The resources on this page are intended to help individuals after reaching adulthood (18+) and further into their lives. It is highly recommended to look through the Medicaid and Medicare resources. For more specific questions that may not be answered by resources on this page, consider contacting the Colorado genetic navigator at Coloradogenetic@gmail.com.

Medicare Eligibility

Contact if: 

  • You are 65 years or older, or you are under 65 and are permanently disabled and receive disability benefits
  • You need Medicare plan options for Colorado state
  • Your child is over the age of 20 and has been receiving SSDI for at least two years, or your child is under 20 and has End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Colorado Medicare Eligibility

Health and Human Services Medicare page

If you have not done so already, please consider exploring and completing the following items:

Getting On a Waiting List for an Adult Waiver

Contact 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.

State Medicaid Waiver List

Parent Led Transition Cadre

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) 

SIS-A aaidd 

Community Centered Boards | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

Single Entry Point Agencies | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

Look into Division of Vocational Rehabilitation/Transition Agencies

Explore these resources if:

  • You need employment support for an individual with a disability
  • You are looking for programs/higher education 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

Youth and Transition Services 

U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy Topics

A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities

Government JobCorps Training Program

US Colleges with Learning Disability Programs

Employment Rights

Employee Rights | U.S. Department of Labor

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Original Text) | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Colorado Workforce Centers

Build with TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades)

Medical Transition- from Pediatric to Adult Medical Care

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. 

Got Transition®

Neurology Transition of Medical Care Toolkit

Neurology Transition of Medical Care Toolkit Spanish

Guardianship and Decision Making

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

Guardianship Alliance of Colorado | Ability Connection Colorado

Colorado Guardian and Conservator Subcategory List

Power of Attorney Explanation

5 Types of Power of Attorney

National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making

Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities – CFPD

Colorado Judicial Branch – Self Help – Guardianship for Adults – Detailed Instructions

Colorado ID and Disability Placard

Contact 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

Living Arrangements

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

Government Housing Help

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

Transportation

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 

Via Mobility Services

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

Access-a-Ride | RTD – Denver

Veyo | Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Miracle Flights – A Cure For Distance

Pilots For Patients

Social Security Administration

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.

How to tell if your child is eligible for disability benefits

US Social Security Administration Website

English site

Spanish site

English list of benefits for children with disabilities

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

Benefit Finder

Overview of Premium Assistance/Reimbursement Programs

State Health Access Data Assistance Center

Caregiver Support Site

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

Community Center Board (CCB) or Single Entry Point (SEP)

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 (CCB) | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

Single Entry Point Agencies (SEP) | Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

SIS Evaluation- Qualifies Person for Waiver and Amount of Waiver Funding

Supports Intensity Scale and Support Level Disclosure Form

SIS-A: Support Intensity Scale for Adults

Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) Assessment Guides and Tools (Colorado) 

Waivers for Adult

State Waivers List

Parent Led Transition Cadre

Choosing an HCBS Waiver for Adults

Colorado Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Adult Waivers 

Colorado Programs for Individuals with Physical or Developmental Disabilities

Home and Community-Based Services Waivers

Colorado Disability Benefits 101

Find a Genetics Provider

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

Wills, Letters of Intent (LOI), and Life Course Planning Resources

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 

Will and testament

PLAN, Inc : Planned Lifetime Assistance Network

SibShops®

Sibling Leadership Network (SLN)

Academy of Special Needs Planners

Special Needs Alliance

Charting the Life Course

The Arc- The Arc | For People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Financial Planning

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 American College of Financial Services for a Chartered Special Needs Consultant®- The American College of Financial Services

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

Colorado Able Website

TheArc Center for Future Planning

Resources for Financial Planning

ABLE Account Guide

How to Save Money

Insurance (Health, Property, Disability, Long-Term Care, Life)

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)

Additional Resources

Below you will find a number of different links to resources that may help in navigating the 18 year old and into adulthood 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

MSRGN Facebook

MSRGN Twitter

Red Flags 4 Genetics Handout (English)

Red Flags 4 Genetics Handout (Spanish)

[expandsub1 title=”Aging”]

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  

Kids Mobility Network

Santa’s Little Hackers – Toy drive and augmentations

[/expandsub1]

[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 

Wilderness on Wheels

Disabled Sports USA – Move United

Colorado Special Olympics

Miracle League Metro Denver | Colorado | Sports Made Possible

TOPSoccer Program Overview — CSA

iCan Bike Hosts – iCan Shine, Inc.

National Sports Center for the Disabled

Colorado Discover Ability

[/expandsub1]

[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

[/expandsub1]

[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

Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) | 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

Colorado Respite Coalition

Community Residential Homes/IDD Group Homes | Department of Public Health & Environment

Home and Community Based Services Waiver for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (HCBS-DD) | 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

[/expandsub1]

[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

Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility for Your Safety A Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Preparedness

The Red Cross

Food and Drug Administration: Colorado Departments: Health

Ready.gov

FEMA Basic Preparedness Guide

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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