many career choices
Click the link to explore careers--> Career One Stop-Exploring Careers
Struggling to figure out what you want to do for a job when you are older???
Take this quiz to get some ideas! DON'T overthink it! Go with your first reaction!--> Career Profiler Assessment
SSI/ SSDI
Does your Child receive SSI/SSDI Benefits already?
Do you want to see if your child qualifies for SSI/SSDI?
Has your child turned 18 years old and their benefits are ending?
This guide can help answer some basic questions about what benefits your child might be eligible to receive --> Benefits Guide for Children
Social Security has many regulations and is constantly changing the rules and guidelines with qualifying for SSI. There are documents that cover many of these topics and offer clarification for families to determine what benefits their child can qualify. click on the link below to choose from the publication options.
Q: "My family makes too much money to qualify for Social Security"
A: For Title 2 Benefits (Needs Based), these are based off of the ADULT CHILD's income ONLY! Social Security DOES count room and board as income!
Q: "My child has never worked. Can they still recieve Social Security?"
A: Your adult child may still qualify for SSDI benefit based off of one of their parent's work history.
Day Habilitation/Respite Care
Many students with special needs require frequent support/supervision. This can become an issue after graduation because many parents must continue working so no one is home to be with their child during the day. One option for parents in this situation is a Day Hab.
Day Hab facilities offer supervision and also training in independent living or vocational skills. Day habs are places where your adult child can socialize, be productive and continue to learn more skills. What parents do not want is for their adult child to sit at home on the couch or to be in a somewhat dangerous situation (not be attended).
Each day hab runs a little differently and may have different focuses and hours that they are open. Most Day Habs are open from 9am-2pm (SOME offer extended hours). Most of them do not offer transportation, so should your adult child decide to attend, you will have to work out the transportation issues. Another difference with Day Habs are that they do NOT accept everyone that applies. There are application processes and forms at each day hab and for some day habs there are even WAIT LISTS! DO NOT WAIT until last minute to apply because you may find that there is not a spot opened up. The biggest difference that parents encounter is that day habs cost money. Every day hab has different fees, so if you are interested in signing up, talk to them about the finances so you can be prepared. If your adult child has services through MHMRA (HCS, TxHmLiving, Community First Choice, CLASS), then some or all of the day hab may be covered under those services! Below are some day habs in our surrounding areas. Start with just setting up an apointment to tour. If you would like a guide of what questions you should ask or what you should look for when taking a tour, then contact me and I will email you a good starting list :)
Bay Area Rehabilitation Center (Baytown) Bay Area Opportunity Center some transportation available for additional fee
The Village (Kingwood) The Village Learning and Achievement Center some transportation available for additional fee
All Little Things Count (La Porte) All Little Things Count no transportation available
No Place Like Here (Pasadena) No Place Like Here no transportation available unless for supportive employment
Odyssey Adult Day Care (Normandy) Odyssey Adult Day Care transportation available and indluded in services
Community Centers offer a variety of acivities and most of them are FREE. While, there is guidance/instruction, there is not a direct aid/support person for your child. Each community center offers different activities so check the Calendar each month to see NEW schedules
Verne Cox Multipurpose Center in Pasadena (Many Bi-Lingual participants). This Community Center is specificially for individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays. They also offer adaptive recreation activities--> Click Link to see Schedule and forms page--> Verne Cox Multipurpose Center Main Page
Riley Chambers Community Center is in the Crosby/Barrett area. Great park and a lot of activities offered throughout the day. --> Riley Chambers Main Page
Crosby Community Center is the Crosby/Barrett area. Great park, track and a lot of activities offered throughout the day. -->Crosby Community Center Page
Baytown Community Center and Main Square Events offer many options for group classes in a variety of interests. --> Baytown Community Programs List
Post-Secondary Education Information for Students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
Many colleges have started offering programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Each program tends to focus on a different area, so explore them to find the one that best fits your child's needs/interests. Remember that colleges are NOT required to offer modifications, but they can offer accommodations. These specialized programs tend to be based on IEP's and allow for modifications. -->IDD college program list
PATH's A&M-->Childcare or Professional Support Personnel focus
Houston Community College: VAST Academy--> Office skills focus
Lee College--> LifeSkills/Functional Skills focused
University of Texas--> Professional Support Personnel focus
Career Information by areas
*ALL MALE citizens MUST register for Selective Service (The Draft) when they turn 18 years old.
Many people want to enlist in the Military, however with many of the technological advancements, wanting to enlist is simply not enough any longer. We need smarter soldiers than ever before. If you are considering enlisting, start with speaking with a recruiter.
