ADVOCACY FOR ADULTS
Notwithstanding cognitive or developmental challenges, someone over eighteen is considered an adult. Despite their age, many of these adults may be unable to access important life services on their own. In such instance, an advocate could prove to be beneficial.
How adult advocacy works
In all instances:
- legal guardianship should be applied for;
- the person must be registered with the county to receive services;
- application for Medicaid Eligibility should be done;
- application for the Medicaid Waiver should be made, and once that approval is given, the person needs to have a Service Coordinator;
- if the person will need residential services he/she must be placed on the county wait list;
- the person is entitled to attend all meetings concerning his/her welfare;
- if applicable, the person should join a self advocacy group;
- parents and legal guardians should join a support group;
- a special needs trust should be made.
If the adult is still in school:
- make sure that the annual CSE meetings contain detail plans for what the adult will be doing after he/she leaves the school setting;
- remember that the adult is legally entitled to an appropriate education until he/she reaches the age of 21.
If the adult is no longer in school:
- there should be annual meetings made up of all individuals involved in residential care, and should include parents as well as legal guardians;
- there should be annual meetings made up of all individuals involved in the person’s day program, and should include people involved in the residential program as well as parents and legal guardians;
- if applicable Family Support services should be requested.
Courtesy of: Barbara MasurAgency: GROWWebsite: www.grow-ny.orgEmail: info@grow-ny.org
Phone: 914-493-1318
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