Get to know who we are, what we stand for, and how we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties.
We help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and their families—find the services they need to live well. From early support to help in adulthood, we’ll connect you with programs and resources that match your needs, interests, and goals, and support you throughout your entire life.
We’ll work closely with you to understand your goals and help you get the services you need. We’ll walk with you every step of the way, guide you through the process, and speak up for your needs—because you deserve to be seen, supported, and treated with care and respect.
Here you’ll find tools, guides, and helpful links to support your journey. Whether you’re just getting started or have been with us for years, these resources can help you learn more, prepare for meetings, and feel more confident making decisions.
As students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) get older and progress through school, their special education program is required to focus more intentionally on preparing for life after high school. School transition planning usually begins at age 14, but every family situation is unique.
For students and their families, the thought of transitioning from school services to the adult world can be overwhelming. Many are unsure of what is meant by transition services and wonder how to begin planning. There will be many types of plans to consider — education, medical, signing up for services, housing, legal protections for your child, career, planning a social life and more. Your family doesn’t have to come up with all the right questions, answers, and goals alone – the team at GGRC is here to help.
Self-Advocacy and Decision Making
It is important to remember that self-advocacy is a learned skill that needs to be practiced by young people and their families. Some adults make decisions independently, while others need more support, and there are several options for how this support is provided.
Conservatorship is a court process where a judge appoints someone to make decisions for another person, either in specific areas (limited conservatorship) or all areas.
Alternatives, like Supported Decision-Making, allow a person with a disability to choose a team to help with decisions. It is possible to have both a limited conservatorship and Supported Decision-Making in different areas.
Options are also available to help people who do not use speech to communicate.
We encourage you to take time to learn about these different options and practice them to find what works best for you.
Key Considerations on the Journey to Adult Services
Legal and Financial Plans
It is critical to have a will that establishes who will care for your child and ensure their support as an adult.
Consider setting up a financial plan and opening a bank account in your child’s name before they turn 18.
High School / IEP
IEP services end when your child finishes high school with a standard diploma or turns 22. Ask your IEP team for more details.
Turning 18
Turning 18 is a significant milestone – your child becomes a legal adult. It is critical to have a decision-making plan and legal documents completed BEFORE they turn 18, if appropriate.
Medi-Cal and CCS
Your child must apply for Medi-Cal as an adult before turning 18. Most child Medi-Cal waivers end at 18.
California Children’s Services (CCS) coverage ends at age 21.
Medical Privacy
Doctors may start having private talks with a person around the age of 12-13. Your child may need to give permission for you to see their medical records.
Regional Center/DOR
When IEP services end, services and supports from the Regional Center (GGRC) and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) become more important.
At age 18 and older, your child must sign a Release of Information, giving the regional center permission to speak with you about their services unless you are your child’s conservator.
What skills do I want to learn to become more independent?
What support do I need daily?
What do I want to do during the day?
Do I want to go to college?
Do I want to find a job and work?
Who are the important people in my life who I want to spend time with?
Am I interested in dating and romantic relationships?
Do I need help meeting other people and making new friends?
Where do I want to live?
Remember – you are not alone
The regional center is here to support you. A social worker will meet with you annually to see how you are progressing and what support or services you need.
If you have questions or need support, don’t wait for your yearly meeting. Call your GGRC Social Worker!
Transitioning out of school is a time of change. It’s common to feel anxious about changes.
If you experience stress, talk with a trusted person – a parent, friend or your GGRC Social Worker.
Document
View Document
View Document
View Document