Each branch of military has a different requirment of passing standards of the ASVAB test in addition to the physical fitness standards. The minimum score to be accepted in the military is 31 out of the possible 99 points on the ASVAB, but that may not be enough to join certain branches. REMEMBER...the goal of the ASVAB is to find what job you would be best at in the military. The test is also made to see how well you can think/reason under pressure. The test is designed to create stress. You are given a certain number of problems for each section and a very short time period in which to complete the problems. You MAY not answer them all in time. The sections of the ASVAB are:
01-General Science
02-Arithmetic Reasoning
03-Work Knowledge
04-Paragraph Comprehension
05-Mathematics Knowledge
06-Electronics Information
07-Automotive Information
08-Shop Information
10 Assembling Objects
To find the requirements for each branch, Click the link --->ASVAB Requirements for Each Branch
To take a PRACTICE ASVAB test, Click the link-->Practice ASVAB Tests
To see the physical fitness readiness requirements for each branh, Click the link --> physical fitness readiness
In the Military, your job is determined by your ASVAB score and by the needs of the military.
To see a list of possible Jobs in the various Branches of the Military, Click the link --> Military Job List by Branch
There are many areas of Cosmetology that can be explored for careers after graduation from high school. The high school also works with San Jacinto College for Duel credit in the Cosmetology Program.
To be a cosmetologist, one must take and pass a certification exam. Information on the types of exams avaiable are in the link below:
Certification requirements --> Cosmetology Certificates
Guardianship and Alternatives
If your adult child has mental health issues, that may at times affect their ability to obtain treatment or to reasonably make judgements, then the Declaration of Mental Health Treatment may be an option. Click link to find form -->Declaration for Mental Health Treatment
Guardianship is a court/legal process that declares a person incompetent (unable to legally make decisions for themselves). When a child turns 18 years old, they LEGALLY are able to make their own decisions. Which also means that parents/caregivers NO LONGER have those rights and may find it difficult to manage healthcare, treatements,
Guardianship can be full or limited. There have been some recent reforms to guardianship that helps to determine who can be placed under guardianship and which rights they may retain. Generally, if a person is placed under guardianship they LOSE the following rights, but ultimately the court decides which rights are retained...
Rigth to Vote
Right to Marry
Right to Drive
Employment
Obtaining Guardianship can take about 6 months and the process CANNOT start until child turns 18 years old. The process MUST go through the Probate Court and typcially costs between $2,000-$8,000.
The person applying to BE the GUARDIAN must meet eligility criteria and must complete guardianship certification course. Court decides whether or not the person applying as guardian will be appointed as THE GUARDIAN. The Court can appoint a different person as guardian.
If a husband and wife are married, they can be "Co-Guardians". If parents of adult child are divoriced then ONLY one parent can be guardian, HOWEVER both parents must have notification if guardianshp is being pursued.
GUARDIANSHIP must be renued annually and report be filed with court annually.
To learn more about the REQUIRED Guardianship courses click on the link --> Harris County Guardianship Training
Power of Attorney: Must be notorized and filed with county clerk. Will allow designated person to make decisions for a person IF they become incapacitated. If a person is not able to reasonablly give consent, then POA cannot be obtained or will not be valid. POA can be obtained through an attorney or you can find the forms on line. Make sure that the POA forms found online, are for TEXAS.
-Medical Power of Attorney: Allows person to make Medical decision, when special needs child is not able to make decisions on their own.
-Durable Power of Attorney: Allows person to make decision about estate/assets for a person.
Supported Decision Making: NEW!! Allows adult with disability to chose a "Supporter" that will HELP them make the best decision for them. Does NOT take away disabled person's right to make decisions. It allows the disabled person to choose who will help them with decisions in their life. FREE form. Must be notorized. The role of the supporter is to help the disabled person understand the pros/cons of each decision, but in the end, the person with the disability still retains the right to make a BAD decision. Can be revoked at any time. Time period for Supported Decision Making can be established.
