Three years...we've hit the mark

It's crazy to think we've had Mason for three years this Wednesday.  With this comes some new and exciting news for Mason.

Before I begin, I want to recount some of the milestones Mason has reached in the past years. Garrett and I both looked at many sites about Down syndrome during our pregnancy. We knew he would probably need therapies and we were on it. One month after he was born, we were in contact with the Child Development Services of Mecklenburg County.  Through them, we were able to get physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Mason learned to walk early for those with Down Syndrome and pretty much keep up with other kids his age. 

For the first two years our insurance was great and hardly any cost came out of pocket, but this last year we have had to pay for these services. This is when the CDSA comes in and helps pay a small percentage, but we have to still come out of pocket a lot. We've been told numerous times he should be able to get medicaid.  Apparently the county dropped the ball when he was born in the hospital.  I decided back in July I would try. Big mistake!!  DSS is not the place to be.  I applied for Medicaid and then applied for disability for Mason. As of right now, he was denied medicaid and was originally denied disability.  Someone called the other day and they are still trying to get him disability.  So much for he should get it right away, but there is still a chance. 

As we wait on hearing back, Mason will turn three and finally can enter the school system. When people think school, they think it begins at kindergarten. Really, it begins at three. The other week we began the process of an IEP for students with learning disabilities. Mason was evaluated and a plan put in place. After his evaluation, they placed him at a 30% delay (approximate age 24 months) for motor skills and psychological. As for speech and communication, which is our main concern, he has a 50-60% delay (15-18 months).

Last week I met and the school system has determined that we would keep him in his daycare environment instead of placing him in a preschool in the system. Also, a special education teacher will come two times a week for 45 minutes each time to work with him and the teacher. A speech therapist will come two times a week for thirty minutes each time and an occupational therapist will come once a week for thirty minutes. 

It's great and refreshing to know he is eligible for these services and they are all free. It is also great that they are able to serve him at daycare. Garrett and I are able to continue to work our jobs.