After High School Options
For all young adults, the transition from high school to the adult world
of work, school, and living on your own can be full of uncertainty and challenges.
For young adults with disabilities, there are often many added questions and
challenges. On this page we offer information about some of the questions you may be
facing, such as:
- What is the difference between entitlement and eligibility for services?
- How will college work for me?
- What can I do if I don't go to college?
Entitlement vs. Eligibility
It is of great value for parents and young adults to understand the
difference between "eligibility" and "entitlement" programs. The law (IDEA) requires
that students identified as needing special education services must be provided with
a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), as defined in the student’s
Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students receiving special education
services are entitled to receive these services until the year they leave high
school. Once students are no longer receiving FAPE, they are no longer entitled to
these services. See more on the Special Education pages.
When young people with disabilities leave public school, their entitlement
to special education and related services ends, and access to adult services depends
on eligibility. When a person with a disability applies for services or funding from
an adult service agency, he will need to prove he meets the eligibility requirements
by providing documentation of his disability.
Adult services might include:
- continued education
- employment training
- employment
- independent living services
- transportation
- home health aides
- recreation
These programs operate under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law requires that
applicants meet requirements in order to be eligible for adult services. If the
person meets the requirements for an adult program or service, he is then eligible
or qualified for the services, but not entitled to them. Unfortunately, being
eligible doesn’t always mean that services will be available. A person may be
eligible for the program, but not receive the service because of staffing, capacity,
or limited funding.
Post High School Options
There are many post-high school options for young adults with disabilities
to look at, including college, vocational rehabilitation, postsecondary educational
training, and employment.
College offers an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to
continue their education and earn a certificate or degree. If you’re applying to
colleges, you may find it helpful to call the center for disability services at the
schools you like. To read more about it and find helpful resources, see the
To College page.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a nationwide federal-state program that
helps eligible people with disabilities to look at employment that fits their
interests and needs, set employment goals, and become employed. VR programs offer
career counseling, and can help you assess your abilities, skills, and employment
interests. They can also help you find appropriate internships or training programs.
There are many postsecondary educational and training options available to young
adults with disabilities. The best choice for you will depend on the nature and
severity of your disability, and on your particular vocational
interests.
Training examples include:
- On the job training
- Internships and apprenticeships
- Adult education/vocational courses
- Trade and technical schools
Employment
There are great opportunities for employment for adults with disabilities.
Here are some options to consider:
- Competitive Employment: a worker with a disability performs her job in an inclusive work environment and is paid at a rate equal to workers without a disability.
- Supported Employment: assistance and/or accommodations are provided in the workplace so that a worker with a disability can perform his job in an inclusive environment. Among other things, support might include job coaching or training, individual supervision, transportation, or adaptive technology.
- Sheltered Employment: workers with disabilities do not work alongside non-disabled co-workers, but perform their tasks in a separate work space.
- Self-employment
- Temporary work
- Part-time work
- Job-sharing: two workers split one position and their pay is divided accordingly
To read more about these post high school options, see Education and Employment/Daytime Activities.
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
ThinkCollege.net
This parent-friendly site provides information, a discussion board, a listserv, resources, student stories, and links to colleges
and programs that support youth with intellectual disabilities. Good site for young people with disabilities who are looking
into college—search for what’s happening in your state and how to apply.
Job Accomodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services
include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation
ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources, and ADA compliance assistance