Guest guest Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 We live in the Lehigh Valley, Amy!Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis " The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before. " " Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along. " ---Temple Grandin " Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. " - Reeves " Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence. " - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 And I'm in Philadelphia Amy.Donna We live in the Lehigh Valley, Amy!Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis"The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before." "Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along."---Temple Grandin "Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Reeves"Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence." - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) And I'm in Philadelphia Amy.Donna We live in the Lehigh Valley, Amy!Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis"The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before." "Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along."---Temple Grandin "Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Reeves"Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence." - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 Hi All, Since we have a couple of people on here from PA, I will just copy the email I sent Liz. It would be great if you could answer any of these questions or even just give me a general idea of what is available in PA. We live in Baltimore and the schools are just so bad here and we get no services. I am thinking about moving over the state line to York, PA. I considered this a few years ago too, but the schools are getting worse and both of my kids have such major issues now. Quinn who has DS/ Autism is extremely low functioning and the school isn’t doing much and we get no respite or at home behavior help. Also, we don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and are #3000 on the waitlist. So can you answer a few questions? 1) First I can’t remember how old you child is? Still school aged? They qualify automatically for Medical Assistance in PA still right? 2) What in home support do you get access to? How much time and is it free? 3) Respite care? Do you automatically get it? How much? 4) Summer Camp, is this under respite care? Here Quinn gets 4 weeks of half day summer school and that is it! I want him to have almost daily camp if possible over the summer, but can’t afford it. 5) Are there special ed schools where you live, Quinn goes to a school for the most severe children, I think he needs this but even more intensive if possible. Does PA ever pay for kids to got to residential schools like Melmark? Or is it a huge fight? This may be more county based but trying to get a feel. Thanks! Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Soucek Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:16 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) And I'm in Philadelphia Amy. Donna We live in the Lehigh Valley, Amy! Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis " The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before. " " Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along. " ---Temple Grandin " Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. " - Reeves " Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence. " - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Hi Amy,I live near York, PA which is right up Route 83 from Baltimore. My son has DS/ASD, Epilepsy and many other behavior and health issues. My son went to a private school in West Chester, PA called Devereux- Kanner Learning Center until last fall. We then brought him home and enrolled him the the Dual Diagnosis Class at York Learning Center through the Lincoln Intermediate Program based out of New Oxford, PA. He receives TSS services from T.W. Ponessa. I also have a Case Worker through MH/MR our of York. He does receive Medical Assistance through Gateway and SSI.Nearer to the land line is Penn-Mar. I do not have more info on them, but my niece-in-law works for them as a PCA. They work pretty much like LIU.If you would contacts or phone numbers, please let me know.Good luck!, mother of (20) DS/ASD/Epilepsy....... To: Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 4:47 PM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi All, Since we have a couple of people on here from PA, I will just copy the email I sent Liz. It would be great if you could answer any of these questions or even just give me a general idea of what is available in PA. We live in Baltimore and the schools are just so bad here and we get no services. I am thinking about moving over the state line to York , PA. I considered this a few years ago too, but the schools are getting worse and both of my kids have such major issues now. Quinn who has DS/ Autism is extremely low functioning and the school isn’t doing much and we get no respite or at home behavior help. Also, we don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and are #3000 on the waitlist. So can you answer a few questions? 1) First I can’t remember how old you child is? Still school aged? They qualify automatically for Medical Assistance in PA still right? 2) What in home support do you get access to? How much time and is it free? 3) Respite care? Do you automatically get it? How much? 4) Summer Camp, is this under respite care? Here Quinn gets 4 weeks of half day summer school and that is it! I want him to have almost daily camp if possible over the summer, but can’t afford it. 5) Are there special ed schools where you live, Quinn goes to a school for the most severe children, I think he needs this but even more intensive if possible. Does PA ever pay for kids to got to residential schools like Melmark? Or is it a huge fight? This may be more county based but trying to get a feel. Thanks! Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Soucek Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:16 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) And I'm in Philadelphia Amy. Donna We live in the Lehigh Valley , Amy! Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis "The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before." "Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along."