Groups.io Email List: ParentSupportCoffeeChat@groups.io | Home – new members moderated.
May 13, 2022 Log:
E.C.’s grandma: Don’t be furious, get curious!
J.K.: Embrace diversity with curiosity!
New member onboarding:
So you have your autism diagnosis:
Apply for IHSS (In Home Support Services)
– use a disability advocate, their knowledge is worth it!
– recommendations: Galt Advocacy
– if you qualify for Medi-Cal then apply for IHSS asap because it gets back dated to date of application, then apply to the RC (Regional Center)
– if you don’t qualify, then first apply to the RC so you can get the Institutional Deeming Waiver (meaning your child can get Medi-Cal even though your household income is too high)
– apply for Medi-Cal services through the RC (medic-alert bracelet/keychain/etc. monitoring service counts as receiving service and is one the fastest and simplest to set up) then you can request the RC provide an Institutional Deeming Waiver for Medi-Cal which will allow you to apply for IHSS.
- For IHSS You must physically reside in the United States.
- You must also be a California resident.
- You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.
- You can talk to most advocates for free to see if they think you will qualify for IHSS. If your child is an elopement risk or requires constant supervision, then it is worth seeing if you can receive IHSS funds for protective supervision. IHSS funds are not taxable if the service provider is a family member living with the child.
Regional Centers (RC)
GGRC, RCEB
0-3 years early intervention is through the RC
3-6 years get an evaluation through your local school system even if you don’t plan to attend public school
– if you don’t have a diagnosis through the RC, it is worthwhile to pay out of pocket for an evaluation before getting the school evaluation, otherwise the school system is likely to avoid the ASD label since that makes your child eligible for more services
16-18 years begin transition to adulthood support through the RC
Education:
CA education system info: ED100.org
IEP info: Welcome To A Day In Our Shoes (blog by an educational advocate in Pennsylvania)
– Stay Put: Understanding the IDEA Stay Put Provision, for Parents. (adayinourshoes.com)
– Terms: Special Education Terms and Terminology | PDF | IEP Terms to Know (adayinourshoes.com)
If you might use public school, apply for an evaluation for an IEP (much easier to have it and choose not to use it than to have to try to get it later)
If you plan to use public school, you might want to get an educational advocate (recommendations: Galt Advocacy)
The RC requires a school evaluation to provide services after early intervention ends (around 3 or 4 years) to prove that required services aren’t available elsewhere.
They might also ask that your insurance give a letter of benefits to show lack of coverage.
Acronyms:
PWN: Prior Written Notice
NPS: Non-Public School
IHSS: In Home Support Services
RC: Regional Center
SCIA: Special Circumstance Instructional Assistant/Aide
IEP: Individualized Education Program
FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
SDC: Special Day Class