We are pleased to provide you with useful links to organizations. If you have a suggestion for a link or to report a problem with a link listed below, contact us at gcss@fidnet.com by clicking on envelope icon above.
Designing the Perfect Home Playroom for Children with Autism – A Complete Guide https://productdiggers.com/autism-playroom/
Introducing the NEW AUTISM.ORG
Since 1967, ARI has supported research and education to improve the lives of families and individuals around the world.
We spoke to users - like you - and used your feedback to redesign our website.
Our new site is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly so you can access innovative, evidence-based research wherever you go.
Since 1967, ARI has supported research and education to improve the lives of families and individuals around the world.
We spoke to users - like you - and used your feedback to redesign our website.
Our new site is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly so you can access innovative, evidence-based research wherever you go.
Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers.
Visit the Pacer Center website for resources and more information on bullying prevention:
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/students-with-disabilities/
What parents should know about bullying:
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/
Visit the Pacer Center website for resources and more information on bullying prevention:
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/students-with-disabilities/
What parents should know about bullying:
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Guidance was created to provide answers and assistance to parents of children with cerebral palsy. Our goal is to reach as many members of the cerebral palsy community as possible, building up a network of support, as well as providing necessary assistance. https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/screenings-and-tests/
The Premier Source for Developmental Disability News
Down Syndrome Education Online offers comprehensive information about Down Syndrome, including articles, books and scientific papers.
This site has resources dedicated to promoting, protecting and enhancing health and well-being to residents of Gasconade County.
Governor´s Council on Disability (GCD) The Governor´s Council on Disability (GCD) promotes full participation and inclusion of the nearly 1 million Missourians with disabilities in all aspects of community life by educating citizens, businesses, schools, universities and others of their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. disability.mo.gov/gcd/
You are not alone.
Having a baby in the NICU is life-altering. But you don’t have to do it alone. Hand to Hold provides support for parents of premature babies, babies born with special healthcare needs, and those grieving a loss.
Our mission is to help families like yours during a NICU stay and through the years to come. As NICU parents ourselves, we know first-hand that the impact of the NICU can persist for many years. Our resources are designed to help you through every phase of your journey.
handtohold.org/
Having a baby in the NICU is life-altering. But you don’t have to do it alone. Hand to Hold provides support for parents of premature babies, babies born with special healthcare needs, and those grieving a loss.
Our mission is to help families like yours during a NICU stay and through the years to come. As NICU parents ourselves, we know first-hand that the impact of the NICU can persist for many years. Our resources are designed to help you through every phase of your journey.
handtohold.org/
|
https://www.internetadvisor.com/internet-safety-guide This website has many resources about internet safety. |
Learning Disabilities Association https://ldaamerica.org/
What is MO HealthNet? https://mydss.mo.gov/healthcare
Missouri's Medicaid program is called MO HealthNet. MO HealthNet covers qualified medical expenses for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligible individuals receive a "MO HealthNet Identification Card" or a letter from the Family Support Division identifying them as eligible for certain medical care services.
Missouri's Medicaid program is called MO HealthNet. MO HealthNet covers qualified medical expenses for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligible individuals receive a "MO HealthNet Identification Card" or a letter from the Family Support Division identifying them as eligible for certain medical care services.
MCDHH Launches Hearing Aid Distribution Program
The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) is excited to announce the inception of a new Hearing Aid Distribution Program for low-income Missourians. The program is now accepting applications from individuals interested in obtaining hearing aids.
The Hearing Aid Distribution Program application is available online at http://mcdhh.mo.gov/hadp. Interested applicants may direct questions to Kristin Funk, Hearing Healthcare Program Manager, at Kristin.Funk@mcdhh.mo.gov or (573) 526-5205 / Toll Free 855-783-3177.
The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) is excited to announce the inception of a new Hearing Aid Distribution Program for low-income Missourians. The program is now accepting applications from individuals interested in obtaining hearing aids.
