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 special 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 control of their medical and financial decisions 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 sign 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

Government Healthcare Assistance

Medicare Links

retireguide.com/medicare/

retireguide.com/medicare/coverage/conditions-and-treatments/disabilities/

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:

https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/#medicare_eligibility_for_people_with_disabilities

https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/#enrolling_in_medicare_with_a_disability

https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/#how_much_does_medicare_cost_

https://www.medicareplans.com/va-military-and-medicare-benefits-resource/#medicare_resources_for_veterans

OK ABLE Now Tax Deductible

OK STABLE Accounts empower Oklahomans with disabilities to save and invest without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Contributions are eligible for a state income tax deduction, and earnings grow tax-free, provided they are used for qualified disability expenses. Qualified disability expenses include housing and rent, education, transportation, employment support, assistive technology, personal support services, health and wellness, financial management, legal fees, and much more.

To learn more, explore these informative videos by STABLE or visit the Oklahoma STABLE Program website.

Families and individuals can visit the OK STABLE Account Enrollment Page to get started.

Resources for Adults with Autism

ttps://www.elemy.com/studio/autism/adults

https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism-resources/living-alone-and-housing

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.

How Nurses Can Support Children With Autism During Medical Visits

https://nursinglicensemap.com/blog/how-nurses-can-support-children-with-autism-during-medical-visits/

Other Helpful Links

Special Needs Grants

Accessible home checklist

Disabled Persons Car Modifications

renewbariatrics.com/disabilities-and-weight-gain/

https://www.helloezra.com/neurodiversity-modern-workplace/