If you have a nonmobile child, where do you live?

[Anonymous]

Which zipcodes in Silver Spring have lots of ramblers?

[Anonymous]

I also agree that VA's entire approach to waivers is just awful and there are over 9,200 on the Waiting Lists for ID or DD waivers. The only reason anything is being done is the scrutiny of the DOJ due to the push to close the training centers, which I also do not agree with as appropriate for all individuals. Why?? Because I know agency folks who have gotten no extra money for any services, for training for staff to meet the more complex needs of those coming out etc. so far. What do you think is likely to happen in about 10 years whent he DOJ scrutiny goes away - back pedaling as fast the the legislature can move their butts. They do not have far to go at about 46 or 48 in funding for such services - to their goal of being 50!!! Gotta save those taxpayers some more money now.

In your case, I would go to DC for the Waiver, rent in an accessible condo for one year, give St. Coletta's a try for stated reasons and then do a careful review of the DC public schools at least for elementary school to see where your daughter might have the services she needs and get the educational program that you desire for her. What one parent might consider important can vary for any child with a disability. However, if she is non-verbal, then I can tell you to be some place where she can get the intense therapy and asistive technology to develop a communication system is key to being able to then demonstrate her cognitive knowledge. Likewise, in terms of her physical disabilities, you need to make sure that she will get the best PT and OT services for as long as needed. I also think that within the school setting you need to consider what you want her school program to look like - if the regular academic programs are well beyond her grasp.

On the housing front, once in DC and you figure out if there is a school district you would like to settle in, then you can start seriously looking at the housing stock with a realtor.
We do have one daughter living in Silver Spring and there is a lot to be said for the very acessible downtown center there, the beautifu new library which just opened recently, the area parks and the Red Line metro into DC. Additionally, you would be on the side of the National Children's Hospital Center.

[Anonymous]

I do know of condo that is on independence, half a block from St Coletta's that may be available for rent soon. It is first floor with a yard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which zipcodes in Silver Spring have lots of ramblers?

I would look in 20910.

[Anonymous]

For those who have a portable ramp for 3 steps, what did you get? Do you store inside or outside or leave it up permanently? We have 3 steps up to our house and we end up just taking my daughter out of her wheelchair, carry her into the house, then go back and carry the wheelchair up the stairs. A ramp would be nice but we don't have the space to build an ADA compliant ramp.

[Anonymous]

Nothing helpful to add, but this is one of the nicest and most helpful threads I've ever seen on DCUM. Good job!