Brother with a mental disability. What can we do to better his future? Any type of financial aid he can get?

Question

Okay, odd question here. My brother, who is now 18, has some type of a mental disability. I have no idea exactly what it is, as my parents have always refused the idea that he was mentally slower. He has recently had tests (over the past 4-5 years) that say he is but not really why. He is 18 but at the academic level of a 10 or 11 year old. They say he will always have to either live at home, or in a group home of some sort. He has never had a job- but wants one- however no one will hire him after an interview. He takes special education classes and has a hired tutor to help him. He wants to go to college after he graduates this year and has a lot of plans that he might find incredibly hard to achieve, or maybe even unrealistic. I don't want to downgrade him or anything but I have been wondering if there is any type of aid or disability that he might qualify for? My parents had never considered it because, well until a few years ago they thought he just wasn't "trying".

Answer 1

I have 2 disabled special needsa children. One is 18 and will graduate in a couple of months. He has the same problems it seems your brother is facing. However, my sons is due to a stroke and medical problems. There are many things you can do to help your brother. He will qualify for SSDI. He needs to have a diagnosis. The school has been giving him special ed, this means at some point they had to do psych testing for disabilities and IQ at the school. This is proof of a disability. Get him open for services with your local Base Services Unit. The counsellor can help him get an current up to date psych eval for a diagnosis. School psychs are allowed to state specific learning disabilities, they are not allowed to diagnose a problem like MR or bi-polar for example. BSU counsellors can also help navigate the SSDI application. Since your brother is 18, he no longer needs his parents signature, he can do it himself. Go with him to help keep things straight for him. It doesn't matter how long you have a diagnosis for SSDI, just that you have one. Most people get denied the first time out, make sure to file the appeal. This way you get paid from the date of your original application. Education goals need to be realistic. I would tell you start with OVR(office of vocational rehab). BSU can help with that too and so should the school. If he is identified with a disability and receiving services from them they should have made the referral to OVR a long time ago. It would be part of his transition services. Good luck.

Answer 2

There are several options available. Since his is an adult, he can ask to see his cumulative records. Have him make a formal request to see them with the assistance of the school psychologist. He should also invite you to the meeting.

From these records, you will see his psychological report which should identify his disability and give you some idea of his learning deficits. If his IQ is below 70, he is eligible for disability benefits as a mentally retarded person.

When you look at his current IEP, look to see what they have listed as his handicapping condition. If he is classified as mentally retarded, sometimes coded as EMR, autistic or language impaired, he is eligible for disability benefits.

He cannot attend college without a high school diploma. That is another thing to check on his IEP. It will state the kind of diploma he will receive. If it is not a standard diploma, but an Option 1 or Option 2 diploma, he cannot use it to get into college.

However, every graduating senior receiving special education services should have the Vocational Rehabilitation Department coming to his last two IEP meetings. If this has not happened, he needs to demand that they attend. They will give him some options for training and provides tools and tuition for different kinds of vocations. If he is going to graduate and they have not attended, the school is out of compliance.

I would suggest that you go to the Wright's Law website and look up what schools are required to do about transition IEP's. If they refuse to have Voc Rehab come to the meeting then you are entitled to file for a due process hearing.

Ask your brother or your parents about the Procedural Safeguards booklet they were given at every IEP meeting and read about how to proceed if you do not agree with the IEP.

I am glad you are stepping up for your brother. He has been in it alone for too long. Also remember that he does not have to leave school at this time. He can remain in public school until his 22nd birthday. This could benefit him if he can attend a district trade school.

Answer 3

The best thing you as a sister can do is incourage him. I think it is wonderful that you are taking the time to look into this. You must be a great sister already, but keep it up.

I have a couple things to say though in addition:

First college is possible! I go to college at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and they have a WONDERFUL program for students with dissabilities and professors who will go out of their way to help anyone. Many students with learning disabilities take tests in a special place where they won't be distracted. I suggest looking into it maybe suggesting a tour. www.edinboro.edu

Paying for school is easier than you think! There is this form called the FAFSA. Everyone completes it using parents income and based on that, they become elligable for grants and such - I know there are extra grants out there for students with disabilities. More info can be found a collegeboard.com i think it is.

One thing is - He may have to take the SAT. I suggest speaking with his school counselor about this.

Also, there is this guy I see around sometimes because he rides the bus and he is the nicest person out there. He has a mental disability, and though it is obvious, he is still a functioning person. I know he lives with his family, But he does have a job washing dishes at a local resturant. On weekends, you can find him at all the local sporting events, and on monday he can recite all the stats back to you (it's pretty impressive). He is older though, like 60ish but looks and acts very young. He gets help from a local program here, there might be something simular available where u live. http://www.drbarbercenter.org/

In the end, what I am saying is even if he does live with your parents his whole life, he can and will be a productive person. Sounds like he has big plans too.

I really hope this helps. Good luck to you and your brother. I will keep your family in my thoughts

Answer 4

He can deffinately get on disability, the only thing that really stinks is your parents did him a great disservice by not getting him tested sooner. Because there isn't documentation of his problem for longer than what you say, you could have a very hard time getting any help from most organizations. You'll have to prove all the circumstances of his problem, and without proper documentation that could prove very difficult. (I'm speaking from experience) The only problem is, if he's on disability someone will have to take care of his finances for him unless he's proven capable of doing it himself. (Only a doctor has the power to sway the courts one direction or another in this matter) Since they say he'll have to live with someone for the rest of his life, I don't think you should have TOO much trouble getting him on disability though.

None of this means that he can't go to college, or work. (If he does work though they will cut his check depending on how much he makes)

Answer 5

Not an odd question, not even a little bit.

If he qualifies for Special Education in the US, federal law (IDEA) requires the school to have a transition plan in place as part of his Individualized Education Program already. The school will not necessarily be required to work with agencies for vocational rehabilitation or developmental disabilities, but your family can ask and agitate for that. Your family may also go straight to a disability rights center or the local chapter of the Association of Retarded Citizens for help.

And he certainly wouldn't be the first developmentally disabled student to attend college!

Answer 6

There are many in a big city where people care for mentally disabled persons.The find out the likes and dislikes and interests .When after watch make the patient do some thing with their talents Why dont you call on such places and see what can be done!

Answer 7

one have to stay in school till 21 and they do have programs where he can work at you need for the school to point you in the right direction or church.