Navigating Life's Transitions
Adulthood
Adulthood might have several transitions throughout a person’s life. These could include graduating from high school or college, changing jobs or day programs, moving, losing a close relative, or other changes in life or routine. You can begin your planning by considering the three primary factors below. While each of these factors will impact the others, the one you start with will be specific to you and your family.
Learn more about these guides, including how they’re organized and how to get the most out of each guide, on the Transition Guide Home Page.
Daily Routine
What will your ideal day look like? Depending on your needs, goals, funding sources, and more, this will look different for each person. You might consider the following areas.
Your first stop should be Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). OOD manages many job-related services for people with disabilities. You can learn more about their services on their website. You can also contact HCDDS Employment Navigation Supervisor Nathan Beck at nathan.beck@hamiltondds.org.
If you think a day program might be the right fit for you, you can use our Provider Search Tool to find local day program providers and narrow your list based on specific criteria. After you find providers who look promising, you can contact them and visit their programs.
Many people choose to get involved in their local communities by volunteering. It’s as easy as contacting organizations you’re already familiar with to ask about volunteering. If you need support to get started, talk to your SSA about a referral to our Community Navigators.
HCDDS Community Navigators have assembled a resource list of local activities. There are places where people can get involved and form connections with others with similar interests. You can find the Activity Resources page here.
Housing
The best housing option will look different for each person. Options might include living with family, living by yourself, a group home, roommates, and more.
The Housing Options Guide was created by volunteers, including parents and other stakeholders. People with disabilities and their families have many things to consider when planning for housing that aligns with their vision of a good life and meets the family’s unique needs and interests. This guide provides information and resources so families can begin their housing planning journey. Find the guide here.
Tennille Raines, the HCDDS Housing Coordinator, can help as you navigate housing decisions. For a referral to the housing coordinator, contact your SSA or Support Navigator.
Transportation
Where do you need and want to go? This might include home, work, stores, or visiting friends and family. Your transportation options might include private transportation, Metro, Access, on-demand services, a provider, or a combination.
Cincinnati Metro is the regional public bus system. Learn more about Metro routes, fares, and more here.
Learn more about the Ohio Aging and Disability Transportation Coalition here.
Self-directed transportation can help you travel more independently. Learn more about self-directed transportation here.
Other Considerations
Other important things to consider when you’re planning for life transitions in adulthood might include:
Technology and remote support can help you increase your independence, including in housing, transportation, and daily routines. Contact your SSA to learn more about available technology options. You can also find an extensive list of supportive technology resources from the Ohio DD Council.
If you’re looking for ways to build social connections with your community and don’t know how to get started, reach out to HCDDS Advocacy Coordinator Amber Cowart at amber.cowart@hamiltondds.org or Family Engagement Coordinator Sean Bostic at sean.bostic@hamiltondds.org.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a public assistance benefit. You can learn more about SSI benefits, eligibility and more here.
STABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save and plan for the future without losing eligibility for public benefits programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Learn more about STABLE Accounts here.
Depending on your needs and goals, other local organizations might provide support as you plan for this transition, including the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board or the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio. You can find a list of other local resources here.
More Info
If you have questions or are looking for guidance during this stage, contact your SSA or your Support Navigator. Contact our Introduction and Eligibility team if you are not yet receiving services from HCDDS.
If you’d like to dig deeper, the following links provide additional resources.
- Charting the Life Course is a framework and a set of tools to help you organize your ideas, vision, and goals. It can also help you problem-solve, navigate, and advocate for support. Learn more about these free tools on their website.
- The Global Down Syndrome Foundation has created a Medical Care Guidelines document for families and caregivers. While specific to Down syndrome, the guide includes information on medical care that may be helpful to many families with different diagnoses.
- As you’re thinking about this life transition and what comes next, you might also find it helpful to look ahead to the Aging Transition Guide.
