Chapter 688 / Turning 22

WHAT is Chapter 688?

Chapter 688 is a law enacted in 1983 to provide a two-year planning process for young adults with severe disabilities who will lose their entitlement to special education at the age of 22, or at the time of graduation from high school, whichever comes first. The law creates a single point of entry into the adult human service system.

WHO is eligible for Chapter 688?

To be eligible for Chapter 688 services, a person must:

» Be receiving special education paid for by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

» Need continuing habilitative services at the time of turning 22 or graduating from special education,

and

» Be unable to work competitively (without specialized supports) for more than 20 hours per week at the time of leaving school.

An individual is automatically eligible for Chapter 688 if receiving SSI, receiving SSDI, or registered with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. {#an-individual-is-automatically-eligible-for-chapter-688-if-receiving-ssi-receiving-ssdi-or-registered-with-the-massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind}

HOW is a 688 referral made?

» Only the local school system, also known as the Local Education Authority or LEA, can make a 688 referral. The referral must be made while the student is still in school. The local school system typically decides which adult human service agency, referred to as the Transitional Agency, might best meet the student’s needs as an adult, and sends the referral directly to that agency. If an

individual is being referred to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the referral typically is sent directly to one of the DDS area offices.

» If a student or parent believes that a 688 referral has not been made, they should contact the special education department at the school, or the director of special education services for the school system. Although there is only one Transitional Agency for each student, multiple adult agencies can plan and provide services.

WHEN should a 688 referral be made?

» Chapter 688 requires the school system to make the 688 referral two years before a student graduates or turns 22, whichever is earlier. In order to facilitate the planning process, DDS prefers to have the 688 referral earlier than required by Chapter 688. DDS suggests that referrals be made at age 18 to coincide with DDS adult eligibility age requirements. Referrals that are made less than two years before graduation do not afford adequate planning time to assist a student in the most meaningful way possible.

» Students or families who are concerned about the timing of a 688 referral should contact both the school system and the local DDS area office, if they feel DDS would likely become the Transitional Agency.

IF a student is already known to DDS, is a 688 referral still necessary?

» Yes. Even though some individuals with an intellectual disability receive DDS services as children, a 688 referral still should be made. The 688 referral starts the formal DDS transition planning process for the individual student.

WHAT is the “SPED DATE” and why is it important?

The special education date (“sped date”) is the date on which a student is planning to leave special education and school. Typically, the sped date is either the student’s expected date of graduation or 22nd birthday. The sped date is used in the 688 referral process as the reference date for planning. Students

leaving on short notice in advance of the sped date specified on the 688 referral may not have the benefit of adequate planning time to assist with a smooth, well-planned transition.

WHAT happens if a student leaves school without a 688 referral?

If a student leaves school without a 688 referral being made, he or she is not eligible for specialized planning through 688. The student can still apply to DDS or other state agencies serving adults at any time, as any citizen could.

WHAT if a 688 referral is made to DDS and the person is found ineligible for DDS?

When a 688 referral is made to DDS, DDS determines if the student is eligible for adult supports through the agency. If the person is eligible for 688 services but is not eligible for DDS services, DDS transfers the case to the appropriate state agency for 688 planning assistance.

If an individual with a 688 referral is found ineligible for DDS adult services, the Regional Eligibility Team sends a complete package of material for the ineligible person to DDS Central Office in order to complete the transfer. In addition to supporting material, a copy of the 688 referral and the DDS ineligibility letter are included in the transfer packet. The transfer will be completed by the Central Office and sent to the appropriate agency.

In order for a 688 referral to be transferred to another agency, there must be at least six months lead- time before the student leaves school.

WHAT are the benefits of the 688 process for individuals eligible for DDS adult services?

» The 688 process ensures that the student is working with DDS before exiting school.

» The 688 process specifies a referral timeline that allows for sufficient planning to support a smooth transition to adult supports.

» The Individual Transition Plan (ITP) enables DDS to understand the student’s needs and to begin programmatic and fiscal planning.

» By specifying an individual’s needs before exiting special education, the individual, family, and DDS can plan together.

WHAT is the role of the DDS 688 transition coordinator?

The 688 transition coordinator is a case manager who works at the local DDS Area Of ce. Once a student is determined DDS adult eligible, a transition service coordinator will be assigned. The coordinator is the student and family’s primary link to assistance from DDS during the transition process from special education to adult life. He or she visits the student’s program and assists in identifying future community supports that are consistent with the individual’s vision and ITP. The 688 transition coordinator also chairs the ITP meeting and develops the written ITP which identi es future adult community support service needs for the student.