Write a commentThe Oswego County Health Department continues to highlight its various divisions ahead of National Public Health Week, which runs from April 7 to 13.
“This week, we’re highlighting our Children with Special Needs Division,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Staff on this team help families in navigating educational and health care systems and finding the services that best suit their needs. This aid is so important because it begins in infancy, when we can help give children and their families the best start.”
Oswego County Director of Special Children Services Sherry Crisafulli added, “This Division works with parents and caregivers to ensure they have the necessary tools to advocate for their children. We know that navigating educational and health care systems can be confusing, so our knowledgeable staff is here to help determine what services are the best course of action for families.”
The Children with Special Needs Division offers a variety of programs to residents, including Early Intervention, Child Find, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) and the 3-5 Preschool Special Education Program.
The Early Intervention program helps infants and toddlers aged 3 and younger who have developmental delays and disabilities. The program helps ensure that they receive the services they need to maximize their full potential. Services include complete developmental evaluations; physical, speech and occupational therapy; service coordination; audiological evaluations; special education teacher services; vision services; medical and diagnostic evaluations; and reimbursement for respite services. Early Intervention has no cost to families and can be provided at home, child care centers, playgrounds and more. For more details, call 315-349-3500 or visit https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/1_children_with_special_needs.
Another program for children aged 3 and younger is Child Find, which tracks children who are at risk for developmental delays. The focus of this free program is to ensure that each child has a primary care provider who can complete periodic developmental screenings and track milestones.
The 3-5 Pre-school Special Education Program helps children aged 3 to 5 with developmental delays and disabilities continue to maximize their potential before they start kindergarten. It offers services specific to the needs of each child, such as educational and physical evaluations; special education services; physical, speech and occupational therapy; transportation and more. There is no charge to families for any approved services to eligible children. Those interested can contact their school district to request a referral.
The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program is an important informational, referral and advocacy program. It focuses on youth aged 21 and younger who have, or are suspected of having, a chronic physical, developmental and/or emotional condition that requires health or related services. These may include advocating for the child with health care providers and school districts, providing information about various programs, making referrals as needed, and more. There is no charge to families.
Support services for this program can also help offset medical bills and pay for hearing aids and other medical equipment. It can also pay for up to three diagnostic evaluations to rule out certain conditions including (but not limited to) hearing loss, heart defects, vision defects, neurological problems and cerebral palsy.
For more information or to fill out a referral form for this program, call 315-349-3500 or visit https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/1_children_with_special_needs.
This year is the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, which serves to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining and promoting public health.
Throughout the week, the Oswego County Health Department offers a number of free activities, including mammogram screenings with the Upstate University Hospital Mammography Van, a Mental Health Art Show, and a Kids’ Day Beach Party. For the full schedule of events, visit https://health.oswegocounty.com/national_public_health_week.php.
For more information on the Oswego County Health Department and its programs, visit https://health.oswegocounty.com/ or call 315-349-3545.
