| In addition to therapies and
doctor-recommended courses of action, there are services available to
you that can prove to be a great help.
Many organizations offer aid in one form or another
and you should see what is available in your area.
Schools
If a school-aged child is affected with a Mitochondrial disease, his
or her school may be the best place to start looking for services
tailored to their needs.
Many schools have programs available to help children with special
needs. It is in your best interest to inquire about the types of
services available through the school, or at other schools.
If your child is attending school and has special needs, you should
make it a point to sit down with the school officials and develop an
Individual Education Program (IEP). This will allow you to explain your
child's needs, and to set goals that you would like to work towards. It
also allows school officials to make suggestions that you may find
helpful.
Often, physical/occupational/speech therapists are available to work
with a child while at school. This can be of great benefit if a child
gets no therapy outside of school, and can reinforce any therapies a
child does get outside of school. If a child is receiving therapy
outside of school, it is helpful to have all therapists involved with
the child sit and talk with each other so that common grounds and
procedures can be established.
Schools often have, or can obtain, specialized equipment that
can help your child in one way or another. You'd be amazed at how many
types of equipment there are that can be employed to help a child
perform everyday tasks like walking, crawling, or sitting properly.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Even though Mitochondrial diseases aren't a major focus at MDA, they
are one of the many topics researched by MDA. Services and financial aid
may be available to individuals with Mitochondrial diseases, depending
on the type of Mitochondrial disease, and what body systems are
affected.
|
|
State, County, City Agencies
Government agencies often offer assistances of some type to people
with special needs. Sometimes they will provide services, other times
they are able to offer financial aid to those in need.
You will need to do some research to find out what services, if any,
may be available to you in your area. Doctors, therapists, school
officials and welfare agencies are good places to start asking
questions. They can probably refer you to the proper people, or at least
point you in the right direction!
Pharmacies and Grocery Stores
Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference!
Often, all the assistance you need is to be able to purchase a special
vitamin mixture, or an odd-sized toiletry item. Don't overlook the
neighborhood stores. Just because you don't see the item, doesn't mean
they can't get it. Usually, if you ask a manager to carry a certain
item, and tell them how much you need and how often, they will be glad
to do so.
|
