Resources - Health
Some young people take good health for granted while others struggle with injuries, disabilities and chronic health conditions. Maintaining optimal health, however that may be defined, encompasses a number of factors including diet, exercise, sleep, regular physical and dental checkups, and may include other factors such as mental health care, medications, therapy, personal assistants and other caregivers.
Maintaining optimal health is further complicated by the fact that between the ages of 18 and 22, youth exit secondary education, pediatric health care, Social Security, foster care, and other youth-serving systems. They then enter adult service systems that "often have different terminology, eligibility requirements, and service options than those of the corresponding youth systems. This disconnect can result in consequences such as termination of services and lost progress" toward education, career, and independent living goals (Podmostko, 2007, p. 2-5). This disconnect, or "transition cliff," also exists for private sector services such as insurance, where many youths lose their parents’ health care coverage when they reach the age of 19 or graduate from high school or college (Podmostko, 2007).
The following is a list of health-related transition resources:
- Guide to the Florida Juvenile Justice System for Parents of Youth with Disabilities or Chronic Health Conditions
- Head and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Health Care Transition
- Mental Health Support for Students Transitioning to Adulthood in Florida
Contact Project 10 at project10@stpete.usf.edu if you have suggestions for additional health issues to be addressed.
Resources
Children's Medical Services (CMS)
Children’s Medical Services (CMS) is a collection of programs that serve children with special health care needs. Each program provides family-centered care using statewide networks of specially qualified doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
This portion of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Website offers resources and information specifically tailored for people with disabilities and their families to help prepare for emergencies through providing information on preparedness planning, evacuation and shelters.