Relocation to DC area?

[Anonymous]

Hello, my company is relocating from Seattle, WA to the Rockville, DC or Alexandria area. I have the opportunity to move with them. I have an 18yo daughtr with special needs. The though of relocating and seeking out services for her is scary. I am wondering if anyone in this forum has moved from out of state into MD or VA. Was it hard to get services started back up? How are the services in these areas.

Thank you so much!

Susan

[Anonymous]

I definitely would not move into the District, OP. They are notoriously bad at providing services.

Montgomery County, MD, is good, as is Fairfax County, VA.

[Anonymous]

You might try the Arc of Montgomery County for information and also the Yahoo group MCNeeds for information about Montgomery County.

[Anonymous]

You will have no problem. Don't be scared. I live in DC and started services for my daughter at eighteen months. Do you do state services or private in Seattle? We went private and have been thrilled with the providers we've met. Also, we are in DC public now and the level of attention is outstanding. My Maryland friends can't believe it. What specifically will you need in terms of services?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You will have no problem. Don't be scared. I live in DC and started services for my daughter at eighteen months. Do you do state services or private in Seattle? We went private and have been thrilled with the providers we've met. Also, we are in DC public now and the level of attention is outstanding. My Maryland friends can't believe it. What specifically will you need in terms of services?

I think OP's DD is 18 years old, not 18 months old?

[Anonymous]

Hi Susan,

The services in the Metro DC area are great but can be very expensive and overwhelming. You might need help navigating all the different options so consider talking to an advocate or consultant before you move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi Susan,

The services in the Metro DC area are great but can be very expensive and overwhelming. You might need help navigating all the different options so consider talking to an advocate or consultant before you move.

Do have an advocate recommendation? ( not op)

[Anonymous]

I work with a school for children with special needs. Here are some people we've worked with but I don't know if they work with 18 year olds.

For advocates, try:
Ruth Heiten
Janet Price

For special needs consultants, try:
Patricia Murphy
Cathy Biern
Jenney Wilder

[Anonymous]

You also may try subscribing to the Mcneeds listserv. It is a yahoo group and you can find information at mcneeds.org. There are many people on the listserv with older kids with special needs who can help you.