A GPS for Families of People with Special Needs – Part I

PART ONE BY LAUREN AGORATUS INTRODUCTION I wrote this manual to help other families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who work with them. My daughter now has five life-threatening conditions, and autism just to keep things interesting. We have been through everything from early intervention to currently going through transition to adult care. I hope this helps you on your journey. EARLY & CONTINUOUS SCREENING Families may be concerned that their child […]

Eight Evaluation Essentials for Parents in Special Education

BY JUDITH CANTY GRAVES AND CARSON GRAVES Evaluations are a major part of the special education experience. The purpose of evaluations, aside from determining eligibility for special education, is to inform parents, teachers, and other specialists how a student’s disabilities may be affecting his or her ability to learn and interact socially with peers. This information is important in providing a road map for the student’s special education Team to develop an effective Individualized Education […]

Lessons from Cecil: The Pride We Share

Physicians and dentists who treat our patients understand the draw. They share a high level of dedication and devotion and know the need for adequate preparation. I love old movies. Among my fondest memories was going to the movies with my father. In reality it was more like he took me to the movies, made sure I had a good seat and popcorn and then he slipped out to go to work. It was Saturday […]

ABLE Accounts Are Coming! Is It Really What You’ve Been Waiting For?

Many individuals and families who live with special needs are eagerly anticipating the availability of ABLE accounts. What is an ABLE account? Is it something you’ll want? Or need? Are you even eligible to have one? “It’s been a long wait,” says Chris Collier1, CLU, ChSNC, who is a Special Care Planner and has earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation.2 He’s with the Innova Financial Group3 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a general agency of Massachusetts […]

Will Your Life and the Life of Your Child with a Disability Be Better After Your Divorce?

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & DENTISTRY BY H. BARRY WALDMAN DDS, MPH, PHD, STEVEN P. PERLMAN DDS, MSCD, DHL (HON), AND MISHA GAREY, DDS “When it comes to family arrangements, the United States has a North-South divide. Children growing up across much of the northern part of the country are much more likely to grow up with two parents than children across the South.” 1 TWO PARENT FAMILIES There is a kind of “two-parent […]