A purpose...

Today I got a call from my local Down syndrome Guild and boy did they have some info for me!  The lady on the other end of the phone was so warm and welcoming and so full of information. She gave me all kinds of phone numbers and lists that I just wanted to jump for joy!  This meant that I finally had a purpose in all of this..something to do!  Something I can take charge of!  She had some questions for me and we talked a bit. It seems they have a parent to parent program where an actual parent of a DS child and going through the same thing as you (only further along)  will call you.  This should be interesting and exciting. I have not had contact with anyone with a Downs child and I would love to get some first hand information.

I started calling all the places that the Guild recommended and I don't think I have ever heard so many acronyms in one sitting in my life!

ECI - Early Childhood Intervention (UPDATE: if you have a Downs child and have not contacted your local ECI group. DO IT! I have learned that the earlier you start this program the better for your child it will be.  and it is NEVER too early!)

DADS - Department of Aging and Disability Services
       HCS and TX home Living waivers (at time of call 10 yr waiting list)
       In home Family Support
       Respite Service
      
Medicaid (at time of call 10-12 yr waiting list)
       MDCP (Medically Dependant Children's Programs)
       CLASS (Community Living Assistance and Support Services)

Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Medical center (at time of call - 1 year waiting list)

MHR - Mental Health and Retardation dept
    
There were a lot of phone calls to make, but I must say that for the most part I was able to get through to all of the agencies on the first try and it was relatively easy.  SHOCKING, but then maybe I watch too many movies!  I only had a problem with one agency which was LIKE they show on the movies where the person is calling 50 different places only to be passed around.  (UPDATE: this would eventually get fixed in a month or 2 after speaking to someone from the Guild).  While we may never need some of these services offered and it is also possible that in a few years they may no longer be available if the state does not provide, with such a long waiting list on most of them it is best to get on them now!

Today was a productive kind of day...

The Mommy

PS - How Wikipedia defines ECI . I have read it and can not find any false statements so I would trust most is correct.