Resources By Age
Planning for Every Stage
From Early Childhood to Adulthood
Early Childhood
0-4
Building Foundations & Early Support
Grade School
5-12
Learning & Skill Building
Teens
13-18
Independence & Future Planning
Transition to Adulthood
18-21
Life After High School
Early Childhood
0-4
Building Foundations & Early Support
Grade School
5-12
Learning & Skill Building
Teens
13-18
Independence & Future Planning
Transition to Adulthood
18-21
Life After Highschool
Early Childhood
What To Think About Right Now
At this stage, families should start thinking about:
Seeking an Official Diagnosis
Connecting with Supports
Seeking an Official Diagnosis
Children’s Mercy
Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization.
816-234-3674
Compass Health Network
Compass Health provides mental health services to rural communities.
844-853-8937
Connecting With Supports
Missouri First Steps
Provides early intervention systems to support families with children, birth to three years age.
866-583-2392 Ext. 3
The Pediatric Place
The Pediatric Place provides therapies and service options to support developmental milestones, independence, and other needs.
660-219-9176
PATs – Holden
Parents As Teachers (PATs) is an early childhood family education program to assist and support families in preparing their children for success in school and beyond.
816-850-4444
PATs – Kingsville
Parents As Teachers (PATs) is an early childhood family education program to assist and support families in preparing their children for success in school and beyond.
816-597-3422
PATs – Leeton
Parents As Teachers (PATs) is an early childhood family education program to assist and support families in preparing their children for success in school and beyond.
660-653-.2301
Grade School
What To Think About Right Now
At this stage, families should start thinking about:
Seeking an Official Diagnosis
Understanding IEPs & 504s
Connecting with Case Management Services
Connecting with Therapies
Seeking an Official Diagnosis
Children’s Mercy
Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization.
816-234-3674
Compass Health Network
Compass Health provides mental health services to rural communities.
816-853-8397
Understanding IEPs & 504s
Missouri Parents Act (IMPACT)
Missouri Parents Act is a non-profit dedicated to helping to empower families to advocate for themselves so that children with special education needs can reach their full potential.
800-743-7634
Connecting with Case Management Services
Johnson County Board of Services
We provide case management services to individuals with developmental disabilities from birth to end of life. Our Family Navigation program is designed to help individuals and families get connected to services through the Department of Mental Health. We have a Medicaid and Non-Medicaid case management program.
660-240-3343
Connecting with Therapies
Autism Support Now
Provides Applied Behavior Analytics (ABA) therapy to children with Autism.
913-373-1657
Teens
What To Think About Right Now
At this stage, families should start thinking about:
Independent Living Skills
Post Secondary Options
Transitioning to Adulthood
Independent Living Skills
During this stage it is important to start working on skills to live and work independently. Examples are cooking, cleaning, money management, and daily living skills. While working on these skills, it is important to figure out where support is needed as your loved one continues to grow.
Post Secondary Options
This is a key time for transition planning. IEP goals should focus on employment skills, daily living, and educational plans. Students may explore supported employment, volunteer work, or college options.
College Programs
Throughout Missouri there are several college who have programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. It is important to note that students who attend these programs are not eligible for Financial Aid. Many schools offer grant options to help support the cost of attendance. The University of Central Missouri is home to one of these programs, called Thrive.
Employment Opportunities
It’s important during this time to think about what your loved one wants to do as they get older. Some students may not want to continue their education and opt to enter the workforce.
Transitioning to Adulthood
MO Health Net (Missouri Medicaid)
Many independent living or employment programs are funded through Medicaid. Some students may not qualify for Medicaid until they turn 18 and are no longer claimed as a dependent on their guardian’s taxes. It is important to start thinking if these types of programs are something your loved one may need in the future.
These programs are accessed through Targeted Case Management Services through the Johnson County Board of Services. If you are interested in learning more about these services please contact us.
