When you are between the ages of 16 and 21, you are “in transition" from school-based resources to adult services. This is a time to think about what services you need to help you live as independently as possible.
The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services under Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.
- Medicaid – You must apply for Medicaid and accept if qualified.
- Along the Way: A Guide for Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Developed by Fritz and O'Hare Associates with funding from the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities.
- Along the Way: Directory of Resources for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Developed by Fritz and O'Hare Associates with funding from the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities.
- Available Services for Teens & Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities - Created by DDD, Nebraska VR and the Department of Education to explain what each provides during and after high school. (En Español)
- Available Services for Teens and Young Adults who are Blind or have Vision Impairment - Created by DDD and NCBVI, with information from the Department of Education to explain what each provides during and after high school.
- DD Services: Funding to Transition from Educational Services - Explains funding priority for eligible persons and what this means to graduates. Las versiones en español estarán muy pronto disponibles. (En Español)
- Nebraska VR - Services are available to students and adults seeking employment.
- Ready, Set, Go! - Resources to assist young adults with developmental disabilities to make decisions as they move from high school to adult life.
- Resource Guide for Parents of Students with Disabilities - Information from Accredited Schools Online about the last years of school, including understanding ADA, Section 504, IDEA, and IEP.
- Tips for Teachers (en Español) - Information for teachers about DD eligibility, services, funding, resources for students and a timeline.
- The Transition Section of the Nebraska Department of Education website explains what to expect and what is required.
- Transition Video from PTI Nebraska. Explains what parents, students and Service Coordinators need to know about the transition period.
- Social Security - Apply! You may be eligible for Social Security (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- Financial assistance - You may be eligible for financial assistance from Children & Family Services (CFS) programs, such as:
- Local resources - You may be able to get assistance from:
- Local housing assistance
- Food banks or food nets
Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver Services
When you want to receive AD services, you should apply so you can be determined eligible. AD services do not currently have a wait list and are available at any age. You may be able to receive services on this waiver while waiting for DD waiver funding.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver Services
When you want to receive DD services, you should apply for early in the transition process so eligibility can be determined. You can even apply before age 16! To receive developmental disabilities services, you must be determined eligible.
While you are in high school, day services are not available because they cannot replace what is available through the school system. When you are offered funding before the age of 21, you may be able to receive residential services. You can have a Service Coordinator, who can help you navigate DD services and other resources.
After you have graduated from school and are 21 years old, you may receive funding for day services. Your Service Coordinator will help you choose services to meet your needs.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Services
When you want to receive TBI services, you should contact the League of Human Dignity, Lincoln Office. Services can begin at age 18 and are provided in an assisted living facility in the Omaha area.