Anyone who has a disability either severe or mild can understand how frustrating it can be to start the process of receiving help and assistance. It all starts with gathering all of the testing results from your school evaluations. You may also need additional testing and endless initial paperwork to be filled out. Individuals applying will need help with this paperwork, therefore a parent, guardian, family member, friend, or a professional can and should help you throughout every step of this long process.
When all tests are evaluated, then the hard part starts with filling out necessary forms for the services you will need to help you along, and for some of us, for years to come. It is important during this process to obtain help as noted above. Services can begin early on in school with Special Education and therapy. During your senior year in high school, after high school, signing up with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and finally with your choice of a service provider.
This entire process was frightening and overwhelming to me. All I kept on thinking about was what I was going to do once my parents will no longer be living? What is going to happen to me? Who was going to ensure I would be okay? Who would be helping me renew my Medicaid paperwork each year, manage my money, stay on a budget, will I ever be able to drive a car, etc.? I’m sure some of you reading this have experienced the same fears I’ve been struggling with and will continue worrying about in the future.
What did calm me down was the help and support from my Service Provider, Living Specialist, Support Coordinator, and their hard work to help and assist me throughout this long process. They guided me with obtaining Medicaid, a budget for job training/coaching, applying for Food Stamps, transportation, and signing me up on a waiting list so that I can eventually live on my own. The process to obtain independent living housing is long, so you must be patient. Additionally, you must be ready with the skills you need to live on your own. I’m still working on this and have a lot more to learn and be comfortable with.
If you have a disability (or know someone who does) and haven’t already been seeking support and guidance, have someone help you get in touch with the New Jersey Department of Human Services for your first step towards assistance and the road to personal independence.
Remember, you must stay positive and focused to help yourself and others to help you, until you have achieved obtaining the assistance you need. Always remember, questions are important and no question is stupid or silly. If you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too!
Source of Information: Google Searches and Personal Experience
Until next week, stay safe and well!