Disabilities
According to many definitions, a disability or functional impairment is an impairment that may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or some combination of these.
Popular Questions
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits to people in need of financial assistance due to a life-altering injury or mental condition that prevents them from holding a full-time job and supporting themselves.
The two major programs, SSDI and SSI, provide a financial benefit on a monthly basis that covers basic living costs. In order to obtain benefits, you have to apply to the SSA for either program, provide the required information, and wait for the agency to make a decision. However, qualifying for SSDI or SSI can be difficult for various reasons, and help from a lawyer to get approved for benefits may be necessary.
Marasco Nesselbush Law Office out of Rhode Island has created a webite that explains SSI and SSDI and is easy to read.
Visit their website for more information
Most individuals with disabilities are not more likely to become infected with or have severe illness from COVID-19. Some people with disabilities might be more likely to get infected or have severe illness because of underlying medical conditions, congregate living settings, or systemic health and social inequities.
Disability groups and risk
If you have one of the disability types listed below, you might be at increased risk of becoming infected or having unrecognized illness. You should discuss your risk of illness with your healthcare provider.
- Individuals who have limited mobility or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected, such as direct support providers and family members
- Individuals who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing
- Individuals who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness
- Individuals with any type of disability that makes it more difficult to do certain activities or interact with the world around them, including people who need help with self-care or daily activities
- Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with birth defects
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Individuals with learning disabilities
- Individuals with spinal cord injuries
- Individuals with Down syndrome
Prepare
There are some additional things individuals with disabilities can do to prepare during the COVID-19 outbreak:
- Plan what you will do if you or your direct support provider gets sick. Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors and local service agencies that can provide support in case you or your direct support provider becomes ill or unavailable.
- Plan at least two ways of communicating from home and work that can be used rapidly in an emergency (e.g., landline phone, cell phone, text-messaging, email). Write down this information and keep it with you.
- Have enough household items and groceries so that you will be comfortable staying home for a few weeks or until needed
- Have at least a 30-day supply of over the counter and prescription medicines
- Have any medical equipment or supplies that you might need
- Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill on prescription medications. Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider.
- Make a photocopy of prescriptions, as this may help in obtaining medications in an emergency.
The Aging and Disabilty Resource Center (ADRC) can assist you in locating independent living support services. Local ADRCs provide information, referral, and assistance for accessing community services and long-term care options. Visit their website or call toll free at (844) 843-6364 for help with locating resources in your area.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can help you determine if you or a loved one are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
Visit their website for more information on eligiblity for Medicaid.
You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website for more information on eligibility for Medicare, and to learn about the differences between Medicaid and Medicare.
You can also call the State Unit on Aging for more information at (402) 471-2307.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Its coverage includes private housing, housing that receives federal financial assistance, and state and local government housing. Owners of housing facilities are required to make reasonable exceptions in their policies for tenants with disabilities (for example, a "no pets" policy for persons who use service animals). Landlords must also allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable access-related modifications to their private living space, as well as to common use spaces (though landlords are not required to pay for the changes). The Act further requires that new multifamily housing with four or more units be designed and built to allow access for persons with disabilities. This includes accessible common use areas, doors that are wide enough for wheelchairs, kitchens and bathrooms that allow a person using a wheelchair to maneuver, and other adaptable features within the units.
The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination in air transportation by domestic and foreign air carriers against qualified individuals with physical or mental impairments. It applies only to air carriers that provide regularly scheduled services for hire to the public. Requirements address a wide range of issues, including boarding assistance and certain accessibility features in newly built aircraft and new or altered airport facilities.Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The law requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a “free appropriate public education” in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs. IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for each child.
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in employment practices of federal contractors. It also requires the federal government to make sure that electronic and technology information is accessible to people with disabilities. A new section of the Rehabilitation Act requires medical diagnostic equipment to be accessible to people with disabilities.
