Your loved one is now 22 or older. Focus on long-term housing, employment, community integration, and ensuring all legal and support systems are in place:
Legal & Financial Foundation
- Ensure all legal documents are in place. Don’t delay—confirm guardianship documents and estate planning are complete and up to date.
Housing & Waiver Services
- Prepare for waiver eligibility determination. Because you enrolled in state of Texas waiver programs years ago, you should be close to being contacted for eligibility and next steps. Begin planning housing needs based on waiver eligibility.
- Explore housing options. Consider the full range of options from independent living to small group homes to larger settings, based on your loved one’s needs and waiver services available.
Employment & Community Integration
- Continue Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS). ISS helps with job skills development, supportive employment, and successfully integrating into society. Your loved one may also be able to attend trade school or college depending on their goals and abilities.
- Maintain transportation independence. Continue using transportation options like VIAtrans (San Antonio’s shared-ride, curb-to-curb service) to increase independence through mobility and expand access to opportunities.
Ongoing Support & Advocacy
- Regularly reassess needs and goals. As your loved one’s needs evolve, adjust support services, housing arrangements, and community engagement opportunities accordingly.
Throughout Your Journey
Self-care is critically important. Find ways to create meaningful relief from daily responsibilities. Your support network can include nonprofits, friends, family, and local, state, and federal resources.
Support groups and families on similar paths offer shared wisdom. Case managers and social workers can help with many aspects of your family’s wellbeing, including safety net needs like food, housing, and utilities.
Many families connect with resources at SACRD.org/IDD or Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center and their team of Navigators.
Continue to vision and dream for your child’s life, focused on their abilities. You are your child’s most important advocate. Trust your instincts.
