Advances in medical technology are helping individuals live longer, healthier lives. For people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, this improvement is even more apparent. Long-term planning for these individuals must include the possibility that they'll live decades longer than those born just one generation earlier.

Thankfully many of the same government programs available to middle-aged adults remain available as they reach later stages of life. Here you'll find in-depth articles describing resources that support individuals aged 60 and older.

A person with an intellectual or developmental disability loses many of the supports previously available to them when they were a student. The transition to adulthood is a challenge for nearly everyone, but this is especially true for individuals with special needs.

Long-term planning becomes urgent and serious deadlines start to appear, like the medical diagnosis for Medicaid Waivers or the birthday where a child can no longer remain on his or her parent's health insurance.

The resources referenced here can help an individual achieve a fulfilling life and avoid unnecessary hardships.

Once children enter the school system different types of services become available. These services are aimed at helping students experience an effective learning environment. Regulations (like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)) provide the basis for children to participate in the school system in the least restrictive environment, encouraging as little out-of-classroom instruction as possible.

Services for the young adult are built to support the transition from childhood to adulthood. For individuals with disabilities, pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) help them find employment opportunities or postsecondary education, for example. Check out resources that are available to school-aged children and young adults at the link below.

Evidence suggests that early intervention in the lives of children, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, can lead to successful outcomes later in life. There are a variety of resources available for children and their families prior to them reaching school age. Indiana's early intervention program, First Steps, is a notable example.

With the information located on this page, you'll receive an introduction to the resources available to young children in our community. Parents can learn about government programs that provide benefits to millions, often for a large proportion of recipients' lives.