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.
Individual Disabilities A to Z
From diagnosis to a workable plan with real follow through
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Connects with VA prosthetics and community clinics, schedules gait training, and supports socket fit follow up.
• Navigates auto and home adaptation grants, accessible vehicle searches, and driving evaluations.
• Links veterans to adaptive sports, peer mentoring, and mental health support.
• Plans return to work with VR&E, job accommodations, and disclosure strategies.
• Supports the family with safe transfer training, equipment maintenance, and respite options.
Amputation and limb difference
Life after limb loss requires coordinated prosthetics, mobility training, and home access.
Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
Mood and energy changes can disrupt routines, parenting, work, and finances.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Coordinates therapy, medication management, and group supports with warm handoffs.
• Builds daily structure, accountability check ins, and relapse prevention plans.
• Secures testing or workplace accommodations, flexible attendance, and remote options when appropriate.
• Screens for benefits, emergency aid, and transportation so treatment is not derailed by logistics.
• Connects with VA prosthetics and community clinics, schedules gait training, and supports socket fit follow up.
• Navigates auto and home adaptation grants, accessible vehicle searches, and driving evaluations.
• Links veterans to adaptive sports, peer mentoring, and mental health support.
• Plans return to work with VR&E, job accommodations, and disclosure strategies.
• Supports the family with safe transfer training, equipment maintenance, and respite options.
ADHD and learning disabilities
Attention, executive function, and reading or math differences can affect school and work.
Autism
Communication, social interaction, and sensory processing can affect learning, work, and daily life.
• Assists with evaluations and communication supports such as visuals, AAC, and sensory friendly routines.
• Coaches families through IEPs, 504 plans, transition services, and college disability offices.
• Connects to employment readiness, job coaching, and employers open to neurodiversity.
• Supports caregivers with training groups, respite referrals, and predictable scheduling tools.
• Screens for benefits including SSI and Medicaid waivers where eligible.
​How NH4L helps veteran families
• Coordinates PT, OT, speech therapy, spasticity management, and orthotics or seating evaluations.
• Secures school services, transportation, and nursing support when needed, then plans the transition to adult providers.
• Arranges home access solutions, personal assistance, and community inclusion programs.
• Guides benefits such as SSI, Medicaid waivers, and respite for caregivers.
• Aligns plans when a parent is a veteran, ensuring VA supports and community services work together.
Cerebral palsy
Movement and posture differences often require lifelong therapy and adaptive equipment.
Hearing loss and deafness
​Hearing changes are common after service and can affect work, family life, and safety.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Connects to VA audiology or community providers for hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices.
• Arranges ASL interpreters, captioned phones, and real time captioning for classes and meetings.
• Coaches employers and colleges on communication access and emergency alerts.
• Supports claims documentation and tinnitus management resources.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Links to VA Blind Rehabilitation Services or community orientation and mobility training.
• Sets up screen readers, magnification software, and accessible materials at school or work.
• Plans safe home layouts, travel training, and shopping or banking supports.
• Coordinates benefits, transportation, and job accommodations with VR&E.
Vision loss and blindness
From low vision to total blindness, independence depends on the right tools and training.
Multiple sclerosis
Symptoms fluctuate, so plans need flexibility and fast adjustments.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Coordinates neuro care, infusion scheduling, PT and OT, and fatigue management strategies.
• Secures cooling, ergonomic, and mobility supports, with backup plans for flare days.
• Works with employers on flexible scheduling and telework when appropriate.
• Navigates SSDI or VA claims when work capacity changes and protects continuity of care during moves.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Aligns neurology, PT, OT, and speech therapy with home safety and fall prevention.
• Sets medication routines, transportation options, and caregiver backup plans.
• Coordinates adaptive utensils, clothing, and handwriting or communication supports.
• Supports benefits claims and employer education for practical accommodations.
Parkinson disease and movement disorders
Tremor, stiffness, and slowed movement can affect work, driving, and daily tasks.
PTSD and related mental health conditions
​Trauma affects sleep, focus, relationships, and the ability to work or study.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Connects to evidence based therapy and peer support through the VA and community providers.
• Builds quiet space, schedule flexibility, and communication accommodations at work or school.
• Sets routines for sleep, exercise, and symptom tracking and helps caregivers learn supportive responses.
• Documents functional impacts for claims and coordinates crisis and safety plans.
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.
Spotlight on autism and Down syndrome
What to Know About Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida Support
Spina bifida is a condition present at birth that affects the spine and nervous system. Needs change across the lifespan, from early surgeries and therapy to continence care, mobility, skin protection, and independent living skills. NH4L helps families and adults line up the right services at the right time.
How NH4L helps veteran families
• Plans respiratory supports, power mobility, lift systems, and seating that protect skin and posture.
