Childrens Choices   

Community & Parents Working Together...

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Facts

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Services & Support

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Applying for State & Federal Funding

Your child might be eligible to receive state and/or federally funded services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and more.

When  Arizona residents are applying for state & federal financial aide  through Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), there are certain things to keep in mind. These benefits are not based on the parent's income for a child  under the age of 18.  First of all, the more documentation that you can provide them, the better case you will build.  Be sure to gather all pertinent evaluations done by physicians (pediatrician, neurologist, opthamologist, otologist, psychologist , behavioralist etc.), therapists (speech, occupational, physical), teachers and the like. They are the professionals that know your child's strengths and weaknesses the most, and their opinions will weigh heavily.  Make sure to include any blood, urine ,or MRI results.  Collect any test scores you may have (IQ), and provide a current copy of IEP (individualized educational program).   You may even consider having a neighbor or relative summarize the type of behavior they notice with your child.  Does  your child require use of assistive devices (for physical, dietary, or communication challenges)?

You will be asked to rate your child's skill levels.   It is very important that you do not say your child has mastered a skill unless he can consistently perform that skill  90-95% of the time.   Even though you are proud that he is learning a new skill,  how is he doing now? His skill may be "emerging" as opposed to completely mastered.   DDD  & ALTCS need to know any patterns of concern.

There are important topics to elaborate on.  I will break these down into 3 areas:

Safety:  Does your child understand the meaning of strangers?  Does your child wander away from you accidentally or intentionally when in public places?  Are you able to redirect him?  Does he wander out of the house into a street full of cars?  Will he obey and hold your hand?   Does your child understand and actually feel the effects of a hot/cold or sharp object?  Does your child dress appropriately for weather, or does he walk barefoot on the burning asphalt or strip himself of clothing in the winter? Does your child seem to accidentally or intentionally harm himself, pets, or others?  Can your child problem-solve and make decisions?

Communication/Socialization:  Is your child able to make his needs known?  Is his speech comprehendible?  Does he make verbal requests?  What are his expressive & receptive capabilities?  Do you fear that his delays or challenges are keeping him isolated from other children like siblings or friends?  How is his hearing?

Self Care:  Is your child able to feed himself with proper utensils?  Can he drink from a cup?  Is he able to dress himself?  Will he brush his hair or teeth?  How are his toileting habits?

Basically, you should strive for your child to be physically safe, emotionally stable, and able to make requests/needs known.  Your child should be able to socialize and build relationships.  You will want your child to be able to "mainstream" into kindergarten and be indistinguishable both expressively and receptively.

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Infants and toddlers under the age of 6 , may qualify for services if they have a formal diagnosis or exhibit a significant developmental delay in one or more areas of development (physical development, cognitive development, speech & language, self-help skills, psychosocial skills).   If under the age of 3, a child may be eligible if he is determined to be "at risk" for developmental disability.

Once your child turns 6,  a  formal diagnosis and at least 3  deficits in Major Life Skills (below)  will be needed to continue DDD services.

  Formal diagnosis/Chronic developmental disability (which occurred before the age of 18 and is likely to continue indefinitely)

1. Epilepsy
2. Cerebral Palsy
3. Autism
4. Mental Retardation

Major Life Skills

1. Self care
2. Receptive & Expressive Speech
3. Learning
4. Mobility
5. Self-direction
6. Capacity for independent living
7. Economic self-sufficiency

For more information...

     last updated  10/18/2005