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Ready for Independence
Helping Special Needs Children Prepare for Life on Their Own By Sue Poremba
For those who are able to live without constant care, case workers can be assigned to help the special needs adult with the day-to-day routine. Case workers may be called upon to provide meals or administer medication or help with banking and grocery shopping.
Much, if not all, of the cost of these services is covered by Medicaid. However, Leatham is quick to point out that there may be a waiting list, especially for housing. King and Leatham also stress that services for special needs persons are not national. If a family plans to move to a new state, parents should investigate what services are available and what services may be transferable.
Realizing that Amanda will likely outlive her parents, Sham also prepared for her legal future. Beyond the standard will and trust funds, Sham also created a letter of intent. "The letter of intent outlines the special needs child's routines, religious beliefs, special quirks and other information that non-family members should know," says Sham.
Not every special needs child will be able to hold a job, go to college or write a book. But any sense of self-reliance that can be instilled in the special needs child is the first step to promoting a healthy, happy adulthood.