Johnson County Board of Services
We provide case management services to individuals with developmental disabilities from birth to end of life. Our Family Navigation program is designed to help individuals and families get connected to services through the Department of Mental Health. We have a Medicaid and Non-Medicaid case management program.
660-240-3343
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation can provide assistance for post secondary goals such as continuing education or employment assistance.
660-530-5560
Guardianship vs. Supported Decision Making
During this stage it is important to start evaluating of your loved one will need a guardian when they turn 18, or more supported decision making assistance such as Power of Attorney, Representative Payee, Joint Bank Accounts, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Trusts, and Conservatorship. We recommend speaking to a lawyer to better understand your options.
** Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. The information we share is general and meant for educational purposes only.
Special Needs Trust
These types of trusts are a legal arrangement allowing individuals with disabilities to hold assets and maintain eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and Social Security. These can be created by meeting with a lawyer.
MO ABLE Account
MO ABLE is Missouri’s ABLE program. Missourians with disabilities and their families can save up to $18,000 per year (more if you have a job) without risking the loss of benefits including Medicaid and SSI. Contributors to MO ABLE accounts receive a Missouri income tax deduction.
800-439-1653
Transition to Adulthood
What To Think About Right Now
At this stage, families should start thinking about:
Benefits & Services
Future Planning
Benefits & Services
As students reach their final year of high school-whether it’s their senior year or by the age of 21-it’s critical to establish an official graduation or exit date. This date determines when adult services can begin. Services like Day Programs through the Department of Mental Health cannot be accessed until a student has officially exited school.
MO Health Net (Missouri Medicaid)
Many independent living or employment programs are funded through Medicaid. Some students may not qualify for Medicaid until they turn 18 and are no longer claimed as a dependent on their guardian’s taxes. It is important to start thinking if these types of programs are something your loved one may need in the future. These programs are accessed through Targeted Case Management Services through the Johnson County Board of Services. If you are interested in learning more about these services please contact us.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly income to people who cannot work because of a long-term medical condition or disability. This is a difficult program to apply for and can be difficult to get approved for. Not everyone with a disability qualifies.
800-772-1213
MO ABLE Account
MO ABLE is Missouri’s ABLE program. Missourians with disabilities and their families can save up to $18,000 per year (more if you have a job) without risking the loss of benefits including Medicaid and SSI. Contributors to MO ABLE accounts receive a Missouri income tax deduction.
800-439-1653
Johnson County Board of Services
We provide case management services to individuals with developmental disabilities from birth to end of life. Our Family Navigation program is designed to help individuals and families get connected to services through the Department of Mental Health. We have a Medicaid and Non-Medicaid case management program.
660-240-3343
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation can provide assistance for post secondary goals such as continuing education or employment assistance.
660-530-5560
Vocational Centers – Sheltered Workshops
Sheltered Workshops provide employment in a controlled, safe, and highly supervised work environment. These programs enable individuals with disabilities to develop job skills. Sheltered Workshops are not a fit for everyone, there are other employment services available depending on the person’s skills and needs.
Future Planning
It is important to start planning for your loved one’s future when it comes to caregiving, guardianship, conservatorship etc. We recommend speaking to a legal representative when you are planning to make sure all your affairs are in order. We also recommend ensuring that services are in place so that your loved one can continue to live their good life.
Guardianship vs. Supported Decision Making
During this stage it is important to start evaluating of your loved one will need a guardian when they turn 18, or more supported decision making assistance such as Power of Attorney, Representative Payee, Joint Bank Accounts, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Trusts, and Conservatorship. We recommend speaking to a lawyer to better understand your options. It is also important to think about who will take over guardianship or support decision making when you are no longer able to care for them.
** Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. The information we share is general and meant for educational purposes only.
Special Needs Trust
These types of trusts are a legal arrangement allowing individuals with disabilities to hold assets and maintain eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and Social Security. These can be created by meeting with a lawyer.