--- Temple Grandin "Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Reeves "Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence." - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Hi , I am very interested in hearing about Deveraux! I saw it online and it looks like what we were hoping for for Quinn. Did PA pay for it? If so did you have to fight hard for them to place him there? Here they said even if we got a lawyer it would never happen. If PA is friendly to putting kids in private programs like this I would move in an instant! I am also confused about the TSS services. Is that at home service or do you have to use that as his aide at school. Of course Quinn needs a 1-1 aide at school 100% of the time, but I was also hoping for some support at home as well. Thanks, Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of michelle conaway Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 7:03 AM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania Hi Amy, I live near York, PA which is right up Route 83 from Baltimore. My son has DS/ASD, Epilepsy and many other behavior and health issues. My son went to a private school in West Chester, PA called Devereux- Kanner Learning Center until last fall. We then brought him home and enrolled him the the Dual Diagnosis Class at York Learning Center through the Lincoln Intermediate Program based out of New Oxford, PA. He receives TSS services from T.W. Ponessa. I also have a Case Worker through MH/MR our of York. He does receive Medical Assistance through Gateway and SSI. Nearer to the land line is Penn-Mar. I do not have more info on them, but my niece-in-law works for them as a PCA. They work pretty much like LIU. If you would contacts or phone numbers, please let me know. Good luck! , mother of (20) DS/ASD/Epilepsy....... From: Amy Banta To: Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 4:47 PM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi All, Since we have a couple of people on here from PA, I will just copy the email I sent Liz. It would be great if you could answer any of these questions or even just give me a general idea of what is available in PA. We live in Baltimore and the schools are just so bad here and we get no services. I am thinking about moving over the state line to York , PA. I considered this a few years ago too, but the schools are getting worse and both of my kids have such major issues now. Quinn who has DS/ Autism is extremely low functioning and the school isn’t doing much and we get no respite or at home behavior help. Also, we don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and are #3000 on the waitlist. So can you answer a few questions? 1) First I can’t remember how old you child is? Still school aged? They qualify automatically for Medical Assistance in PA still right? 2) What in home support do you get access to? How much time and is it free? 3) Respite care? Do you automatically get it? How much? 4) Summer Camp, is this under respite care? Here Quinn gets 4 weeks of half day summer school and that is it! I want him to have almost daily camp if possible over the summer, but can’t afford it. 5) Are there special ed schools where you live, Quinn goes to a school for the most severe children, I think he needs this but even more intensive if possible. Does PA ever pay for kids to got to residential schools like Melmark? Or is it a huge fight? This may be more county based but trying to get a feel. Thanks! Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Soucek Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:16 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) On Apr 10, 2012, at 3:00 PM, Donna Duffey wrote: And I'm in Philadelphia Amy. Donna On Apr 10, 2012, at 2:19 PM, Liz DeSantis wrote: We live in the Lehigh Valley , Amy! Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori On Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 1:58 PM, Amy Banta wrote: Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis " The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before. " " Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along. " --- Temple Grandin " Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. " - Reeves " Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence. " - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Hi Amy,I have had TSS services both at home and at school. also requires a one-on-one aide at school. At home, they would come in the morning to assist me in getting him ready and on the bus because of being non-compliant. Since our move out of York and to Jefferson, we have not been able to attain one for in home, but I have been able to get him on the bus. In his class they also have PCA's (Personal Care Aides), that can be one-on-one assigned or help the whole class. 's class only has six children in it, which is great. We also have Youth Advocacy services in our area. They come to the home and also can take the child out into the community.Devereux-Kanner Learning Center is located in West Chester, PA (approximately 2 hrs. from York). It is like a small college campus. The students live there year round in dormitories. They have classes from 9 - 3 daily and group therapy and one-on-one therapies depending on the child's needs. They have two one-week breaks per year. They also have an in-ground pool for swimming during the summer. We received funding through CCBH (Community Care Behavior Health). Since the school district we lived in could not provide the type of schooling to meet 's needs, they had to pay for it. They also provided his medical needs very good and the communication and updates on how he was doing was very good.Also, I received some information about rights in PA from PEN (Pennsylvania Education Network). They also have an office in York.Let me know what else you need. I have been dealing with many different agencies in 's 20 years. To: Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8:10 AM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi , I am very interested in hearing about Deveraux! I saw it online and it looks like what we were hoping for for Quinn. Did PA pay for it? If so did you have to fight hard for them to place him there? Here they said even if we got a lawyer it would never happen. If PA is friendly to putting kids in private programs like this I would move in an instant! I am also confused about the TSS services. Is that at home service or do you have to use that as his aide at school. Of course Quinn needs a 1-1 aide at school 100% of the