Help assessing the needs of an adult with mental retardation?

I worked at the State Division of Human Resources Department of Mental Health and Developmental Services where we provided all the areas your are requesting. Call your state operator if you cannot find the facility in the phone book and ask to be connected to either the Developmental Facility or Mental Retardation Facility.

They should to an intake, then assign a service coordinator (college educator) who will decide the best way to proceed. First, they may suggest you become the legal guardian which requires a court process. Second, they will need educational records showing the person was label prior to the age of eighteen. Third, they may request a staff psychologist to do some testing to determine the person's exact level of independence in IDL skills (home living) and ADL (self help). Fourth, they can make a referral to a local day training or vocational training program. Finally, when the time is right they can support the move to a supervised adult home with housemates.

You are making a wise decision to seek help.

There are specialists that work seperately from the state, but then you may have to pay for the assessments. In NJ, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation(DVR) can help with the assessments, and will sometimes pay for the assessments. In addition, if the person is able to work, they will help guide them where to get employment. If they are planning on attending school, DVR will sometimes pay for school.

There are in some states licensed professionals called LEP's: "Licensed Educational Psychologists." They are like school psychologists, but in private practice. They can give tests like adaptive behavior scales to determine the person's capabilities & give advice for training needs.

Absolutely. His state caseworker should be on top of this. Call that person on the carpet and get the evaluations done, recommendations made and lists of programs!

DO NOT allow the words "waiting list" to be spoken at any time. That's illegal.

Get in touch with the Vocational Rehabilitation office in your city. they can do testing, job training and placement. They can assist with social services and living arrangements.