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Transitioning Youth Newsletter     July/August 2014
  
Resources for students with disabilities and their families preparing 
for life after high school     


In This Issue
Transition Tips from a College Student
Resource Spotlight: LISS
News & Updates
Young Adult Employment Opportunities
Quick Links
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  Transition Tips from a College Student

Contributed by Hindley Williams, IMAGE Center/MDOD summer intern. This Fall, Hindley will be a junior at Villanova University, where she is double-majoring in English & Humanities. 

 

I graduated from Carver High School in Baltimore County in 2012. I knew that when I went to college, I would no longer have an IEP that explained my accommodations. I was nervous about how my needs based on my disability would be met in college. Through the transition process, I learned several important tips to make sure I got the accommodations and support I needed:

 

  • Do your research

When I was applying to schools, I read through the disability services pages on the college web sites and contacted some disability supports services offices directly. The university web sites will direct you to phone numbers and email addresses. Even if you aren't ready to start applying for college yet, it doesn't hurt to start this research early.

 

  • Know what you need 

When I picked a school, I discussed preparations and my accommodations with the disability supports services office. Colleges are required by the Americans With Disabilities Act to provide "reasonable accommodations" to people with disabilities, but some of the accommodations they offer might be different than what you were used to in high school. You must know what accommodations you need and understand why you need them.

 

  • Be ready to self-advocate 

It is important to speak up to get what you need to succeed in college. In addition to working with the disability supports services, you can also reach out to your local Center for Independent Living or the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Self-advocacy is a life skill for anyone, but especially for persons with disabilities, and there is no better time to learn it than during your transition from high school.

 

                                    Resource Spotlight: 
Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) 

 

Apply for Low Intensity Support Services by July 31!

 

The Developmental Disabilities Administration, part of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, will begin accepting requests for its Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) program beginning July 1. They will accept applications through July 30.

 

What is LISS?  

LISS now provides up to $2,000 to assist adults with developmental disabilities and families of children with developmental disabilities. The funds may be used to pay for services or items that address the individual's unique needs related to their disability. 

 

Who can apply for LISS?

To apply for LISS, you need to be:

  1. A Maryland resident - you will be asked to show proof of residency, such as a utility bill, or valid state photo ID.
  2. A person with a developmental disability - you will be asked to show proof of a developmental disability. The DDA will accept documentation such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a report completed by a licensed professional.
  3. A legal U.S. resident - you will be asked to send in a copy of your Social Security card.
  4. Not currently enrolled in any Maryland Medicaid home and community-based services waiver or the Rare and Expensive Case Management program.
  5. Not currently receiving DDA services, unless you are only receiving resource coordination.   
  6. If you are over 18, you must be able to show that you applied for Medical Assistance within the past 12 months.

Have questions about eligibility? They requirements are more fully explained in the DDA's LISS Operations Manual.

 

What can LISS funds be used for?

LISS can be used to fund items and services that support an individual's needs that relate to their disability. For instance, funds can be used for:

  • Adaptive equipment, appliances, furniture, or clothing
  • Assistive technology
  • Camps, conferences
  • Health services or health insurance co-pays and deductibles
  • Housing and vehicle adaptations
  • Personal care
  • Recreation equipment or memberships
  • Respite and therapeutic care

And more! Check out DDA's LISS Operations Manual and LISS FAQ sheet to learn more about what is and is not covered by LISS.

 

What is the application process for LISS?

LISS recently changed its application process. There are now two month-long application periods (July 1-July 31 and January 1-January 31). Funding will be awarded through a random selection process at the end of each application period (not first-come, first-served). If you do NOT receive funding in the first round, you are invited to apply again for the second application period (January). So, if you don't get selected for one round, save a copy of your application to submit in the next round!

 

To apply, visit the DDA LISS website.  

 

Need help with your application? DDA is hosting application help sessions throughout July. Click here to see the list of times and locations for these help sessions

 

Have more questions?

Visit the DDA LISS page.

 

 

 

Transition News & Updates
Webinar: Funding Work-Related Assistive Technology for the Transition-Aged Special Education Student - Presented by RESNA Catalyst Project. July 23, 2014,  2:00pm-3:15pm EST. Click here to register for this webinar. 

 

 

Save the Date -- Howard County Transition Fair- October 8, 2014, 6:00pm-8:30pm, Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia, Maryland 

 

 

Save the Date -- 2014 Statewide Transitioning Youth Conference- November 15, 2014, 8:00am-4:00pm. BWI Marriott, Linthicum Heights, MD

  • ***Accepting presentation proposals through July 10.*** 
  • Accepting vendor/exhibitor applications through October 1.
  • Registration coming soon!

Send questions or applications about the 2014 Statewide Transitioning Youth Conference to Anne Blackfield [email protected], 410-767-3652. 

 

Young Adult Employment Opportunities

The Maryland Out of School Time (MOST) Network is currently recruiting fifteen (15) self-motivated candidates who are passionate about youth development and committed to fighting poverty to serve for one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA supporting after school and summer programs.

 

Hurry -- applications are due July 14! 

http://mdoutofschooltime.org/VISTA.html