Life After High School

What Happens Next?

A done-with-you support system helping families build real-life options and a sustainable future—before the school bus stops coming.

You’ve done everything to get them through School… 

 But, what happens next?

Young woman with developmental disabilities celebrating graduation with her mother, father, and grandfather—symbolizing family support, life after high school, and transition planning for young adults with disabilities

The next chapter feels like a freefall

You’ve spent years making sure your loved one had the right IEP, therapies, and supports.
You fought to give them the best shot at a fulfilling life.

Now graduation is here—or has already happened.

And you’re asking:
Where will they go? What will they do all day? Who will support them?

Teenage girl with Down syndrome sitting on the sofa using a tablet with her mother—highlighting inclusive technology use, family support, and daily life skills for teens with developmental disabilities

You’re facing a whole new set of challenges.

The safety net of school is gone, and now:

🌀 You’re navigating new systems (Medicaid waivers, PDS, day training, supported employment)

📝 You’ve applied for services but aren’t sure how to actually use them

😰 You’re terrified of your loved one being stuck at home with nothing to do

🔄 You’re seeing regression or isolation and don’t know how to stop it


💸 You’re worried about long-term financial and care sustainability


You want more than babysitting or a place to park them during the day.
You want a meaningful, supported life—and a future they can be proud of.


But...no one told you how to make that happen.

 

Mother of a teen with special needs graduating from high school, looking overwhelmed by a stack of paperwork—representing transition stress, disability planning confusion, and the urgent need for post-graduation support

There’s real help...and you deserve it.

You’ve been told, "File for guardianship when they turn 18." and that's just about all. 

(Pssst! There are other options besides guardianship that help your child retain their right to make choices about their life!)

Here’s the hard truth: no one else is coming.

If you want your loved one to have a REAL LIFE not just a day program—you need a guide who knows how to build that with you.

You don’t need another list of services.

You need someone to walks beside you to make sure your young adult’s life after high school is active, engaged, and sustainable.

Latin mother and teenage daughter with cerebral palsy laughing together on the bed at home—representing joyful caregiving, disability inclusion, and family support for teens with disabilities in Latin America

Why life after high school feels so overwhelming. 

You’re navigating a broken, underfunded system that expects families to create full-time support networks without a roadmap.

Here’s what you’re up against:

🎯 Limited options that don’t really fit your loved one’s needs

🏢 Systems like PDS and supported employment that sound great—but are confusing to set up

❌ Waitlists that feel endless and disheartening


⚠️ Fear of your loved one losing skills or falling through the cracks

😢 Guilt and worry that you’re not doing enough—on top of everything else

It’s no wonder you feel stuck.

You're not failing! 

The system doesn't have support made to support you. 

 

Overwhelmed parent of a teenager with disabilities buried in paperwork—symbolizing the stress of disability services navigation, transition planning after high school, and the emotional toll on caregivers

 It Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming.

Life after high school can be meaningful, structured, and fulfilling—even if the system isn’t built for that.

The support you've been waiting for...

✔️ Navigate the Transition: Direct help figuring out the next steps after school—whether that’s day programs, supported employment, or building a custom support plan


✔️ Build a Daily Life That Works: Help designing a real-world routine that brings meaning and purpose—not just time-filling


✔️ Maximize Services: Deep-dive into waiver benefits, PDS, and other funding streams so you can actually use what’s available


✔️ Caregiver Recruitment & Training: Support finding, hiring, and managing staff who fit your loved one’s unique needs


✔️ Clear, Actionable Guidance: Break down complex systems into bite-sized, doable steps


✔️ Emotional & Strategic Backup: Stay grounded and confident with expert guidance through every twist and turn

 Young adult man with Down syndrome standing with his caregiver, both smiling at the camera in a school setting—highlighting supported employment, disability inclusion, and independent living skills for adults with developmental disabilities

The cost of going it alone...

Trying to handle this without help has already cost enough:

⏰ 1000s of hours of frustration, research, and dead-ends... admit it, helping your young adult is like an unpaid part time job


💸 Missed opportunities and services that could have improved your young adult's... let's be real, no parent should have to fight this hard just to get basic support. 


😣 Watching them stagnate—or worse, regress—while you scramble for answers...deep down, you know they deserve more than just "getting by."


You don’t have to accept “just getting by.”


