How You Can Help
When you have a child with special health care needs, you are faced with the constant challenge of finding information, resources and services. The Special Needs Resource Directory, created by the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, is a comprehensive reference tool for parents, caregivers and health care providers. It can help you quickly find local, regional and national web site links. The knowledge base you build can be invaluable to others facing similar challenges. You can play an important role in helping to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for children with special health care needs in several ways:
There are many ways you can help support others:
- Donate to Cincinnati Children's and designate the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs under the donation information section of the pledge form.
- Child Wellness Fair of Cincinnati has the Vehicle Donation program for cars and vans and the Second Home program for gently used medical equipment.
- Cincinnati Dreams Come True helps children who are regular patients at Cincinnati Children's
Volunteering your time and expertise with organizations can help you feel like you are making positive changes for yourself and for others. There are many local and national opportunities for volunteering:
Having a child with special health care needs means becoming his / her voice. Advocacy means providing your expertise and experience in support of an issue or need on behalf of yourself or others. You can make a difference by advocating for change in your school, your place of work and in health care programs.
Learn more about advocacy for children with special health care needs.
