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This page provides links to guides and advice regarding the transition into adulthood for people with disabilities. If your child is finishing secondary school soon, these resources might be useful to help aid them into the next phase of their life
Getting on a Waiting List for an Adult WaiverContact this group if/when:
- You need information regarding the different adult waivers offered in Colorado
- You need to complete a Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment
- You need information on how to contact your Community Center Board (CCB) & Single Entry Point (SEP)
Some waivers may have waiting lists which is why it is important to begin applying earlier than is needed to assure your child will have continual coverage from a child waiver to an adult waiver.
Choosing an HCBS Waiver for Adults
Colorado Programs for Individuals with Physical or Developmental Disabilities
Colorado Home and Community-Based Service Waivers
Colorado Disability Benefits 101
Colorado Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Adult Waivers
Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) Assessment Guides and Tools (Colorado)
Community Centered Boards (CCB) | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Single Entry Point (SEP) Agencies | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Contact this group if/when:
- You need support with graduation guidelines for students with IEP’s
- You need information regarding higher education/professional development for students with an IEP
- You need support writing a transition plan into an IEP
Students with Disabilities Graduation Guidelines – Colorado Dept. of Education
Higher Education Services for Students with Disabilities
Colorado Graduation Provisions for Students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs)
Educational Transition for Students with Neurological Conditions
Secondary Transition Professional Development | CDE (state.co.us)
Contact this group if/when:
- You need employment support for an individual with a disability
- You are looking for programs, higher education or college opportunities for an individual with a disability
- You need information regarding the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment/College/Vocational Training/Adult Training
Community and Work Participation Disparities for People with Disabilities
Employment Help for People with Disabilities
Vocational Rehabilitation for Young Adults
Transition Services Resources Colorado
U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy Topics
Government JobCorps Training Program
US Colleges with Learning Disability Programs
Employment Rights
Employee Rights | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
Build with TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades)
Explore these resources if:
- You need to transition your child’s care from a pediatric medical provider (Pediatrician) to an adult primary care provider (PCP).
- You need to transition you child’s care from a pediatric specialty provider to an adult specialist.
Neurology Transition of Medical Care Toolkit
Neurology Transition of Medical Care Toolkit Spanish
Contact this group before the age of 18 if:
- You need to understand the different options for legal support to care for an adult child with a disability
- You need to begin the process for legal support to care for an adult child with a disability
Guardianship Alliance of Colorado | Ability Connection Colorado
Colorado Guardian and Conservator Subcategory List
National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making
Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities – CFPD
Colorado Judicial Branch – Self Help – Guardianship for Adults – Detailed Instructions
Contact this group before the age of 18 if:
- You need to know what supporting documents are needed to obtain a Colorado state ID
- You need to make an appointment at your local DMV
- You would like to know the different options of identification available in Colorado
- You would like to obtain a disability placard
Colorado DMV Identification Cards
Drivers Information and Guidelines | Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles
Colorado License, Permit, and ID Card Checklist
Colorado Driver/Passenger with Disabilities Guide | Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle
Contact if:
- You need to find a living facility for your child with a disability
- You need to modify your current home to adapt with your child’s disability needs
- You need more information regarding different living options for an adult with a disability
Association for community living: ACLBoulder
Center for People with Disabilities
Colorado Centers for Independent Living
Assisted Living Options for People with Disabilities
Specialized Housing for People with Disabilities
National Council on Independent Living
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Mercy Housing Affordable Housing Options
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Atlantis Community, Inc. – Disability Living Advocates
Contact if:
- You need to find daily transportation for your child to pursue everyday functions
- You need transportation for an emergency medical need or trip
American Public Transportation Association-Colorado Transit Links
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
National Center for Mobility Management
Request an Air Ambulance Medical Flight | Angel MedFlight
Veyo | Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Miracle Flights – A Cure For Distance
Contact if:
- You need information about eligibility requirements for social security
- You need to apply for disability benefits
- You need to transfer to the SSDI program when your adult child no longer qualifies under the SSI programs
The SSI/SSDI program pays benefits to adults and children who meet requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income resources.
