A program for disabled children to lean on

Because of their tender age, disabled children need so much more than special medical care. That's where the Family Health Support Program, a collaboration between UMMC and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation, comes in. Staffed by two family health supporters who are personally experienced with the challenges of disability, the program provides resources, referrals and, just as often, an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on.

While similar programs have been developed by parents in the past, "Ours is the first to integrate parents of disabled children and disabled 'self-advocates' into the medical team," says Martin Young, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics and program co-director. The program was launched a year ago with a pilot in the division of pediatric neurology. Beth Rosen, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics and neurology, is the program's lead physician. After completing a medical exam, she introduces one of the family health supporters to the child and parents. The health supporter speaks with the family to make sure all their questions regarding the medical visit and prescribed medical care are answered; she further asks if they need help with other concerns, such as special education, respite care, special equipment and therapies.

"We address anything and everything. And if we don't have the answers, we know where to get them," says Family Health Supporter Cynthia Bissell, the mother of twins with special needs. She and fellow Family Health Supporter Sandra Milyko have found that support groups and community support are critical components.

Milyko, who has cerebral palsy, also specializes in counseling families on self-advocacy. "Self-advocates are people learning to stand up for themselves in getting basic things - from jobs to health insurance to personal support - that most people take for granted," she explains.

At the same time they are assisting families, family health supporters are educating the medical staff. Says Rosen, "Cindy and Sandy have been well-received by patients, and have informed me and other providers about what's available outside of UMass."