Transitioning to Adulthood with a Disability

Becoming an adult can be an exciting milestone. It’s a time to build independence, explore new opportunities, and plan for the future.

For young people living with a disability and their families, this transition may require extra planning and support, but you’re not alone.

Planning early can make things easier and help reduce the stress that often comes with change. There are also programs and services to guide you every step of the way.  

On this page, you’ll find information about:

• personalized disability supports for adults
• housing options and supports
• community activities and connection
• medical and financial supports
• employment, training, and education
• decision-making and legal support

Personalized disability supports for adults

• Disability Support Program (DSP): This program is for adults aged 19 to 64 who are living with a disability. It offers personalized supports based on individual needs and goals. You can apply for the Disability Support Program starting at age 19. It’s a good idea to start your Disability Support Program application early as you’ll need time to gather documents, such as medical and financial information. For more information, including who qualifies and how to apply, visit the Disability Support Program page.

Medical and financial supports

• Health Services and medical supplies:  Social Development offers programs to help pay for medical equipment, supplies, and services not covered by Medicare or private insurance. For more information, visit the Health Services page.
• Prescription drug plans: The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program and the New Brunswick Drug Plan help cover the cost of medications for people without private insurance. For more information, visit the Prescription Drug Plans page.
• Social assistance: Helps people with a limited income pay for basic needs, like food, clothing, and shelter. For more information, visit the Social Assistance page.
• Federal benefits: The Government of Canada offers a range of financial supports for people living with disabilities, such as tax credits, grants for disability savings plans, and education funding. For more information, visit the Federal Benefits for People with a Disability page.

Housing options and supports

Help with rent

• Supports for renters: Housing NB (HNB) offers programs to help make rent more affordable for people in New Brunswick. This includes options like subsidized housing for people living with a disability. For more information, visit the Housing and property renting programs page.

Accessibility improvements

• Making homes accessible: The Homeowner Repair Program helps families and landlords make homes safer and more accessible. For more information, visit the Government of New Brunswick Homeowner Repair Program page.

Supportive housing

If you might need supportive housing, we will meet with you to understand your needs and help you find the best option for your situation.

• Special care homes: These homes provide a safe and supportive environment with 24/7 care for daily needs like personal care, meals, and taking medication. For more information, visit the Special Care Homes page.
• Community Residences: These homes offer 24/7 care for people needing extra help due to physical or developmental disabilities, or mental health conditions. For more information, visit the Community Residences page.
• Living in a private home with a caregiver: Alternative Family Living Arrangements allow a person with a disability to live in a private home and receive personalized care in a family-like setting. 

Community activities and connection

• Ability NB: Offers support for people with mobility disabilities, including peer support, rehabilitation counselling, adaptive sports and recreation equipment, and accessibility retrofits for vehicles. For more information, visit the Ability NB page.
• Inclusion NB: Provides personalized support and resources to help people with an intellectual or developmental disability live full lives. For more information, visit the Inclusion NB page. 

Employment, training, and education 

• Employment and Support Services Program (ESSP): This program helps people living with a disability find work, develop skills, and connect with their community. For more information, visit the Employment and Support Services Program page.
• WorkingNB: Provides career counselling and training to help people living with a disability identify skills and explore job opportunities. For more information, visit the WorkingNB website.
• Avenue NB: Provides services, training and guidance to help people living with a disability find meaningful and inclusive jobs. They also partner with employers to create and match people to the right opportunities. For more information, visit the Avenue NB website.
• Post-secondary education and training: Learn about resources and programs that support education and skills training, including student financial assistance and adult learning opportunities. Visit the Government of New Brunswick Education and Training page for more information.

Decision-making and legal support

• Help making decisions: Sometimes, it’s helpful to have someone you trust support you or a loved one in making decisions. This support can be informal, like asking a family member or friend for help. There are also more formal options, including legal processes, to help with decision-making. To learn more about these options, visit the Decision-making support options page.
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB): Provides information about legal rights and supports for people living with disabilities. This includes resources on managing decisions, accessing legal help, and understanding your rights. For more information, visit the PLEIS-NB website.