While there seems to be an abundance of information, resources, programs, and services readily available for children with disabilities or special needs, it can be more difficult to find help for your special needs child once they become an adult. When a person begins to age out of the public education system and many of the services they have been receiving come to a stop, they are often looking towards an uncertain future, wondering if they will be able to attend college, afford learning materials, or obtain a job.
To help relieve some of the stress this can cause, we have compiled a list of services and opportunities that are available for free to adults with disabilities or special needs.
1. Scholarships
There are many scholarships out there for students with disabilities or special needs. Qualifying disabilities can include hearing and visual impairments, intellectual and learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. To find out what is available, meet with a university financial aid counselor. There are also online resources to help you get started.
2. Grants
There are several types of grants and benefits available to adults with disabilities if you know where to look. These grants can help pay for education, travel, medical expenses, and more. Although the process of applying for grants can be confusing, there are free resources that will help you through the process of selecting a granting agency and making your case in writing.
3. Financial planning
Financial planning can be extremely important for adults with disabilities or special needs. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child will be taken care of throughout their life – even once you’re gone – and financial planning can help give you some peace of mind in that area. One option to look into is an ABLE account, which is a free tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities and their families that allows you to save money in a way that will not go against SSI/SSDI.
4. Job Training
Although not everyone with special needs or a disability is able to work, many employers are happy to hire adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and there are many jobs that these individuals are usually well-suited for. It can be an intimidating process, but there are services which help with job placement and training. The Social Security Administration offers a job training program called Ticket to Work, which provides free employment support services to disabled adults, and there are other resources that offer supported employment to individuals with special needs.
5. Medical and Health Products
Individuals with disabilities could receive medical equipment and health products for free, such as blood pressure monitors, shower benches, vitamins and supplements, allergy remedies, over-the-counter pain relievers, dental care products, and first aid supplies. Contact your health insurance company to find out if they offer an over-the-counter benefit for members who are on SSI or SSDI.
6. Free Passes and Discounts
Adults with disabilities can receive free passes to US National Parks and discounted passes to state parks. Disney offers Disability Access Services cards, and Amtrak provides discounts to disabled individuals and their travel companion. Many places, such as movie theaters, sporting events, theme parks, museums, zoos, and aquariums offer discounted tickets to individuals with disabilities or special needs, as well. Remember, it never hurts to ask! Even utility companies may offer reduced bills when there is a person with a disability living in the home. Don’t forget to also make sure to take advantage of all of the tax deductions and credits available to disabled individuals.
7. Books
“Talking Books” is a free service from the Library of Congress that provides audiobooks and audio equipment to individuals who are visually impaired or have a disability that prevents them from using regular print materials. Through this program, The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped produces audiobooks and magazines for children and adults whose physical disabilities or visual impairments makes them unable to hold a book, turn the pages, or read regular print. The National Federation of the Blind also offers a free online reading service for books, magazines, and newspapers.
8. Technology
Adults with a disability or special needs can receive free technology devices and services that not only save them money but make their lives easier. Most states offer free amplified telephones to adults with hearing disabilities or impairments. A government program allows individuals living on SSI or SSDI income to receive a free smartphone with 1 GB of data, 1000 monthly minutes, and unlimited texting. In some cities, individuals who are living on SSI or SSDI income can receive free or discounted internet service, as well as discounted technology devices. Click here to see what is available in your area.
9. Home Repairs and Appliances
As part of the home weatherization program through the United States Department of Energy, families with one or more members with a disability could qualify for free home repairs and household appliances to make the home more energy efficient, as well as home modifications including wheelchair ramps and handrails. To apply, determine eligibility, and find out how to get help with energy bills, click here.
Good morning. My name is Denter Liggins and I have a brother that haves a disability and I was trying to see if their are things for him to do like free programs that he can be apart of in Gary,Indiana area.
Need job training and something to do everday.
Hello, my name is Steven Rojas and i have a 19 year old son who was born deaf and has physical as well as mental health problems. I live in Albany Oregon and I am looking for programs that would come close to anything to help with him to stay busy and have a sense of accomplishment/fulfillment.
I would like to get help with alot of these services. I am mentally and physically disabled, and have to use chair to be mobile. Can Someone Please help Me.
this list is horrible! i just opened a different link and found a ton of things to do! opened this one, as i work with people with disabilities, and this is it? books and financial planning?
idk what site this is that google lead me to, but i was looking for things like, bird watching, garden, fishing, picnic, movies,visit emergency services and thank them, parks, make and do scavenger hunts…
I have an adult son living with me full time with a permanent diagnosed brain disease with no cure. I was wondering what services would be available to us such as lower utilities, etc…
He currently has a lifetime pass to the national parks but would love one in our state of Florida.
Any information would greatly be appreciated. He loves to exercise and the out doors.
please help me i live in birmingham uk what services can i get please
Winfreyshellyraye@gmail.com looking for activities in my area fort Arkansas to have something to do depressed at home only tv all day cant drive in 40s cant read help please
my name is Vera White and I am disabled I live in Senior Living Apartment the elevator constantly out the stairway is dirty and nasty with going up and down something is in them we can slip and fall when it rain in the freeway water Stands Tall I saw a lady almost about to fall down the stairs I taking a picture so I can help proof the apartment people is not taking me serious or damn serious these are elderly people one of the lady her name is Donna she’s talk crazy to the tenant and we are disabled and we are in a senior living place they tell him they have to walk so far down just to go to another elevator I don’t think it’s fair it’s a three-story building and everyone live here is Senior Living it’s senior people they are older people trying to live a good comfortable life the elevator been out a whole month people on walking they all can’t breathe good they got oxygen oxygen they are trying to make it to do what they do some people don’t even have their kids to help them I met a lady the other day and she told me how one of the manager talked to her really stupid and crazy I thought that was very un professional the lady complained to me so I went to the office and I let her know she was very unprofessional and we are older people and you don’t talk to older people like that it’s the way you talk to people in a what you say is how you say it we just need help I want to file a complaint against the apartment complex I’m going to petition getting ready to get started because everyone is hurting trying to go down these girls and they expect them are we doing is asking for help I’ll talk to the corporate office no one taking us serious talk to the manager no one is listening if you’re reading this can you reach out to me my number is 972-802-3744 sad and beautiful that they keep saying we waiting on a part for the elevator you got these older people living upstairs cannot even get down or walk even to the elevator so far apart what kind of sympathy for your tenant they don’t have any they taking the money but never doing anything about the situation I have proof I have pictures to show to prove what I’m saying so many people ready to sign the petition I’m going to get it started help please 11707 Fallbrook Drive Apartment 7203 Houston Texas 77065
My real sister Miss poonam Gupta unmarried and mentally disabled 40 percent as v hv life time disable certificate from Govt hospitsl New Delhi. As all time she felt alone and in depression so I purchase LED TV of 32 inches with attach Dish – free wala. But as I know you hv a mobile policy for such patient so please let me know the procedure how can we get it for my sister. Regards Poonam Gupta R/O house no A-3 Gurunana k pura street no 1 Modi Nagar district ghazibad pin code 201204
My name is Pat and I have a grandson who is 19 years old. He just graduated from high school. He has Cerebral Palsy and a V-P Shunt in his head. He is delayed. One of his things on his bucket list is to go fishing. Do you know of a program that could provide him with this service?