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Getting Started
Get Diagnosed
Gathering Important Information
Organizing Your Information
The Educated Parent
Early Intervention
What To Do First
What is Early Intervention?
Research
Introduction
Keeping an IEP Notebook
Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Conducting an IEP Meeting
Individuals With Disabilities Act
IDEA ACT - A Quick Reference
IDEA Legal Text
Family Finances
Recommended Resources
Housing
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Housing options
Building a New House ~ That Works!
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Entrances and Thresholds
Single Family Home Resources
Remodeled Bathroom
Ceiling Lifts
Problem Spaces
Adding a Ramp
Good Restroom
Not So Good Restrooms
Great Space Adaptions
Not So Great Adaptations
Ramp Design
Ramp Design (Part 2)
Commercial Ramps
Public Access Ramps
Adding a Ramp
Retrofit Door Sill Ramp
Insurance
Medical Bills
Filing an Appeal
Medical Expenses and Income Taxes
Finding Help for the Uninsured or Underinsured
Free or Discounted Prescription Programs
Medicaid Waivers
Legal Adults - Introduction
Guardianship and Declaration of Incapacitation
Establishing Guardianship and Obtaining a Declaration of Incapacitation
Dependency Determination (Military)
When to Start the Transition Process
Begin Transition - Age 14-16
Exploring Possibilities and Guardianship Issues - Age 17
Age 18
After High School Graduation - Age 19-22
Post High School Education Options
Future Housing Options
Specialized Medical Equipment
Wheelchair Evaluation
Wheelchair Safety
Introduction: Special Needs and the Military Family
DEERS & ID Cards
Dependency Determination
TriCare Introduction
TriCare Program Options
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Individual Case Management
TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)
Early Intervention
Housing Options
Family Support Services
Community Contacts
Letters of Medical Sufficiency
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
Van Conversion: A good Example
Fund Raising - The Flamingo Air Project
Utah DSPD Complaint List Winter 2011
 

Getting Started

Welcome to Special Needs Resource Project. Our intent is to help you, the parent, find a place to start in your quest for services and benefits for your child, no matter what the health issue or disability. We offer monthly newsletters, forms, resource lists, and basic information to help you get started.

As a parent, learning that your child has a severe handicapping medical condition or disability is one of the most frightening things you may ever have to face. You must know (and believe) there are many things that you as a parent can do for your child, regardless of what their diagnosis may be. Taking control of the situation is a very important first step. There is a great deal of responsibility involved in the treatment and care of your child and their medical condition. At times that responsibility can feel overwhelming. Taking baby steps, learning everything you can about your child's diagnosis and prognosis are all things you, the parent, can do to help lighten your load. We've put together a few things here to help get you started with this process.

Military Parents: The same process applies to you, the Military Parent. It doesn't matter if you are an Active Duty career family living on a military base or career National Guard or Reserve living in a civlian community, the process is the same.

The most important strategy to remember, at any time, is ASK QUESTIONS! If there is anything you do not understand, stop right where you are and request an explanation. It doesn't matter where you are. At the hospital for lab testing, school for an IEP meeting, talking with agencies regarding benefits, talking to your insurance carrier, filing paperwork with your base MPF office, etc. Many parents loose out on opportunities to become better advocates for their child, and loose benefits, because they don't have enough information. You can never ask too many questions. Ask, Ask, Ask!

The following sections are designed to get you started on your road to better information and benefits.