Life skills program for MR children?

Question

My brother is 14. And no day care will take him. I told my father to look for a life skills program to maybe help my brother for when the time comes that he needs to be independent. They are located in Houston, Texas. Actually they pretty much live next to Strawberry Park in Pasadena if that helps. But I was curious if anyone knew a life skills program or something that could help my brother out. My father is reluctant to do it and I don't live in Texas anymore. Thank you.

Answer 1

The school should be helping with this as part of his IEP.  He should have services through the summer as well.   Here a link to an excellent article regarding transition services. http://ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.a...

Once your brother turned 14, they can begin starting the "transition process" preparing him for life outside of school.  

"The law requires that the IEP team begin no later than age 14 to address the student's need for instruction that will assist him or her in preparing for transition. Beginning at age 16 (or younger, if determined appropriate by the IEP team), the IEP must contain a statement of needed transition services for the student, including, if appropriate, a statement of interagency responsibilities. This includes a coordinated set of activities with measurable outcomes that will move the student from school to post-school activities."

In our area the class he might be in is equiped with a kitchen, washer/dryer, etc... so that the students can be directly taught these life skills.  The students are taken to different community sites for job training and tours. They might work at Domino's or Walmart for a few hours to try out that type of environment.  

If you haven't already, contact the department for developmental disabilities.   There are probably programs that your brother qualifies for.  http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-publ...  

To get more localized support and help, it's a really good idea to connect with a group like Family to Family.  http://familytofamilynetwork.org/

Often parents are a much better resource, as they've BTDT and can tell you how to access services, which programs are good, what to avoid, etc...  Trust me, parents involved in a program like this are only too happy to help someone else.  

Your Dad should really get started on this now.  If your brother needs something like a group home or assisted living arrangement when he's older, he should probably be getting on waiting lists now, as they're often really long.  Just because your name comes up doesn't mean you have to access that service, but better to have the option.  

The links I gave you should provide plenty of information to get well on your way. The link in the source area is also full of valuable information.  

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I live in Austin, Tx and I believe your dad needs to get in touch with your brother's school who can probably give him some help as far as a life skills class.  I teach at a middle school in Pflugerville and I've seen some of our MR students at the rec. center in the summer doing a supervised program.  I also think there is an organization for MR folks called ARC, you might try them.  You could also google what you're looking for.

Answer 3

An answer to your important question.

Please call with any problem, anytime:

Girls and Boys Town "National Hotline"

Phone: [phone]  (toll free)

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Answer 4

By law your brother MUST attend school, regardless of his intelligence. Have your dad enroll him in your local public school. They will have an appropriate program for him. He will be tested and placed where he can achieve his highest potential. By keeping him at home, your father is taking away his chance for greater independence. He can stay in public school until his 23rd birthday.

Answer 5

you need to get registered with teh division of developmental disabilities--they can hook you up with agencies like the ARC that run programs

Answer 6

Every state should have an advocacy group working to ensure the rights of students with disabilities, but also serve as an information gathering place.  

Also...try Easter Seals in your area.  They might be able to point you in the right direction.

Answer 7

www.dads.state.tx.us/ is the website for the texas dept. of aging and disability. your father should be able to find services through them.