CADES Transition Guide

CADES Transition Guide: Ages 14-16

Did You Remember To?

Invite a Supports Coordinator to IEP Meeting

Complete the PUNS form with a Supports Coordinator

Compile list of home/community needs

Consider trying overnight respite

Attend Parent Trainings and Seminars

Network with parents and young adults with disabilities

Utilize attendant care through MA/EPSDT

Reduced Bus and Regional Transit Fare Passes

OFFICE OF INTELLECTUAL and DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (OIDD)

The transition planning phase of your child’s educational program begins in your county of residence.

At age 14 it is imperative that you connect with your county’s Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to register your child for adult services (if you haven’t already registered). Once registered, you will have access to a Supports Coordinator through a Support Coordination Organization.

Registration requires a current psychological evaluation (within the past 2 years). Typically, this evaluation is completed during your child’s Re-evaluation Review or IEP when they turn 14.

For more information call:

Delaware County: 610-713-2400
Montgomery County: 610-278-3000
Bucks County (Lenape Valley Foundation): 267-839-5220
Philadelphia County: 215-685-5914

SUPPORT COORDINATION ORGANIZATION (SCO)

Once your child is registered and it is determined that they are eligible for supports, you will be able to select a Support Coordination Organization (SCO). The county has a SCO or there are private SCO organizations that you can choose from as well. You should choose the best fit for your family.

The SCO will connect you with a Support Coordinator (SC) who will help coordinate support for your child and family. The SC is an integral part of the transition process and will help with finding and securing placement in a day program, work program, residential program, respite care, or other needs. You may request a change in your SCO or SC at any time.

PRIORITIZATION OF URGENCY OF NEED FOR SERVICES (PUNS)

The Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) is a form that needs to be completed upon your child turning 14 and should be updated annually with your Support Coordinator. The PUNS does not guarantee services, rather it establishes the priority of need when there is a waitlist for specific services in a county.

The PUNS will assign a level of urgency to the need for services for your child. The levels include Planning, Critical, and Emergency. It is okay as your child’s advocate to disagree with the supports coordinator and insist on a higher level of urgency than they are recommending.

Although it is not something that we like to think about, if you become incapacitated, your child is at risk from a health/safety standpoint. It is important that your supports coordinator meets your child in person and understands their needs.

For more information, visit:
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/PUNS.aspx

RESPITE CARE

Respite is temporary care provided by a professional that allows the primary caretaker (you!) to have time away from your caretaking responsibilities. Some examples of how you might utilize respite care include overnight care and even camps.

Respite may be covered by waivers or base funding. Talk to your SC about what is available and options that can support your family.

PARENT TRAINING AND SEMINARS

Attending workshops not only provides valuable information but can also help connect you with local providers and organizations. They can also be a good place to talk with other parents going through the transition process. Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) holds parent seminars throughout the year. The topics vary but can include social security, guardianship and other aspects of transitioning to adulthood. Your CADES Transition Coordinator will share information about upcoming workshops via email as they are announced by the DCIU. You can also contact your local school district to see if they are holding any seminars or trainings.

MEDICAID/EPSDT

The Early Periodic Screening of Diagnostic Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive health care services to children under the age of 21. This benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services to children. Physical, mental, developmental, dental, hearing and vision screenings are provided throughout adolescence and follow-up diagnostic tests are provided as needed. Through this benefit, children are connected to qualified providers in community settings in order to ensure that treatment is provided prompting and proactively.

For more information, visit:
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/early-and-periodic-screening-diagnostic-and-treatment/index.html

Reduced Bus and Regional Transit Fare Passes

Riders with disabilities may travel at a discounted rate on all SEPTA services; families need to apply for this pass to receive the reduced fare.

SEPTA Para-Transit: septa.org/fares/discount/disabled-id.html
Montgomery County: suburbantransit.org
Chester County Community Para-Transit: http://chescorideguide.org/paratransit.cfm
Delaware County Community Para-Transit: http://www.ctdelco.org/