Welcome back for the rest of guest blogger Barb Dittrich’s tips about how to help teens make the special needs transition to adulthood. Yesterday, in Part 1, she reviewed the first two tips. Today she’s back with the final three tips, as well as some links to resources with even more!

Special Needs Transition to Adulthood Tips, Part 2

Tip #3: Save for the Future – The Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or the ABLE Act is a tool created just for our kids. It allows a child like my son to save $14,000 per year or up to $100,000 in a tax-favored account similar to a 529 college fund without threatening federal benefits. The money can be used for such necessities as education, housing, transportation, and healthcare, amongst others. Some states, such as my home state of Wisconsin, have also passed legislation to make the earnings on these funds state income tax-free as well. If unable to put money away because of onerous medical bills, at least relatives can add to these accounts on special occasions like Christmas and birthdays. Why wouldn’t we take advantage of this tool if we can?

Tip #4: Explore Post-Secondary Education – There are amazing opportunities these days once our children leave high school. I was pleasantly surprised with the range of choices. The ADA extends to the college setting, so accommodations must be made in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. With missed class time for bleeding episodes and hospitalizations, this is a relief to know our son is protected. Investigate which educational institutions are serving students in your state. We are looking at the medical facilities near colleges as well. For others of our son’s peers the options are no less. Yes, there is vocational training. But there are even college campus life settings available for those with cognitive challenges at some private institutions!

Tip #5: Prepare for Your Absence – Facing our own promotion to heaven always seems scary and uncertain. Having a financial background myself, we planned early in our household with a living trust. Even if a child is largely independent, like my son, a trust is a much wiser choice than a will. If your child is facing guardianship issues, a special needs trust is even more worth considering. Either way, if you haven’t done so already, preparing for the time when you will no longer be there for your child leaves you in charge. It guarantees that your wishes will be carried out. A good attorney who specializes in these particular matters is your best choice. Don’t make the mistake of visiting a jack-of-all-trades type of lawyer for such a critical issue. The best planning is done with those who are experienced in the area of disability and special needs.

Addressing each of these issues in bite-sized pieces, makes facing this season of life less overwhelming. Connecting to the school guidance counselor or social worker can be of immense help with some these issues as well. Reaching out to other parents just a step or two ahead also makes all the difference.

Celebrate this crossroad of life with me! This is what we have worked so hard for all these years.

Additional Special Needs Transition to Adulthood Resources

Special Needs Transition to Adulthood Tips, Part 1

Financial Help for Parents of Children with Special Needs

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