Feb 26, 2012 1
[1]
Montana Roadmap
iStockphoto
STOP 1
At Age 16
- Visit the Montana Department of Education [2] website. Find out what the requirements for graduation with a regular diploma [3] are. In Montana, specific requirements are set by school districts. Students in Montana do not have to pass exit exams to graduate. Download "Graduation of Students Receiving Special Education under IDEA [4]."
- Meet with your child’s IEP team to discuss the Transition Plan. Visit the Wrightslaw [5] 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services [6] division and request that a representative attend the next IEP meeting. Alternatively, contact them yourself to make the request.
- Contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Program [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 Montana Medicaid [13] website.
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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services [6].
- Step up working with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Program [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 Montana Resource Guide [18]. [19]
- Refer to the Autism Speaks website for their Transition Toolkit [20].
- Visit the website of the Autism Society Montana [21].