Together, we can build something that worksc

 Cheerful young man with Down syndrome working as a waiter, taking contactless smartphone payment from a customer—representing inclusive employment, independence, and workforce participation for adults with developmental disabilities

When school ends, life begins...

..and the questions start to pile up! 

This transition is scary—because it matters so much.

You want your loved one to have a meaningful life.

You want to make the right choices.
But you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and terrified of messing it up.

Here’s the truth:

You don’t have to do this alone.

Let’s build a future that works—for them and for you.

 
🚀 What You Can Expect:

🛠️ A Personalized Path Forward: Together, we’ll craft a step-by-step plan that creates structure, purpose, and security after high school.


🗺️ Clear, Bite-Sized Steps: From waivers to staffing to daily routines, you’ll know exactly what’s next.


👥 A Trusted Partner in Your Corner: With 12+ years of experience, Samantha is here to guide you through every milestone.


🔄 Ongoing Support: We’ll make sure your young adult’s support system is strong, sustainable, and built to grow with them.

 

Young man with developmental disabilities enjoying time outdoors with his father—symbolizing family support, inclusive recreation, and positive relationships for adults with disabilities

Ready to Build a Meaningful Future?

They Need A Life of Their Own!

Let’s work together to create lasting support, structure, and opportunities—so your young adult can thrive long after graduation.

What exactly is this program?

This is a done-with-you support program designed for families of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and more—who are navigating life after high school.

Samantha acts as your dedicated mentor and partner, guiding you step-by-step through the complex transition from school-based services to adult life.

Here’s what you can expect:

Personalized Mentoring: Tailored guidance based on your loved one’s unique needs and goals


Navigational Help: Direct support connecting to Medicaid waivers, PDS (Participant-Directed Services), supported employment, day training, and more


✅ Daily Life Planning: Hands-on help building meaningful routines, staffing, and supports


✅ System Support: Assistance with paperwork, applications, and understanding complex disability services


✅ Emotional Backup: A partner in your corner to help with the overwhelm, grief, and uncertainty that often comes with this big transition


The goal? To make sure your young adult thrives after high school—with a life that’s supported, structured, and sustainable.

Who is this program for?

This program is perfect for families who:

  • Have a young adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities
  • Are approaching (or have already hit) graduation and aging out of school services
  • Feel lost trying to navigate the adult disability service system
  • Want to build a meaningful, supported life for your young adult 

  • Are overwhelmed by waitlists, waiver applications, or confusing transition planning


Whether your child is 18 or 28+, this program helps bridge the gap between school and adulthood.

What kind of assistance does this program offer?

This program offers comprehensive, hands-on support, including:

Accessing Adult Disability Services: Help applying for and understanding Medicaid waivers, PDS, supported employment, housing, and more


✅ Building a Sustainable Routine: Create daily and weekly structure that keeps your loved one engaged, learning, and growing


✅ Care Team Guidance: Support with finding, hiring, and managing caregivers or staff who truly fit


Post-Secondary Options: Guidance on day programs, employment services, community access, and volunteer opportunities


Ongoing Strategic Support: We tackle challenges together, from guardianship to benefits management and beyond


✅ Emotional Support: Someone to talk through fears, frustrations, and long-term worries—so you never feel alone

I'm already overwhelmed. How much time will this take?

This done-with-you approach is designed to make your life easier, not harder. We’ll work at a manageable pace, breaking the process down into clear, bite-sized, actionable steps so that it feels achievable, not exhausting.

The goal is to help you build long-term sustainability while respecting the fact that your time, energy, and emotions are already stretched thin.

 

How is this different from other resources that haven't helped me in the past?

Most free services or one-time consults only scratch the surface—or leave you to figure things out on your own after a quick meeting.

This program is deep, personalized, and collaborative.

It's not just advice—Samantha works with you to make things happen.


Get help with the follow-through—whether that’s applications, staffing, or problem-solving when things don’t go as planned.


Easy to understand information— clear language, practical steps, no judgment, no jargon.


It’s not just information—it’s hands-on partnership that builds something sustainable.

I don't know where to begin.

 Many families feel stuck or don’t even know what questions to ask at first. We’ll start wherever you are, figure out what’s most urgent, and build from there.

No shame, no overwhelm—just clear, supportive next steps.

What does this program cost?