• Arranges personal assistance services, respite, and accessible transportation.
• Coordinates school or workplace accommodations and remote participation options.
• Navigates SSI or SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and equipment funding with thorough documentation.
Muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy
Progressive weakness calls for proactive planning and the right equipment at the right time.
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.
​Early childhood support, birth to age 3
Goal Early identification and family coaching.
What to do
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Request a developmental screening through your pediatrician or local early intervention program.
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Ask for a comprehensive evaluation if screening shows concerns.
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Start a Family Service Plan that outlines therapies and goals.
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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
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Submit a written request to your school district for a special education evaluation.
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Participate in the evaluation process and review results in plain language.
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If eligible, help create an Individualized Education Program. If not eligible, request a 504 plan for classroom accommodations.
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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.
Transition to adulthood, ages 14 to 22
Goal Plan for life after high school.
What to do
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Add a transition plan to the IEP by age 16, earlier if possible.
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Explore career pathways and postsecondary training. Include paid work experiences when possible.
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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
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Decide on decision making supports. Consider supported decision making, powers of attorney, or limited guardianship when necessary.
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Apply for adult services that match goals. Examples include day programs, supported employment, peer supports, and housing navigation.
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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.
How to get assessed
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For infants and toddlers, birth to age 3
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Ask your pediatrician for a developmental screening. Use milestone checklists to prepare.
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If there are concerns, request a free evaluation from your state or county early intervention program.
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Receive a multidisciplinary evaluation and a written report in family friendly language.
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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
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Submit a written request for a school evaluation. The district must respond within defined timelines.
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Evaluations may include cognitive, academic, speech language, occupational therapy, behavioral, and health assessments.
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Review results and eligibility. If eligible, develop an IEP. If not, request a 504 plan for accommodations.
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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
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If you need diagnostic clarification, request a neuropsychological evaluation from a licensed clinician. Ask your primary care provider for referrals.
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Contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency if disability affects employment. Free evaluations can include career interest testing and functional assessments.
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If daily living is impacted, apply for Medicaid long term services or similar state programs. Functional assessments determine eligibility for home and community supports.
What we help with
• Care coordination with neurology, urology, rehab, and skin care teams
• Mobility and seating evaluations, braces, wheelchairs, and pressure relief cushions
• Bowel and bladder management education and supplies navigation
• Skin integrity plans to prevent pressure injuries
• Home and vehicle accessibility referrals
• School IEP and 504 planning, transition services, and college disability support
• Employment readiness, vocational rehabilitation, and workplace accommodations
• Transportation coordination for frequent appointments
• Benefits screening, including VA related programs where eligible, Medicaid, SSI or SSDI
• Caregiver coaching and respite referrals
For veteran and military families
​• Documentation support for benefits claims when service connection or family eligibility may apply
• Coaching for moves so care continues without gaps
• Employer and school letters for accommodations and flexible schedules
• Community connections for peer support and adaptive recreation
Nutrition and supplements
​Families sometimes ask about vitamins, protein powders, or supplements like spirulina. These products are not treatments for spina bifida. Quality and safety vary. Always discuss supplements with a clinician, especially when there are urinary tract concerns, pressure injury risk, or interactions with medications. NH4L can help you prepare questions for your provider and track any changes if a clinician approves a trial.
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
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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.
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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.
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Education services. Special education and related services are provided at no cost to families. Colleges must offer reasonable accommodations.
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Employment supports. Vocational rehabilitation funds training, job coaching, and assistive technology. Many states offer supported or customized employment.
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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
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Flexible scheduling and break routines
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Job coaching or a workplace mentor
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Noise, light, or sensory adjustments
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Assistive technology and communication supports
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Alternate testing formats and note taking support in college
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Clear task lists and visual workflows
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NH4L trains employers and campus partners to build inclusive environments that work for everyone.
Safety, self advocacy, and dignity
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Teach rights and consent in age appropriate ways
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Practice requesting help and reporting concerns
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Build circles of support that include peers and mentors
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Use supported decision making before more restrictive options
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Plan for emergencies, backup caregivers, and digital safety
How NH4L helps
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Free intake and needs assessment
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Benefits screening and applications support
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School and IEP coaching, including transition plans
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Adult services navigation and Regional Center coaching where applicable
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VA coordination for veterans and family members
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Employment readiness training and employer partnerships
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Workshops on financial literacy and independent living
Know Your Rights
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Know your rights under the ADA and related laws
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Request an accommodation
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Talk to a navigator
Get started today
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Complete the NH4L intake form.
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Upload any current evaluations or plans.
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Meet with an NH4L navigator to build a 90 day plan.
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Start services and track progress with your navigator.