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Individual Disability Support

We advocate for you, and we act with you.

New Horizon 4 Life helps individuals with disabilities and their families build stable, independent, and dignified lives. This page walks through the full journey from early childhood to adulthood and includes clear steps for assessment, services, and funding. It also connects military and veteran families to resources that understand life after service.

What we mean by individual disability

Disability is a broad term that includes developmental, intellectual, cognitive, physical, sensory, and mental health conditions. Common examples include autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, hearing or vision impairment, traumatic brain injury, and chronic health conditions that affect daily living. Needs and strengths change over time. Our job is to help you get the right support at the right stage.

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Lifespan roadmap

Add a general description of the items listed below. You can introduce the list and include any relevant information you want to share. Double click to edit the text.

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​Early childhood support, birth to age 3

Goal Early identification and family coaching.

What to do

  1. Request a developmental screening through your pediatrician or local early intervention program.

  2. Ask for a comprehensive evaluation if screening shows concerns.

  3. Start a Family Service Plan that outlines therapies and goals.

  4. Learn about respite care and caregiver mental health supports.

Typical services Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental therapy, feeding support, parent coaching, assistive technology trials.

For military and veteran families Confirm eligibility for TRICARE covered therapies and coordinate services if your family relocates. NH4L can help you transfer records and maintain continuity of care.

 

School age support, ages 3 to 21

Goal Free and appropriate education with needed supports.

What to do

  1. Submit a written request to your school district for a special education evaluation.

  2. Participate in the evaluation process and review results in plain language.

  3. If eligible, help create an Individualized Education Program. If not eligible, request a 504 plan for classroom accommodations.

  4. Track progress through regular meetings and data review.

Supports and accommodations Speech and language therapy, behavioral supports, social skills training, assistive technology, extended time, alternate testing, mobility and sensory supports, nursing services, transportation.

For military and veteran families If you receive orders to move, request an IEP transfer meeting. Schools must provide comparable services while the new plan is finalized. NH4L can coach families on records and advocacy across state lines.

 

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Transition to adulthood, ages 14 to 22

Goal Plan for life after high school.

What to do

  1. Add a transition plan to the IEP by age 16, earlier if possible.

  2. Explore career pathways and postsecondary training. Include paid work experiences when possible.

  3. Apply for adult benefits and services during the final school years to prevent gaps after graduation.

Services to consider Vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, college disability services, driver readiness programs, independent living skills training, benefits counseling.

For veteran families Children of service members and veterans may qualify for health coverage and educational benefits that support transition. NH4L can help align school plans with VA connected supports.

 

Adulthood, 18 and beyond

What to do

  1. Decide on decision making supports. Consider supported decision making, powers of attorney, or limited guardianship when necessary.

  2. Apply for adult services that match goals. Examples include day programs, supported employment, peer supports, and housing navigation.

  3. Reassess needs during life changes such as new jobs, marriage, or moves.

Health and wellness Primary care with disability informed providers, mental health care, behavioral health, physical and occupational therapy, and long term services and supports.

For veterans with disabilities Explore VA disability compensation, adaptive housing grants, caregiver support, and vocational rehabilitation and employment services. NH4L can coordinate VA and community resources to build one integrated plan.

 

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How to get assessed

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For infants and toddlers, birth to age 3

  • Ask your pediatrician for a developmental screening. Use milestone checklists to prepare.

  • If there are concerns, request a free evaluation from your state or county early intervention program.

  • Receive a multidisciplinary evaluation and a written report in family friendly language.

  • Meet with providers to create a Family Service Plan that includes goals and services.

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For children and teens, ages 3 to 21

  • Submit a written request for a school evaluation. The district must respond within defined timelines.

  • Evaluations may include cognitive, academic, speech language, occupational therapy, behavioral, and health assessments.

  • Review results and eligibility. If eligible, develop an IEP. If not, request a 504 plan for accommodations.

  • For medical diagnoses like autism or ADHD, ask your pediatrician for referrals to a neuropsychologist or developmental specialist. Use both educational and medical evaluations to inform services.

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For adults

  • If you need diagnostic clarification, request a neuropsychological evaluation from a licensed clinician. Ask your primary care provider for referrals.

  • Contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency if disability affects employment. Free evaluations can include career interest testing and functional assessments.

  • If daily living is impacted, apply for Medicaid long term services or similar state programs. Functional assessments determine eligibility for home and community supports.

Spotlight on autism and Down syndrome

Autism spectrum

Autism affects communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. Support often includes speech language therapy, behavioral and developmental therapies, occupational therapy, and visual communication tools. Early intervention improves outcomes, but support at any age matters.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome involves an extra copy of chromosome 21 and often includes low muscle tone, learning differences, and certain health considerations. Most individuals benefit from early speech and feeding therapy, inclusive education, life skills instruction, and employment supports. Many thrive in competitive jobs with the right workplace accommodations.

NH4L partners with local and national organizations that specialize in autism and Down syndrome to expand your circle of care.

California note on Regional Centers

If you live in California, the Regional Center system provides diagnosis and lifelong coordination for eligible developmental disabilities such as autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Families and adults can self refer. NH4L can help you prepare documentation, attend intake, and understand your Individual Program Plan.

Benefits and funding

  • Health coverage. Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurance may fund therapies, equipment, and personal care. For veterans, VA health programs and community care can fill gaps.

  • Disability income. SSI and SSDI can help with basic needs and open doors to Medicaid or Medicare. Work incentives allow earned income while keeping coverage.

  • Education services. Special education and related services are provided at no cost to families. Colleges must offer reasonable accommodations.

  • Employment supports. Vocational rehabilitation funds training, job coaching, and assistive technology. Many states offer supported or customized employment.

  • Family supports. Respite, caregiver training, counseling, transportation, and home modifications may be available through state or VA programs.

NH4L provides benefits screening and a written action plan so you know exactly what to apply for and when.

Workplace and college accommodations

  • Flexible scheduling and break routines

  • Job coaching or a workplace mentor

  • Noise, light, or sensory adjustments

  • Assistive technology and communication supports

  • Alternate testing formats and note taking support in college

  • Clear task lists and visual workflows

  • NH4L trains employers and campus partners to build inclusive environments that work for everyone.

Safety, self advocacy, and dignity

  • Teach rights and consent in age appropriate ways

  • Practice requesting help and reporting concerns

  • Build circles of support that include peers and mentors

  • Use supported decision making before more restrictive options

  • Plan for emergencies, backup caregivers, and digital safety

How NH4L helps

  • Free intake and needs assessment

  • Benefits screening and applications support

  • School and IEP coaching, including transition plans

  • Adult services navigation and Regional Center coaching where applicable

  • VA coordination for veterans and family members

  • Employment readiness training and employer partnerships

  • Workshops on financial literacy and independent living

Get started today

  • Complete the NH4L intake form.

  • Upload any current evaluations or plans.

  • Meet with an NH4L navigator to build a 90 day plan.

  • Start services and track progress with your navigator.

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