Children with Disabilities and Special Needs

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Its coverage includes private housing, housing that receives federal financial assistance, and state and local government housing. Owners of housing facilities are required to make reasonable exceptions in their policies for tenants with disabilities (for example, a "no pets" policy for persons who use service animals). Landlords must also allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable access-related modifications to their private living space, as well as to common use spaces (though landlords are not required to pay for the changes). The Act further requires that new multifamily housing with four or more units be designed and built to allow access for persons with disabilities. This includes accessible common use areas, doors that are wide enough for wheelchairs, kitchens and bathrooms that allow a person using a wheelchair to maneuver, and other adaptable features within the units.

The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination in air transportation by domestic and foreign air carriers against qualified individuals with physical or mental impairments. It applies only to air carriers that provide regularly scheduled services for hire to the public. Requirements address a wide range of issues, including boarding assistance and certain accessibility features in newly built aircraft and new or altered airport facilities.Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The law requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a “free appropriate public education” in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs. IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for each child.

The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in employment practices of federal contractors. It also requires the federal government to make sure that electronic and technology information is accessible to people with disabilities. A new section of the Rehabilitation Act requires medical diagnostic equipment to be accessible to people with disabilities. 

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires that buildings and facilities that are designed, constructed, or altered with Federal funds, or leased by a Federal agency, comply with Federal standards for physical accessibility. ABA requirements are limited to architectural standards in new and altered buildings and in newly leased facilities. They do not address the activities conducted in those buildings and facilities.

For more information about your rights refer to the Department of Justice's Guide to Disability Rights Laws.

If you believe you have been discriminated against because you experience a disabilty contact the League of Human Dignity. 

Your child may be eligible to receive a varity of disability benifits. Each assistance program may have different eligibilty requirements. Some programs may allow you to apply for benifits online, while others may require a phone call or in person meeting: 

Social Security Administration: The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers many options for assisting persons with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit known as the Childhood Disability Benefit (CBD) are important resources for children with disabilities. 

You can apply for SSI payments or SSDI benefits for your child by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office. Click here to find your local Social Security office.

What You Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits For A Child

The Social Security Administration's Guide to Benifits for Children with Disabilities

Medicaid: Medicaid is a public health insurance program for certain lowincome persons including those who are aged, blind, disabled, children, and others who meet eligibility requirements. Children 18 years of age or younger may qualify, as well as dependent children who meet the eligibility requirements of the Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): CHIP is part of Nebraska Medicaid and provides medical assistance to children age 18 and younger who are without other health insurance and who do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP provides the same services covered under Medicaid.

Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility and Application Website

Medicaid Aged And Disabled Waiver: The Aged and Disabled Waiver is a program that offers an array of services to support people who are eligible for Medicaid and have needs at nursing facility level of care. You will need to specifically request for an eligibility check for this program when applying for Medicaid.

Katie Beckett Program: This program provides Medicaid eligibility to children who otherwise would be hospitalized because of their high level of health care needs. You will need to specifically request for an eligibility check for this program when applying for Medicaid.

Aid to Dependent Children: Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) provides cash assistance to low income families with children. ADC is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Eligiblitiy and Application Website

The Medically Handicapped Children's Program: The Medically Handicapped Children's Program (MHCP) provides assistance to children and youth with special health care needs. MHCP may help pay for medical costs not covered by insurance, Medicaid, or other resources.

The Disabled Children's Program: The Disabled Children's Program (DCP) assists families with children living at home who receive monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are age 15 or younger. DCP will only provide services that are not covered through Medicaid services or other programs. The program supports are based on the child's disability and the family's needs.

The Medically Handicapped Children's Program and The Disabled Children's Program Website

Disabled Persons and Family Support: The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program provides state-funded assistance to persons of all ages who meet certain tests, including income and disability tests. The program helps people with disabilities remain employed, stay independent and live at home.  Eligible individuals may receive funding for specific services, up to $300 a month or $3,600 annually.

Disabled Persons and Family Support Website

Benefits Services: Under agreement with Nebraska VR, three agencies may be authorized to provide benefits planning services for persons who receive Social Security and other benefits. These agencies are: Easterseals, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Region V Services

Easterseals Benefits Planning Website

Camps for Special Needs Kids

Families with children who have special needs may want to consider sending their child to camp this summer. Children can benefit from the fun and interaction with other kids, increase their confidence and independence, and find positive role models from adults and counselors. Parents can get a much-needed break.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all camps to make reasonable accommodations so that children with special needs can attend. This means that mainstream camps may also be on your list of possibilities.

Not only has the list of possible camps increased, but the types of camps have also increased. Camps may be non-profit, for-profit, religious camps, day camps, weekend camps, camps run by national organizations, and private camps.

Families will want to find a camp that fits their philosophy, cost, and goals. Many camps offer scholarships or rates on a sliding scale depending on the family's income.

There are a number of camps around Nebraska that offer Specialty Camps and cater to children with special needs. Below are several of those camps.