Click link to see PDF -->Supported Decision Making Form
Click for the Spanish PDF Form--> Supported Decision Making Form_Spanish Version
Representative Payee Program-->Representative Payee program
Joint Bank Account: An easy, cost free, way to help a person with a disabilty to manage their money is to establish a joint bank account. It will allow access to the bank account so that it can be monitored or assistance can be made should the disabled person need help with their finances.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program
713-228-0735
Family, consumer, real property, tort defense, estate planning, probate, immigration
M-F 9am-12pm, 1pm-4-pm
713-526-3389
Low income, probate, family law, EEOC, consumer, SS, landlord-tenant
713-652-5911 or 1800-733-8394
General legal services
713-528-7704
Guardianship, probate, money management, and Medicaid Financial planning
South Texas College of Law and Civil Clinic
713-652-0009
Guardianship, SSDI appeals, name changes, wills & probate, uncontested divorce
University of Houston Law Center
713-743-2094
Guardianship, family, bankruptcy
The Mott Law Firm
* Michael L. Mott
Phone: 713-228-1010
Fax: 866-290-6351
* Kristen R. Weaver
Phone: 713-228-1010
Fax: 866-290-6351
|
Lisa Wilson, Attorney |
Michelle Goldberg, Attorney Bellaire, TX 77041 713.218.8800 |
|
Wesley Wright, Attorney |
Purcell & Saucedo, PLLC The Woodlands Office 832.769.4135 |
|
Marissa Garcia, Attorney Houston, TX 77002 713.201.9740 |
Houston Bar Association 713.759.1133 |
|
SPECIALISTS |
|
|
Jean Casagrande, Met Desk Specialist Office- 713.830.6340 Mobile- 281.450.1859 (not an attorney) |
Steven Rhatigan, ChLAP, C.E.P. |
|
James Miller, Special Care Planner Mass Mutual, Strategic Financial Group, LLP |
James Rush, CFP®, CRPC® 4801 Woodway Dr. Suite 300 E Houston, TX 77056 713.568.4631 (not an attorney) |
Agency Lists
The Texas Workforce Commission (Formally DARS) is a state agency that offers a variety of support and services for students with disabilities. They can start working with students starting at the age of 14 years old (younger if they are deaf/hard of hearing or blind). TWC can also work with students after graduation to help them gain the skills necessary for employment, including helping them access college, trade school, apprenticeships, or on the job training.
When students are in high school, TWC can also provide Pre-Employment Trainings for FREE for students and their parents. This includes helping students explore careers, gaining employment skills, or even getting a summer job or trying out a job during the school year! Click the link to see more of what TWC can do for students with disabilities:--> TWC Texas
Here are some of the programs they offer!
Pre-Employment Services: Individual trainings that cover a variety of topics that students need to know prior to employment. Topics include:
(1) job exploration counseling
(2) work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after-school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible;
(3) counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education;
(4) workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living; and
(5) instruction in self-advocacy (including instruction in person-centered planning), which may include peer mentoring (including peer mentoring from individuals with disabilities working in competitive integrated employment).
Summer Earn and Learn- Students can participate in a paid internship with local employers for 5 weeks during the summer. TWC pays the students' wages and local businesses agree to be worksites so that students can gain real-world experience. TWC can also provide job coaches if necessary.
Paid Work Experience- Year round program where students gain work experience and recieve a paycheck. Paid work experience can be from 6-12 weeks long and occurs anytime during the year.
Any employer can sign up to be a worksite! TWC provides the support, pays the wages for the student and covers all liability. Employers are just providing a place where students can learn about the various jobs at the businesses in their community and help the student become familiar with what it means to be an employee.
Vocation Rehabilitation Services: Provides support for students after graduation from high school with the goal of helping students become competitively employed. This can be either through job placement, support in college, or a variety of other options. TWC can help with accessing college programs, requesting accommodation, or job coaching. Students can enroll for these services in their senior year of high school to ensure that there is no lapse in support as they move to reach their post-secondary goals.
Contact for our TWC VR Counselor
Tabatha Reeves, TVRC
Texas Workforce Solutions
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Baytown Office
4308-B Garth Rd.
Baytown, TX 77521
Ph: 832-205-0182
Fax: 281-691-9623
tabatha.reeves@twc.texas.gov
Rehabilitation Assistant-Spanish speaking assistance
Cindy Rodriquez
Ph: 346-348-1562
cindy.rodriguez@twc.texas.gov
HCIL is a community-based, non-profit, independent living advocacy organization created by and for people with disabilities.
Their services include, but are not limited to: disability awareness, peer-to-peer counseling and support, individual and systems advocacy, information and referral, independent living skills training and relocation/transition community integration services and opportunities. People with any disability and any age can receive our services.
HCIL also provides assistance in inclusion in the workplace through their WIPA (Work Incentives Planning Assistance) program. This porgram allows a person to work and still keep their benefits!
