Services for Mito

[Guest guest]

I have been doing some research and just came across some info on

finacial assistance for families with Mito. I know it would have

helped me, I hope maybe it will help you

Services

In addition to therapies and doctor-recommended courses of action,

there are services available to you that can prove to be a great

help.

Many organizations offer aid in one form or another and you should

see what is available in your area.

Schools

If a school-aged child is affected with a Mitochondrial disease, his

or her school may be the best place to start looking for services

tailored to their needs.

Many schools have programs available to help children with special

needs. It is in your best interest to inquire about the types of

services available through the school, or at other schools.

If your child is attending school and has special needs, you should

make it a point to sit down with the school officials and develop an

Individual Education Program (IEP). This will allow you to explain

your child's needs, and to set goals that you would like to work

towards. It also allows school officials to make suggestions that

you may find helpful.

Often, physical/occupational/speech therapists are available to work

with a child while at school. This can be of great benefit if a

child gets no therapy outside of school, and can reinforce any

therapies a child does get outside of school. If a child is

receiving therapy outside of school, it is helpful to have all

therapists involved with the child sit and talk with each other so

that common grounds and procedures can be established.

Schools often have, or can obtain, specialized equipment that can

help your child in one way or another. You'd be amazed at how many

types of equipment there are that can be employed to help a child

perform everyday tasks like walking, crawling, or sitting properly.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Even though Mitochondrial diseases aren't a major focus at MDA, they

are one of the many topics researched by MDA. Services and financial

aid may be available to individuals with Mitochondrial diseases,

depending on the type of Mitochondrial disease, and what body

systems are affected.

State, County, and City Agencies

Government agencies often offer assistances of some type to people

with special needs. Sometimes they will provide services, other

times they are able to offer financial aid to those in need.

You will need to do some research to find out what services, if any,

may be available to you in your area. Doctors, therapists, school

officials and welfare agencies are good places to start asking

questions. They can probably refer you to the proper people, or at

least point you in the right direction!

Pharmacies and Grocery Stores

Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference!

Often, all the assistance you need is to be able to purchase a

special vitamin mixture, or an odd-sized toiletry item. Don't

overlook the neighborhood stores. Just because you don't see the

item, doesn't mean they can't get it. Usually, if you ask a manager

to carry a certain item, and tell them how much you need and how

often, they will be glad to do so.