Children and teens

Every state has a free early intervention program for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. It includes physical and occupational therapy, often at home. You can ask for an evaluation yourself; you do not need a doctor's referral.

• From age 3, public schools must provide special education and related services, like physical and occupational therapy, through an IEP.
• A child who does not need special education can still get accommodations, like extra time between classes or an accessible route, through a 504 plan.
• Schools must also be physically accessible. More on IEPs and school rights at IDD Atlas.

• Medicaid for children (EPSDT): for children under 21 with Medicaid, Medicaid must cover equipment that is medically necessary, even if the state does not normally cover that item.
• Children grow. Ask the seating clinic how the chair can be adjusted, and how often it can be replaced.
• Many children qualify for Medicaid through a waiver even when parents' income is too high. Check your state page.
• Shriners Children's hospitals treat children with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and more, regardless of the family's ability to pay. shrinerschildrens.org
• Children with complex medical needs: see Medical Complexity on the Disability Atlas.

• Start planning for adult life by 14. Ask the school to include transition goals in the IEP.
• Children's coverage often ends or changes at 18 or 21. Ask your doctors when to move to adult care.
• Learning to drive? See Driving.
• Looking toward work and college? See Students and young adults on EmploymentWorks.