HCIL can also assist in some low-tech accommodations or home modifications if it leads to independent lving.
click the link to find more information and contact info -->HCIL Home Page
There are several services and supports for life after high school, but it can be difficult to determine which services are best for your child. Click on the link below to compare each of the services and requirements to determine the best fit for your child.
click on comparison chart--> Comparison chart for state services
Resource Providers
There are many support groups/organizations that can help you navigate the many aspects of transitioning with a special needs child. Below, you will find links to some of the agencies/organizations that can offer a variety of services to families. These organizations can assist with such things as:
Guardianship
SSI
Supported Decision Making
Power of Attorney
Waiver Programs
Self-Determination
Medical Transition
and many other areas of needs
Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones. Through guidance and training of parents and young adults, we transform lives by helping them discover possibilities, see the potential and advocate for what they need to achieve their dreams. By providing information on the various systems, referrals to community resources, training events on various disability topics in the office, community
To go to their webpage, click the link --> Family to Family Network-Houston
The ARC of Greater Houston is a wonderful resource that can help with all stages of life for people with austim or intellectual disabilities. They have monthly gathers and activities, summer camps, as well as support groups/networks. Additionally, they help provide or services that may be beneficial, such as Respite, Supported Employment and guidance on Guardianship or Supported Decision Making. Click link to learn more --> The ARC of Greater Houston
Emergency Preparedness
Do you or anyone you know need some assistance during times of an emergency event? The state of Texas presents the STEAR program. The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Texas communities use the registry information in different ways. Registering yourself in the STEAR registry DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency. Available services will vary by community. For more information on how your community will use information in the STEAR registry, contact your local emergency management office.
Who Should Register?
- People with Disabilities
- People with access and functional needs such as:
- People who have limited mobility
- People who have communication barriers
- People who require additional medical assistance during an emergency event
- People who require transportation assistance
- People who require personal care assistance
Click on link to register online--> S.T.E.A.R. ONLINE Registry
More resources on how to create a personal emergency plan-->Emergency Planning Guide
Texas Transition: Student Centered Transition Network
To make the BEST possible plan for the future, you have to plan with the end in mind! The Texas Transition Website offers guideance for Transition. Click on the link to learn more and to access the Transition and Employment Guides:
Click to access page--> Texas Transition Link
Graduation Toolkit
Explore the graduation requirements regarding what courses are needed to earn a diploma as well as the pathways available. If you have any questions, please contact the Transition Specialist, Jessica Hill at 281-328-9237 x 1834.
Click the link to find out more--> Graduation Toolkit
State ID/ Drivers Permit/ Drivers License
State ID's can be obtained at any age but everyone must have one when they turn 18 years old. To obtain a Texas State ID, you need to use the same documents as you would to obtain a drivers permit or license. Click the link below to find the list of required documents and locations on where to obtain a State ID.
Click Here --> How to get your State ID
A Drivers Permit is a form of State ID that allows a person to drive a car with a licensed driver in the car with them. There are several ways to obtain your driver permit. Click on the link below to read more about the drivers ed programs, the required Impact Teen Drivers course and the testing requirements. Accommodations can be requested for the drivers test but there is an additional process to access these accommodations.
Click on the link to find more information about how teens obtain permits/ licenses --> Teen Drivers Requirements
Houston Area Resource Guide for Families and Children with Disabilities
When it comes to providing support for you and your child, there are many resources to consider. To view resources by topic of need, click on the link--> Resources for Families and Children with Disabilities
The ARC of Greater Houston also provides a list of resources by area of need that includes recreation and leisure, respite support and long-term service providers. Click on the link to view the options -->Harris County Resource Guide for Special Needs
Medicaid for children and adults with disabilities
Children with disabilities may qualify for Medicaid but you must apply. Some of the benefits are based on income and some are based on disability.
Click the link to learn more about Medicaid for Children with Disabilities. -->Children's Medicaid
It is important to remember that if your child is on Medicaid, they will have to switch to adult Medicaid when they are older. If they do not apply to transfer to adult Medicaid, their coverage will be dropped and they will have to completely re-apply
Adults with disabilities may be able to qualify for Medicaid benefits.
Click on the link to learn more about what is covered and how to apply -->Adults with Medicaid
CISD: 18+ Services Program
CISD offers 18+ services to special education students who meet TEA criteria through a Community Based Model. 18+ services address any areas of need with independent living, education and training, employment, recreation and leisure and accessing agency services to support the student in transitioning to adult life with the goal of sustainability in the future.
The Community Based Model allows the community to become the classroom for students and to create an adult schedule which school staff supports to build independence or establish natural supports.
