25,000 Minnesotans with developmental disabilities receive services from the state of Minnesota. Here is the story of one family and how important these supports are to them.The Blackfords receive the Family Support Grant. This grant covers the additional costs incurred when caring for a child with a disability at home. By covering these additional expenses, the grant helps keep the family intact.
We
are a family of four. My husband and I have two children, and have been married
twenty-seven years. Our daughter is nineteen and an A-student, studying at the
University of Minnesota. Our son John is eighteen, is a senior in high school,
and has diagnoses of mild autism and spina bifida. Over the course of eighteen
years, he has had over 30 procedures requiring anesthesia.
When John was very young, we started receiving the Family Support Grant through the help of a county worker. Due to John's extreme needs, I assumed the role of full-time caregiver as well as full-time homemaker. I could not work outside the home, and this support grant was at many times a lifesaver for our family. The fund has paid for the special clothing purchases, special undergarments, and dietary supplements that John needs.
I recently became eligible to apply for Parental Choice. This has been a wonderful show of support for the valuable work I perform. Because of the shortage of personal care assistants and the degree of need that John requires, I have been granted a hardship waiver. As a result, John is able to remain in his home, and we receive funding to support the services John requires to live there.
Over the years, I have sent many letters to the county attesting to the value of the Family Support Grant for our family, and the burden and stress our family has undergone advocating for the medical, educational, and even social rights of our son. Along with the financial burden, having to fight for these many needs created enormous physical and mental stress. Any monetary or other supports that can be offered young parents and their children earlier on keeps them healthier and their family stronger. Please keep funding for all family supports strong.
Thank you for your time - Judith Blackford
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