The Hearing Aid Distribution Program application is available online at http://mcdhh.mo.gov/hadp. Interested applicants may direct questions to Kristin Funk, Hearing Healthcare Program Manager, at Kristin.Funk@mcdhh.mo.gov or (573) 526-5205 / Toll Free 855-783-3177.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- MO ABLE
- Offering ABLE Accounts to Missourians with disabilities
- Tax-free savings plan for disability-related expenses
- Save and invest without losing federal needs-based benefits
Missouri Ozarks Community Action We will empower our community, families, and agency, change lives and inspire hope. Head Start, Weatherization, Home Energy Assistance Program, Section 8 Housing and Community Service.
New Mouth
Physical Disabilities & Oral Health www.newmouth.com/oral-health/effects/physical-disabilities/
Developmental Disabilities & Oral Health www.newmouth.com/oral-health/effects/developmental-disabilities/
Physical Disabilities & Oral Health www.newmouth.com/oral-health/effects/physical-disabilities/
Developmental Disabilities & Oral Health www.newmouth.com/oral-health/effects/developmental-disabilities/
An online library of resources for people with disabilities who live in rural areas.
At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your information. The thing is, we can’t do it alone. You can help us secure your information by taking one of these steps:
- Open your personal my Social Security account. A my Social Security account is your gateway to many of our online services. Create your account today and take away the risk of someone else trying to create one in your name, even if they obtain your Social Security number.
- If you already have a my Social Security account, but haven’t signed in lately, take a moment to login to easily take advantage of our second method to identify you each time you log in. This is in addition to our first layer of security, a username and password. You can choose either your cell phone number or your email address as your second identification method. Using two ways to identify you when you sign on will help protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity theft. If you suspect identity theft, report it to our Office of the Inspector General and visit www.identitytheft.gov.
- If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, and if you don’t want to do business with Social Security online, you can use our Block Electronic Access You can block any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record. No one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information on the internet or through our automated telephone service. If you block access to your record and then change your mind in the future, you can contact Social Security and ask us to unblock it after you prove your identity. This resource is available to certain victims of identity theft and those who need extra security.
Time is one of our most valuable commodities. That’s why at Social Security, we are constantly improving our online resources to make doing business with us easier and faster.
With a my Social Security account, those receiving benefits can change their address and direct deposit information; get proof of their benefits; and request replacement documents, like a Medicare card. If you aren’t currently getting benefits, you can check your earnings record, get estimates of your future benefits, and view your Social Security Statement. In many states, you can even request a replacement Social Security card online. See everything you can do with a my Social Security account and open one today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
You don’t need a my Social Security account to:
With a my Social Security account, those receiving benefits can change their address and direct deposit information; get proof of their benefits; and request replacement documents, like a Medicare card. If you aren’t currently getting benefits, you can check your earnings record, get estimates of your future benefits, and view your Social Security Statement. In many states, you can even request a replacement Social Security card online. See everything you can do with a my Social Security account and open one today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
You don’t need a my Social Security account to:
- Select or change the way you receive information from Social Security if you are blind or visually impaired at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/blind.
- Block electronic and automated telephone access to your personal information at www.socialsecurity.gov/blockaccess.
- Apply for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug plan costs at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.
Parenting Special Needs Magazine believes in the POWER OF PARENTING. We want to help, support, encourage, and provide the information you can understand and use by providing practical tips, sharing life’s lessons, and tackling the challenges and celebrating the joys of one of life’s greatest gifts (our children).
We believe we can learn from others (parents, professionals, family members) regardless of our child’s different abilities. Our focus on empowering each other helps our children reach new heights with unlimited possibilities.
*LISTEN to articles *READ the text and tips *WATCH the online videos *CONNECT with direct links
FREE digital access anytime: Issues are at your fingertips online and mobile-friendly. Receive 6 FREE ISSUES a year and weekly “community tips.”
Visit their website: www.parentingspecialneeds.org/ and click on the “subscribe” tab.
Visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/parenting.special.needs.magazine
We believe we can learn from others (parents, professionals, family members) regardless of our child’s different abilities. Our focus on empowering each other helps our children reach new heights with unlimited possibilities.
*LISTEN to articles *READ the text and tips *WATCH the online videos *CONNECT with direct links
FREE digital access anytime: Issues are at your fingertips online and mobile-friendly. Receive 6 FREE ISSUES a year and weekly “community tips.”
