Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do we get someone from an adult services agency to attend our child's IEP meeting?

Because of confidentiality, the school district is not permitted to invite anyone outside of the district to an IEP meeting.  The only way a support agency representative (OVR, county supports coordinator, job coaching agency, etc) can attend is if you request that they be put on the invitation list. 

 

2.  How can we make sure our child has funding after graduation? 

Funding after graduation is not an entitlement, like school services are.  In order to make sure that your son or daughter is part of the state's planning for adult services, you need to register her on him with the county Office of Developmental Disabilities (also called the Office of Mental Retardation.)  After you are assigned a supoorts coordinator, you need to work closely with this person to put in a PUNS form that includes the future needs (supports after graduation) for your child.  This then needs to be reviewed on a regular basis (at least annually), to ensure that the support needs are accurately documented and in the plan. 

 

3. What happens when my child turns 21?

Governor Edward Rendall announced on May 22, 2008, that Pennsylvania has been apporved for a first of its kind federal waiver program to provide home and community based services specifically for adults with autism. The $20 million-a-year waiver program, which is expected to serve up to 200 individuals 21 years and older with autism, was approved by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Prior to its approval, no dedicated services existed for adults with autism in PA. To learn more about this please visit the www.dpw.state.pa.us