When you are between the ages of 14 and 21 years, 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.
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Medicaid – You must apply for Medicaid and accept if qualified.
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Along the Way Resources - Developed by Fritz and O'Hare Associates with funding from the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities.
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Available Services Resources - A look at how the school, DDD, and vocational rehabilitation provider work together.
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DD Services: Funding to Transition from Educational Services - Explains funding priority for eligible persons and what this means to graduates.
- Nebraska VR - Services for students and adults seeking employment.
- Nebraska Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) - A group of young leaders who want to make a difference in the lives of other students with disabilities. NYLC believes that young people should have a voice in the things that affect them. They hope to improve services provided to young people. NYLC is co-sponsored by the Nebraska Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education. Visit the NYLC Facebook page.
- 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.
- Resources from other states:
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Tips for Teachers - Information for teachers about 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.
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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).
- Supported Decision Making - Information provided by Monroe-Meyer on alternatives to guardianship in Nebraska
- 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 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 early in the transition process so eligibility can be determined. You can even apply before age 14! 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 school. 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 graduate 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.
Ready, Set, Go! Brochure (En Español)
There are many decisions young adults must make to plan for life after high school. These materials and resources help young adults with developmental disabilities make decisions about supports.
Ready, Set, Go! can help:
- Transition students and young adults who are eligible for services through DDD.
- Family members and friends of eligible persons.
- IEP team members and others working with transition students and young adults.
- The list and descriptions of waiver services is not current in Ready, Set, Go! For services, see the DD Quick Guide.
Choose your supports. Create your life. Realize your dreams.
The Ready, Set, Go! Transition Series was developed through grant project DD-11-2006, funded by the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. Grant project coordinators were Lloya Fritz and Mary O'Hare. The Division of Developmental Disabilities was given ownership of the information fall 2016.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Services
When you want to receive TBI services, you should apply so you can be determined eligible. Services can begin at age 18 and are provided in a specialized assisted living facility in the Omaha area.