The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires that buildings and facilities that are designed, constructed, or altered with Federal funds, or leased by a Federal agency, comply with Federal standards for physical accessibility. ABA requirements are limited to architectural standards in new and altered buildings and in newly leased facilities. They do not address the activities conducted in those buildings and facilities.
For more information about your rights refer to the Department of Justice's Guide to Disability Rights Laws.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because you experience a disabilty contact the League of Human Dignity.
League of Human Dignity: The League staff will help you examine your personal situation. They’ll work with you to utilize agency services, obtain funding, arrange for personal assistance with daily activities, or find the specialized equipment you need to enjoy a more independent lifestyle.
Legal Aid of Nebraska: If you have been denied government benefits, or if you have had your benefit reduced or terminated, we may be able to help. Call Legal Aid if you don’t understand the reason for the action or if you believe the action was wrong. They may be able to assist you in filing an administrative appeal.
Legal Assistance for People with Developemental Disabilties (LAPDD): 1-844-535-3533
Legal Aid Statewide Accessline: 1-877-250-2016
An individual looking to apply for disability benifits in the state of Nebraska has three separate options to file a claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Online: File online at ssa.gov the SSA’s official website. Follow this guide for what information you will need to have
- Telephone: File over the telephone by calling the SSA’s customer service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- In-person: File in-person at the closest Social Security field office. Find your nearest office here.
Disabled Persons and Family Support: The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program provides state-funded assistance to persons of all ages who meet certain tests, including income and disability tests. The program helps people with disabilities remain employed, stay independent and live at home. Eligible individuals may receive funding for specific services, up to $300 a month or $3,600 annually.
Disabled Persons and Family Support Website
Aid To The Aged, Blind, Or Disabled: The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) payment program provides cash payment to persons who are blind or disabled based on Social Security rules. In order to be eligible for an AABD payment, the applicant(s) must meet certain tests, including resource and income tests.
State Disabilty Program: The state disability program provides a cash payment and medical coverage for a disabled or blind person who cannot receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to their disability which is expected to last less than 12 months. A person must have received a disability denial of “lack of duration" from the Social Security Administration in order to apply.
Call AccessNebraska at (800) 383-4278 or apply online here.
Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled and State Disability Program Website
Social Services Aged And Disabled Adults: The Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults (SSAD) program provides help to persons who are age 60 or older, blind or disabled or live independently with support in their own home. In order to be eligible for services through SSAD, a person or married couple must meet certain tests, including resource and income tests. SSAD will only provide services that are not covered through Medicaid services or other programs.
Call AccessNebraska at (800) 383-4278 or apply online here.
Social Services Aged and Disabled Adults Website
Medicaid: Medicaid provides health care services to eligible elderly and disabled individuals and low-income pregnant women, children, and parents. You may be eligible for Medicaid if you are an individual under 65 years of age who has a disability, or is visually impaired according to Social Security guidelines.
Call AccessNebraska at (800) 383-4278 or apply online here.
Medicaid Aged And Disabled Waiver: The Aged and Disabled Waiver is a program that offers an array of services to support people who are eligible for Medicaid and have needs at nursing facility level of care. You will need to specifically request for an eligibility check for this program when applying for Medicaid.
Your child may be eligible to receive a varity of disability benifits. Each assistance program may have different eligibilty requirements. Some programs may allow you to apply for benifits online, while others may require a phone call or in person meeting:
Social Security Administration: The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers many options for assisting persons with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit known as the Childhood Disability Benefit (CBD) are important resources for children with disabilities.
You can apply for SSI payments or SSDI benefits for your child by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office. Click here to find your local Social Security office.
What You Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits For A Child
The Social Security Administration's Guide to Benifits for Children with Disabilities
Medicaid: Medicaid is a public health insurance program for certain lowincome persons including those who are aged, blind, disabled, children, and others who meet eligibility requirements. Children 18 years of age or younger may qualify, as well as dependent children who meet the eligibility requirements of the Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): CHIP is part of Nebraska Medicaid and provides medical assistance to children age 18 and younger who are without other health insurance and who do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP provides the same services covered under Medicaid.
Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility and Application Website
Medicaid Aged And Disabled Waiver: The Aged and Disabled Waiver is a program that offers an array of services to support people who are eligible for Medicaid and have needs at nursing facility level of care. You will need to specifically request for an eligibility check for this program when applying for Medicaid.
Katie Beckett Program: This program provides Medicaid eligibility to children who otherwise would be hospitalized because of their high level of health care needs. You will need to specifically request for an eligibility check for this program when applying for Medicaid.
Aid to Dependent Children: Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) provides cash assistance to low income families with children. ADC is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Eligiblitiy and Application Website
The Medically Handicapped Children's Program: The Medically Handicapped Children's Program (MHCP) provides assistance to children and youth with special health care needs. MHCP may help pay for medical costs not covered by insurance, Medicaid, or other resources.
The Disabled Children's Program: The Disabled Children's Program (DCP) assists families with children living at home who receive monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are age 15 or younger. DCP will only provide services that are not covered through Medicaid services or other programs. The program supports are based on the child's disability and the family's needs.
The Medically Handicapped Children's Program and The Disabled Children's Program Website
Disabled Persons and Family Support: The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program provides state-funded assistance to persons of all ages who meet certain tests, including income and disability tests. The program helps people with disabilities remain employed, stay independent and live at home. Eligible individuals may receive funding for specific services, up to $300 a month or $3,600 annually.
Disabled Persons and Family Support Website
Benefits Services: Under agreement with Nebraska VR, three agencies may be authorized to provide benefits planning services for persons who receive Social Security and other benefits. These agencies are: Easterseals, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Region V Services
If you have a concern about your child’s development, or your child has been diagnosed with a health condition that will affect their development, they may be eligible for early intervention services.
Early Intervention can help you and your family support and promote your child’s development within your family activities and community life. Nebraska’s Early Development Network (EDN) supports children birth through three years of age who have special developmental needs. The Nebrask Early Development Network program “connects” families with early intervention services, such as occupational, speech or physical therapy, to help infants and toddlers grow and develop and help their families in this process.
Nebraska's Early Development Network website
EDN's Family Resource Guide to help you navigate the process of becoming eligable for an receiving early intervention services.
The first step to obtaining early intervention services is to make a referral for your child to your local Early Development Network Referral Agency. Find your EDN Agency here.
Once you contact Nebraska's Early Development Network (EDN) your child will be assigned a EDN Service Coordinator. The assigned EDN Services Coordinator will request your written permission for evaluations through the Special Education Department of your school district. Evaluations are conducted by a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MDT), consisting of professionals within your school district and yourself. The evaluation process will determine if your child is eligible for early intervention services.
If eligible, your child can receive early intervention services. You will have a meeting with your EDN Services Coordinator and other service providers to write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Your first IFSP meeting must be held within 45 days of the referral. Services begin when you have agreed to the IFSP that has been developed. The plan will reflect your family’s concerns and priorities.
Camps for Special Needs Kids
Families with children who have special needs may want to consider sending their child to camp this summer. Children can benefit from the fun and interaction with other kids, increase their confidence and independence, and find positive role models from adults and counselors. Parents can get a much-needed break.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all camps to make reasonable accommodations so that children with special needs can attend. This means that mainstream camps may also be on your list of possibilities.
Not only has the list of possible camps increased, but the types of camps have also increased. Camps may be non-profit, for-profit, religious camps, day camps, weekend camps, camps run by national organizations, and private camps.
Families will want to find a camp that fits their philosophy, cost, and goals. Many camps offer scholarships or rates on a sliding scale depending on the family's income.
There are a number of camps around Nebraska that offer Specialty Camps and cater to children with special needs. Below are several of those camps.
