Feb 25, 2012 0
[1]
Maryland Roadmap
iStockphoto
STOP 1
At Age 16
- Visit the Maryland Department of Education [2] website. Find out what the requirements for graduation with a regular diploma [3] are. Students in Maryland must pass exit exams [4] to graduate.
- Ask the school’s Transition Services Coordinator or your chlid’s IEP team leader to contact the Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services, Vocational Rehabilitation [5] division and request that a representative attend the next IEP meeting. Alternatively, contact them yourself to make the request. The Transitioning High School Students [6] booklet provides a downloadable guide for high school students and their parents.
- Contact the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration [7] 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 [8] (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 [9].
- Read our articles on Finances, Public [10] and Private [11].
- Apply for Supplemental Security Income [12] (SSI). Even if your child receives SSI now, he will have to re-apply at age 18.
- Visit the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland Medical Programs [13] (Maryland Medicaid) 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 [14] planning. Start considering and visiting programs.
- Read our article on Employment [15].
- Step up working with the Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services, Vocational Rehabilitation [5].
- Step up working with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration [7].
STOP 4
At Age 21
- Read our Housing [16] article.
- Read our article on Finances, Public [10] and Private [11].
- Read our article on Employment [15].
- Refer to the Autism Speaks website for the Housing and Residential Supports Toolkit [17].
All Along the Way
- Visit the Autism Speaks Maryland Resource Guide. [18]
- Visit the website of the Arc of Maryland [19].
- Visit the websites of Pathfinders for Autism [20].