Minnesota Transition Guide for Teachers of Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Additional Considerations
Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
Why: A certified copy of a birth certificate can provide proof of identity and age and is required to receive some programs/services.
How: You may request a birth certificate in person - same day service - from any local issuance office in the state, regardless of your county of birth.
When: Available upon birth. Copies may be requested at any time.
Who: The person applying for a certified copy of a birth certificate can apply for him/herself. If the person applying for a certified copy of a birth certificate is under the age of 18 years, their parent or legally appointed representative can apply for the certified copy of a birth certificate Cost: Check with your local Register of Deeds or Health Department. Fees vary by county.
Who Can Help: To find the Register of Deeds in your county, look in your local phone book under the name of your county. More information is available at: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/osr/birth.html
Guardianship
Why: Establishment of guardianship insures that decisions made regarding the affairs of a person with a disability are made with informed consent. A guardian can make decisions for the person with a disability who is not able to make decisions for him/herself.
How: An attorney must petition the court system for a guardianship order.
When: Guardianship can be applied for three months prior to the person with a disability turning 18 or at any time after.
Who: The person wishing to be appointed guardian should contact an attorney who can help file the petition.
Cost: The cost of filing for guardianship is dependent on the rates charged by the attorney, usually $500 and up.
Who Can Help: In Minnesota, see online at www.mncourts.gov/forms for more information.
Housing Assistance
Why: To receive assistance with housing costs.
How: There are several agencies that can provide housing assistance. Each agency will have its own application process and eligibility requirements.
When: People must be over the age of 18 years to apply. Some agencies may have waiting lists from 6 months up to 3 years. Contact the agency for more information.
Who: The person applying for housing assistance can apply for him/herself or have their legal representative apply. If the person applying for housing assistance is under the age of 18 years, their parent or legally appointed representative can apply.
Cost: There is no cost to apply for housing assistance.
Who Can Help: Check out http://minnesotahelp.info/Public/topic_search.aspx?st=dlink for information on housing assistance.
Selective Service Registration
Why: All males, even those with disabilities, must register with Selective Service. Failure to register is punishable by law. Men must register prior to receiving student financial aid or for federal training and employment.
How: Register online at www.sss.gov , at your local post office, at your high school, or by returning a card you might receive in the mail.
Who: All males ages 18-26 years. Anyone can assist someone with their registration.
Cost: There is no cost to register.
Social Security Administration Benefits
Why: Provides financial support, medical benefits and expedites eligibility for some programs/services.
Details: Must meet eligibility requirements to receive these benefits. The Social Security Administration provides many types of benefits including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Records will be requested showing income and resources of everyone in the household.
How: File an application through your local Social Security office. To locate the office nearest you, call 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY), go online to www.ssa.gov , or look in your local phone book under “Federal Government.”
When: Anytime. Adult benefits can be applied for when the person reaches age 18 years. When applying for adult benefits begin gathering the required documentation 3 months before the person’s 18th birthday. If applying for benefits in person, contact your local Social Security office to make an appointment.
Who: If applying for benefits before the person is 18 years of age, parents or legally appointed representatives may apply for benefits. If the person is over 18 years of age, the person with a disability, their parent, or their legally appointed representative may apply for benefits.
Cost: There is no cost to apply for Social Security Benefits.
Social Security Card
Why: A Social Security card allows a person to show proof of identity and citizenship when conducting personal business such as employment, taxes and banking.
How: Apply for a card at your local Social Security office. To locate the office nearest you, call 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY), go online to www.ssa.gov or look in your local phone book under “Federal Government.”
When: Social Security cards are available upon birth. Cards can be reissued if they are lost or if your name has changed.
Who: The person applying for a Social Security card can apply for him/herself. If the person applying for a Social Security card is under the age of 18 years, their parent or legally appointed representative can apply for the card.
Cost: There is no fee to obtain a Social Security card.
Specialized Transportation
Why: People with disabilities may be unable to use the fixed route public transit system due to functional limitations. They may require accessible vehicles which may include a vehicle equipped with a lift.
How: Some public transit systems have accessible vehicles which can be requested to provide transportation. There are also private providers who have accessible vehicles.
When: Public transit systems requires an application to access their accessible vehicles. Apply as soon as possible. Private providers do not use an application system but are subject to availability.
Who: The person applying for accessible public transit can apply for him/herself. If the person applying for accessible public transportation is under the age of 18 years, their parent or legally appointed representative can complete the application process for them.
Cost: Costs vary from provider to provider. Public transit systems prices are often in the $2 per one-way ride range but may be higher in some areas. Private provider costs will vary from provider to provider. Contact the private providers for information on rates.
State Identification Card
Why: A state identification card allows a person to show proof of identity and age when conducting personal business, establishing employment eligibility, voting, banking, etc.
How: State identification cards can be obtained at your local driver’s license office. In order to obtain a state identification card, a person must show their certified birth certificate and Social Security card. If the person applying for a state identification card is less than 18 years of age, their parent or legal representative must accompany them. Check this link for types of documentation needed: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/IdentificationRequirements_English.pdf
When: There is no age restriction for obtaining a state identification card. The card will need to be renewed prior to the expiration date.
Who: The person applying for a state identification card can apply for him/herself. If the person applying for a state identification card is under the age of 18, a parent or legally appointed representative can apply for the card.
Cost: Check your local DVS office. Varies by county.
Who Can Help: In Minnesota see https://dps.mn.gov/Pages/default.aspx for more information.
Summary of Performance Document
Why: This summary of academic achievement and functional performance contains valuable information. It may also include recommendations for an adult service provider.
How: The Summary of Performance is a document that school personnel are required to complete. It is meant to be given to the adult service provider who will assist the student with a disability in meeting their post-school goals.
When: This document should be completed one month prior to exit from school.
Who: School personnel complete the document and give a copy to the student and their parents or legal representatives. This form is a part of the school district’s due process paperwork. Various names are used such as Graduate Summary of Performance.
Cost: There is no cost for this document.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Why: Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) assists people with significant disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment in competitive careers. VRS services are individualized for each student. VRS counselors help students set employment goals and identify the steps and services necessary for achieving their goals. Developing an employment goal can include services such as interest and ability testing, informational interviewing, or career exploration services. Once an employment plan is developed which includes the steps and services needed to reach that employment. These services may include training, job placement, assistive technology, job seeking skills training and job placement.
How: To apply, contact the VR counselor assigned to your school by calling 1-800-328-9095 or by logging on to www.deed.state.mn.us/rehab/transition.
When: The best time to refer a student with a significant disability to VRS is approximately two years before graduation, typically near the beginning of the junior year. If a student with a disability is planning to leave school before graduating – or has dropped out – an immediate referral to the school’s VR counselor makes good sense.
Who: Young adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can apply and complete the application process for vocational rehabilitation by themselves, or with the assistance of their parent or legal guardian if under the age of 18 years of age. A student is eligible for VRS if they have (1) documentation of a physical or mental condition that causes a substantial impediment to employment, (2) evidence that the individual requires VR services in order to prepare for, secure, obtain, or retain employment, (3) and the presumption that the individual is able to benefit from VR services.
Cost: There is no charge for counseling, job placement, and many other VR services. For some services, a consumer financial participation ratio based on family income is utilized. A family whose income is higher than the guidelines may be asked to pay part or all of the cost.