Thankful Thursday- CRS

Child Rehabilitation Services, CRS, is a division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and serves to assist families with getting equipment for their disabled children. Marliese told us about this shortly after Maggie's CP diagnosis- they only help with certain diagnoses- but it takes forever to get anything done. We had to be referred, fill out paperwork, have an interview and then get scheduled for a clinic where we visit CRS doctors/therapists so they can determine if she's eligible for the equipment we're asking for. In between all this, I made several phone calls asking if we were ready to take the next step. Marliese prepared me for all the hoops I'd have to jump through, but once Maggie's in the system, they cover the cost of equipment insurance doesn't cover. 

So, we finally went to our clinic last week- it's similar to a doctor appointment in that a lot of waiting is involved. We saw a nutritionist, speech-language pathologist, physical therapist and orthopedic doctor. The nutritionist gave me assurance that I'm doing well with her diet- she is small, only in 3% on the growth chart (which I think I've mentioned the pediatrician is always concerned about) but when you compare her weight to height, she's in the 20%, so that was nice to hear. Basically, she's a healthy weight for her height. The SLP actually said the words, "most likely she will talk" and augmentative communication devices will help with that. That is likely to be our next step with Sally, who has discussed this with me before, the communication sheets I've mentioned in previous posts are sort of the beginning of this. The PT and Ortho doc agreed she needs her own pair of AFO's/braces and recommended a gait trainer over a walker. We've used one before at therapy but have been using a walker more this year. The advantage of the gait trainer is that it straps her in, so she's more secure and independent. As she gets stronger, we can remove parts down to its base structure which is a walker. They gave me all the paperwork so this week or next we'll start the process of scheduling a fitting for her braces and ordering the gait trainer. Hopefully it won't take too long for everything to come in. I'd like her to have some practice in her new equipment before baby Jake arrives. 

I'm very thankful to have access to this service so that we can get the necessary tools to help our little girl develop and become independent, she sure wants it. I'm thankful, also, that our out-of-pocket expense in regards to the equipment should be very minimal. Living away from family certainly comes with challenges, but the more I deal with Alabama's Early Intervention system, with UCP and their child program- Hand in Hand the more I realize God has us here for a reason. AL has one of the best EI programs and all the resources connected to it- there's many states we could live in where we wouldn't have access to the quality programs and services they have available here. I'm thankful for God's wisdom when he placed us here.