As a parent of a child with a disability, you want to ensure they get the most out of their education and other things that will help them grow strong, resilient, and confident.
Fortunately, plenty of programs are dedicated to kids with special needs further their development.
Remember that you are your kid’s most critical advocate. So, knowing their specific diagnosis, special education services, early intervention services, social security benefits, etc., are essential to support them best. So, here are the programs that can be helpful for children with disabilities:
Schools with IEP
The school, public or private, is the first resource for helping children with special needs get the most of their abilities and gain access to quality education. The education representatives must create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for these kids.
These representatives take into account the kids’ needs and challenges. They also create a plan to incorporate those needs and challenges into the school. If the school where your kid studies have IEP, you will have peace of mind knowing that the school takes good care of them.
Special Needs Scholarship Programs
You can find several states that have developed funding programs. These programs are designed to help families having kids with disability relieve the burden of educational costs. For example, the state of Georgia offers a Special Needs Scholarship program.
The same programs also exist in other states. So, you can contact your local education department to know what scholarship programs are available in your state.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
Families caring for children with disabilities find medical expenses the major burden. The good news is that several programs can help them cover those expenses.
For example, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program is dedicated to helping people with disabilities and their families understand how healthcare coverage works. Then, the center will help them find resources that can cover their medical expenses. They are also knowledgeable about the healthcare system and health insurance.
Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Children’s Health Insurance Program offers comprehensive health coverage to people under 19 whose families’ incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. This program is referred to by different names and varies by state.
In most cases, there is no asset limit. Some states charge a modest premium to those at the income spectrum’s higher end.
Opening Doors Program
The US government provides programs dedicated to disseminating information and resources to kids with disabilities. For example, the Opening Doors program is designed for kids with hearing disabilities. The program provides up-to-date information about the services and technology resources to help these kids cope up with communication difficulties.
Conclusion
There are other programs available for kids with special needs, depending on the state where you live, in addition to the programs mentioned above. You can contact local disability groups or the Department of Health and Human Services’ information centers to see the programs available in your place.