Usually I would be writing about one of my Pet Peeves, but today I need to write about something else. This week was a difficult one for us because of the economy. Now I didn't lose my job, but we did lose something vital to our family. As you know we have a couple of special needs children. Our fourth child Grace was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She has been receiving help from the State with 4 therapists coming into our home each week. This week we found out that because of budget cuts her therapies would be "suspended". Basically they are saying that she will receive no more therapy.
I had the opportunity to talk with Grace's support coordinator about the situation. Basically she explained that she didn't know when the services would be suspended but that they definitely would be. Grace's authorization comes due in March and we figure that is when the suspension will begin. She will still have a "support coordinator" (BTW, doesn't that seem strange that she gets a support coordinator but no services to support?), however she will not get the services she needs. The person I talked to said that they have a "book of ideas" that we can have to help us ensure Grace can progress.
Gratefully my wife is a stay-at-home mom. This means that she can work with Grace during the day and hopefully implement the "ideas" from the book. We will be OK (I think) but I can't help but wonder about other families that aren't as blessed as we are to have a parent in the home during the day to work with their children.
I completely understand that in this economy there have to be budget cuts. I get that everyone needs to sacrifice. This doesn't mean I have to like it. I can only hope that we will all look at how things are done in government and how the money is spent and impress on our leaders that there are programs and services that should have a higher priority than others. I also can only hope that others in our situation can find a way to help their children when the services stop. I know we are going to do everything we can so Grace can progress.
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5 comments:
This is a total shame. I am very happy to hear that at least your wife is home and can help with your child now that the service has been halted. It is really a shame everything that has been effected by our lousy economy. I wish you the best of luck and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
That is horrific. I can only imagine you must feel like you have been punched in the gut and the wind knocked out of you. Perhaps there are local agencies that specialize in working with your daughters difficulties that could help. Isnt it nice to know that the message of hope has turned out to be a scam? Im so sorry. Grace is lucky she has a Mom who can be there for her. Are there any support groups or perhaps your church may know of someone who could lend a hand. I will keep your family in my prayers. Sometimes one door closes because another one with something better needs to open..sounds corny but it is so true. Stay positive, good things are coming your way.
We will be able to do things at home and get the help necessary. It's just that now we will have to pay more because the state won't be picking up the expenses. It could cost more in the end, but that's my opinion.
Sorry to hear about that. Those people have done so much good for her! I'm starting to wish I was an FAS specialist so I could help!! :(
I'm so sorry Beeg. These are the worst kind of cuts and the fact that they are being made instead of others is ridiculous. I know you and your wife are going to do a great job picking up with Grace wherever your therapists leave off!
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