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Camps in Nebraska

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Easter Seals Nebraska has Camp Easter Seals outside of Nebraska City. From campfire sing-a-longs and late night ghost stories, to nature walks, swimming, and arts and crafts, Easter Seals Nebraska camps provide the same excitement and activity available at other summer camp programs. The difference? Easter Seals Nebraska campers experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting. Campers gain independent and social interaction skills while participating in a variety of fun, adapted activities. For more information on sessions, see the Easter Seals Nebraska web site.

Camp YouCan is a new summer day camp in Nebraska for children ages 7-16 with epilepsy. Camp YouCan is sponsored by Lifestyle Innovations for Epilepsy, Inc. and will be on September 8, 2012 at YMCA Camp Kitaki located between Lincoln and Omaha. There will be daytime activities such as fishing, boating, arts and crafts, games, a ropes course, and archery. Lunch will be provided and the evening will conclude with a family dinner and campfire. We will have a staff of volunteer counselors and will have volunteer nurses on site to deliver medications and to treat injuries. For more information email info@midwestyoucan.org , call (402) 770-3936 , or visit their website.

Camp Kindle is a cost free (including traveling costs) summer camp for children and youth aged 7 to 17 who are infected with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. A week at Camp Kindle is composed of education, health and life skills workshops. Equally important are their traditional camp activities, such as water and field sports, arts and crafts, and nature appreciation. Each evening at camp, children participate in all-camp evening programs including campfires, a carnival, camp olympics, lip-sync/dance, and other specialty entertainment. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.projectkindle.org/camp-kindle/.

Camp Quality Heartland is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. Four pediatric oncology nurses with a total of 53 years experience are on the camps staff and a local physician is available for emergencies. For more information, go to the Heartland Camp Quality site or call (712) 323-5107.

Camp Jenney is a summer residential camp for Nebraska children who have cystic fibrosis. An infirmary is staffed 24 hours a day with physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. Camp Jenney is a joint project of the American Lung Association of Nebraska and Concerned Nebraskans for Cystic Fibrosis. Camp Jenney will be at Camp Kitaki near South Bend.

Camp Spirit is for kids ages 8-17 who have arthritis or related diseases. Contact the Arthritis Foundation, Nebraska Chapter at (402) 330-6130 in Omaha or outside Omaha, call 1-800-642-5292.

Camp Brave Heart of Nebraska is for kids ages 9-14 who have cardiology health conditions. Contact Jennifer Strawn at (402) 955-4350. The 2005 camp session will be held at Camp Kataki from June 5-11.

Camp Anderson is for children ages 11-18 who are deaf or hard of hearing. The camp will be held at Camp Kitaki in South Bend, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Southeast Nebraska Regional Program, the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or contact Jill Bird, (402) 436-1897.

Camp Hot Shots Central is being organized by the American Diabetes Association Great Plains Region, Omaha. This camp will be June 18, 19, 2013 and is for children ages 6 to 12 years who have diabetes. For more information, contact Deann Carpenter at (402) 461-5318.

Camp Floyd Rogers is for children with Diabetes who are between the ages of 8 and 18. This year's camp is June 23-29, 2013, at Camp Luther, a Lutheran camp and conference center nestled in the rolling, prairie farmland between Schuyler and Columbus, Nebraska. For more information, see a description of the camping experience at the Children with Diabetes web site.

Polar Opposites (Ages 6-8) – Explore the animals of the Arctic and Antarctic! Your adventure will begin in the Arctic Circle where we will encounter the elusive polar bear. Then, travel to Antarctica on the opposite side of the world to study penguins! June 14 -16 (Monday thru Wednesday)9 a.m. – Noon, Omaha’s Zoo is offering a 3 day camp for children ages 6-8 who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This day camp will be taught by certified teachers who specialize in working with deaf or hard-of-hearing students. Class space is limited. Cost $95 per child. To register, please contact the Education Department at Omaha’s Zoo at (402)738-2092 or visit www.omahazoo.com.

His Kids Camp (Ages 13-Adult) is the special needs program at Camp Luther. This Christ centered program gives safe opportunities to explore exciting new activities while increasing self-esteem, boosting self-confidence, and encouraging independence.  A unique feature of His Kids Camp is that every camper will have one on one time with  a special friend called their “Buddy” (staff and volunteers paired up with the campers the entire time they are at camp - day & night) to help them make the most of their camping experience. Call (402) 981-5732 for more information, or visit Camp Luther's website at www.campluther.org under "Special Needs Program"

H.U.G.S. Camp (Ages 5 –13) is a one day camp, providing activities for youth who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. The camp is for children, ages 5 –13, and their families. It is recommended at least one adult attend per family. Adults will gain ideas and learn skills to help themselves and their children through the grieving process. Groups are led by mental health practitioners and trained grief facilitators skilled in working with individuals who are grieving. Cost is $15 per family and includes Zoo admission, train ride, lunch, and program supplies. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.hugscamp.org or call Nancy Gabelman, AseraCare Hospice, 402-488-1363.

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Other Camps in Colorado and the Midwest

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The Lung Association has been leading the fight against asthma for many years, through research, education and advocacy. Learning more about the disease is the first step in helping children and adults with asthma breathe easier. The American Lung Association, Plains-Gulf Region has a variety of programs designed to help you learn more at https://www.lung.org/ .

