Families of students with disabilities often face unique and challenging financial burdens. These can include the costs of specialized medical supplies, adaptive equipment, and other essential needs that go beyond the typical expenses associated with raising children. The Critical Needs Program, established by the Special Education Foundation, aims to alleviate some of these burdens, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed both in school and in life.
The Critical Needs Program provides vital support in several key areas:
Incontinence Supplies: For many students with disabilities, managing incontinence is a daily reality. When Medicaid or private insurance fails to cover the necessary supplies, the Critical Needs Program steps in to provide child and adult sizes, ensuring that no student is left without essential items.
Prescriptions: Medications are crucial for many students' well-being and ability to engage in school. The program offers funding for prescriptions when families are uninsured, underinsured, or in a waiting period for insurance coverage.
Nutritious Foods: Proper nutrition is foundational to learning and development. The program supports families in crisis or those living in food deserts, ensuring that students have access to healthy, nutritious foods.
Basic Needs: Items such as shoes, socks, undergarments, deodorant, bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, coats, gloves, and hats are provided to ensure students can attend school comfortably and confidently.
Eyeglass Repair: Vision problems can significantly impact a student's ability to learn. When insurance won't cover eyeglass repairs or replacements, the program fills the gap, ensuring that students can see clearly and participate fully in their education.
Dental Services: Dental health is critical, yet many students require sedation or advanced treatments that are not covered by insurance, especially as they age. The program helps cover these costs, promoting overall health and reducing the risk of dental issues affecting school attendance.
Applications for Critical Need requests are accepted year-round, but must be completed by a social worker, teacher or administrator. All information must be complete, supporting information must be attached, and an administrator’s signature is required. For questions regarding this program, please contact Adrienne Eaglin, Family and Community Outreach Manager of Special School District, (314) 989-8311, aleaglin@ssdmo.org.
