Assistive Technology
Assistive technology, also known as AT, is a tool or machine that helps individuals work and live more independently. High school students using AT devices are required in most cases to return the device to the school upon exiting. This means that preparations must be made prior to exiting school to secure a new device, if needed.
For students who anticipate receiving services from an adult service agency upon exiting school, such as the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) or the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), discuss what AT devices you are currently using and explore what might be useful for you in the future.
For students who do not anticipate receiving services from an adult service agency upon exiting school but would like more information on accessing AT, including Maryland’s low interest loan program, visit the Maryland Technology Assistance Program.
For students seeking books, magazines, and other print and video materials in alternative formats, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped lends digital talking book players, descriptive movies, books, and magazines by mail in Braille, audio, and in large print to eligible Marylanders at no cost. For more information about the Maryland Library for the Blind, including the application form.
For additional information and resources, view the Assistive Technology Fact Sheet.
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Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are private, consumer controlled, nonprofit, nonresidential organizations that are designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities. This means that at least 51 percent of the board of directors and staff at every center is a person with a disability. Centers provide an array of independent living services including information and referral; independent living skills training; individual and systems advocacy; and peer counseling. Click here to find the closest CIL in your area.
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Financial Literacy
For young adults 18 years or older, buying a car, renting an apartment, or getting a job increasingly requires having a good credit history. Credit is money that is borrowed, usually from a bank, credit card company or credit union, to pay for things that an individual may not have the money to pay for at the time. Many people build credit by applying for small loans and store credit cards, making large down payments on purchases and negotiating credit payments for the balance, having a relative as a co-signer on a loan, paying bills on time, and making regular deposits into savings accounts.
In order to have good credit history, it is extremely important to not overspend, pay off the full amount owed each month, and understand how your interest rate can affect your credit if bills are not paid off in the full amount each month.
When young adults need to borrow money through a loan to pay for big expenses having a good credit history helps them qualify for those loans. Good credit is also important as many jobs now require security clearances to ensure that prospective employees will be responsible and trustworthy of tasks and roles assigned. One way this is evaluated is through reviewing one’s credit history.
To assist youth in developing good financial skills, local school systems now offer financial literacy programs in grades three through twelve. Financial literacy education includes making informed, financially responsible decisions; relating careers, education, and income; planning and managing money; managing credit and debt; creating and building wealth; and managing risks and preserving wealth. For more information, view the Maryland State Department of Education’s Financial Literacy Education brochure.
In addition, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, in partnership with the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) has developed www.themint.org to provide tools for children, teens, parents, and educators on managing money and developing good financial habits. Teens can get tips on earning and saving money, keeping track of savings and spending, credit card information, investing, and balancing a checkbook. The website also includes a budget calculator for teens to create a budget of their own.
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Housing
For most people, housing is the largest monthly expenditure making it unaffordable to many, particularly for youth. For those that live independently from their families most will start out renting apartments and homes or living on a college campus. This section is targeted to young adults who are looking to rent a place of their own.
Prior to living independently, youth should develop a monthly budget that calculates income and expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc. Click here to calculate your personal monthly budget . Click here for more information on saving and managing money.
Tenant Information: The Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc. (BNI) has developed a summary of local, state, and federal laws governing tenant-landlord relations. This practical guide reviews leasing information, co-signers, roommates, renters’ insurance, privacy rights, eviction, security deposits, rent court, and housing discrimination. Click here to view BNI’s Tenant Information Packet.
Rental Housing: The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has a new searchable database which includes affordable and accessible rental housing throughout the state of Maryland. Click here to view the Maryland Housing Search Database.
Information about programs and special housing resources can also be accessed through your local Housing Authority and county government website.
Housing Resources for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has created a housing resources list to better assist individuals with developmental disabilities locate housing and residential services. To view the resource listing, click here http://ddamaryland.org/housinglinks.htm.
Housing Resources for Individuals with Mental Health Needs: The Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) Adult Services Division assists mental health providers, non-profit developers and other housing agencies (public housing authorities, faith based, and local housing coalitions) to develop Supported Housing units throughout the state. Providers and non-profit agencies have developed units in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, Cecil County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County, and on the Eastern Shore. Many have partnered with federal, state, and local funding sources to support and sustain housing for persons with disabilities. For information about accessing units and the referral process contact the Core Service Agency (CSA) in your jurisdiction or visit Network of Care. Once on the Network of Care website, you will need to select the county where you live and search for housing under the services tab.
In addition, Main Street Housing is a housing project On Our Own, a non-profit organization offering affordable rental housing to individuals with mental health conditions throughout Maryland.
Additional Housing Resources: For more information on housing including home ownership programs, visit the Department of Disabilities’ Housing website or the Department of Housing and Community Development.
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Insurance
The Maryland Insurance Administration has developed A Consumer Guide To Insurance Needs For Young Singles
This guide includes information for teens and young adults on auto, health, life, and renters insurance.
For information on health care, including health care reform updates, click here to get information on private insurance.
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Personal Assistance Services
Personal Assistance Services (PAS) refer to help provided to people with disabilities to assist them in tasks essential for daily living. Services can include bathing, dressing, getting around, toileting, eating, shopping, and other activities. The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has developed a toolkit for families and youth titled Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal Assistance Services (PAS). This toolkit was created to assist transition-age youth with significant disabilities, as well as their family and friends, navigate the world of PAS including transitioning to work, college, and living on their own.
In Maryland, there are various programs to assist individuals who are interested in personal assistance services. Click here for a listing of personal asssistance programs and services.
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Test Preparation & Tutoring
Test Preparation
Accommodations: Click here to view the Maryland Accommodations Manual for Instruction and Assessment. Be prepared to provide documentation of your disability if you are requesting accommodations for tests.
HSAs: The Maryland State Department of Education has developed a website specifically for the Maryland High School Assessments (HSAs) with resources including practice tests. Click here to view the HSAs website.
GED: If you are a student preparing for the General Education Development Test (GED) click here for test preparation classes.
Tutoring
Free Tutoring: Students attending Title 1 schools may be entitled to free tutoring through Supplemental Education Services as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. For more information, click here to view the program brochure.
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has developed a guide for students seeking tutoring services. (COMING SOON)
In addition, there are a number of private organizations that offer test preparation and tutoring services throughout Maryland. Listings can be found through the Yellow Pages or Internet.
Click here for information on requesting accommodations for the SAT, PSAT, ACT or AP Exams.
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Youth in Foster Care
Under the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR), the Maryland Independent Living Program provides independent living preparation services to older youth in foster care until the age of 21. The goal of the program is to assist youth in a successful transition from out-of-home placement by providing:
• Assistance in accessing education or training programs
• Assistance in securing and maintaining employment
• Assistance in developing a community support network
• Assistance in locating appropriate living arrangements
• Training in daily living skills
• Problem solving
• Individual and group therapy
• Financial support
For more information, visit the Maryland Independent Living Program website.
Planning to Attend College?
click here for information about the Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients.
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