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Camps in Nebraska
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Easter Seals Nebraska has Camp Easter Seals outside of Nebraska City. From campfire sing-a-longs and late night ghost stories, to nature walks, swimming, and arts and crafts, Easter Seals Nebraska camps provide the same excitement and activity available at other summer camp programs. The difference? Easter Seals Nebraska campers experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting. Campers gain independent and social interaction skills while participating in a variety of fun, adapted activities. For more information on sessions, see the Easter Seals Nebraska web site.
Camp YouCan is a new summer day camp in Nebraska for children ages 7-16 with epilepsy. Camp YouCan is sponsored by Lifestyle Innovations for Epilepsy, Inc. and will be on September 8, 2012 at YMCA Camp Kitaki located between Lincoln and Omaha. There will be daytime activities such as fishing, boating, arts and crafts, games, a ropes course, and archery. Lunch will be provided and the evening will conclude with a family dinner and campfire. We will have a staff of volunteer counselors and will have volunteer nurses on site to deliver medications and to treat injuries. For more information email info@midwestyoucan.org , call (402) 770-3936 , or visit their website.
Camp Kindle is a cost free (including traveling costs) summer camp for children and youth aged 7 to 17 who are infected with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. A week at Camp Kindle is composed of education, health and life skills workshops. Equally important are their traditional camp activities, such as water and field sports, arts and crafts, and nature appreciation. Each evening at camp, children participate in all-camp evening programs including campfires, a carnival, camp olympics, lip-sync/dance, and other specialty entertainment. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.projectkindle.org/camp-kindle/.
Camp Quality Heartland is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. Four pediatric oncology nurses with a total of 53 years experience are on the camps staff and a local physician is available for emergencies. For more information, go to the Heartland Camp Quality site or call (712) 323-5107.
Camp Jenney is a summer residential camp for Nebraska children who have cystic fibrosis. An infirmary is staffed 24 hours a day with physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. Camp Jenney is a joint project of the American Lung Association of Nebraska and Concerned Nebraskans for Cystic Fibrosis. Camp Jenney will be at Camp Kitaki near South Bend.
Camp Spirit is for kids ages 8-17 who have arthritis or related diseases. Contact the Arthritis Foundation, Nebraska Chapter at (402) 330-6130 in Omaha or outside Omaha, call 1-800-642-5292.
Camp Brave Heart of Nebraska is for kids ages 9-14 who have cardiology health conditions. Contact Jennifer Strawn at (402) 955-4350. The 2005 camp session will be held at Camp Kataki from June 5-11.
Camp Anderson is for children ages 11-18 who are deaf or hard of hearing. The camp will be held at Camp Kitaki in South Bend, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Southeast Nebraska Regional Program, the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or contact Jill Bird, (402) 436-1897.
Camp Hot Shots Central is being organized by the American Diabetes Association Great Plains Region, Omaha. This camp will be June 18, 19, 2013 and is for children ages 6 to 12 years who have diabetes. For more information, contact Deann Carpenter at (402) 461-5318.
Camp Floyd Rogers is for children with Diabetes who are between the ages of 8 and 18. This year's camp is June 23-29, 2013, at Camp Luther, a Lutheran camp and conference center nestled in the rolling, prairie farmland between Schuyler and Columbus, Nebraska. For more information, see a description of the camping experience at the Children with Diabetes web site.
Polar Opposites (Ages 6-8) – Explore the animals of the Arctic and Antarctic! Your adventure will begin in the Arctic Circle where we will encounter the elusive polar bear. Then, travel to Antarctica on the opposite side of the world to study penguins! June 14 -16 (Monday thru Wednesday)9 a.m. – Noon, Omaha’s Zoo is offering a 3 day camp for children ages 6-8 who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This day camp will be taught by certified teachers who specialize in working with deaf or hard-of-hearing students. Class space is limited. Cost $95 per child. To register, please contact the Education Department at Omaha’s Zoo at (402)738-2092 or visit www.omahazoo.com.
