This summer, I’m working on a book about the transition process for students with autism. I’ve got 38,000 words, with a target of 60,000. Chugging along. This week, I worked on Chapter 5, which talks about the Disability Support System. I’m sharing the first part of the chapter, which covers part of the SSI process. I’ll publish the second of half this chapter next week.
If I make any errors, please let me know. Appreciate any feedback.
First Steps in Accessing the Disability Support System (Chapter 5)
When our kids reach their last years of high school, we’re bombarded by new concepts and jargon. We have to learn about special colleges, disability services, employment services, legal matters, and more. Other parents might learn about post-high school options from guidance counselors, friends, and neighbors. We don’t have the same resources. If we’re lucky, a slightly more experienced friend can show us the way, but most of us will learn the ropes by networking with strangers and through trial/error. We just figure out things as we go along.
Managing the disability support system is one of the challenges in our transition journey. It starts officially at age 18, but preparations should start a year earlier. It’s a several step process, which involves two levels of government, duplicate forms, long waits, and organization. The whole process, from beginning to end, can take two years or more. Frankly, it’s a pain in the ass, but it’s worth it.
Read more at The Great Leap, my disability newsletter
Apt. 11d 