time, but I was also hoping for some support at home as well. Thanks, Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of michelle conaway Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 7:03 AM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania Hi Amy, I live near York , PA which is right up Route 83 from Baltimore . My son has DS/ASD, Epilepsy and many other behavior and health issues. My son went to a private school in West Chester , PA called Devereux- Kanner Learning Center until last fall. We then brought him home and enrolled him the the Dual Diagnosis Class at York Learning Center through the Lincoln Intermediate Program based out of New Oxford, PA. He receives TSS services from T.W. Ponessa. I also have a Case Worker through MH/MR our of York . He does receive Medical Assistance through Gateway and SSI. Nearer to the land line is Penn-Mar. I do not have more info on them, but my niece-in-law works for them as a PCA. They work pretty much like LIU. If you would contacts or phone numbers, please let me know. Good luck! , mother of (20) DS/ASD/Epilepsy....... From: Amy Banta To: Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 4:47 PM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi All, Since we have a couple of people on here from PA, I will just copy the email I sent Liz. It would be great if you could answer any of these questions or even just give me a general idea of what is available in PA. We live in Baltimore and the schools are just so bad here and we get no services. I am thinking about moving over the state line to York , PA. I considered this a few years ago too, but the schools are getting worse and both of my kids have such major issues now. Quinn who has DS/ Autism is extremely low functioning and the school isn’t doing much and we get no respite or at home behavior help. Also, we don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and are #3000 on the waitlist. So can you answer a few questions? 1) First I can’t remember how old you child is? Still school aged? They qualify automatically for Medical Assistance in PA still right? 2) What in home support do you get access to? How much time and is it free? 3) Respite care? Do you automatically get it? How much? 4) Summer Camp, is this under respite care? Here Quinn gets 4 weeks of half day summer school and that is it! I want him to have almost daily camp if possible over the summer, but can’t afford it. 5) Are there special ed schools where you live, Quinn goes to a school for the most severe children, I think he needs this but even more intensive if possible. Does PA ever pay for kids to got to residential schools like Melmark? Or is it a huge fight? This may be more county based but trying to get a feel. Thanks! Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Soucek Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:16 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) On Apr 10, 2012, at 3:00 PM, Donna Duffey wrote: And I'm in Philadelphia Amy. Donna On Apr 10, 2012, at 2:19 PM, Liz DeSantis wrote: We live in the Lehigh Valley , Amy! Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori On Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 1:58 PM, Amy Banta wrote: Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis "The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before." "Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along."--- Temple Grandin "Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Reeves "Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence." - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Hi , So it sounds like you didn’t have to fight too hard to get your son into Devereux? What about summer camp (now that he is home)? Is that paid for through the school or medical assistance or do you have to pay for it on your own? I could really use some help getting Quinn in the house after school and changing his diaper etc (his dad helps in the morning) so the TSS sounds great!!! Why haven’t you been able to get a TSS since you moved? Also, is any respite provided through the state? Would you say in general you are happy with the quality of the school he is in now? All the school districts we are looking at are run by the LIU. Thanks, Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of michelle conaway Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 3:38 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania Hi Amy, I have had TSS services both at home and at school. also requires a one-on-one aide at school. At home, they would come in the morning to assist me in getting him ready and on the bus because of being non-compliant. Since our move out of York and to Jefferson, we have not been able to attain one for in home, but I have been able to get him on the bus. In his class they also have PCA's (Personal Care Aides), that can be one-on-one assigned or help the whole class. 's class only has six children in it, which is great. We also have Youth Advocacy services in our area. They come to the home and also can take the child out into the community. Devereux-Kanner Learning Center is located in West Chester, PA (approximately 2 hrs. from York). It is like a small college campus. The students live there year round in dormitories. They have classes from 9 - 3 daily and group therapy and one-on-one therapies depending on the child's needs. They have two one-week breaks per year. They also have an in-ground pool for swimming during the summer. We received funding through CCBH (Community Care Behavior Health). Since the school district we lived in could not provide the type of schooling to meet 's needs, they had to pay for it. They also provided his medical needs very good and the communication and updates on how he was doing was very good. Also, I received some information about rights in PA from PEN (Pennsylvania Education Network). They also have an office in York. Let me know what else you need. I have been dealing with many different agencies in 's 20 years. From: Amy Banta To: Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8:10 AM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi , I am very interested in hearing about Deveraux! I saw it online and it looks like what we were hoping for for Quinn. Did PA pay for it? If so did you have to fight hard for them to place him there? Here they said even if we got a lawyer it would never happen. If PA is friendly to putting kids in private programs like this I would