Programs and Services
Information Every Parent Should Know
It is important to know that people with cerebral palsy can and do live full active lives.
Find a doctor:
The American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine website can help you find a list of physicians in Michigan with expertise in CP. Select Michigan on the search page and it will bring up a list of doctors in Michigan.
Early On
Early On is a free state program for children with special needs from birth to age three, regardless of family income. Early On provides services like physical therapy, nursing, play groups, parent education, and transportation, in cooperation with local school districts’ special education services. 1-800-EARLY ON (1.800.327.5966).
Special Education
Some people with cerebral palsy have cognitive impairment or learning disabilities, and some do not. If your child does not need special help with academic subjects, he or she may still obtain physical therapy, assistive technology, etc. through your school district’s special education program. In Michigan, students in special education may receive services until age 26 or until they earn their high school diploma.
From ages 3-5 your child may be eligible for special preschool services called "pre-primary impaired," or "PPI." You will be an active part of setting the course for your child’s education through team meetings and "Individualized Education Plans", known as "IEPs."
The Michigan Alliance for Families is an organization that specializes in helping parents know their rights regarding special education laws. 1.800.552.4821
Children’s Special Health Care Services
CSHCS helps families of children with disabilities up until age 20 for 2,500 diagnoses, and persons 21 and older with cystic fibrosis or certain blood coagulation disorders may also qualify for services. It has a sliding fee scale based on the family's income. The fees below are from the 2010 Payment Agreement Guide Worksheet.
You can view the 2010 Payment Agreement Guide Worksheet by clicking here.
The following are the new fees for a family of four:
Annual Income: $0-$44,099 = $10.00/month
Annual Income: $44,100-$55,125 = $16.00/month
Annual Income: $55,126-$66,150 = $31.00/month
Annual Income: $66,151-$88,200 = $61.00/month
Annual Income: $88,201-$110,250 = $123.00/month
Annual Income: $110,251 and up = $247.00/month
CSHCS helps with referrals and coverage for specialty medical services, equipment, and supplies not covered by private insurance or basic Medicaid. It is a state program, but you sign up at your county health department.
If you have private health insurance available through your place of work but cannot afford the premiums, CSHCS may be able to help you by paying your premiums.
Parents can call 1.800.359.3722 with questions about the program or to find your county health department.
Support
CSHCS runs the Family Support Network, which will put you in touch with other parents of children with special needs. 1-800-359-3722
The Arc Michigan runs the Michigan Alliance for Families. Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support and education to families of children and adults with disabilities from birth to age 26 who are in the educational system. The purpose of the project is to increase the involvement of families in their children's education and the educational system in general. Call 800.552.4821 for more information.
Respite and Childcare
The Lansing Area Parents’ Respite Center compiles the Michigan Respite Resource Guide, which lists by county the agencies that provide respite care throughout the state. Contact the Center at 517.372.6671 or contact UCP Michigan for agencies in your county.
Michigan Community Coordinated Child Care (known as 4C’s) tracks all licensed day care providers in the state, and notes specialties such as being equipped to accept children with special needs. The main office can put you in touch with the 4C's office for your area and its list of childcare providers that can meet your child's needs. Call them at 517.351.4171.
Financial Help
Depending on family income and the severity of your child's disability, your child may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the federal Social Security Administration. 1.800.722.1213
The Family Support Subsidy offers monthly payments of $222.11 to families of children with disabilities with taxable incomes under $60,000. Contact Cheryl Thelen at 517.241.5773.
If a child with a severe disability is at risk for requiring out-of-home care, the Children's Waiver Program enables children to remain in their parent's home or return to their parents' home from out-of-home placements, while receiving regular Medicaid State Plan services (i.e., case management, private duty nursing) and waiver services, regardless of their parent's income.
Both the Family Support Subsidy and the Children's Waiver programs are administered through your county Community Mental Health Services program. You can find their numbers in the county government section of your phone book or by calling 517.335.8216.
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
Therapy, starting as early and as much as possible, can make a big difference in your child's future independence. Therapies may be obtained through your public school's special education services, Early On, CSHCS, and through private practitioners reimbursed by insurance companies.
Conductive Education is an intense therapy developed specifically for cerebral palsy. Aquinas College offers it in Grand Rapids (616.459.8281, ext. 5467) and Oakland University offers it in Sterling Heights (586.566.5154).
Assistive Technology
Cerebral palsy may affect a person's physical functioning significantly, or very little. If needed, there are many devices that can help your child with communication, mobility, eating, etc. Schools often work with the Michigan's Integrated Technology Supports 517.908.3930 or, in the Upper Peninsula, with UCP Michigan's Assistive Technology Center (906.226.9903) to determine what technology will best meet your child's needs.
Surgeries and Other Management Methods
There are many current medical practices for managing cerebral palsy. Exceptional Parent Maganzine published a booklet called Positive Perspectives for Cerebral Palsy that gives medical information in easy-to-understand language for parents, with personal stories of families who have used a given therapy, surgery, or device. For a copy, call Exceptional Parent Magazine at 1.800.372.7368 or call UCP Michigan at 1.800.828.2714.
View a Printer-Friendly Version
Go back to top