How to Get Funding for Families of Down Syndrome

Caring for a child with Down syndrome can be financially overwhelming for some families. While health insurance may cover some of the basic care, families are still mostly responsible for any type of additional therapy or care provided to the child. For parents who want to provide their Down syndrome child with the greatest number of options, funding or financial help may become essential. Read on to learn how to get funding for families of Down syndrome.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your state's Social Security office to see what options are available for families of Down syndrome children. Many states may offer partial financing for speech or occupational therapy or may help you locate additional resources in your area. Medical care should be free for disabled kids and parents may also be able to get financial help for education and housing.

• 2

  Look for funding in non-traditional places. Organizations may offer scholarships, medical care or family therapy in lieu of direct money to families of Down syndrome children. Other government offices may provide you with free childcare or pay for summer camps. While this is not considered direct funding, it can still help to lower your bills significantly.

• 3

  Talk to your church. Many congregations have funds or grants especially created to help families raising children with disabilities. This can be especially helpful if you have to wait for a decision from your city or state and need the financial help to get you through.

• 4

  Research the options available at the Special Kids Fund, which specializes in funding for disabled children and their families. See the Resources section below for a link. Aside from financial help, the organization also offers camps, educational facilities and support, and it can put you in touch with other groups that better fit your needs and lifestyle.

• 5

  Contact the National Down syndrome Society (NDSS) to get information on available resources and offices that can help with funding. See the Resources section below for a link. The NDSS can also help you get in touch with other parents through its message board. This can become an invaluable resource to learn where others have been able to obtain funding and what steps they followed.