move in an instant! I am also confused about the TSS services. Is that at home service or do you have to use that as his aide at school. Of course Quinn needs a 1-1 aide at school 100% of the time, but I was also hoping for some support at home as well. Thanks, Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of michelle conaway Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 7:03 AM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania Hi Amy, I live near York , PA which is right up Route 83 from Baltimore .. My son has DS/ASD, Epilepsy and many other behavior and health issues. My son went to a private school in West Chester , PA called Devereux- Kanner Learning Center until last fall. We then brought him home and enrolled him the the Dual Diagnosis Class at York Learning Center through the Lincoln Intermediate Program based out of New Oxford, PA. He receives TSS services from T.W. Ponessa. I also have a Case Worker through MH/MR our of York . He does receive Medical Assistance through Gateway and SSI. Nearer to the land line is Penn-Mar. I do not have more info on them, but my niece-in-law works for them as a PCA. They work pretty much like LIU. If you would contacts or phone numbers, please let me know. Good luck! , mother of (20) DS/ASD/Epilepsy....... From: Amy Banta To: Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 4:47 PM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi All, Since we have a couple of people on here from PA, I will just copy the email I sent Liz. It would be great if you could answer any of these questions or even just give me a general idea of what is available in PA. We live in Baltimore and the schools are just so bad here and we get no services. I am thinking about moving over the state line to York , PA. I considered this a few years ago too, but the schools are getting worse and both of my kids have such major issues now. Quinn who has DS/ Autism is extremely low functioning and the school isn’t doing much and we get no respite or at home behavior help. Also, we don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and are #3000 on the waitlist. So can you answer a few questions? 1) First I can’t remember how old you child is? Still school aged? They qualify automatically for Medical Assistance in PA still right? 2) What in home support do you get access to? How much time and is it free? 3) Respite care? Do you automatically get it? How much? 4) Summer Camp, is this under respite care? Here Quinn gets 4 weeks of half day summer school and that is it! I want him to have almost daily camp if possible over the summer, but can’t afford it. 5) Are there special ed schools where you live, Quinn goes to a school for the most severe children, I think he needs this but even more intensive if possible. Does PA ever pay for kids to got to residential schools like Melmark? Or is it a huge fight? This may be more county based but trying to get a feel. Thanks! Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Soucek Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:16 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) On Apr 10, 2012, at 3:00 PM, Donna Duffey wrote: And I'm in Philadelphia Amy. Donna On Apr 10, 2012, at 2:19 PM, Liz DeSantis wrote: We live in the Lehigh Valley , Amy! Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori On Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 1:58 PM, Amy Banta wrote: Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis " The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before. " " Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along. " --- Temple Grandin " Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. " - Reeves " Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence. " - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Good Morning Amy,Just got on the bus alittle while ago, some days are better than others. The reason I don't have an AM TSS out here is because Jefferson is in the country and there are no TSS's close enough for the hour long time I need them in the morning. But has been getting on the bus okay. I believe is just happy to be living at home again and doesn't want to go back to Devereux and be separated from his family.York Learning Center has been like a dream come true. His Dual Diagnosis class does academics, works in the community Tuesdays and Thursdays (and get Paid for it!), go on field trips and store shopping to learn a budget (with the money they earn from Kinsley). They also have a group therapy once a week.He receives 25 hours a week TSS time for school and this summer he will attend Camp Pennwood for six weeks which is paid in full through MH/MR. His TSS will remain with him through the summer when not at camp or school for 15 hours. We haven't come up with a plan for that yet as of his last IEP meeting.We also have Youth Advocacy in this area that can work in the home or take your child out in the community to learn safety issues, shop or have play time. The Special Olympics are very active in this area. had been in equestrian and earned many medals. He was invited to compete in the Special Olympics in China for this.I have not used Respite care because the respite house is right up the street from where we live and knows where we live, so he would just walk home? Pretty smart, huh? Mh/MR supplied this.It was not hard to get into Devereux. If the school district can not provide the services you need, they are obligated by law to see he gets an education until he is 21; therefore, whatever your needs are, you need to discuss it with whatever school district you are in. It was very difficult for us to make this decision, but for the best of (and our own sanity) to do this. He did well at Devereux.As I said, I have alot of knowledge in PA obligations. If you would ever want to meet and have lunch for more information (or just get out), I could meet you at Wegman's in Hunt Valley to provide contacts and more info.Have a great day ) To: Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8:27 PM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi , So it sounds like you didn’t have to fight too hard to get your son into Devereux? What about summer camp (now that he is home)? Is that paid for through the school or medical assistance or do you have to pay for it on your own? I could really use some help getting Quinn in the house after school and changing his diaper etc (his dad helps in the morning) so the TSS sounds great!!! Why haven’t you been able to get a TSS since you moved? Also, is any respite provided through the state? Would you say in general you are happy with the quality of the school he is in now? All the school districts we are looking at are run by the LIU. Thanks, Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of michelle conaway Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 3:38 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania Hi Amy, I have had TSS services both at home and at school. also requires a one-on-one aide at school. At home, they would come in the morning to assist me in getting him ready and on the bus because of being non-compliant. Since our move out of York and to Jefferson , we have not been able to attain one for in home, but I have been able to get him on the bus. In his class they also have PCA's (Personal Care Aides), that can be one-on-one assigned or help the whole class. 