Visit their website: www.parentingspecialneeds.org/ and click on the “subscribe” tab.
Visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/parenting.special.needs.magazine
Vision Center
Vision Center is a digital guide created for those seeking information about eye health, contacts, glasses, sunglasses, LASIK eye surgery and other optometry needs.www.visioncenter.org/conditions/
Vision Center is a digital guide created for those seeking information about eye health, contacts, glasses, sunglasses, LASIK eye surgery and other optometry needs.www.visioncenter.org/conditions/
Vocational Rehabilitation
dese.mo.gov/adult-learning-rehabilitation-services/vocational-rehabilitation
dese.mo.gov/adult-learning-rehabilitation-services/vocational-rehabilitation
People First Language
Here are some positive terms and negative terms.
Positive Terms Negative Terms
People with disabilities The handicapped, the disabled
Person with a disability Impaired, invalid, crippled, afflicted
Person without a disability Normal, healthy, able bodied
Successful, productive Courageous, inspirational
Has paraplegia Paraplegic
Has a traumatic brain injury Brain damaged
People who are blind The blind
Person who is deaf Deaf and dumb
Child with Autism Autistic child
Has Epilepsy Is epileptic, has fits
Person with DD/ID Retarded, idiot, slow, moron
Person with mental illness Crazy, insane, nuts, psycho
Person of short stature, little person Dwarf, midget
Has a congenital disability Has a birth defect
Person who uses a wheelchair Wheelchair bound, confined to a chair
We are all people first and helping others understand this changes our world.
Here are some positive terms and negative terms.
Positive Terms Negative Terms
People with disabilities The handicapped, the disabled
Person with a disability Impaired, invalid, crippled, afflicted
Person without a disability Normal, healthy, able bodied
Successful, productive Courageous, inspirational
Has paraplegia Paraplegic
Has a traumatic brain injury Brain damaged
People who are blind The blind
Person who is deaf Deaf and dumb
Child with Autism Autistic child
Has Epilepsy Is epileptic, has fits
Person with DD/ID Retarded, idiot, slow, moron
Person with mental illness Crazy, insane, nuts, psycho
Person of short stature, little person Dwarf, midget
Has a congenital disability Has a birth defect
Person who uses a wheelchair Wheelchair bound, confined to a chair
We are all people first and helping others understand this changes our world.
The Similarities and Differences Between ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts
Many families with children with disabilities have questions about ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts (SNT) including:
Phillip Clark
Contributor
Many families with children with disabilities have questions about ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts (SNT) including:
- What are the similarities and differences between them?
- Should I set up an ABLE account, a SNT, or both?
- How will planning in this area help my child live a purposeful and impactful life?
- Cost: ABLE accounts are relatively inexpensive to set up. For example, in our home state of Indiana, “you can get started with as little as $25.” By contrast, setting up a SNT can cost $2,000-$5,000, or possibly even more.
- Taxes: ABLE accounts grow tax-free. Earnings on a SNT are taxed.
- Means-tested benefits: An ABLE account has no effect on means-tested benefits up to a limit of $100,000. A SNT has no effect on means-tested benefits.
- Uses: ABLE account funds must be used for qualified disability expenses such as “expenses related to education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services, health care expenses, financial management and administrative services and other expenses.” SNT funds can be spent more broadly.
- Account ownership: An ABLE account is set up and owned by the beneficiary of the account (i.e., the individual with a disability). A SNT is owned by a family member, not the beneficiary.
- Accessing funds: ABLE accounts may provide frequent disbursements. SNTs are a long term investment.
- Remaining balances: Upon the death of the beneficiary, funds remaining in an ABLE account may go to paying back Medicaid. Similar funds remaining in a third-party SNT go to the estate and/or probate.
- Age eligibility: “The ABLE Act limits eligibility to individuals with significant disabilities with an age of onset of disability before turning 26 years of age.” There are no restrictions on age of onset or type of disability for SNTs.
Phillip Clark
Contributor
Disagree With Your Disability Decision?
