Life Without a Filter: A Parent’s Guide to Disability Transition, Self-Directed Adult Services & Life After Special Education
Life Without a Filter is a podcast for parents of young adults with disabilities navigating the transition from special education to adult services, with a strong focus on Self-Direction and Participant-Directed supports.
Hosted by a parent with lived experience, the podcast offers honest conversations, practical guidance, and real-world examples to help families feel less alone and more confident about their next steps.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or trying to understand Self-Direction in your state, this podcast will help you feel less alone and more confident about your next steps—while offering ideas you can adapt anywhere in the U.S.
Life Without a Filter: A Parent’s Guide to Disability Transition, Self-Directed Adult Services & Life After Special Education
Episode 13: Overwhelmed by Self-Direction? A Checklist to Start Your Participant-Directed Program
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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
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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!)