Chapter 688
Students in High School may be eligible for a Chapter 688 referral to MassAbility services. High school students with severe disabilities who will need more services from an adult human service agency after leaving school and who benefit from an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) may be helped by MassAbility. All students referred under Chapter 688 must be getting special education services, need adult services, have job-related goals and be unable to work 20 or more hours per week in competitive, non-sheltered or non-supported employment. Referrals should be made by the Local Education Agency (LEA) within two years of the student’s graduation from high school or turning age 22.
Individuals who receive SSI or SSDI based on their disability or who are registered with the Commission for the Blind are automatically eligible for Chapter 688 services.
Referrals received after a student leaves the school setting or after age 22 are not eligible for 688 and will be a direct MassAbility referral.
Direct Referrals to MassAbility for Non-688 Eligible Students
Students not eligible for 688 can still be referred to MassAbility for Career Services and other Home and Community Life Services. Students, family members, and school staff can begin the referral process with a phone call or a visit to the local MassAbility Office (links below). There may also be a Career Service staff assigned to the student’s high school who can assist with the direct referral process. The MassAbility direct referral process can begin as early as age 14 or at least 2 years prior to graduation from high school.
Additional Resources
Referrals for Pre-Employment Transition Services
Students aged 14 through 21, up to their 22nd birthday who are in high school and/or post-secondary education or training can access pre-employment transition services through a community vendor. Students can connect directly to the pre-employment transition services provider to start the intake process. Students do not need to apply to Career Services to receive and access the five pre-employment transition services (job exploration counseling, work readiness training, work-based learning experiences, counseling in post-secondary education and self-advocacy). To learn what community provider is in your region ask your local MassAbility Office (links above).