|
|
Katie Rodriguez
Banister will answer your on line questions! Click
Here to submit a question.
Question for Katie:
My grand-daughter is
severely disabled. She is 21 months old and can no longer use an
infant carrier but we can't get a car seat that suits her disabilities.
We need a lot of items, such as cups, bath aids, and everything
for ADL's. Where do we go and help for her?
If you reside in St.
Louis, Missouri, I have the following suggestions. First things
first; your grand-daughter needs to be evaluated by a certified
occupational therapist and/or a physical therapist to
determine her needs. I did my 2 months of hospitalization at
Barnes hospital and the 4 months of intense rehab at St. John's Mercy
Medical Center. St. John's would be a good place to start to have
your child looked at or they might be able to steer you in the right
direction; 314-989-9199.
An important issue at hand is what type of medical insurance your
grand-daughter has. For many years I was covered by Medicaid and then 2
years after my disability, I became eligible for Disability Social
Security. Do you have private insurance? If so, call them and find
out what they will and will not cover.
I use www.google.com to find so many things. Click on the link, type
in "disability equipment" or "disability medical
supplies" or "St. Louis Missouri Rehabilitation
resources." Other searches I've done are "disabled
clothing" and "occupational therapist" "Physical
therapists." Maybe try contacting the Shriner's Hospital on Ballas
Road in West County. I hear they are a wonderful resource. Cardinal
Glennon Children's Hospital on Grand Ave might be a good resource as
well. Easter Seals might be of assistance as well. If you live outside
of St. Louis area, look for these types of facilities in your area. Most
states have state run programs and services for children with
disabilities, to find these, search on your states government web page.
I have to congratulate you on your desire to get your grand-daughter the
things she needs. She's going to need strong people to advocate for her
and on her behalf. Please don't let the "system" get you down.
If one door won't open, look for another!
Thanks for your question & visiting our site!
|
I miss the me I used
to be
Standing on my own
But now wheels go 'round,
Freedom Found,
Independence shown
1992 - Katie Rodriguez Banister
|