*Schedule a meeting for one full month after turning 18
How to tell if your child is eligible for disability benefits
US Social Security Administration Website
English list of benefits for children with disabilities
If you have not done so already, please consider exploring and completing the following items:
Medicaid Application (Entitlement & Non-Entitlement Programs)Contact if:
- You need to apply for Colorado Medicaid programs
- You need to contact your county Department of Human Services to request support
- You have questions about what services are available for your child
Entitlement programs are government programs that guarantee certain benefits to a particular group.
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Application for Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus
Colorado Department of Human Services
Contact your county human services department
Entitlement Programs
Colorado PEAK Benefit Information
Colorado PEAK Log-In or Apply for Benefits
Overview of Premium Assistance/Reimbursement Programs
State Health Access Data Assistance Center
Adult Financial Programs | Colorado Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Colorado Department of Human Services
Non-entitlement Services (residential or community living supports, employment supports, day or vocational supports, habilitation, transportation services, family support, assistive technology (AT), peer support, and mentors)
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) | Department of Local Affairs
Find Your Parent Center | Center for Parent Information and Resources
Contact if:
- You need to find your Community Center Board for support
- You need to contact Single Entry Point Agency to apply for benefits and access to resources
- You need to apply for a Medicaid waiver based on your child’s physical or developmental disability
Medicaid Waivers provide access to federal and state programs and health benefits for individuals who meet eligibility requirements but waive some requirements required by traditional Medicaid.
Find your local Community Center Board (waivers, FSBT, Mill Levy) or Single Entry Point (waivers) to apply for waivers, grants (FSBT), and other funding (Mill Levy)
Community Centered Boards | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Single Entry Point Agencies | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Waivers for Children
Programs for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities
Children’s Habilitation and Residential Program (CHRP)-Deskguide-May 2020
Contact if:
- You are in need of assistance to find a genetic clinic near you
Find a Clinic – Mountain States Genetics
Children’s Hospital Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus
13123 East 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045
Main Hospital: 720-777-1234
Genetics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases: 303-724-2370
Special Care Clinic: 720-777-6739
Developmental Pediatrics: 720-777-6630
Explore these resources if:
- You need information regarding end-of-life planning to ensure your child is protected and cared for in your absence
- You are looking for programs/assistance in setting up trust funds for your child (Important if your child has access to government programs which may have income requirements. For example: In the event of both parents passing, your life insurance payment to your child may disqualify them from programs unless it is placed in a protected trust).
Advanced Care Planning and Living Will
PLAN, Inc : Planned Lifetime Assistance Network
Sibling Leadership Network (SLN)
Academy of Special Needs Planners
The Arc- The Arc | For People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Explore these resources if:
- You need support to set up a special needs trust or ABLE account
- You are looking for a qualified financial planner or attorney
Special Needs Trust information
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
The Academy of Special Needs Planners (for an attorney or financial planner)
The Special Needs Alliance (for an attorney)
The Financial Planning Association (for a financial planner)
Learn What to Expect from a Financial Professional
Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities
Research tools to check broker Background and Experience
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Investment Advisor Public Disclosure
ColoradoABLE Financial Saving Assistance
TheArc Center for Future Planning
Resources for Financial Planning
Explore these resources if:
- You need information regarding types of insurance and its benefits
- You need to contact the Commissioner of Colorado’s Division of Insurance
- You need to file a complaint with the Commissioner regarding an insurance company or agent
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Below you will find a number of different links to resources that may help in navigating the 14 year to 21 year old time period:
Colorado Genetics Navigator email – Coloradogenetic@gmail.com
Colorado Genetic Connections Facebook Group
Mountain States Regional Genetics Network (MSRGN) Home
MSRGN Colorado State Team Page
Red Flags 4 Genetics Handout (English)
Red Flags 4 Genetics Handout (Spanish)
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Contact if:
- You need to set up long term care for an adult child (18+) with a disability
- You need hospice or palliative care
Aging and Disability Resource Center | DRCOG
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Colorado
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[expandsub1 title=”Legal”]
Contact if:
- You need to understand the different options for legal support to care for an adult child with a disability
- You need to begin the process for legal support to care for an adult child with a disability
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Disability Law Colorado – English
Disability Law Colorado – Spanish
National Disability Rights Network – P&A – CAP | NDRN
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates – COPAA
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[expandsub1 title=”Assistive Technology”]
Contact if:
- You need support finding or acquiring assistive technology for your child with a disability
- You need access to assistive technology to help your child with a disability lead a more independent life
Assistive Technology is an item, piece of equipment, software program, or product that is used to increase, maintain or improve the daily living circumstances with a person with a disability.