Each family’s situation is unique, and we tailor the approach accordingly. Payment options include:

✅ Self-pay (credit, debit, check)
✅ Special Needs Trusts
✅ STABLE Accounts
✅ Crowdfunding / estate planning funds
✅ Hart Supported Living Grant (KY)


Flexible payment plans are available, and limited sliding-scale spots may be offered. Let’s connect and talk through your situation.

Is this program covered by a Medicaid Waiver?

Not at this time.

While Medicaid waivers cover many important services, consulting, mentoring, and planning typically fall outside their scope. This program fills that gap—providing tailored, high-touch support without the delays and restrictions of public systems.

What if my sibling has unique or complex needs?

This program works with families supporting adults with a wide variety of disabilities, including:

✅ Autism spectrum disorder

✅ Down syndrome

✅ Cerebral palsy

✅ Fragile X

✅ Williams syndrome

✅ Angelman syndrome

✅ Intellectual disability of varying degrees

✅ ADHD, sensory processing, communication disorders

✅ Complex or aggressive behaviors

✅ High medical needs and rare genetic syndromes

✅ Blind, deaf, hard of hearing 

✅ Other disabilities 


Samantha specializes in helping families navigate complicated care situations—especially when behavior, medical care, or staffing have been hard to manage in the past.

Is it too early to start if graduation is a year (or more) away?

It’s never too early to prepare. The earlier you start, the more options and peace of mind you’ll have when the school bus stops coming.

Even if you’re just beginning to think about what life will look like post-high school, we can help you lay the groundwork now.

 

How do I get started?

Click here to schedule a free consultation. 

We’ll chat about where you are, what your biggest concerns are, and how to make sure your loved one’s future is secure, supported, and sustainable.

 

Can this program help me access the Supports for Community Living (SCL), Michelle P., or HCB waiver programs?

Yes! This program is designed to help families navigate Kentucky’s Medicaid waivers, including:

✅ Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver
✅ Michelle P. Waiver
✅ Home and Community-Based (HCB) Waiver


All of these waiver programs have long waiting lists, and the application process can feel confusing and overwhelming. This program offers:

🔹 Hands-on help with the application process: Guidance to make sure paperwork is completed correctly and nothing gets missed


🔹 Support figuring out services you can access in the meantime: Creative strategies and local resources to help bridge the gap while waiting


🔹 Emergency waiver access guidance (SCL only): If your loved one is experiencing an urgent situation—like loss of a caregiver, serious health or safety risks, or imminent institutionalization—we can help you understand Kentucky’s emergency SCL process.


➡️ Important: Emergency waiver slots are only available for people who meet strict state criteria. Approval is not guaranteed, but we can help you gather documentation, prepare the strongest possible request, and build backup supports to keep your loved one safe.

This program ensures you’re not left to navigate Kentucky’s disability services system alone—and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Why haven't I heard of a program like this before? It seems like so many families need it.

Most of the services yoou have experienced so far are designed around school-aged children—leaving families scrambling after high school ends.

Disability systems assume you’ll “figure it out,” but they don’t offer much real guidance.

This program was created to fill the Life After High School gap. It’s designed to help you build the life your loved one deserves—even when you can't access Medicaid Waiver services. 

Is Samantha a Case Manager?

No—Samantha is not a case manager.

She’s a disability consultant with over 12 years of experience helping families navigate Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver system, hire caregivers through Participant-Directed Services (PDS), and build long-term care solutions that actually work.


She created this support system because case managers are already doing everything they can in a system that’s stretched too thin.

In Kentucky, families are facing impossible challenges:

  • Long waitlists
  • Confusing waiver rules
  • Little to no guidance on how to actually use approved services
  • Limited support when it comes to things like hiring caregivers, navigating self-direction (PDS), or planning for long-term care


Case managers play a vital role—but even the best ones can’t provide the in-depth, personalized support that many families need to feel confident and prepared.

That’s why Samantha developed a hands-on, done-with-you approach: to fill the education, advocacy, and implementation gaps families are struggling with.

This service exists because families deserve more than a system of referrals and 1-800 numbers.

You deserve answers, clarity, and a trusted partner who can help you actually move forward—without waitlists, red tape, or starting from scratch.

Building a Secure Future, Together.

Stop Carrying the Weight Alone.

You’ve done so much already. 

It's time to create a sustainable way forward. 

Let’s figure out what lasting support really looks like for your family.