Families are ultimately the ones responsible for services their child receives: they need to seek out information and keep informed as to which services are most appropriate for their child.
Advocacy groups are available for different disability groups.
Services for Child Find, Denver Options, Social Security and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are free.
The only entitlement program is public education.
Parents should inquire about functional assessments (communication, mobility, self-help, behavior) at each age group.
At age 14, every child should have a Transition Plan.
At age 14, an individual with a developmental disability should complete an application to Denver Options in order to be placed on their waiting list.
Families should be familiar/involved with service providers long before their children approach the age of legal majority (18).
Be aware that some services will no longer be available to children once they have reached 18 years of age. Find out which ones by contacting your current service providers.
At age 18, a child becomes their own guardian unless the parent/other applies for legal guardianship.
Changes in Medicaid coverage may occur between the ages of 18 and 21.
Once a person with a disability reaches age 21, Medicaid covers limited dental services.
Students receiving special education services from a public school are eligible to remain in school until age 21.
Once an individual is no longer a full-time student, he/she may not be eligible for coverage under the parent’s insurance plan.
Keep copies of all correspondence, assessment, IEPs, etc. in your file.
Trust funds or monies in a child’s name may affect benefits or eligibility for needed services. If you have questions, contact your local Benefits Planner.
NOTE: AS A FAMILY, YOU WILL NEED TO DETERMINE WHICH SERVICES AND AGENCIES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CHILD’S DISABILITY (IES). THE DENVER INTERAGENCY TRANSITION TEAM RESOURCE DIRECTORY CAN ASSIST YOU IN THIS DETERMINATION.