Assistive Technology Center AT3 – AT3 Center
Assistive Technology Program of Colorado
State Wide Assistive Technology Augmentative & Alternative
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[expandsub1 title=”Equipment”]
Explore these resources if:
- Your child needs a wheelchair or other support equipment to aid in daily living
- You need help finding fun, safe toys for your child
- You are in need of special equipment that will adapt to your child’s needs
Santa’s Little Hackers – Toy drive and augmentations
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[expandsub1 title=”Recreation & Leisure”]
Explore these resources if:
- You want your child to participate in fun, safe activities regardless of their disability
- You need programs/sports aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities
Disabled Sports USA – Move United
Miracle League Metro Denver | Colorado | Sports Made Possible
TOPSoccer Program Overview — CSA
iCan Bike Hosts – iCan Shine, Inc.
National Sports Center for the Disabled
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[expandsub1 title=”Behavioral and Mental Health”]
Explore these resources if:
- You or your child need mental health support
- You are worried about your child’s behavior and are looking for support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Empower/Recovery Centers for Mental Health Self-advocacy – National Empowerment Center
National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Directors
Mental Health Partners Colorado
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
National Institute of Mental Health
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health – Mental Health Services | Lakewood, CO
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[expandsub1 title=”Childcare/Respite/Personal Assistance Services”]
Contact if:
- You are interested in how you can get paid to be your adult child’s caregiver
- You need a trusted respite provider to care for your child
- You need to find childcare or day programs for your adult child with a disability
How to Get paid to be Your Adult Child’s Caregiver
Parents as their child’s Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) | Department of Public Health & Environment
In-Home Support Services (IHSS) | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Pediatric Personal Care Services | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
Community Residential Homes/IDD Group Homes | Department of Public Health & Environment
KidStreet, Aurora | Children’s Hospital Colorado
Megan’s Place – Wheat Ridge Colorado Respite for Kids with Developmental Disabilities, Ages 3-18
Child Care Assistance | Colorado Department of Human Services
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[expandsub1 title=”Education”]
Explore these resources if:
- You need to understand your rights in regard to obtaining services through your local school district
- You need support/resources on how to set up a health plan, 504 or IEP for your child
- You need an agency or attorney to assist in resolving an issue with your child’s education
Colorado Department of Educations- Parents and Families of a child with a Disability
The ARC Colorado – Family Resources
US Department of Education – IDEA site
School Nursing and Health – Health Conditions & Care Plans | CDE
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Parent, School & Community Liaison- David Ramer, Program Assistant
Phone: (303) 866-6943 ramer_d@cde.state.co.us
Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) | CDE
Find Your Special Education Director in Colorado | CDE
Office of Special Education | CDE
10 Steps in the Special Education Process
Disability Law Colorado – English
Disability Law Colorado – Spanish
Colorado Dept. of Education – Home School Resources
Resource Packet for Families New to Education Services (Boulder Valley School District)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
Find Your Parent Center | Center for Parent Information and Resources
Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Colorado Department of Education Parent and Family resources
Genetic Education Materials for School Success
Resources – Individualized Education Program (IEP) | CDE
Understood – Mission for Learning Differences and Disabilities
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[expandsub1 title=”Emergency Preparedness”]
Contact if:
- You need to make preparations for your child in case of an emergency
- You want more information about how your child can be supported in case of emergency
Emergency: 911
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Colorado Poison Control Center
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Preparedness
Food and Drug Administration: Colorado Departments: Health
Emergency Readiness: Build a Disaster Supply Kit
FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
HHS Emergency Preparedness Resources
Colorado Emergency Preparedness and Response
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