PATH PROGRAM
Promoting Adolescent Transitions in Healthcare
Transition Timeline
Age 18
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Submit applications for:
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Appropriate legal supports (ex. Guardianship, Healthcare Proxy, Conservatorship)
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Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
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Department of Mental Health (DMH), if applicable
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if applicable
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MassHealth (Medicaid)
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Sign Healthcare Proxy and/or Release of Information documents and provide to involved providers during gap between time young adult turns 18 and guardianship is active
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This allows healthcare providers to continue speaking with the young adult's trusted adults once the young adult turns 18 while guardianship is in process
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Register to vote; men must register for Selective Service
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Join the waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) or apply for a Rental Voucher
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Talk with your child's IEP team about the Mass Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)
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A statewide grant that supports eligible public high school students with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder attend college courses and be part of a college community
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Age 14
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Transition Planning Form (TPF) is added to your child's IEP - goals are focused on training, employment, independent living, community engagement
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Start to discuss with your child what they might like to do after high school
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Submit referral for Mass Rehab Commission (MRC) Pre-Employment Transition Services
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This is a program is designed to help children with disabilities make decision around their career and provides resources and supports for job exploration and training
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Every high school in Massachusetts has an assigned MRC counselor
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Apply for a Massachusetts Identification (ID) Card
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Eligibility requirements: at least 14 years old; do not hold a valid license in any state; resident of Massachusetts
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Cost: $25
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Visit the RMV website for more information: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-massachusetts-identification-card-mass-id
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Age 16
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Discuss with your child's school team and healthcare providers if your child will graduate at 18 or continue in school until age 22
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Begin to consider and plan for alternatives to a high school diploma, such as a certificate
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Adjust your child's Transition Planning Form in their IEP to meet their needs and build skills for their future
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Talk with your child's school term about a Chapter 688 Referral for adult services
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Begin discussion around privacy and consent with healthcare information
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Create a Medical Summary Document to share with your adults providers. This will become important once the young adult transitions to an adult healthcare provider