's class only has six children in it, which is great. We also have Youth Advocacy services in our area. They come to the home and also can take the child out into the community. Devereux-Kanner Learning Center is located in West Chester , PA (approximately 2 hrs. from York ). It is like a small college campus. The students live there year round in dormitories. They have classes from 9 - 3 daily and group therapy and one-on-one therapies depending on the child's needs. They have two one-week breaks per year. They also have an in-ground pool for swimming during the summer. We received funding through CCBH (Community Care Behavior Health). Since the school district we lived in could not provide the type of schooling to meet 's needs, they had to pay for it. They also provided his medical needs very good and the communication and updates on how he was doing was very good. Also, I received some information about rights in PA from PEN (Pennsylvania Education Network). They also have an office in York . Let me know what else you need. I have been dealing with many different agencies in 's 20 years. From: Amy Banta To: Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8:10 AM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi , I am very interested in hearing about Deveraux! I saw it online and it looks like what we were hoping for for Quinn. Did PA pay for it? If so did you have to fight hard for them to place him there? Here they said even if we got a lawyer it would never happen. If PA is friendly to putting kids in private programs like this I would move in an instant! I am also confused about the TSS services. Is that at home service or do you have to use that as his aide at school. Of course Quinn needs a 1-1 aide at school 100% of the time, but I was also hoping for some support at home as well. Thanks, Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of michelle conaway Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 7:03 AM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania Hi Amy, I live near York , PA which is right up Route 83 from Baltimore . My son has DS/ASD, Epilepsy and many other behavior and health issues. My son went to a private school in West Chester , PA called Devereux- Kanner Learning Center until last fall. We then brought him home and enrolled him the the Dual Diagnosis Class at York Learning Center through the Lincoln Intermediate Program based out of New Oxford, PA. He receives TSS services from T.W. Ponessa. I also have a Case Worker through MH/MR our of York . He does receive Medical Assistance through Gateway and SSI. Nearer to the land line is Penn-Mar. I do not have more info on them, but my niece-in-law works for them as a PCA. They work pretty much like LIU. If you would contacts or phone numbers, please let me know. Good luck! , mother of (20) DS/ASD/Epilepsy....... From: Amy Banta To: Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 4:47 PM Subject: RE: Pennsylvania Hi All, Since we have a couple of people on here from PA, I will just copy the email I sent Liz. It would be great if you could answer any of these questions or even just give me a general idea of what is available in PA. We live in Baltimore and the schools are just so bad here and we get no services. I am thinking about moving over the state line to York , PA. I considered this a few years ago too, but the schools are getting worse and both of my kids have such major issues now. Quinn who has DS/ Autism is extremely low functioning and the school isn’t doing much and we get no respite or at home behavior help. Also, we don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and are #3000 on the waitlist. So can you answer a few questions? 1) First I can’t remember how old you child is? Still school aged? They qualify automatically for Medical Assistance in PA still right? 2) What in home support do you get access to? How much time and is it free? 3) Respite care? Do you automatically get it? How much? 4) Summer Camp, is this under respite care? Here Quinn gets 4 weeks of half day summer school and that is it! I want him to have almost daily camp if possible over the summer, but can’t afford it. 5) Are there special ed schools where you live, Quinn goes to a school for the most severe children, I think he needs this but even more intensive if possible. Does PA ever pay for kids to got to residential schools like Melmark? Or is it a huge fight? This may be more county based but trying to get a feel. Thanks! Amy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Soucek Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:16 PM To: Subject: Re: Pennsylvania We're in the Scranton area. ( - 8) On Apr 10, 2012, at 3:00 PM, Donna Duffey wrote: And I'm in Philadelphia Amy. Donna On Apr 10, 2012, at 2:19 PM, Liz DeSantis wrote: We live in the Lehigh Valley , Amy! Liz-Mom to 12 y.o. Tori On Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 1:58 PM, Amy Banta wrote: Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here lives in PA? I have some questions about services if you don’t mind. Thanks! Amy -- Liz DeSantis "The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before." "Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt. And the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they'll say it was obvious all along."--- Temple Grandin "Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." - Reeves "Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can understand persistence." - Hal Borland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.