The Special Needs Planning
Where to begin?
Thinking about the future can be overwhelming when each day presents a new challenge. A plan can help break things down into manageable action steps. No matter where you are, taking the first step is what matters most
YOUR CHILD IS BORN
Congratulations on the birth of your child.
You are beginning a new journey and will have a different set of challenges. The planning may be different, but there is a process to follow.
After many months of anticipation, the day has finally arrived, and you are now parents of a wonderful baby. Some parents may have known about their child’s special needs in advance, but regardless of how much advance notice, we are never quite prepared.
Just as every child is unique, the way each parent reacts to the situation will be different. It is common for some parents to think about the immediate impact that having a child with disabilities will have on their lives. In other cases, a parent will think about the long-term implications of the future.
We encourage you to live in the present and seek strategies to help plan for the future
BIRTH TO AGE 3
Unique planning requirements:
- Ask your pediatrician about Early Intervention services in your area.
- Identify local support agencies that specialize in providing information and services for your child’s specific needs.
- Do not assume that the Government will fully provide for your child’s lifetime needs. Find your voice for advocacy.
- Maintain a balance in your overall planning to include the needs of other children as well as your own needs – both personal and financial.
- Determine an adequate amount of life insurance needed in the event of the premature death of a caregiver.
- Do NOT establish savings or investment accounts in your child’s name. These include custodial accounts of Uniform Gifts to Minors Accounts (UGMA) or Uniform Transfer to Minors Accounts (UTMA) and possibly 529 college savings accounts.
- Communicate your plans with grandparents and others who may be involved in your child’s life personally and financially
Planning Pointer
When you discover that your child has a disability, it is important to obtain Early Intervention services as soon as possible. Also, look for parent-to- parent programs; other parents can mentor you and share their information and knowledge.
Apply for EI services even if you are not quite ready to start them; there may be a waiting period.
Research shows that the earlier infants receive stimulation and further professional supports such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, the better these children do in reaching milestones
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