Transition Checklist

This document was developed by Oakland County District Transition Coordinators as talking points and considerations for young adults with disabilities & their families. There are some components or activities that may begin while the individual is still in high school, however the majority of the information applies to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism or cognitive impairments, who generally continue special education supports through ages 18- 26 in Adult Transition Programs Services (ATPS). Requirement details such as eligibility, income amounts, and agency specific information is offered as general information, details may change frequently so always check the current status with the appropriate agency.

Check out this “Transition from School to Adulthood” presentation with Chesley Giertz, Advocacy Director at The Arc of Northwest Wayne County:

http://thearcoakland.org/

1641 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084

(248) 816-1900

Connect with The Arc of Oakland County! The Arc advocates for the rights and full participation of all children & adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. They strive to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire the community and influence public policy through direct and expert advocacy. Assistance is available in the following areas:

● Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

● Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

● Special Education Law Advocacy

● Estate Plan Counseling

● Guardianship Options/Alternatives

● Residential Options

● Monitoring Group Homes

● Respite Care

● Recreational Opportunities

● As well as information & referral

https://www.oaklandchn.org/

5505 Corporate Dr.

Troy, MI 48098

Connect with OCHN’s Access Department to obtain an intake screening to see if your son/daughter is eligible for services. People who receive public mental health services through the OCHN provider network include those who have an intellectual/developmental disability, adults with a mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, and persons with substance use disorders. OCHN exists to ensure that all of these individuals are made aware of

and have accessibility to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation.

► IF YOUR SON/DAUGHTER HAS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY:

Call OCHN at 248-464-6363 and ask for Access Screening. Tell the person that your child has a developmental disability and you would like to be screened for services. This may happen over the phone, or as a face-to-face meeting with you and your child. When meeting with the screener, s/he will focus on how your child performs in the following areas: (substantial limitations need to be found in 3 of the 7 areas to be found eligible for services)

• self-care (can your child dress, feed, groom, toilet him or herself?)
• self-direction (does your child need redirection/supervision, attend to a task, need to be motivated?)
• receptive & expressive language (can your child communicate his/her needs, follow directions?)
• capacity for independent living (is your child safe in the community/home, participate in chores?)
• learning (can your child learn new skills/concepts, generalize and retain learned information?)
• economic self-sufficiency (does your child understand the concept of money, manage it and pay bills?)
• mobility (can your child move safely through an environment and get around?)

Note: All areas of performance are as compared to what would be typical of others the same age. Have the following information readily available: IEP’s, school classification, psychological testing including IQ score and documentation from a doctor that substantiates the developmental disability. If your child is found eligible for services, your next step will likely be an intake appointment at either Macomb Oakland Regional Center (MORC) or Community Living Services of Oakland County (CLS/OC). Both are contracted service providers through Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN). Based on your child/family’s need, services may include:

• supports coordination/case management
• family supports/services and respite services
• support to live independently
• in-home and community supports
• school to work transition supports and services and skill building

If you are receiving Medicaid, there is no cost for the above services. If your child is 18 or older and receiving SSI (and Medicaid) there is no charge. If your child is under the age of 18, an ability to pay will be assessed.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) works with eligible customers and employers to achieve quality employment outcomes and independence for individuals with disabilities. MRS works in partnership with individuals with disabilities to prepare for and obtain competitive employment, including exploring the possibilities of self-employment or owning a small business.

Transition aged students (beginning at age 14) are eligible to participate in Pre- Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which are provided during school in collaboration with our MRS Pre-ETS counselor.

Students nearing the end of their educational experience (end of 10th/beginning of 11th grade year, or final two years in Adult Transition Program) are encouraged to connect with MRS to “open a case” (if support in obtaining or maintaining employment is a concern). Contact your son/daughter’s caseload teacher and/or Sharon Berke, Berkley Schools Transition Coordinator, for more information.

Berkley’s MRS offices:

25900 Greenfield, Suite 403

Oak Park, MI 48237

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) is the agency that supports independent living and employment for individuals who are blind or have other visual impairments that meet their requirements: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_28313---,00.html

If supported employment is the goal and/or the individual will require long-term employment related supports, those services are provided via an OCHN agency such as MORC or Community Living Services (CLS)

https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/

Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues not Social Security taxes: It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Call the Social Security Administration Office to make an appointment to apply for SSI for your son/daughter 1-800-772-1213.

