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Special Education

From Pediatric To Adult Services: 

A Resource Guide for Parents

 

Early Intervention Awareness — Ages Birth to 5

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Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Your PCP is the center of care and can refer you to Neurology, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychiatry, and more.

Key Programs & Contacts

 

504 and IEP Intervention Awareness — Ages 5–22

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Understanding IEPs & 504 Plans

Organizational Tools

Support Services

 

Community Support Awareness

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Case Management

Medication Management

  • Medication management is more than prescribing — it's an ongoing process of finding the right treatment, monitoring, and coordinating care. Find this through a psychiatrist's office.

Respite Care

Occupational and Physical Therapy

Behavioral Health (BHP, HCT)

Transportation

Parent Support & Connection 

  • Maine Parent Federation – Parent Support Group  — For Parents of Children with Disabilities or Special Healthcare Needs. First Thursdays of every month at noon

  • Quirky Moms Maine

 

Equipment & Supplies

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Assistive Technology

  • Maine CITE  — Statewide assistive technology program

Adaptive Equipment

Wheelchairs

Maine Department of Education Resources

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Transition Planning — Approaching Age 18

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Medical & Legal Preparation

  • Medical Proxy Form – Health Care Proxy + Medical Decision-Making  — Sign at your doctor's office so you can continue helping navigate your child's health

  • Current Psychological Evaluation  — Must be within 3 years of turning 18. Can be obtained through:

  • School

  • Independent Psychiatrists - Carly Rodgers, Ph.D., 251 Woodford Street, Portland, Maine 0410 207-554-7906 (voice/voicemail/text)

  • MaineHealth Behavioral Health

  • Psychosocial Assessment - Sweetser

  • Current Vineland Assessment  — Measures everyday functional skills; critical for diagnosing ID/ASD differences. If a child has an IEP, the school system may be able to administer one, your PCP can refer, or you can call around to see who provides them. 

Transition Plans & Booklets

Adult Case Management & Employment

Guardianship & Supported Decision-Making

PP-201 Petition for Appointment of Guardian

PP-203 Acceptance of Appointment by Guardian

PP-205 Joined Petition for Guardian and Conservator

PP-504 Joined Plan

PP-505 Physician's or Psychologist's Report

PP-207 Acceptance of Appointment by Guardian and Conservator

N-107 Waiver of Notice 

CV-067 Application to Proceed Without Fees

CV-191 Financial Affidavit

  • You will have to apply to be an emergency guardian if your child isn’t able to make any decisions on their own. 

PP-507 Affidavit for Emergency Guardian and/or Conservator

  • The court will appoint a visitor (a court official) to interview the petitioners (you) and the respondent (your child)

  • Your court date will be about 2-3 months after your child’s birthday. 

Adult Services & Disability Waiver Steps

Apply for MaineCare

Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Waivers — Research Which Fits Your Family

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Shared Living under Waiver 29

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  • Shared Living | Department of Health and Human Services

    • Shared Living is a supportive housing option for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. It offers the opportunity to live in a family-style setting and be part of a home and community. This can look two ways:
      • The individual lives in their own home with supports
      • The individual joins a family and becomes part of their household

  • Getting Started

    • Prerequisites:
      • High school diploma or GED

    • Training:
      • Up to 45 hours to become a Direct Support Professional (DSP)
      • Includes online modules, two full-day classes, and a medication administration course

  • Home & Safety Requirements

    • Home inspection required

    • Water and radon testing within one year

    • Issues must be addressed at your own expense

    • Up-to-date smoke and CO detectors

    • Reliable, insured vehicle

  • Approval Process

    • Receive Approval under Waiver 29

    • Safety Device Packet (if applicable) - The Safety Device Packet must be signed by a medical provider and may require justification for safety monitoring devices.

  • Compensation

    • Approximately $127 per day
      • Tax-free income

  • Ongoing Responsibilities

    • Daily documentation

    • Medical appointment tracking

    • Goal support

    • Monthly check-in

    • Ongoing training

  • Other programming

    • Eligibility for up to 16 hours of day programming

    • Eligibility for in-home behavioral support

    • In-home nursing available up to age 21

    • BHP services end; adult services may require waitlists

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Social Security Benefits

  • Open a checking or savings account for the benefits to be deposited into your child’s and your name.

  • Apply to be a designated payee for your child.

  • If needed, track expenses and submit to raise the monthly rate (housing costs, utilities, etc.)

 

Banking

An ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account is a tax-advantaged savings and investment tool for individuals with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save up to $100,000 without jeopardizing their eligibility for means-tested federal and state benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Community Support Day Programming

  • Depending on which waiver is approved, your child may be eligible for up to 40 hours of community support.

  • Research which program is right for your child. Here is a provider directory to help you get an idea of what is available in your area. In Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner, these programs are available:

  • Spindleworks

  • Creative Works

  • Bridges Home & Community Services 

  • Assistance Plus       

  • Maine Vocational & Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. (MVRA)

  • Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

  • Gallant Therapy Services, The Studio, and Explore Program

  • Goodwill Industries 

  • Neuro-restoritive

  • Families matter

 

Compiled by Rachel A. Sugarman, artist, educator, warrior-mama, and advocate. 

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