His Kids Camp (Ages 13-Adult) is the special needs program at Camp Luther. This Christ centered program gives safe opportunities to explore exciting new activities while increasing self-esteem, boosting self-confidence, and encouraging independence. A unique feature of His Kids Camp is that every camper will have one on one time with a special friend called their “Buddy” (staff and volunteers paired up with the campers the entire time they are at camp - day & night) to help them make the most of their camping experience. Call (402) 981-5732 for more information, or visit Camp Luther's website at www.campluther.org under "Special Needs Program"
H.U.G.S. Camp (Ages 5 –13) is a one day camp, providing activities for youth who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. The camp is for children, ages 5 –13, and their families. It is recommended at least one adult attend per family. Adults will gain ideas and learn skills to help themselves and their children through the grieving process. Groups are led by mental health practitioners and trained grief facilitators skilled in working with individuals who are grieving. Cost is $15 per family and includes Zoo admission, train ride, lunch, and program supplies. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.hugscamp.org or call Nancy Gabelman, AseraCare Hospice, 402-488-1363.
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Other Camps in Colorado and the Midwest
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The Lung Association has been leading the fight against asthma for many years, through research, education and advocacy. Learning more about the disease is the first step in helping children and adults with asthma breathe easier. The American Lung Association, Plains-Gulf Region has a variety of programs designed to help you learn more at https://www.lung.org/ .
Camp Odayin in Minnesota provides residential, day and family camp programs for children (ages 6-17) with heart disease. Our camp offers the opportunity to strengthen self-confidence, gain independence and meet other young people with similar health, emotional and social experiences. Our facility is fully staffed with pediatric cardiologists and nurses. Free transportation is provided to our residential program from the Twin Cities. The only charge for any of our programs is a $25 registration fee. Camp Odayin is a 501c3, funded through fundraisers, corporate and private donations. See a description of the camping experience at the Camp Odayin site.
Camp Nuhop is a camp for children for children age 6-18 with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorders and Behavior Disorders. located in southern Ashland County, Ohio—is a residential summer camp for all children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and behavior disorders. What started out as a one-week program years ago with eight counselors serving 27 children has blossomed into a camp that serves 560 children during six weeks, with a waiting list of 50. The camp has grown to 45 staff members and five directors. Each session is devoted to an interest-based theme, such as their Sport Skills Camp, Artistic Camp, Mountain Bike Camp and Science Camp. For more information, visit the Camp Nuhop web site or call (419) 289-2227.
Courage Camps offer safe, accessible, natural environments where children and adults with physical disabilities, sensory and language impairments, and other disabilities or illnesses discover abilities they never knew they had or they thought they had lost. Speech/language services are available at Camp Courage for campers on the active caseload of a school Speech/Language Pathologist. The Courage Camps have three locations in Minnesota, each with a number of sessions devoted targeted to children with specific disabilities. For more information, visit the Courage Camps web site or call (763) 520-0504.
One Step At A Time Summer Camp is for children and adolescents, ages 7 through 19 with cancer and leukemia. It is divided into seven different programs, each of which conducts activities for a specific age group. These programs include Standard Camp, Stepping Up, Excursion, Campcraft, Water Sports, ACE, and EXCEL. There is also a winter camp every year that is held for five days after the holidays. It is based at Aurora University's George Williams Educational Center in William's Bay, Wisconsin. For more information, visit the One Step at a Time web site or call (312) 924-4220.
Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals with disabilities of all ages. There are a number of activities available to campers, ranging from Caving, Arts and Crafts, Outdoor Living Skills and caring for farm animals. For information about week long summer camps and other programs, visit the Camp Courageous web site or call (319)465-5916.
The Fowler Center in Michigan has been providing year-round outdoor recreational and educational experiences for people with special needs, including: mental and physical challenges, autism, traumatic brain injuries, as well as sensory and communication challenges. Activities offered at the Fowler Center include outdoor education, horseback riding, creative arts, water sports, and barn and garden activities. To learn more about the centers camping and respite programs, visit theFowler Center web site or call (989) 673-2050.
