Feb 25, 2012 0
[1]
Michigan Roadmap
iStockphoto
STOP 1
At Age 16
- Visit the Michigan Department of Education [2] website. Find out what the requirements for graduation with a regular diploma [3] are. Students in Michigan do not have to pass exit exams to graduate.
- Meet with your child’s IEP team to discuss the Transition Plan. Visit the Wrightslaw [4] website to get a better understanding of your child’s rights at Transition.
- Ask the school’s Transition Services Coordinator or your chlid’s IEP team leader to contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Michigan Rehabilitation Services [5] division and request that a representative attend the next IEP meeting. Alternatively, contact them yourself to make the request. Download the publication, "Youth Transition Services: Frequently Asked Questions [6]. [2]"
- Visit the website of the Michigan Transition Outcomes Project [7].
- Contact the Michigan Department of Community Health, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration [8] 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 [9] (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 [10].
- Read our articles on Finances, Public [11] and Private [12].
- Apply for Supplemental Security Income [13] (SSI). Even if your child receives SSI now, he will have to re-apply at age 18.
- Contact the Michigan Department of Community Health [14] to find out if your child will qualify for Michigan Medicaid upon turning 18 and if so, begin application process.
STOP 3
One Year Before High School Graduation
- Read our article on Postsecondary [15] planning. Start considering and visiting programs.
- Read our article on Employment [16].
- Step up working with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Michigan Rehabilitation Services [5] division.
- Step up working with the Michigan Department of Community Health, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration [8].
STOP 4
At Age 21
- Read our Housing [17] article.
- Read our article on Finances, Public [11] and Private [12].
- Read our article on Employment [16].
- Refer to the Autism Speaks website for the Housing and Residential Supports Toolkit [18].
All Along the Way
- Visit the Autism Speaks Michigan Resource Guide. [19]
- Refer to the Autism Speaks website for their Transition Toolkit [20].
- Visit the website of the The Arc of Michigan [21].
- Visit the websites of the Autism Society of Michigan [22].