Social Security is here to help secure today and tomorrow by providing benefits and financial protection for millions of people. This assistance allows people with severe disabilities and health conditions to take care of the necessities of living, such as food, shelter, and medications. It is imperative that we continue to protect the integrity of the disability program for everyone by ensuring we make the correct decision on each claim. However, if you do not agree with our decision, you can ask us to take another look by filing an appeal.
Generally, there are four appeal levels: 1) Reconsideration, 2) Hearing, 3) Appeals Council Review, and 4) Federal Court Review. At the Reconsideration level, someone who did not make the first decision on your claim will conduct a review and accept any additional evidence. Please note, in some states, appeals may proceed directly to the next step – the hearing.
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can file another appeal and your case will go to the hearing level. You, and any witnesses you bring, may present your case in front of an administrative law judge during this stage. The judge will then make a decision based on the information. If you disagree with the hearing decision, you can ask for a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can either make a decision or return your case to the judge for further review.
If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision or they decide not to review your case, the last step in the appeals process is filing a lawsuit in a federal district’s court. You will be notified of our decision in every step of the process and the notice will have the information needed should you decide to appeal the decision.
If you receive a denial notice, you have 60 days from that date to file an appeal. There are several ways to obtain the proper appeal forms. The easiest and quickest way is filing online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html. You will be able to submit documents electronically to associate with your appeal request. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to obtain the forms.
Many people wonder if they need a lawyer when filing and appealing disability benefits. Whether you choose to appoint an attorney or authorized representative is completely up to you. However, it is not required that you have one in any part of the process or in conducting business with Social Security. If you decide to appoint a representative, be sure to complete the necessary documents to authorize us to speak to them on your behalf. You can also read our publication Your Right to Representation at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10075.pdf.
Social Security takes considerable pride in administering program benefits timely and accurately. The disability program is no exception. This is why we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible if you disagree with our decision. Give us a call, visit the local office, or go online at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html so we can take another look at your claim.
Sincerely, Jewell Colbert
Regional Communications Director
Kansas City Region
(816) 936-5740
kc.rpaolbert@ssa.gov
Social Security is here to help secure today and tomorrow by providing benefits and financial protection for millions of people. This assistance allows people with severe disabilities and health conditions to take care of the necessities of living, such as food, shelter, and medications. It is imperative that we continue to protect the integrity of the disability program for everyone by ensuring we make the correct decision on each claim. However, if you do not agree with our decision, you can ask us to take another look by filing an appeal.
Generally, there are four appeal levels: 1) Reconsideration, 2) Hearing, 3) Appeals Council Review, and 4) Federal Court Review. At the Reconsideration level, someone who did not make the first decision on your claim will conduct a review and accept any additional evidence. Please note, in some states, appeals may proceed directly to the next step – the hearing.
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can file another appeal and your case will go to the hearing level. You, and any witnesses you bring, may present your case in front of an administrative law judge during this stage. The judge will then make a decision based on the information. If you disagree with the hearing decision, you can ask for a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can either make a decision or return your case to the judge for further review.
If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision or they decide not to review your case, the last step in the appeals process is filing a lawsuit in a federal district’s court. You will be notified of our decision in every step of the process and the notice will have the information needed should you decide to appeal the decision.
If you receive a denial notice, you have 60 days from that date to file an appeal. There are several ways to obtain the proper appeal forms. The easiest and quickest way is filing online by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html. You will be able to submit documents electronically to associate with your appeal request. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to obtain the forms.
Many people wonder if they need a lawyer when filing and appealing disability benefits. Whether you choose to appoint an attorney or authorized representative is completely up to you. However, it is not required that you have one in any part of the process or in conducting business with Social Security. If you decide to appoint a representative, be sure to complete the necessary documents to authorize us to speak to them on your behalf. You can also read our publication Your Right to Representation at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10075.pdf.
Social Security takes considerable pride in administering program benefits timely and accurately. The disability program is no exception. This is why we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible if you disagree with our decision. Give us a call, visit the local office, or go online at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html so we can take another look at your claim.
Sincerely, Jewell Colbert
Regional Communications Director
Kansas City Region
(816) 936-5740
kc.rpaolbert@ssa.gov
Please notify the webmaster gcss@fidnet.com about any broken links.