Disclaimer

This presentation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, immigration, or medical advice.

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Consult qualified professionals before making decisions related to benefits, guardianship, immigration status, or long-term care.

Big Picture: Stages to Plan For

• Before 18: clarify diagnosis, testing, IEP, diploma path; join waiver waitlists; learn SSI/Medicaid/ABLE/guardianship.
• 18–21: SSI, Medicaid, ABLE decisions; transition services; explore college/vocational/day programs.
• 21+: adult services, waivers, dayhab, employment, housing, long‑term planning.

Government Benefits

• SSI: disability income; low asset limits; at 18 only child’s income counts.
• Medicaid & Waivers: HCS, CLASS, TxHmL, MDCP; long waitlists—join early.
• Parents as Caregivers: CDS may allow managing attendants.
• Texas Work Force Services

Services Provided by Texas Workforce Commission

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
• Career exploration and interest assessments
• Job readiness training (communication, workplace behavior, time management)
• Support for college, trade school, or certification programs
• Pre‑Employment Transition Services (Pre‑ETS)
• Workplace readiness skills
• Self‑advocacy and independent living skills
• Counseling on post‑secondary education options
• Job exploration activities
• Work‑based learning (internships, job shadowing)

Services Provided by Texas Workforce Commission

• Employment Support
• Job coaching and on‑the‑job training
• Resume building and interview preparation
• Supported employment for individuals needing long‑term assistance
• Transition Planning Support
• Collaboration with ARD/IEP teams in schools
• Guidance for families on navigating adult services
• Help connecting to community programs and long‑term supports
• Additional Supports
• Assistive technology evaluations
• Transportation training
• Benefits counseling (SSI/SSDI impact on work)

ABLE Accounts

• Tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities.
• Funds don’t count against SSI/Medicaid (within limits).
• Covers education, housing, therapy, employment supports, transportation.
• Disability onset must be before age 26 (46 starting in 2026).

ABLE vs Special Needs Trust

School & Transition Planning

• Confirm diploma vs. certificate path — impacts transition services.
• Students with IEP may stay until 21 (sometimes 22).
• Ensure IEP includes transition: employment, community access, independent living.
• Gather documentation for SSI/Medicaid/college disability offices.

After High School Options

• College: degree programs with accommodations; test‑optional pathways.
• Non‑degree programs: independent living, social skills, employment.
• Vocational training: supported employment, job coaching, skills programs.
• Dayhab: structured day programs covered by waivers.

18+ Programs

• Life skills: cooking, money, transportation, safety.
• Work skills: job trials, volunteering, supported employment.
• Community outings and functional skill-building.
• If only 3‑day program, supplement with community activities or private programs.

Safety

• Creating Supportive, Predictable, and Prepared Environments
• Clear Routines & Visual Supports
• Use schedules, symbols, and step-by-step visuals to reduce confusion and anxiety.
• Personalized Safety Plans
• Tailor plans to communication style, mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, and medical requirements.
• Communication Tools
• Provide AAC devices, ID cards, medical info tags, or emergency communication cards.
• Environmental Safety
• Secure exits, remove hazards, label spaces clearly, and ensure sensory-friendly areas.
• Emergency Preparedness
• Practice drills with accommodations; ensure staff know calming strategies and de-escalation techniques.
• Community & First Responder Awareness
• Share profiles with trusted responders; educate them on individual needs and triggers.

Safety Programs

• First responder awareness programs.
• Local police registries, Safe Return initiatives.
• ID bracelets, phone medical ID, GPS tracking options.
• Teach safety explicitly in IEP & transition plan.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

• Federal income program for people with disabilities with limited income/resources.
• At 18, SSA evaluates your child as an adult; parental income no longer counted.
• Texas: SSI typically grants automatic Medicaid.
• Asset limit ≈ $2,000; ABLE accounts help with savings without losing benefits.

Medicaid & Texas Waivers

• Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Waivers provide long-term supports: attendants, employment services, respite, therapies, housing.
• Key waivers: HCS, CLASS, TxHmL, MDCP.
• Waitlists can be many years—join early.

While Waiting for Medicaid/Waivers

• Maximize school-based transition services and vocational exposure.
• Use private insurance for therapies.
• Use nonprofits and parent networks for support and resources.
• Consider self-pay/sliding-scale day or recreation programs.
• Build weekly structure: volunteering, recreation, skill-building, community outings.

Parents as Caregivers & CDS

Consumer Directed Services lets families hire/manage attendants.

Some waivers allow family members to be paid (rules vary).

Useful for in-home support while waiting for full services.

Immigration After Age 21

• Dependent visas (H-4, F-2, etc.) usually expire at 21.
• Possible paths: F-1 student visa, employment-based options (rare), family/humanitarian routes.
• Disability may affect visa eligibility; consult an immigration attorney early.

Financial Planning & Long-Term Support

• SSI + Medicaid as baseline.
• Waivers for long-term supports: attendants, dayhab, residential.
• ABLE account for protected savings.
• Special needs trust for inheritance/life insurance.
• Family retirement and estate planning.

Housing & Living Options

• Family home with supports.
• Group homes (24/7 support, usually via HCS).
• Supported apartments with check-ins.
• Host home/companion care.

Community Development

• Finalize core mission, values, and governance structure.
• Conduct feasibility studies and engage zoning consultants.
• Identify and evaluate potential land/re-purposable properties.
• Build partnerships with architects, developers, and nonprofits.
• Establish financial model including parent pre-payment structure.
• Create phased plan for construction, vocational spaces, and amenities.
• Engage broader parent community and initiate fundraising where needed.

Planned Community Features

• Vocational centers offering job training and supported employment.
• Life-skills classrooms for cooking, budgeting, communication, and safety.
• Therapy spaces for OT, PT, speech, behavioral therapy.
• Community kitchen, recreational areas, gardens, fitness, and wellness spaces.
• Central gathering spaces for social, educational, and community events.

Residential Model & Long-term Stability

• Parents purchase or pre-pay residential units to secure long-term affordability.
• Pre-payment model protects adults with disabilities from rising rent costs.
• Ensures stable housing even when parents are no longer able to support directly.
• Residents maintain independence with access to supports and community resources.

Parent Living Options

• Community design includes optional living spaces for parents.
• Parents may live on-site but in separate units to support proximity and peace of mind.
• Creates an intergenerational, supportive environment with shared values and engagement.

Concrete Next Steps

• Confirm diploma path, school exit age, current benefits.
• Enroll on all Medicaid waiver waitlists.
• Schedule planning meetings: school/IEP, benefits navigator, attorneys.
• Guardianship/ other options
• Open an ABLE account and begin contributions.
• Visit day programs, group homes, and college disability offices.

Topics to be covered in future webinars

• Understanding and navigating the journey for new parents
• Education and school support (IEP/ARD)
• Different therapies - ABA and beyond
• Bio med world
• Parent panels

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