Autism After 16
Published on Autism After 16 (http://www.autismafter16.com)



Feb 24, 2012 0 Share [1]

Idaho Roadmap


Idaho map with red push pin near Boise.
iStockphoto

STOP 1

At Age 16

  • Read our article on Transition [2].
  • Read our articles on Finances, Public [3] and Private [4].
  • Visit Idaho’s Department of Education [5] website. Find out what the requirements for graduation with a regular diploma [6] are. To graduate with a regular diploma in Idaho, students must demonstrate proficiency in 10th Grade Idaho Achievement Standards [7]. 
  • Meet with your child’s IEP team to discuss the Transition Plan. Visit the Wrightslaw [8] website to get a better understanding of your child’s rights at Transition.
  • Ask the school’s Transition Services Coordinator or your child’s IEP team leader to contact the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation  [9]and request that a representative attend the next IEP meeting. Alternatively, contact them yourself to make the request.
  • Contact the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities [10] to learn more about adult supports.
  • Contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Developmental Disabilities  [11]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 [12] (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 [13].
  • Read our articles on Finances, Public [3] and Private [4].
  • Apply for Supplemental Security Income [14] (SSI). Even if your child receives SSI now, he will have to re-apply at age 18.
  • Contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Medicaid Division [15] 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 [16] planning. Start considering and visiting programs.
  • Read our article on Employment [17].
  • Step up working with the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation [9].
  • Step up working with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Developmental Disabilities [11]. [18]

STOP 4

At Age 21

  • Read our Housing [19] article.
  • Read our article on Finances, Public [3] and Private [4].
  • Read our article on Employment [17].
  • Refer to the Autism Speaks website for their Housing and Residential Supports Toolkit [20].

All Along the Way

  • Visit the Autism Speaks Idaho Resource Guide [21].
  • Refer to the Autism Speaks website for their Transition Toolkit [22].
  • Visit the website of your regional Autism Society  [23]chapter.
  • Visit the website of the Arc of Idaho [24].