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Hear from COFAR
Voice your opinion
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Eligibility Requirements for services from agencies other than DMR
Special Education services
If your ward or family member is under age 22, he or she may be eligible for Special Education Services,
which are specified under both state and federal law. Special Education services are required to be provided
for free by your school district and must be tailored to meet your ward or family member's needs.
More information about Special Education services, eligibility requirements,
Individual Education Plans and other related issues can be found on the state Department of Education website at
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/ , or call 781-338-3000.
Turning 22
Parents and guardians should be aware that a child's eligibility for Special Education services ends when the child graduates from high school or when he or she reaches the age of 22.
As your child reaches his or her teen years, you should begin to work with Special Education personnel at your school to develop a plan to carry out the transition to DMR services. This will most likely involve the Bureau of Transitional Planning and DMR (see contact information below). The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission can also help at this point with vocational rehabilitation services (see contact
information below). The MRC encourages families to apply at this time to the Social Security Administration for an SSI eligibility determination. The MRC also determines Turning 22 eligibility for individuals not eligible for Supplementary Security Income (SSI).
Become familiar with the adult services in your area long before your child reaches graduation or turns 22. Involve yourself with a parent group and/or COFAR.
For further information on Turning 22 issues, contact:
The Bureau of Transitional Planning: (617) 727-7600
The Massachusetts Department of Education, Special Education Division: (781) 388-3300
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: 1-800-245-6543 (Voice/TDD) or (617) 204-3600.
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