Transition Update
September 2023
Transition Tidbit: Waivers
Department of Mental Health’s Intellectual Disabilities, LAH or Community Waiver Program
It is important that you begin the process of applying for services for your son or daughter as
early as age 3, and at least three years before they exit school. It is a long process, which will
require you to provide needed information and continue to follow up on the status of your son or
daughter. Maintain a record of all your contacts with agencies and do not hesitate to contact an agency if you do not receive information in a timely manner.
STEPS TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST FOR ADULT SERVICES:
1. Individuals/families seeking services for individuals with intellectual disabilities
should contact: Division of Intellectual Disabilities Call Center 1-800-361-4491
*This is an initial call to begin the process to get on the waiting list.
It is important to understand that your son or daughter will not be approved for services unless
your son or daughter is receiving Medicaid.
Be sure to have the following information ready when you make
the initial contact to the call center:
-Caller Name, Address and phone number
-Applicant Name, Address and phone number
-Additional Telephone contact numbers (cell,work, etc)
-SS# of Applicant
-Medicaid # of Applicant
-Applicant Date of Birth
-Diagnoses (Intellectual Disability- to be eligible for services, IQ must be below 70 prior to age 18)
-Income Source(s) SSI $ per month; SSDI $ per month; Other $ per month
-Briefly Describe Current Situation: (still in school, any plans for future care, etc)
-Resources That Have Been Tried: (Vocational Rehabilitation, CRS, etc.)
-Needs: Supports to Maintain Person in Home
Day Services
Out of Home Placement
Other
- Legal Guardian Information (if this applies)
*You will need to let them know the name of the school in which the applicant attends
and the school case manager’s name and contact information. This will enable them to
request the psychological and other pertinent information that will help facilitate this
process.
*Information from Transition Resource Guide: Planning for Adult Services by United Ability (Birmingham, Alabama)
NEXT MONTH'S TOPIC: Guardianship/Supported Decision Making
Independent Living
Through Independent Living Skills instruction, students have been working on learning to use household cleaning items appropriately and basic hygiene. Students will work on making beds, dusting, ironing, mopping, folding laundry, and many other skills over the course of the school year.
