Life Without a Filter: A Parent’s Guide to Disability Transition, Self-Directed Adult Services & Life After Special Education

Three summers ago, while we were developing L’s self-direction programming model, he shared something pretty simple in his person-centered plan: he wanted to try different sports and activities.

We wanted his programming to support not only his physical goals, but also his social goals and, most importantly, have activities that he actually wanted to do.

Thanks to the amazing team at Gnome Surf, he has now completed his third summer in their adapted surf program—and honestly, it continues to amaze us every year.

If you're in Southern Massachusetts or Rhode Island and looking for inclusive, meaningful activities for your child or young adult, Gnome Surf is definitely worth checking out.

https://gnomesurf.org/

#LifeWithoutAFIlter #SelfDirection #SelfDirectedServices #PersonCenteredPlanning #DisabilityInclusion #TransitionPlanning #InclusiveRecreation #SurfTherapy #GnomeSurf #MassachusettsDDS #RhodeIsland #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityParenting

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Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

📚✨ Back-to-School isn’t just about school supplies… it’s also the perfect time to check in on your child’s transition plan.

From IEP dates to adult services and “Turning 18” steps, staying organized now saves stress later. 

RESOURCES

Get the "Back to School" and "The Steps to Launching a Participant-Directed Program" checklists by visiting the Resource page at lifewithoutafiltercf.com 

DESE MA Transition Planning Resources:  https://www.doe.mass.edu/specialeducation/iep/transition/resources-materials.html 

The Turning 18 Checklist by Autism Housing Pathways:  https://autismhousingpathways.org/turning-18-checklist/

The Arc of Massachusetts Transition Timelines Checklist:  https://thearcofmass.org/resource-search/transition-from-school-to-adult-life-time-lines/

Federation for Children with Special Needs Age of Majority:  https://fcsn.org/resource/age-of-majority-in-ma/

Visit my blog and podcast for previous episodes:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/blog/

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440578  

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

Thank you to everyone who has been listening to the podcast over the past year.  Listen here to learn about my goals for Season 2 and what is coming up on the next episode!

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

Feeling overwhelmed about your first ISP meeting? You’re not alone.

In today’s episode, I share how we prepare for the annual ISP meeting.  I talk about: 

 ✔️ what the ISP actually is
 ✔️ how to prepare before the meeting
 ✔️ what happens during & after the meeting
 ✔️ how to center your young adult’s goals

While this content is Massachusetts-focused, the planning strategies apply no matter where you live.

Resources:
Charting the Life Course Person-Centered Plan:  https://www.lifecoursetools.com/ 

Creating a Circle of Care blog post:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/2025/11/13/sd-21-creating-a-circle-of-care-support-networks-for-families-in-participant-directed-services/

Blog on Person-Centered Planning:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/2024/08/20/transition-101-5-empowering-individuals-achieving-goals-through-person-centered-planning/

Podcast Episode 5:  Person-Centered Planning:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440578/episodes/18052766

✨ Bonus: there’s an ISP prep checklist you can download and save. To request a copy, visit my resource page at Life Without a Filter:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/resources/

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

If you’re starting the Participant Directed Program (PDP) through DDS, one of the final steps is the PDP Orientation—and for many families, this is where things start to feel very real.

In this episode, we break down what the PDP Orientation actually is, why it’s required, and how to prepare so you can walk in feeling confident—not overwhelmed.

🔗 PDP Orientation Checklist:
 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tools-for-pdp-awc

🔗 DDS Participant Toolbox: https://www.mass.gov/lists/getting-started-in-participant-directed-program#participant-toolbox-

💬 Have questions about PDP or self-direction? Drop them in the comments or reach out directly.

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with other families navigating DDS and self-direction.

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

Happy Summer!  In this week's episode, I share where I have been during this (unintended) hiatus and what I learned during that time.

I also thought it would be the perfect time to talk about two things that naturally come together this time of year: planning for summer and preparing for a new fiscal year.

If you are doing self-directed services in Massachusetts, our fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30th.  So while vacations, BBQs, and beach days may be on everyone's mind, it is also important to start the fiscal year off right!  Learn what systems we have in place to reset at the beginning of the new fiscal year, and how we use the summer as a time for growth and flexibility in planning.

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

Are you trying to figure out how to start a self-directed program for your young adult, but not sure where to begin?

When our family was going through this process, I found plenty of transition timelines—but nothing that clearly explained how to actually build a participant-directed (self-directed) program step by step. So I created one.

In this episode, I walk you through my Self-Direction Program Checklist, created specifically for families navigating the transition from school-based services to adult services in Massachusetts.

This episode is designed for families who are brand new to self-direction and want a clear, manageable roadmap.

Resource Links:

To request a copy of the checklist, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/resources/ 

Episode 12:  Applying for Adult DDS Services:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440578/episodes/18856912

Episode 5:  Person-Centered Planning: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440578/episodes/18052766 

Episode 6:  Creating a Vision Plan:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440578/episodes/18133427 

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

What happens when your child transitions from special education to adult services?

In this episode, we walk through the Massachusetts adult transition process, including how to apply for DDS adult eligibility, what the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) actually covers, and the major shift families face as they move from entitlement services under IDEA to eligibility-based adult services.

You’ll learn why adult eligibility must be determined even if your child received services as a minor, how the 688 referral starts the adult services timeline, and why eligibility does not guarantee adult placements or programs. This episode is especially helpful for families who are one to three years away from aging out and want to plan ahead with clarity and confidence.

Topics include: DDS eligibility, adult transition planning, ITP meetings, entitlement vs eligibility, Massachusetts adult services, and self-directed supports.

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

🎙 New Episode: Building Your Team in a Self-Directed Program

Thinking about self-direction for your young adult — or already on that path? In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most important pieces of the puzzle: building your team.

From DDS coordinators and support brokers to family, friends, and staff, we’ll explore who’s involved, how to find the right supports, and why flexibility matters every step of the way. Plus, I share tips and resources to help families avoid burnout and build a program that truly works.

💡 Tune in and learn how to create a strong, sustainable support network that brings your young adult’s vision to life.

#SelfDirection #DisabilitySupport #DDS #TransitionPlanning #FamilyCaregivers #ParticipantDirected #Inclusion #AdultServices

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)

Self-determination and self-advocacy — you’ve probably heard these terms used interchangeably. But they’re not the same… and understanding the difference matters more than you might think.

In this week’s podcast episode, I break down:
 • what self-determination really means
• how self-advocacy builds on it
• and why your young adult needs both to move from planning to real-life action

Here’s a question to think about as you listen:
 👉 If your young adult doesn’t have a clear plan, what are they advocating for?

#TransitionPlanning #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocacy #ParentsOfYoungAdults #DisabilitySupport #IEPTransition #AdultServices #ParentToParent

Don't want to miss an episode?  Make sure to subscribe, rate, and comment!

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/life_without_a_filter_2025/

For more information on the resources we share, visit our website:  https://lifewithoutafiltercf.com/

As a Disclaimer,  I am NOT a lawyer, a medical doctor, or a licensed psychologist.  I am writing this blog as a mom sharing her journey and opinions.  My views are my own and should not be construed as any direct medical or legal advice. (I hate having to write a disclaimer, but this is the world we live in!)