Special Needs Resources
While the following video information is about possible legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for advice from your own counsel.
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Life after high school for special needs adults.
A lot of parents and caregivers are finding that after graduation from high school, resources for people with special needs dwindle. There are also many unique challenges that parents and caregivers of people with speical needs face when that person turns 18. Unless the proper paperwork and legal steps are taken, an 18 year old with special needs is going to be considered and adult by law in most cases. This means that they are in full controll of their medical and financial descisions and parents or caretakers will have no legal standing.
Please make sure you are protecting your loved ones by getting the right protection of guardianship needed and also consider setting up a special needs trust and creating a succession plan for for care in case something were to happen to the current guardian.
https://oklaw.org/resource/guardianship-of-an-adult
Download Adult Guardianship Handbook and Court forms (Oklahoma Bar Association)
File for services NOW!!!!!
Services for special needs adults can take many years to receive from the state. We recommend filing for services as soon as possible. Below is a link to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and waivers to sighn up for services. The community waiver is the form you would need to get State assistance with paying for day care.
https://oklahoma.gov/ohca/individuals/home-and-community-based-services-waivers.html
How can I pay for assisted living?
The cost of Assisted Living Facilities nationwide can vary from $2,000 – $5,000 per month. It’s important to know right up front that Medicare will not pay for assisted living. But, don’t give up all hope yet. There are a few other things you should investigate first.
Here are the most common ways people pay for Assisted Living. aboutassistedliving.org
Memory Care in Oklahoma
https://www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-oklahoma/
Cerebral Palsy Group
Provides FREE support and useful resources to individuals and families who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
https://cerebralpalsygroup.com/cerebral-palsy/
Senior Care Options
Based on conversations with community leaders across the US, many aging adults are unaware of the available care options and programs that can help maintain their independence and quality of life. This free resource provides comprehensive information on topics like financial support and care options that are available in Oklahoma. Caring.com is also a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. They have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet. Learn more here:
Medicare Links
retireguide.com/medicare/coverage/conditions-and-treatments/disabilities/
Guide to Senior Living in Oklahoma
https://www.seniorhousingnet.com/seniors/senior-living-us/oklahoma
https://www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-oklahoma/
Autism Resources
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism/adults
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism-resources/living-alone-and-housing
Nursing Home Abuse Guide
https://www.levinperconti.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nursing-home-abuse.html
OK STABLE Now Tax Deductible
The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services released a new video explaining the benefits of an OK STABLE Account. OK STABLE Accounts allow Oklahomans with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for benefits programs. Earnings are not taxable and also can be used as a state tax deduction, effective May 2021. For more information about the OK STABLE tax deduction, visit the Oklahoma State Treasurer’s webpage. Oklahomans and their family members interested in opening an account can go to the OK STABLE website.
Autism Foundation Offers Employer Training
The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma invites employers to learn about the benefits of hiring workers on the autism spectrum, as well as how an equitable workplace includes people of all abilities. The organization can provide on-site or virtual training and consultation that includes recruitment strategies, improving job and workplace accommodations, and communication strategies for supervisors. Contact Emily Scott at escott@autismfoundationok.org, call 405-237-8390, or visit the workforce development page of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma.
Electric Cars & Accessibility: What Drivers with Disabilities Need to Know
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/electric/ev-drivers-with-disabilities/.
Other Links
Disabled Persons Car Modifications
renewbariatrics.com/disabilities-and-weight-gain/
https://www.helloezra.com/neurodiversity-modern-workplace/
Many are not aware that Medicare also provides benefits for people living with disabilities regardless of their age. To help highlight this program for those under 65 with disabilities, we have published a comprehensive guide to understanding eligibility, coverage, and, most importantly, how to navigate the enrollment process.
You can view the guide here:
How Nurses Can Support Children With Autism During Medical Visits
Disclaimer: The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Web site or any of the e-mail links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between OKFD and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.