In San Jose, California, the transition to adulthood for young adults with disabilities can be
challenging as they age out of educational services and face difficulties enrolling in adult
programs tailored to their needs. Despite the existence of daytime caregiving facilities,
many hesitate to accommodate individuals with specific requirements, such as feeding
tubes or one-on-one support. Now, of course, this is not remotely unique to California; it
happens all over the world. As NDIS providers on the Gold Coast, we like to follow stories
that look into the issue, as we always have more to learn.
As young adults with disabilities no longer qualify for the same care and programs received
during childhood, families must address a comprehensive checklist, including the shift from
pediatric to adult healthcare, finding suitable employment or day programs, and arranging
living accommodations. The scarcity of group homes that provide adequate care adds to the
complexity, prompting disability advocates to call for increased resources to support
community-based living.
This transition period poses a significant challenge for both individuals with disabilities and
their caregivers, exacerbated by fragmented healthcare and social service systems,
information gaps, and insufficient support. However, with awareness of available resources
and dedicated planning, this transition can become more manageable. Support groups,
particularly for parents and adolescents, play a crucial role in easing the process and
fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Self-advocacy emerges as a vital aspect of growing up for young adults with disabilities.
Nonprofit organisations in California, like Parents Helping Parents, actively assist parents in
preparing their children for adulthood through programs like Connections California. These
initiatives focus on teaching self-advocacy and self-determination skills tailored to each
individual’s health conditions and disabilities.
Resources like the Circles curriculum and legal advocacy units provided by organisations
such as Disability Rights California empower individuals to set boundaries and navigate legal
challenges. Addressing challenging topics like abuse in care facilities, community settings,
and the availability of adult protective services becomes crucial for safeguarding adults with
disabilities.
Dr Patience White, co-director of Got Transition, emphasises the importance of including
adolescents with disabilities in healthcare decisions to facilitate a smoother transition to
adult care. Got Transition offers toolkits and online quizzes for young people to assess their
readiness for this shift. Health condition-focused foundations and local groups, like those for
diabetes and cystic fibrosis, provide practical advice for transitioning to adult healthcare.
Stories from individuals like Niketa Calame-Harris and Ashley Wilson underscore the
significance of mentorship and speaking up for oneself during the transition. Finding the
right healthcare specialists, including mental health considerations, and ensuring a suitable
living situation are essential components of this process. Regular check-ins and
collaboration with group home teams contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of
young adults with disabilities.
This collaborative story was produced in partnership with the California Health Report,
shedding light on the intricacies of transitioning to adulthood for young adults with
disabilities.