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November 2017

Table of Contents

ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital)

Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a pediatric hospital with a Level I trauma center in Little RockArkansas. It is among the largest in the United States, serving children from birth to age 21. ACH is affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and serves as a teaching hospital with the UAMS College of Medicine.[1][2] ACH staff consists of more than 505 physicians, 200 residents, and 4,400 support staff. The hospital includes 356 licensed beds, and offers three intensive care units. The campus spans 36 city blocks and has a floor space of over 1,200,000 square feet (110,000 m2).

Visit Online

http://www.archildrens.org/

 

ACH Genetics and Metabolic Clinic

The Arkansas Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Clinic provides evaluation of children and adults with birth defects, inherited conditions, metabolic disorders, developmental delay, and autism as well as genetic counseling for relatives.

Contact

Appointments:

Phone: 501-364-4000
Fax: 501-364-1564

Clinic Locations

West Little Rock Clinic
16101 Cantrell Road, Suite 114
Little Rock, AR 72223

Genetics & Metabolic Clinic
519 Latham Drive
Lowell, AR 72745

Genetics & Metabolic Clinic
520 Carson Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401

Medical Director

G. Bradley Schaefer, MD
(501) 364-2971

Note: This clinic is available to your child by physician referral. Talk with your child’s physician and tell him/her you would like to be referred to Arkansas Children’s. Have the doctor contact the Appointment Center to make a referral at 501-364-4000. If your child does not have a regular physician, please call 501-364-4000 and we will be happy to recommend one in your area.

 

http://www.archildrens.org/programs-services/a-to-z-services-list/genetic-disorders/genetics-and-metabolic-clinic

 

Anesthesia and Down Syndrome

by Dr. James Hunt

Note from ADSA: ADSA Board Member, Dr. James Hunt wrote this article currently found on NDSS website. Helpful for anyone concerned about anesthesia for their loved one with Down syndrome.

Complications of anesthesia (sedation during surgery) occur in all patient populations, including those with Down syndrome.

Read the Full Article

AR HIPP

The Arkansas HIPP program is designed to save money for families with high healthcare costs by reimbursing members for the cost of group health insurance provided by an employer or through COBRA. In some cases, members can receive reimbursement for the premium cost of a family health insurance policy. The program also eliminates some out-of-pocket medical expenses for qualifying Medicaid clients.

Visit Online

http://myarhipp.com/general-program-information/

 

Arkansas Medicaid

Medicaid reimburses health care providers for covered medical services provided to eligible needy individuals in certain categories. Eligibility is determined based on income, resources, Arkansas residency, and other requirements.  Covered services also vary among categories.  Categories are summarized under the two headings of “Aged, Blind and Disabled” and “Children and Family”.

Visit Online

http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dco/Pages/MedicaidEligibility.aspx

 

First Connections

Early intervention (0-3) under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is First Connections. The Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services is the “lead agency” with administrative oversight. First Connections provides supports and services for families and their children, birth to age three who have special needs. Research shows that this is a critical time of development in the lives of all children. Families of infants and toddlers with special needs can turn to First Connections for information, support, and services to help them assist their child in reaching his/her potential. First Connections is a state-wide, comprehensive early intervention network of qualified, dedicated professionals here to work directly with your family to custom-design a plan with you to meet your child’s and your family’s needs.

Visit Online

https://dhs.arkansas.gov/dds/firstconnectionsweb/#fc-home

 

NDSC: the National Down Syndrome Congress

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a membership-sustained not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 1973, we are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from the moment of a prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information. When we empower individuals and families from all demographic backgrounds, we reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome.We have worked tirelessly over the years to foster a network of local and regional groups across the country to reach out and embrace thousands of people with Down syndrome, their families, friends and the professionals who support them. We are the people who believe in our kids, demand their rights and get them affirmed. We are the community who supports them in all they do from infancy to adulthood. We are also people with Down syndrome, working together for a better future.

NDSC Mission and Vision Statements

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

The vision of the NDSC is a world with equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

Visit Online

https://www.ndsccenter.org/

 

ADSA is a member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). We are also an affiliate of National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) as well as members of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) and the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.

NDSS: The National Down Syndrome Society

NDSS Mission

The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome.

NDSS Vision

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities.

Visit Online

http://www.ndss.org/

 

TEFRA

Background

The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) is a Medicaid program that can help families with children younger than 19 years old who have a disability receive care in their homes rather than an institution. The TEFRA program can help pay for the cost of those services for eligible children. Some families will not have to pay anything as part of the program. Others pay a premium on a sliding scale, depending on their income. Children who live in an institution or receive extended care in an institution are not eligible for TEFRA.

You can apply for the program by filling out the TEFRA application packet and submitting it to your local DHS county office. If you need help or have questions, feel free to call: 1-855-372-1084.

Applying for TEFRA

How to Apply

Download forms at this link: How to Apply for TEFRA page
The child’s parent or guardian can apply for TEFRA at the DHS office in the child’s county of residence. Applications also are accepted at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

More About TEFRA

More Info

Also known as the Katie Beckett option,  TEFRA  is a category of Medicaid that provides care to disabled children in their homes rather than in institutions. To qualify for  TEFRA  benefits, the child must be disabled according to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) definition of disability and must meet the medical-necessity requirement for institutional care. Children who live in institutions or who receive extended care in institutions are not eligible in the  TEFRA  category. To qualify for  TEFRA  benefits, the child:

  • must be younger than 19
  • cannot have income that exceeds the Long Term Care Medicaid limit
  • cannot have countable resources that exceed $2,000
Parental income and resources are not considered. Only the income and resources of the child are counted. Appropriate medical services must be available to provide care for the child in the home. The estimated cost of care in the home cannot exceed the estimated cost of care for the child in an institution. Children who receive  SSI  but lose coverage intermittently due to fluctuating parental income may be eligible for  TEFRA  benefits in the months they do not receive  SSI .

WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

The WIC (Women, Infants and Children) special supplemental nutritional program provides supplemental food for children when they need food high in nutrition for critical growth. The program also provides supplemental nutritional aid for women so that the baby can grow into a strong and healthy adult. The program encourages breastfeeding and provides necessary support for it. In addition to these benefits, the Arkansas WIC program also helps mothers learn about important nutrients and dietary habits so that they can maintain healthy diet for infant and children.

Visit Online

http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/wic

 

Wright’s Law

Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. The Special Ed Advocate is a free online newsletter about special education legal and advocacy topics. Subscribers learn about new cases, articles, seminars and training, special offers on books by Pete & Pam Wright, and other useful information about special education law and advocacy.

Visit Online

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

 

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