Tj was approved for the autism waiver. The letter said that he is on the waiting list- anyone know about how long the waiting list is? The lady at the division of disability said he will probably have to be reevaluated when he finally is ready to come off the waiting list. I think this is a good thing right? I am personally tired of hearing waiting list- he is on a waiting list for speech, and ot. There is a real shortage of speech therapist in the area. I had a choice of about 5 therapist and that included the hospitals. One actually got nasty with me and told me "We have nothing available I suggest you go somewhere else" I got ticked off on that one and responded "dont worry I would not bring him here if you were the last therapist on earth." Does anyone have any idea whre else to find a speech therapist? I was actuallu thinking about calling the local college to see if they have anything to offer. Thanks for letting me vent a little.
Kathy
Kathy,the local college is a wonderful idea! they have students there that need the patients to complete there thesis' and prepare for their careers! you could probably get someone for very little, yet very effective as they are eager to build their rapport and clientelle. great idea.
the waiver for the autism support? or what waiver? if it is medicaid, they may be waiting for paperwork to come back from verifications, or may be wait til the beginning of the fiscal year, for funding availability.
that's why i was telling eveyone to get on the christmas funds lists now, so that the funding will be available....
g/l kate
Each state has different services, resources, waivers, programs they offer. So without knowing the state you live in and what waiver you are talking about it is impossible to try to answer your question. In addition, each COUNTY has its own wait time. If you live in a large city there are more people who have applied and are waiting for services.... smaller countys are less people applied and waiting, but also less providers!
have you tried calling your local hospital and asking them about Speech therapists? What about calling nursing homes? I know it may sound weird but the elderly often suffer strokes and need speech therapy to begin communication again an dalso to learn to chew / swallow again. It might be worth checking out.
One waiver in our state has a waiting list that can take years and I have been told that they often reevaluate and deny the child. Since I dont know what state you are in, You may to call the Department that administers the program and ask them how many are in front of your son, average waiting time, etc..
All therapists are in short supply here (OT is the worse). I know about rude people. It is a shame that we can decide to continue to hunt help for children or stop and pursue a complaint against the people who the very least need a refresher in sensitivity training. A quick email to the CEO of the program where you were treated so rudely may help bring about some change in how they are handling parents they cannot serve. I have been denied services and they usually eiter provide otherpossible places or refer you back to your Dr..
Good Luck!!!! I am in the boat (limited or no services) along with you.