Where to Start-Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM

First Steps is a program that matches the unique needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays with professional resources within the community.

If you have a child up to three years old, First Steps will provide educational material and other resources to help you recognize developmental problems as early as possible.

570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
601-576-7400 (8am-5pm)
http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/41,0,74.html

 

 

 

EASTER SEALS:

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.

http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ntlc8_2011_state_autism_profiles_mississippi

MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM:

http://www.medicaid.ms.gov/Eligibility.aspx

http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html

TEFRA: (Tax, Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982)

Under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA), states may provide Medicaid coverage to children with severe disabilities, disregarding their family income, if these children require care at an institutional (hospital, nursing home or intermediate care facility) level.

When a child receives extended care in an institutional setting, family income is disregarded as a qualification for Medicaid. The TEFRA State Plan Option makes it possible to do the same for a family whose child requires care at the level provided in an institution, but who choose to care for their child at home. Currently, 18 states and the District of Columbia have chosen to implement the TEFRA State Plan Option. Because states vary widely in the availability of institutional care for children and the clinical criteria for admitting children to these institutions, the numbers of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) who receive Medicaid benefits under this option also varies widely from state to state.

Please check with your state office to see if TEFRA is offered in your state.

GENETICS CLINIC

The Waisman Center provides comprehensive clinical care and support for children with disabilities and their families. The Waisman Center Down Syndrome Clinic is a partnership with UW Health and the American Family Children's Hospital. A multidisciplinary team of professionals work together to provide clinical care of children up to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Children and their families are seen for initial and follow-up visits to address concerns related to Down syndrome in the areas of: feeding, growth, development, communication, behavior, hearing, therapy and support services. Genetic counseling is also provided in the clinic. Individualized care is provided according to the needs of the child identified in collaboration with their parent or guardian. The guidelines will be followed from the American Academy of Pediatrics Standards in the Care of Children with Down Syndrome.¹

Waisman Center Clinics: 608-263-3301
Mary Rasmussen, coordinator, Biochemical Genetics Clinic, 608-263-5993
Greg Rice, MD, Biochemical Geneticist, 608-263-5993
EZ Referrals encouraged

MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

http://www.umhc.com/Health_Care_Services/ChildrenDefault.aspx?WT.srch=1



CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY


The Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society (CMDSS) was established in July 2003. Its first project was the 1st Annual Central Mississippi Buddy Walk held in October 2003. More than 500 people turned out to show their support of individuals with Down syndrome. It was an overwhelming success and showed the tremendous need for an advocacy organization for people with Down syndrome and their families. A very active group of parents have united together to share ideas, offer emotional support, provide educational information, and to actively promote a positive image of people with Down syndrome in our community.

P.O. Box 2189, Brandon, MS 39043
Telephone: 601-397-3696
Email: info@cmdss.org
Website: www.cmdss.org




GULF COAST DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY


The purpose of the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society is to build a supportive network for families and individuals with Down syndrome to share information, strength and hope. It is our mission to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in community life. At the same time, it is our goal to provide children and adults with Down syndrome peer groups in which they can form lifelong friendships. Parents, family members, individuals with Down syndrome, and anyone else interested in learning more are welcome to attend any of the events sponsored by GCDSS.    

P.O. Box 654, Gautier, MS 39553
Telephone: 228-623-3331
Email: gcdss@cableone.net
Email 2: info@gcdss.org
Website: http://www.gcdss.org



NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY

NEMDSS was founded in April, 2007 by Scott & Michelle Knight of Saltillo after the birth of their 3rd son, Peyton. Realizing the need for support services & resources for new families of babies born with Down syndrome, the Knight’s joined forces with Michael & Renea Simmerman, who welcomed their 2nd son Trevor into the world 6 mos. later. Together, they formed what is today named the Northeast Mississippi Down syndrome Society, a nonprofit support organization that serves the N.E. Mississippi region.

193 Westwood Circle, Saltillo, MS 38866
Telephone: 662-871-2387
Email: nemdss@bellsouth.net
Website: www.nemdss.org

THE ARC OF MISSISSIPPI

7 Lakeland Circle #600

Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601)982-1180
Toll free: 800-717-1180
Fax: (601) 982-5792www.arcms.org