Advocacy

We find that many parents and guardians of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel lost in the labyrinth of possible supports and services available for their loved ones.

How do you apply for help? Are you prepared to ask for what you need? Are you sure that your loved one is getting all the help that is available? How can you be sure all the services are in place and working appropriately?

These questions may seem daunting, but the answers can make a world of difference.

Come to us. We will be your advocate. Our goal is to ensure that your loved one receives all available public benefits, now and in the future, so that he or she can enjoy the richness of life, and feel poised to pursue his or her dreams.

Here's what we can do to help.

• Attend Individual Planning meetings to ensure that services are being implemented
• Request and advocate at administrative hearings to address issues related to services and supports 
• Attend probate court hearings for guardianship and conservatorship matters
• Provide guidance regarding residential housing concerns
• Request and provide advocacy at fair hearings (click here for a real life story)
• Apply for DDS services and other public benefit programs
• Appeal from denials of eligibility for DDS services
• Review current supports and services and identify additional programs your loved one may benefit from