Need help and info re: programs for developmentally disabled adults?

Question

Have 19 year old Developmentally Disabled son who is falling through all the cracks in the system. He has been out of highschool (graduated with conditional diploma) for two years. Tested IQ (last testing at age 12) is 72. Speaks fluently but not always understandably (about 70%), cannot write legibly, Has cognitive limitations, lacks fine motor skills (working with machinery and tools not an option). Handles a computer well, and types very well, with good grammar.

In two years of searching in Oregon and Washington, have found no appropriate programs. He is either too disabled or not disabled enough to qualify. He wants so much to work, yet can't hold a job without a coach or help, but can't get any help.

Any experience or suggestions?
(He is currently living with his sister in Oregon)

Voc Rehab tested him as client and said he was too disabled to hold meaningful employment, and dismissed his case.
Dept. Of Dev Disabled won't accept him because his I.Q. is not below 70.
He is on SSI, was in special ed in school.
I live in Canada so am trying to coordinate things long distance for him as he lives in OR.

Answer 1

There IS help, but you have to look. My daughter is about in the same boat. She is 15 and her IQ is borderline and I have to keep an eye open for programs and such.

I suggest to you to start with your county's mental health. Get him involved in programs and qualified for anything you can get him in. County and Educational programs are easily accessible. At 19, he should be eligible for community college's special ed. programs, and they will be able to provide vocational training, which is what he needs (he would be eligible for this if he was in special ed. in high school).

I THINK that if he qualifies for County Mental Health, then he would be able to get benefits to go to community college for free.... you have to find what works in your area. Call the county and call the college special ed department and ask. I did a quick search and found lots of special ed programs in OR area.

Oh yes, when you're in public and see other people in special ed working, inquire about the program they have.

Try speaking with your school's district special education department, they will have many resources. In my area we have Parents Helping Parents, maybe there is something like that in your area. Check City and Community Recreational Programs, they often have special education classes, where you can send your son and request more information. You really have to step up for your son, because no one else will. Good luck to you! I feel your frustration.

Sometimes, I feel as soon as I take a break and focus on other things in my life, my daughter really falls in the cracks too. We really have to follow what's going on for them and be involved. Right now I followed teachers advice and put her in a special ed classroom, which is really NOT working out. So here I go again, I feel like I have to "fight" and be on the defensive. It's hard. God bless, I hope you find something for your son!!!

Edit: have your son's IQ tested again, because as they get older, their IQ changes (my daughter's went down). 12 was a long time ago. If you apply for benefits through Social Security Disability, they will pay for the testing. Your County Mental Health should also pay for the testing... AND the school should still be able to provide you with this testing for FREE and you should get and keep the copy of the test and results.

Answer 2

On the south coast in Oregon in Reedsport there is a business called "Sunrise Shop and Save" which is run by developmentally disabled adults. They have two locations and the staff at the store sound very similar to your son and his abilities. Their mission says it all:

"The purpose of Sunrise Enterprises is to assist persons with disabilities to access meaningful employment opportunities and achieve self-fulfilling lives"

Here's their website and contact information.
http://www.sunriseenterprisesinc.com/

Even if this is business is to far away from your son to help, I would venture a guess that they are very familiar with other similar organizations in the state.

Answer 3

You need to have your son become a client of the department of persons with disabilities as well as vocational rehabilitation.........both will work to help him attain either a job or the skills needed to work a job....even pay for a trade school.....job coaching is provided through voc. rehab. or through private companies....who will be paid by medwaiver...does he have medwaiver? He will need to be put on the list if he is not......the department of persons with disabilities will assign him a caseworker who can help you apply for medwaiver as well as get hooked up with services such as transporation to/from work, supported living, etc. Good Luck. Don't give up...too many adults w/ disabilities are living very sheltered lives w/ no job or social circle....keep searching!!!

Answer 4

Contact the local ARC(formerly Aid to Retarded Citizens) and see if they can get some help for employment. Here in IL our local helps with job skills and job coaches of they have the $ available.

Answer 5

i found this, it may not be what you are looking for, but since it has to do with what you are looking for, perhaps if these folks can't help you, maybe they would know of another program in oregon that is more suited to your needs. you didnt mention where in oregon, but this place is located in portland.
"""Westside Community Focus Inc. (Portland) — $5,000 to support the Semi-Independent Living Program in its efforts to provide developmentally disabled adults short-term assistance with their living and medical expenses. """

Answer 6

there is a program called a.b.e. in college, there a subject called p.a.c.e in the first year, it,s like a 9 months coarse then if he passes, then the second year there like part 2 called s.a.m.e., the first year is what he what,s to be and there is training in a job,if he wan,t to get in to like kitchen, they volunteer to get trained.also there,s some classes like math and english so he can spill and do math that,s cheap like $30dallars for a year. lock it up in your own city because i like in canada and your from the u.s.a.