May 2008 Article

Benefits for Children with Disabilities

This month's article contains links with information for parents coping with a child with disabilities.

Special Education Rights and Responsibilities

Information on Early Intervention Services

The former Education of All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was amended by PL 99-457 to establish important rights and essential services for young children with disabilities ages birth through 5 years and their families. The name of the Act was later changed to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). P.L. 99-457 added Part C, formerly known as Part H, to IDEA to govern the early intervention program for infants and toddlers, aged birth through 2 years.

This article explains the law, and provides information about the civil and service rights of Californians who have developmental or mental disabilities and helps parents navigate the California Special Education process.

Written by:

Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE)
and
Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI)
Copyright © 1992 by CASE and PAI
Ninth Edition
Revised December 2005

Benefits For Children With Disabilities

http://ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html

This booklet from the Social Security Administration is for the parents, caregivers or representatives of children under age 18 who have disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults who became disabled in childhood and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. (We call this SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.)

This booklet will help you decide if your child, or a child you know, might be eligible for Social Security or SSI.

SSA Publication No. 05-10026, January 2008, ICN 455360

Finding Help for Young Children with Disabilities (Birth - 5)

http://nichcy.org/pubs/parent/pa2txt.htm

There are many supports for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. If you are concerned about your child’s development or suspect that your child may have special needs, this Parent’s Guide by the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities can help. It’s designed to help you get started learning what your child may need and finding professionals and other families who can help along the way. The guide is a bit technical—it offers the nuts and bolts to building support systems for your child and your family.

Parent Guide 2 (PA2)
August 1994
Resources updated, March 2005