---
date: "2024-09-15"
speaker: "Stephanie Coleman"
organization: "Autism Family Educator, KU LEND Program (KUMC)"
topic: "Transition to Adulthood: Supports and Resources"
blurb: "Stephanie Coleman, Family Educator from the Kansas LEND program at KUMC and parent of a 29 year old son on the Spectrum."
---

# Stephanie Coleman - Transition to Adulthood: Supports and Resources

**Date:** 2024-09-15  
**Organization:** Autism Family Educator, KU LEND Program (KUMC)

> Stephanie Coleman, Family Educator from the Kansas LEND program at KUMC and parent of a 29 year old son on the Spectrum.

## Notes from September 15th - Stephanie Coleman - KU LEND

- [Stephanie's Blogs](https://ksautismmom.com/?page_id=158)
- [Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities](https://kcdd.org/)
- [The Kansas Family Support Center](https://kfsc.ku.edu/) — [Register for Webinars](https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=49TTPL4KDKKKR78P)

### Sheltered Workshops:
- [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXxdAQnspGA)
- Push nationwide to eliminate these programs; multiple states have outlawed them

### Vocational Rehabilitation (VR):
- **Pre Employment Training Services (Pre-ETS):** For 15-18yo, rolls into VR after high school
- VR has also paid for students to attend degree-seeking IDD programs
- If your child receives social security, they automatically qualify for VR
- Income management programs: [Working Healthy](https://www.kancare.ks.gov/members/benefits-services/working-healthy), [STEPS](https://www.kancare.ks.gov/members/benefits-services/working-healthy/steps)
- VR pays for intensive Driver's Education programs

### Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- Not SSDI (which requires paying into Social Security)
- If our child is on SSI and we pass away, they can collect our SSDI
- Currently $943/month
- **Apply 1 month before your child turns 18yo**
- If denied, automatically appeal — often they won't tell you why until you appeal
- Marriage penalty: 2 people on SSI go from $943/mo each to $1400/mo together

### Guardianship vs Supported Decision Making:
- [Stephanie's testimonial on Guardianship](https://ksautismmom.com/guardianship-he-didnt-need-it/)
- **BEFORE considering guardianship, CONSULT AN EXPERT**
- When you get guardianship, your child technically becomes a ward of the state and you are appointed guardian
  - When you pass away, a Judge can decide to award guardianship to whomever they want — your will is not binding
- **For IEPs at 18+:** You don't need guardianship — just have your child sign a release
- A medical power of attorney covers health decisions
- **It is extremely difficult to remove "guardianship" status once assigned**