Camp Odayin in Minnesota provides residential, day and family camp programs for children (ages 6-17) with heart disease. Our camp offers the opportunity to strengthen self-confidence, gain independence and meet other young people with similar health, emotional and social experiences. Our facility is fully staffed with pediatric cardiologists and nurses. Free transportation is provided to our residential program from the Twin Cities. The only charge for any of our programs is a $25 registration fee. Camp Odayin is a 501c3, funded through fundraisers, corporate and private donations. See a description of the camping experience at the Camp Odayin site.

Camp Nuhop is a camp for children for children age 6-18 with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorders and Behavior Disorders. located in southern Ashland County, Ohio—is a residential summer camp for all children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and behavior disorders. What started out as a one-week program years ago with eight counselors serving 27 children has blossomed into a camp that serves 560 children during six weeks, with a waiting list of 50. The camp has grown to 45 staff members and five directors. Each session is devoted to an interest-based theme, such as their Sport Skills Camp, Artistic Camp, Mountain Bike Camp and Science Camp. For more information, visit the Camp Nuhop web site or call (419) 289-2227.

Courage Camps offer safe, accessible, natural environments where children and adults with physical disabilities, sensory and language impairments, and other disabilities or illnesses discover abilities they never knew they had or they thought they had lost. Speech/language services are available at Camp Courage for campers on the active caseload of a school Speech/Language Pathologist. The Courage Camps have three locations in Minnesota, each with a number of sessions devoted targeted to children with specific disabilities. For more information, visit the Courage Camps web site or call (763) 520-0504.

One Step At A Time Summer Camp is for children and adolescents, ages 7 through 19 with cancer and leukemia. It is divided into seven different programs, each of which conducts activities for a specific age group. These programs include Standard Camp, Stepping Up, Excursion, Campcraft, Water Sports, ACE, and EXCEL. There is also a winter camp every year that is held for five days after the holidays. It is based at Aurora University's George Williams Educational Center in William's Bay, Wisconsin. For more information, visit the One Step at a Time web site or call (312) 924-4220.

Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals with disabilities of all ages. There are a number of activities available to campers, ranging from Caving, Arts and Crafts, Outdoor Living Skills and caring for farm animals. For information about week long summer camps and other programs, visit the Camp Courageous web site or call (319)465-5916.

The Fowler Center in Michigan has been providing year-round outdoor recreational and educational experiences for people with special needs, including: mental and physical challenges, autism, traumatic brain injuries, as well as sensory and communication challenges. Activities offered at the Fowler Center include outdoor education, horseback riding, creative arts, water sports, and barn and garden activities. To learn more about the centers camping and respite programs, visit theFowler Center web site or call (989) 673-2050.

Lions Bear Lake Camp in Michigan offers summer camp programs for children who are visually-impaired, hearing impaired or have juvenile arthritis and related diseases. Activities include horseback ridding, swimming, boating, hiking, crafts, nature, music, archery, games and drama. Older campers will participate in leadership development activities and a high ropes course. For more information, visit the Lions Bear Lake Camp web site or call (810) 245-0726.

Wonderland Camp is dedicated to serving mentally and physically challenged individuals of all ages. Campers can participate in many activities at camp including crafts, music, nature studies, hiking, swimming, boating, dances, campfires, talent shows, archery, fishing, and more. The camp is located at Rocky Mount, Missouri, near the Lake of the Ozarks. To learn more about the camp programs,visit the Wonderland Camp web site or call (573) 392-1000.

Shady Oaks Camp provides outdoor fun and recreation for children and adults with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities. The camp is located in Homer Glen, Illinois, (35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago) and was built specifically around the special needs of these campers. Programs at the camp include planned recreation, games, arts and crafts, and swimming. All are tailored to the capabilities and limitations of each individual camper. There are also field trips to places in or near Chicago, like the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos, major league baseball games, museums and theaters. For more information call 708-301-0816 or visit the Shady Oaks Camp web site.

Special Days Camp is open to any child who currently has cancer or leukemia, or has had it in the past. Special Days Camp gives these youngsters a chance to experience the fun of traditional summer camp with the medical care and treatment they require from oncology physicians and nurses. The camp is located in Jackson, Michigan. For more information about their winter and summer camp, visit the Special Days Camp web site.

Camp Hickory Hill serves children and teens age 8 to 17 who have insulin-dependent diabetes. The camp educates these children to manage and control their own diabetes. Fun activities include archery, arts and crafts, astronomy, boating, campfires and overnight camp outs, exploring a cave, fishing, hiking and nature study, zip line, mudpit competition, ping pong, rappelling, riflery, skits, stories, songs, sports and more. The camp is located in Columbia, Missouri. For more information, visit Camp Hickory Hill's web page or call (573) 445-9146.

If your child is in need help with learning, there are several organizations who can help. 

Nebraska ChildFind will connect you to resources to help you advocate for an appropriate education. 

Contact Nebraska ChildFind

You can also contact Nebraska Early Development Network to address your concerns about your child’s early development with your local planning region team.

Contact Nebraska Early Development Network

You may also find it helpful to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Learn more about IFSP