Growing and achieving doesn’t end at age 21. Education, relationships, and career milestones continue throughout life. Whether living in the family home or independently, the ultimate goal is for individuals to be able to live the life they want. In thinking about these early and middle adult years, help your family member set goals that continue to build on their strengths, interests, and abilities.

A new adult guardianship law became effective on January 1st, 2022 in Washington state. These changes bring a lot of questions and information to learn on how it may affect you and your loved one. Washington Courts have created information sheets for the new law and how it may affect you.

Is this right for you? Find a wealth of information here.

To become a Lay/Family (Non-Professional) Guardian, you must complete this training: http://www.courts.wa.gov/programs_orgs/guardian/?fa=guardian.layGuardianship&type=training

From Disability Rights Washington

Ivanova Smith interviews David Lord of Disability Rights Washington about Supported Decision Making, an alternative to guardianship that was recently passed into law in Washington State.

See also https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/resource/supported-decision-making-agreements?ref=E28CK
and http://www.supporteddecisionmaking.org/

A power of attorney document lets you choose a trusted friend or relative to help you with your finances and/or health care decisions. Forms for you to fill out are provided.

A medical power of attorney (or healthcare proxy) allows you to appoint a person you trust as your healthcare agent (or surrogate decision maker), who is authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf. This website allows you to download (pdf file) your state's advance directive.

Whether you’re just beginning to get a sense of the adult service system or you’re well versed, the need for information remains constant.

A self-directed questionnaire for every stage of life. For adulthood: "What does it take to live as independently as possible? Are you making decisions about where you want to live, work and have fun?"

The Adult Day Center is a community-based program designed to meet the needs of adults 18+ with any physical, mental, or social impairments through individualized, goal specific plans of care.

This downloadable pdf explains that customers now have the option to add or remove special designations in the driver license and identification (ID) card system. These designations can give first responders information about how you communicate or conditions that affect a health emergency.

Who can vote in Washington State.

Find out what you qualify for and how Social Security can help you.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are NOT the same! Please note that you will be denied for SSDI before you can be approved for SSI.

For information on representative payees, go to https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm

(This includes SSI) Check eligibility requirements, whether you can apply online, and find employment support and work incentive program information.

The wallet card is a tool to be used by a teenager or an adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities. Visit us to see how to apply for and use a card, when to use it, and tips on how to safely interact with law enforcement and first responders.

Growing, learning and achieving does not end at adulthood. It continues throughout life, and at your own pace.

With some thoughtful modifications, it’s possible to turn your home into a multigenerational space that provides adult children the opportunity to do more for themselves, while keeping them under the same roof.

Video of virtual meeting to provide an overview of Valley Transit public transportation, Valley Residential Services housing options, and practical tips from 2 moms whose sons are roommates. Presented March 9, 2022.

What does each agency do?

Who are they and how can they help with employment?

Local resources to assist with finding a job.

Local agencies and resources to help you.

STRIVE WorldWIDE is a first-of-its kind online program to teach independent living skills to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For ages 16+

Opportunities exist to take classes at the community college for personal enrichment or to further enhance job skills.

This 2 year college program at Washington State University in Pullman, WA is for individuals between the ages of 18 and 29.

In January 2018, the state launched a new program to support individuals with complex care needs because of physical or mental impairments by helping them to find and keep jobs and homes.