Some families continue to provide a home for adult sons or daughters with disabilities after high school. Reasons for this vary and may include circumstances in which the person with a disability:

Desires to continue to live in his/her home community where a support network is available
Is unable to obtain personal care attendant services in the community of choice
Available adult service options cannot be individualized to meet the person's needs
A need to avoid exposure to infection/environmental conditions found in typical settings
Need for a temporary place to live until a job is obtained or enrollment is arranged.
Desire to delay a transition to a residential setting until adjustment to employment is obtained

Services available to extended families vary depending on where the family chooses to live in North Dakota and the type of disability that the person has. Service options include:

Families may hire a relative or neighbor to care for an adult son/daughter provided that they meet federal and state laws that apply to employers. To obtain a manual on how to successfully do this, contact the ND Center for Persons with Disabilities

Families may qualify for in-home supports that are provided while the family is home or when the family is away. These are usually dependent on how close to a provider the family may live. To learn more about the family support program, contact the nearest Human Service Center.

Individuals who receive benefits may set aside Social Security money to cover the cost of attending a training program or purchase equipment that will lead to employment. This is called a “Pass Program” and details are available through the local social security office. To learn more about these programs contact the nearest Social Security office or Vocational Rehabilitation.

Beginning | Life Goes On | Crossroads/Transitions | Adult Services | Staying Healthy | Meeting Expenses | Building a Life | System Change | Education | N2K | Home