Assisting Families With Children Who Have Special Needs
By Tara Roddick, Program Specialist, Child Care Resource & Referral
For families with children who have special needs, here are programs that offer a variety of services.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Iowa has five waiver programs for children; these are disability specific. Waivers vary in services, but they generally fall into areas of respite, home nursing care, and supported community living training. Title XIX is provided. This program also covers home and vehicle modification. Call DHS at 557-8251.
Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI)
SSI can be applied for at any age. Call 582-3626 or (800) 772-1213. The initial call will screen for income requirements. Disability determination can take several months.
Family Support Subsidy
This state program provides a monthly cash stipend to families to help cover costs of a child with a disability. Call DHS at 557-8251. Minimum requirements apply.
Support Groups
Talk About Special Kids (TASK) 582-1778
Parents As Teachers (PAT) 557-3100
ARK Advocates 556-1785
Finding Childcare
Child Care Resources & Referral 557-1628
Medical Care
HAWK-I offers no-cost or low-cost health care coverage for children based on family income levels; call (800) 257-8563.
Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) 556-6200
State Papers From DHS, these authorize medical care at the University of Iowa. Must be for medical care of acute or serious nature and is provided only in Iowa City; call 557-8251.
Medically Needy Program is for those individuals who earn too much for Medicaid but have medical care needs above their ability to pay; call 557-8251.
Gannon Center offers counseling and medication management for a variety of mental health diagnoses; call 582-0145.
Child Health Specialty Clinic serves children and youths aged 0-21 with special health care needs (fees on a sliding scale); call 588-0981.
Dental Care
Visiting Nurses Association, Iowa ABCD Program and Oral Health Services 556-6200
University of Iowa School of Dentistry (319) 356-1517
Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities Free services for children with disabilities for families with low income; call (319) 356-1513.
Vision Care and Glasses
The Lions Club provides assistance with examinations and glasses. Their funding is limited and therefore is not always available. Application is by a written request. This application needs to be sent by a professional working with the family in need.
Prevent Blindness Iowa Program (515) 244-4341
Hearing Aids
Miracle Ear Childrens Foundation (800) 234-5422
Hear Now (800) 648-HEAR
Prescriptions Medications
Most pharmaceutical companies have programs to help those without sufficient resources. The criteria and application is different for each company. Please contact Gloria Klinefelter at Keystone AEA at 556-3310.
The Medicine Program is available to those without insurance or government programming that covers medication; call (573) 778-1118.
The Children-at-Home Program and the Society for Special Needs contact is Gloria Klinefelter at 556-3310.
Respite Care
HCBS Waivers DHS, 557-8251
Dubuque Area Council for Prevention of Child Abuse, Child Care Resource & Referral Kathy Wetter, 557-1628
Camp Courageous (319) 465-5916
Children-at-Home Gloria Klinefelter, 556-8251
Iowa Respite and Crisis Care Coalition (800) 255-3140
University Hospital School Inpatient Unit in Iowa City Lori Hilmer, (877) 686-0031
Adoption Respite Program (for adoptive families) (800) 277-8145
Non-Categorical Funding Sources
Children-At-Home Program Gloria Klinefelter, 556-3310
Society for Special Needs Gloria Klinefelter, 556-3310
Emergency Funding
Emergency programs change frequently, but there are programs to help with utilities, rent, emergency relief, food, and clothing. If those issues arise, contact Gloria Klinefelter at 556-3310.
For more information on any program listed here, contact Tara Roddick at 557-1628.
