Provides grandparents and other relative caregivers basic information to ensure that the disabled child they are raising receives access to quality services and treatment. Grandparents and other caregivers get information about: (1) general benefits available to, and the laws that protect, children with disabilities; (2) evaluations to determine physical and emotional disability as well as the distinction between developmental disability and mental retardation; (3) health insurance coverage and government assistance related to a child’s disability; (4) physical accommodations, including wheelchair access and transportation; (5) eligibility for and benefits of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program for children with disabilities, including matters of legal custody and Medicaid eligibility; (6) special education and related services; (7) mental health services, including those targeted to children exposed to violence; (8) the legal rights of children with disabilities, including access to child care centers and participation in Head Start programs; (9) respite care for grandparents and other caregivers; and (10) special considerations concerning foster care and adoption. Using this guide, grandparents and other relative caregivers can get answers to their many questions regarding caring for children with disabilities as well as additional information about national family support groups and advocacy organizations and useful publications.
