The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "College Readiness and Access." Contents include: (1) Highlights of IDRA's 35th…

When a military family has a child with autism, they face all the emotions and challenges that accompany this diagnosis, compounded by the realities of military service: war, extended family separation, frequent moves, varying access to specialized healthcare, and other stressors that complicate and often work against effective treatment for…

This handbook was produced as a resource for students and parents to explain the policies, rules, and regulations governing all students in the Wake County Public School System. Numbers that appear in some portions of the handbook refer to specific Board of Education policies. In some instances the entire policy is cited; at other times, only the…

In response to the February 14, 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, President Donald Trump established the Federal Commission on School Safety to review safety practices and make meaningful and actionable recommendations of best practices to keep students safe. The Commission conducted field visits,…

Medical professionals who use hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) say that recent studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, indicate that this treatment significantly improves the lives of many children with cerebral palsy and other types of chronic brain injury. So why do many children with these diagnoses not have access to this treatment? Simply…

States compel children to attend school; in fact, 98% of all school-age children attend schools--irrespective of conditions. Yet the environmental conditions of decayed facilities or facilities close to hazards can damage children's health and ability to learn. At the same time, it is well documented that healthy school facilities can help…

This publication was created for middle-income parents of children under the age of 18 who have disabilities. It is a simple, straightforward resource to help them manage their money, and plan for them and their children's financial future and overall well-being. The financial management techniques presented here can help parents, not just in…

Medicaid Waivers are crucial to the community life of individuals with significant disabilities and their families. In a nutshell, Medicaid Waivers prevent institutionalization by providing the support individuals with significant disabilities need to live in the communities of their choice. These supports include Personal Care services and…

The excerpt from "Saving Money and Getting Help: Advice for Families of Children with Spina Bifida" (Lynn Rosenfeld) provides guidelines for parents concerning health insurance, health maintenance organizations, and questions to ask concerning health insurance coverage and filing claims. (DB)

The article on health care options for children with disabilities includes a review of the changes in hospital and doctor coverage and newer types of health insurance, including Health Maintenance Organizations and Independent Practice Associations. Suggestions for parents of disabled children are offered. (CL)

The paper offers guidelines for estate planning, defined as the art of arranging one's affairs to best care for loved ones while, at the same time, minimizing transfer costs. An understanding of the basics of estate planning is essential if one is to provide for the future of a severely handicapped child. Definitions are given for federal estate…

This manual is intended to accompany technical assistance efforts aimed at improving selected states' home health care programs for children with chronic illness and severe disability. Summary descriptions of funding sources are presented, including purpose, eligibility guidelines, and services covered, as well as additional information as…

The parent of a child with cerebral palsy offers guidelines for obtaining money through insurance to purchase major communication and mobility aids. (CL)

The booklet offers suggestions for parents concerned with providing lifetime protection for a child with mental retardation. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the child's prospective needs of social and/or economic supports and the formal mechanisms which can be brought to bear on them. Four major topics are addressed: (1)…

Parents who wish their handicapped offspring to be financially provided for after their own deaths need to explore several ways of managing and distributing their assets, including: creating a will; disinheritance (to avoid loss of benefits; joint property and life insurance; and trusts and trustees. (CB)