Feb 01, 2012 0
[1]
Virginia Roadmap
iStockphoto
STOP 1
At Age 16
- Read our article on Transition [2].
- Read our articles on Finances, Public [3] and Private [4].
- Visit the Virginia Department of Education [5] (DOE) website. Find out what the requirements are for graduation with a standard diploma [6]. Also explore the requirements for a modified standard diploma [7] which is available to disabled students, including those on the autism spectrum [8]. In Virginia, students are not required to take an exit exam in order to graduate.
- Meet with your child’s IEP team to discuss the Transition Plan offered by Virginia’s public schools [9]. Visit the Wrightslaw [10] website to get a better understanding of your child’s rights at Transition and review the Virginia DOE’s thorough guide Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Transition to Adulthood. [11]
- Ask the school’s Transition Services Coordinator or your chlid’s IEP team leader to contact the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services [12] and request that a representative attend the next IEP meeting. Alternatively, contact them yourself to make the request. Contact the [13]Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services [13] [13] to find out what supports may be available for your child, at what age your child may apply for services, and how long the waiting list is for those services.
- Visit the website of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates [14] (COPAA) if you wish to hire someone to help you advocate with your school system.
STOP 2
At Age 17
- Read our article on Guardianship [15].
- Read our articles on Finances, Public [3] and Private [4].
- Apply for Supplemental Security Income [16] (SSI). Even if your child receives SSI now, he will have to re-apply at age 18.
- Contact the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, Virginia Medicaid Program [17] to find out if your child will qualify for Medicaid upon turning 18 and if so, begin application process.
STOP 3
One Year Before High School Graduation
- Read our article on Postsecondary [18] planning. Start considering and visiting programs.
- Read our article on Employment [19].
- Review the Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Transition to Adulthood [11] publication.
- Step up working with the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services [12] and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services [13].
STOP 4
At Age 21
- Read our Housing [20] article.
- Read our article on Finances, Public [3] and Private [4].
- Read our article on Employment [19].
- Refer to the Autism Speaks website for the Housing and Residential Supports Toolkit [21].
All Along the Way
- Visit the Autism Speaks Virginia Resource Guide [22].
- Refer to the Autism Speaks website for their Transition Toolkit [23].
- Visit the website of The Arc [24] to find a Virginia chapter near you.