Having the following when you apply for SSI can be helpful:

• Application form
• Vocational evaluation
• completed through MRS if applicable
• Pay stubs from any employment
• Stocks, bonds, insurance policies
• with cash values
• Bank statements- checking/savings
• Deposit slip from son/daughter’s bank account
• Social Security card
• Pertinent medical information
• School psychological report/evaluations
• State ID
• Birth certificate
• Any other medical/doctor or psychological evaluations

Additional details:

• They will ask your son/daughter about their living arrangements. If living at home, you should begin to charge rent- typical rent is around $350.00
• If denied, you have 60 days to make an appeal. First step will be to go to an Administrative Law Judge and will be 12+ months. Back pay if approved.
• Even if there was a past denial based on family income level, your child may be eligible once 18 .
• If your child is approved for SSI, Medicaid is automatic. You can apply separately for Medicaid at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• Your child must have Medicaid before applying for adult services through Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (MORC and/or CLS)
• The Social Security website has a helpful resource that may answer any other questions or concerns: Understanding Social Security Income- https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm

Working while receiving SSI:

Working for pay can affect SSI monthly income. If you have concerns about this, seek information through agencies that offer benefits counseling. They will provide information to individuals & families regarding working, earning money and benefits. MORC, CLS-Oakland, and MRS all have expertise in this area.

For benefits counseling, you can also seek information/support from: UCP 1-800-827-4843 www.ucpdetroit.org, or The Arc: 248-816-1900 www.thearcoakland.org

For additional information about work, income & benefits, check out Disability Benefits 101

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/

Go to the Secretary of State and get a State ID (if your son/daughter is not getting a driver's license)

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Individuals under 18: Must present one form of ID with their full name and date of birth (for example- original birth certificate)
• Individuals over 18: Must present three forms of ID with full name and date of birth.
• Your son/daughter must be present and will be photographed
• A parent or guardian’s signature is required
• There is a $10 fee which is waived if you present documented proof of your son/daughter’s disability and inability to drive

Establishing a bank account, checking and/or savings, is always a great idea. It teaches our kids about managing money, budgeting, using debit cards, etc. However, with banking comes some important considerations as an individual reaches the age of majority...

SSI is a need-based program, therefore, a person's "resources," or assets, are taken into consideration when applying. Currently, to receive SSI, an individual cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets. What are countable assets to the SSA? It is easier to define what these are by pointing out what they are not. Countable assets do not include the house you live in or your primary automobile. However, additional real estate would be counted and so could additional automobiles. All cash, money in bank accounts, and savings are also counted toward the resource limit.

In summary, you should never go over $2,000.00 in liquid assets. If you are a family that will pursue guardianship, you can wait on this step until you are approved by SSI for direct deposit. They will give you paperwork to open an account so you can be the payee. This would be for a young adult who could not manage their own money independently.

Transportation can be a challenge in our area. Is your son/daughter going to drive? Do they need specialized/supportive instruction for their driver’s education training? Or will they need information related to public transportation? The following resources may be helpful:

As young people approach adulthood, families often question whether to pursue guardianship. This decision is made more difficult by lack of information...

Turning 18: This is the “age of majority” in the state of Michigan- It is when a young person is considered an adult and granted legal autonomy. These rights will be the responsibility of the student upon reaching the age of majority unless the student has been assigned a power of attorney or guardian.

Guardianship is a legally recognized relationship between a competent adult (the guardian) and a minor child or an adult with a disability (the ward). The guardian is given the duty and right to act on behalf of the ward in making certain decisions affecting the life of the ward. There are levels of guardianship to consider and the process is accomplished in probate court.

Power of attorney gives legal authority to a person to make decisions on behalf of another person. There are different levels of power of attorney as well.

Supported Decision-Making is an approach that encourages individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to make their own life decisions with support from family, friends, and trusted individuals.

Some guardianship resources include:

• The Arc Of Oakland County
• Oakland County Probate Court: Guardianships & Conservatorships
• Michigan Alliance for Families
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• Oakland Community Health Network
• Disability Rights Michigan (formerly Michigan Protection & Advocacy)
• Supported Decision Making Presentation, Nov. 2020:

There are financial decisions that may impact the provision of services for your son/daughter such as assets that are in the name of your son/daughter. Get information before your son/daughter DIRECTLY inherit money, property or assets. Assets over $2,000 may affect their SSI and Medicaid. There are options that allow an individual with disabilities to lead an independent meaningful life that includes employment while protecting benefits and planning for the future. One of the options is a MiABLE account (see below). It is important to work with an attorney or financial planner who are qualified and/or have certifications in Special Needs planning.

https://www.miable.org/

The Achieving a Better Life Experience, or “ABLE” Act amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986 to create tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.This federal program was created to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life; and to provide secure funding for qualified disability expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities without jeopardizing benefits provided through private insurance, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, the Medicaid program, the beneficiary’s employment and other sources.