Are you the parent, grandparent, care-taker, friend or family member of a child with special needs? Do you ever feel you are at wits end to find available resources and support to help your child succeed and enjoy good quality of life? The Orleans County Health Department may be just what you need.
The Health Department has 3 children’s programs which provide evaluation, case management, support and referrals to help families with children who have both physical and/or developmental disabilities.
The Early Intervention Program provides developmental evaluations and individualized services from birth to 3 years old. The time from birth to 3 is critical for a child’s development. Most basic language, physical and social skills are learned before age two. Children ages birth to three years old with a delay or disability can have Early Intervention Services. New York State Public Health Law provides for:
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An evaluation of child’s ability at no cost to families.
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A Service Coordinator to assist in securing needed resources.
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An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to provide a written outline of the program developed for the child and family.
Early Intervention Services include, but are not limited to
- early identification
- screening and assessment services
- family training, counseling
- special instruction
- speech pathology and audiology
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- psychological services
- nutrition services.
Keep in mind Early Intervention Services may minimize the need for special education and related services after infants and toddlers reach school age. These services are supplied free. For more information call 585-589-2760.
To make a referral for Early Intervention Services you can call the above number or send or fax (589-3169) a referral form located under the Forms and Instructions link at the Public Health sub-menu.
The Preschool 3 to 5 Program is a collaborative effort between Orleans County’s five school districts and the Public Health Department. If a parent / care-taker has concerns about the development / progress their child (ages 3 to 5) is making, they are encouraged to contact their local school district’s Special Education office to ask for assistance. Once the referral is made, meetings, evaluations and services are set in motion to evaluate and develop programming to meet the child’s needs. The focus of services is to enhance a child’s readiness to be academically successful upon entering school. For additional information about preschool programming contact your local school district or the Children With Special Needs program at 585-589-2777.
And last, but certainly not least is the Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) Program. This program provides support, information, and access to other community supports and services to children with developmental disabilities up to age 21.
MSC is a Medicaid State Plan service administered by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Families looking to better understand their child’s disability and the possibilities for their child’s future can get the guidance and services they need through MSC.
Case management is provided by MSC to help coordinate, plan and broker services that are often difficult to access due to fragmented service delivery systems.
It is important to note, children with developmental disabilities may qualify for Medicaid regardless of family income through the Home and Community Based Services Waiver. For more information about Medicaid Service Coordination and to see if your child qualifies, call 585-589-3249.
All of these programs are to help you give the children in your life the best possible start and to encourage them to be the best they can be throughout their lives. If you are not sure if any of these programs will fit your needs contact the Health Department at 589-3278 and ask to speak with someone from the Children With Special Needs Programs and they can help guide you to the right resources. You can also e-mail the Children with Special Health Care Needs Coordinator, Linda Garrison at garrisonl@orleansny.com