Understanding Government Benefits

Navigating the world of Social Security, Medicaid, Community First Choice and other disability entitlements is one of the most challenging aspects of raising a child with special needs. The questions are endless.  And the answers are often elusive:

1. What state and federal government support is your adult child with disabilities entitled to in the U.S.?
2. How do you apply for this support?
3. Who can help you?  
4. What will the application process require from your child?  
5. If/when you're approved, what can you use support for? 

Just typing this reminds me of all the headache, heartache, and overwhelming frustration we've experienced since our son turned 18.  

If this is something you're starting to worry about, I encourage you to watch the video below.  It's provided by Laura McKenna, an “autism mom,” disability advocate, former special educator, and founder of The Autism Connection.  She’s an amazing source of information to help parents, educators, and other folks supporting young people with disabilities. 

This video offers step-by-step instructions for navigating the disability safety net for someone you love, offering tips, timelines, and helpful perspective from someone who's been there.

Helping parents avoid the struggles we've gone through is what propels parents like Laura and me to share what we know far and wide. Review the video below and share with others to "pay it forward."  Also check out these funding sources for assistive technology, home modifications, and more.