Lions Bear Lake Camp in Michigan offers summer camp programs for children who are visually-impaired, hearing impaired or have juvenile arthritis and related diseases. Activities include horseback ridding, swimming, boating, hiking, crafts, nature, music, archery, games and drama. Older campers will participate in leadership development activities and a high ropes course. For more information, visit the Lions Bear Lake Camp web site or call (810) 245-0726.
Wonderland Camp is dedicated to serving mentally and physically challenged individuals of all ages. Campers can participate in many activities at camp including crafts, music, nature studies, hiking, swimming, boating, dances, campfires, talent shows, archery, fishing, and more. The camp is located at Rocky Mount, Missouri, near the Lake of the Ozarks. To learn more about the camp programs,visit the Wonderland Camp web site or call (573) 392-1000.
Shady Oaks Camp provides outdoor fun and recreation for children and adults with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities. The camp is located in Homer Glen, Illinois, (35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago) and was built specifically around the special needs of these campers. Programs at the camp include planned recreation, games, arts and crafts, and swimming. All are tailored to the capabilities and limitations of each individual camper. There are also field trips to places in or near Chicago, like the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos, major league baseball games, museums and theaters. For more information call 708-301-0816 or visit the Shady Oaks Camp web site.
Special Days Camp is open to any child who currently has cancer or leukemia, or has had it in the past. Special Days Camp gives these youngsters a chance to experience the fun of traditional summer camp with the medical care and treatment they require from oncology physicians and nurses. The camp is located in Jackson, Michigan. For more information about their winter and summer camp, visit the Special Days Camp web site.
Camp Hickory Hill serves children and teens age 8 to 17 who have insulin-dependent diabetes. The camp educates these children to manage and control their own diabetes. Fun activities include archery, arts and crafts, astronomy, boating, campfires and overnight camp outs, exploring a cave, fishing, hiking and nature study, zip line, mudpit competition, ping pong, rappelling, riflery, skits, stories, songs, sports and more. The camp is located in Columbia, Missouri. For more information, visit Camp Hickory Hill's web page or call (573) 445-9146.
There are several agencies that can provide information.
PTI Nebraska (Parent Training and Information) is a statewide resource for families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. PTI Nebraska’s staff are parent/professionals and are available to talk to parents and professionals about special education and disability specific information.
Contact PTI Nebraska
Nebraska ChildFind will connect you to resources to help you advocate for your child.
Contact Nebraska ChildFind
Nebraska Early Development Network can help address your concerns about your child’s early development.
Contact Nebraska Early Development Network
You may also find it helpful to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Learn more about IFSP
If you are searching for information about a specific disability, the Center for Parent Information & Resoources (CPIR) have a disability resource library.
CPIR Resources Library
If your child is in need help with learning, there are several organizations who can help.
Nebraska ChildFind will connect you to resources to help you advocate for an appropriate education.
Contact Nebraska ChildFind
You can also contact Nebraska Early Development Network to address your concerns about your child’s early development with your local planning region team.
Contact Nebraska Early Development Network
You may also find it helpful to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Learn more about IFSP
Special education provides each student with a disability with a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Children, from birth until twenty-one years of age, with a qualifying disability in need of specialized educational services in order to benefit from their education are entitled to receive special education and related services.
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is the document that describes the services a child needs in order to receive educational benefit. The IEP reflects the child and family’s vision for the
future.
You can start by contacting PTI Nebraska. PTI Nebraska (Parent Training and Information) is a statewide resource for families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. PTI Nebraska’s staff are parent/professionals and are available to talk to parents and professionals about special education and disability specific information.
Contact PTI Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Office of Special Education can also help
NDE Parental Right and Family Information
Contact NDE
Parental Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP) has developed a Parent Guide
Nebraska Special Education Parent Guide
