Parents raising children with special needs have a lot on their plates. There are the usual parenting things like making lunches, planning playdates, taking the little ones to the doctor for checkups, and helping them learn. For parents of special needs kids, these things are still on the menu, but often with a few added extras. Making sure that the food you serve these children is in line with any aversions to texture or color that they may have or making sure that the food compensates for any deficiencies can take time. Finding safe and constructive ways for kids to interact with peers isn’t always easy. Finding educational specialists and the right physicians can also be challenging, and ensuring that these are a good fit is imperative. Luckily for parents in Indiana, a number of services cater to the requirements of children with special needs. If you fall into that category, we have the only list you’ll ever need to help you manage everything for your children.
Children’s Special Health Care Services Program of Indiana
This program is exceptionally well suited to helping families of special needs children receive access to treatment at a reasonable rate. The CSHCS operates as supplemental insurance and helps families better manage the financial obligations of seeking treatment at an ABA center or from a physical therapist. The CSHCS is a “payer of last resort,” meaning the program might only pay out if your insurance provider denies your claim. Think of it as a safety net funded by the state and there for you to access the best care you can.
Early childhood education
Children as young as three may meet the criteria for educational intervention if they meet the qualification needs. Indiana Department of Education’s Office of Special Education offers a way for parents to meet the educational needs of their unique children. Paying close attention to the early years of your child’s education will set them up to build on that foundation and reach any future goals that you or they might have. There are a few programs available:
- Preschool
- Headstart
- Licensed childcare centers
- Unlicensed registered ministries
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The Department makes it a priority to work very closely with special needs families through the Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning to make sure that each student is getting the kind of individualized care and education that will work best for them.
Medicaid waiver
If you need a little assistance in covering the often considerable costs that arise from caring for children with special needs (whether it’s autism, Down’s Syndrome, or whatever the case may be), then the Medical Waiver service is the one for you. This service does not include family income in determining access and allocation of funds, but there is a waiting list to get onto the scheme. Even if you do not currently need assistance but think that you might in the future, it is best to start the application process ahead of time.
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Carey Services Indiana
Carey Services is a private provider offering several adult and children’s special needs services. A few are particularly helpful, such as the Respite service. The folks at Carey know that, while it is a labor of love, it can take a lot of time and effort to look after a child with special needs properly. When you, as the primary caretaker, need a bit of a break, Carey can help you out. They provide substitute caregivers to help ease the load and accommodate several scenarios. Contact Carey Services to be sure that you qualify. Carey also offers several transportation services catering to each child’s unique needs.
Hillcroft Services Inc
This nonprofit service is focused on operating within a culture of ethical behavior, solid values, and the highest quality service to those they work with. Hillcroft offers home and community services, which aim to support children with various special needs on a 24-hour basis. They also provide therapy services, including outpatient options, recreational therapy, musical therapy, Creativity Unlimited programs, and assistance with a particular focus on autism. Finally, Hillcroft offers excellent transportation services to families who use Medicaid Waiver, Medicaid, or private payment methods.
Autism Society of Indiana
The ASI provides a comprehensive list of therapy and care options available to those living in Indiana. They aim to foster connections throughout the Autistic community and offer up the resources these individuals will need to progress and live to the fullest. They work according to a set of incredible values: dignity and self-determination, equity and the achieving of goals, inclusion and integration into society, and diversity and inclusivity.
This list of services for special needs children will keep you in solutions even when you don’t know you need any. Keep it taped to the fridge or bookmarked in your browser, and you’ll never be without a helpful resource again.