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Key Steps for Transitioning Youth
Services and Planning
By Karen Lopez
I am passionate about helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to find the
care they need, so I wanted to share some information and resources with caregivers and family mem-
bers. I have been working in the transitioning youth field for over 10 years and I am currently a member of
the Transitioning Youth Committee of the Prince George’s County Council. Outlined below are the key
things that you may need to know about Transitioning Youth and accessing services through the Develop-
mental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Transitioning Youth Services are for students between the ages of 14 and 21 who have IDD and wish to
prepare for adult life by seeking services beyond school. The place to start is with the Transitioning Youth
Coordinator, usually located in the High School Special Education department. This Coordinator is usually
the expert who can help with completing the application for DDA.
Step 1
To begin, ensure that your loved one is eligible and on the DDA waiting list for services. You should remain
in communication with your Transitioning Youth Coordinator who will provide resources and support with
other applications that need to be completed at the age of 18 years old, for example, Social Security Bene-
fits, Metro Access, and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Resources such as the Transitioning
Youth Fairs that are hosted by DDA and DDA Providers also discuss these services.
Step 2
Once eligible for DDA, you can then reach out to the Coordinator of Community Services that will be as-
signed to you as they are the liaison for DDA. This person will provide guidance and work with you on ap-
plying for Medicaid Waivers which are needed for services to be funded. Be sure to discuss and select DDA
Services of interest to your loved one. If you do not have a Coordinator of Community Services, reach out
to DDA directly so they can provide you with the contact information for someone in your area.
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