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different job prospects often available to those transitioning out of the educational system. Since part-time group employment happens alongside familiar friends and with on-site reassurance from a provider staff member, the sense of aloneness and anxiety is diminished. This transitional step also allows people to try working at a few sites to discover the type of job or industry they prefer, and then move on to individual career development with the goal of securing independent employment. For families who need residential support for their adult child, the challenges can be many. The young adult must first be deemed eligible for residential support by DDS. If that priority gets the green light, chances are good that a shared living placement will be offered at first. This arrangement can be likened to foster care: the person lives with a family that is specially trained in understanding the needs of the individual. Many families struggle with the shared living space concept, which is one of the many reasons why the more planning that is done in advance, the better off all will be. Families who prefer a group home situation should be aware that the wait can be long for placement. Group homes are centered around individuals who share a common disability, such as autism, or intellectual or learning incapacities. Group homes create an environment with a focus on routine, goals, and cooperation with close staff supervision to ensure safety and promote independence and appropriate behavior. Applicants need to consider the entire family context when presenting a case to DDS for group home placement. The case should be as accurate and compelling as possible as to why the adult child needs a group home setting instead of shared living. Take all family matters into consideration. Do both parents work? Does one parent have a grave illness? Does the adult child have behavioral issues that can better be served in a group home? Residential services can be quite expensive, as those finding a spot in a group home nowadays typically have medical and behavioral needs in addition to an intellectual disability. People with autism often fit into this category, while those with slightly lesser needs are more likely to be offered a shared living arrangement. Start early, plan comprehensively, and become acquainted with area providers and the types of services they offer. Additionally, parents need to be open to the reality that their son or daughter may want something different than what they want. This is important because even if parents are the legal guardians, DDS and adult providers will want to engage the adult child in what they are most interested in and enthusiastic about doing. Communication and advanced planning will help to ensure the best quality of life for those aging out of the educational system, and provide a lifestyle that brings joy and comfort to all. 23 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com