Adults With Special Needs

Adults with special needs are individuals over the age of 18 who have a medical condition or disability. This might include:

• A spouse with a chronic or acquired disability
• A child with a developmental disability transitioning to adulthood
• A family member with complex needs who needs assistance to live on their own

An adult child with special needs:

• May receive academic services through an individualized education program, or IEP
• May require transition support as they reach the age of majority
• May remain under guardianship or incapacitated adult status
• May require assistance to live on their own

Support for managing daily life is available to military families. Service members can receive assistance in the following ways:

• Assistive technology as workplace accommodations – Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, also known as CAP
• Housing assistance programs – to Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Home-based services – TRICARE ECHO Home Health Care
• Home modifications and assistive technology – Veteran Affairs
• Supported living arrangements
• Long-term living arrangements
• Military aid societies – Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Air Force Aid Society

To find more resources and information to support your family member with special needs:

• Visit Center for Parent Information and Resources.
• Visit SSA.gov to get information on potential benefits for you and your family.

Departments of health and human services in each state offer programs and services to help adults with special needs become more self-sufficient. They provide information, assistance and referrals to:

• Home-based assistance such as companion, caretaker and home care services
• Adult foster care
• Adult day programs
• Case management
• Nutrition education
• Assessments for adults entering or residing in assisted-living facilities
• Screenings for adults entering nursing facilities or who need Medicaid-funded home and community-based waivers
• State Medicaid programs
• Abuse and neglect prevention

Departments of vocational rehabilitation services are state-operated and offer a variety of programs and services to locate and maintain employment, including:

• Vocational and career assessment, counseling and referral
• On-the-job training
• Supported employment services
• Job placement services

Connect with your installation EFMP Family Support provider to learn more about services available at or near your installation.

• Meet face-to-face with local experts.
• Receive information and referrals to programs and services.

A Military OneSource special needs consultant provides free and confidential consultations to help you navigate services for your family and connect you with military and community-based support.

They can help you find information on:

• Finances
• Support groups
• Specialized equipment
• Doctors
• Social Security benefits

There are a number of military programs and resources available to support service members as they carry out their duties. These programs and resources include:

• Military and Family Support Centers
• Plan My Move
• Military Deployment Support
• Personal Financial Management Program
• Family Advocacy Program
• Service-sponsored websites – Army MWR, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Program, Air Force Personnel Center

EFMP & Me is an online tool designed for military families with special needs. EFMP & Me lets you quickly navigate services, connect with resources and provide support for yourself or your family member with special needs ‒ anytime, anywhere.

Use EFMP & Me from any computer or mobile device and get the information and resources you need at your fingertips. Create your free EFMP & Me account today, customize your checklists and gain access to:

• Information on locating medical and educational resources
• Step-by-step support for EFMP enrollment, PCS preparation, deployment and other military life moments
• Convenient 24/7 access to EFMP resources and services from a range of programs

Civilian and military advocates who worked to bring about legal, medical and social changes to address the needs of individuals with special needs, have paved the way for improved services and resources in many areas. These groups have encouraged the passage of three important laws:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

For more information about how to receive assistance, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.