Student IEP Involvement/ Self-Determination
Involving students in the IEP process is critical to post-secondary success. Here are some great ways to include the student in their IEP and how it can help support them to greater success as adults. It is never to early to start. I'm Determined- Parent Guide to including children in IEP
As parents, we want to do all we can to help them achieve success. If we are not careful, that can result in us doing TOO much for our children and inadvertently causing them to lack skills they will need as adults. Click on this link to learn about the "Next Steps for Building Independence"
Resources for IDD/AU
This page contains information that is useful for planning for our Crosby Students with intellectual disabilities, Austism, Emotional Disturbance or other significant disabilities.
Students with significant disabilities may qualify to receive many services through several agencies.
These agencies can provide services for the life-time of the student, HOWEVER the waitlist to access the services is roughly 15 YEARS! Apply ASAP.
Services available through The Harris Center: Click Link for more information Harris Center Program Description
Early Childhood Intervention: For children Birth-3years old.
ABA SkIp Skill Intervention Program: For children 3years-15 years old.
Transition Services: For school age services.
Texas Home Living: Variety of services that support activities of daily living. (Waiver Program)
Home and Community Based Services (HCS): Variety of servies that support activities of daily living, including residential support. (Waiver Program)
C.L.A.S.S. Services: (Community Living and Support Services) funded through Dept. of Aging and Disabilities. Provides services for certain supports in the community. (Waiver Program)
Intermediate Care Facilities: Group home (up to 6 people) to teach independent living skills.
Respite Care: Short-term, intermediate direct care of the child/adult in their home or in a facility.
Community First Choice: Community First Choice Information and Eligibility
Coffeehouse: Social Skills support for 18+ year olds with Autism.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD services is the overseeing agency for our area. To contact them and request services, follow the steps below.
Steps to apply:
- For Early Childhood Intervention services for a child under the age of 3, please call 713-970-4800.
- For ALL other services,call The Harris Center Patient Access Line at 713-970-7000, option 2.
If no one answers, leave a message that you are interested in placing your child's name on the waitlist. They will call you back to complete application process.
- A Consumer Services Coordinator will explain what documents are needed and how you can get them.
- After your documents are received, if necessary, you will receive a Determination of Intellectual Disabilities (DID) to determine your eligibility for services.
- A Business Office staff member will discuss possible fees that may apply and assist you in obtaining benefits for which you may be eligible.
- An Eligibility Coordinator will meet with you to assess needs, explain services and explain rights.
- If you are eligible for services, a Service Coordinator will be assigned to help you and your family understand your rights and available benefits.
The Harris Center -click this link to take you to their website
Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI benefits while they are children. Once they turn 18 years old, they MUST reapply to continue or qualify for benefits. If they did not qualify for benefits because the family made too much money, then they may qualify as an adult because it is based on THEIR income level.
Common Misconception: "If they get SSI/SSDI, then they are NOT allowed to work or they will lose their benefits/check". FALSE!!!
"The disabled adult cannot own a house and still receive benefits". FALSE
Your child can work and still recieve benefits. There are some restrictions with amount they can earn monthly and amount of time they can work a day/week, but they can MAXIMIZE benefits by working. EasterSeals provides a WIPA (Work Incentives Planning Assistance Program) to help parents fully understand and utilze the program. They work on each individual basis.
Easterseals Website: Click Here--> Easterseals-WIPA
SSI/SSDI for Children UNDER 18years old:
Click to access Social Security Page to start process --> SSI for children with disabilities
SSDI for 18 Years or OLDER:-->SSI Benefits for adult child with disabilty
Your ADULT child may qualify for benefits (based on your work credit record) IF:
- Disabled BEFORE age 22 years
- Meet the ADULT definition of "disabled"
- Have no SUBSTANCIAL earnings (LESS than $1,180 per month)
- If parent (YOU) receive SSI or SSDI
Brocure for SSI Information for Children with disabilities: SSI Brochure
If your child has autism or other behavioral concerns, interactions with law enforcement can become very scary situations. Fortunately, Harris County Sherrif's Departent has initaited "Project Guardian" which is a program that will allow parents/family to register their loved one with autism, or other cognitive impairment, with the Sherrif Office dispatch. The aim of this program is to inform law enforcement of triggers and strategies to safely de-esculate situations of those individuals that may need intervention.
Read the Houston Chronical article about the program here-->Article on Project Guardian
Click on the link to find out more about the program and how to register. -->Harris County Project Guardian
CenterVention is a resource the has 95 FREE lessons and activities that parents and teachers can use to help students with various disabilties. There are lessons on topics from everything such as anger and anxiety to focus, impulsivity and making friends. Click the link to review the FREE activities -->Social Emotional Lessons