[infoster]

We have a 4 month old FS, who we found out at 10 weeks old he had been born blind due to congenital cataracts. He has since then had two surgeries at Riley's Children Hospital, and around 10 post-op appointments. He has to wear extremely thick glasses and very expensive contact lens that are made special because he has no lens in his eyes. The Doctors at Rileys have told us that he will need to have an appointment every 2 months for the next two-three years of his life, as his vision will constantly change since he is so little and still growing. They explained that a child's eyes will stop growing anywhere between 3-5 years old, and that he will need lens transplants at that time. He is pretty much Blind without his glasses and or contacts in. Would he be considered a speacial needs child? Also if he is, then how does one change in the system to list him as one? Also we live two hours away from Riley's Children Hospital. Thanks for the advice.

[ajmsw]

Your FS definatively would be a special needs child, but I would even say he is also a medically fragile child and should qualify for a special care rate. I am not sure what your state classifies as special needs, but you can request in writing from your social worker the county's list of criteria needed to qualify for this rate. I would get all the medical documentation from your FS's specialists to document in writing all the medical procedures, special equipment, surgeries, and the cost, time and Dr. appt. needed for you to care for your FS, to take care of his medical needs. Keep a binder with a copy of all of the documentation you submit to the SW. Be proactive and ensure that the county pays for all of his medical needs, including giving you a medical rate for caring for your FS. Good luck!