Program to address care of children with special needs

A new program dedicated to providing service coordination and care management services to young people with special needs will present an introductory seminar Nov. 17 in the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center auditorium.

The 6 p.m. program, titled "Navigating the Stages of Care for Children with Special Needs," will be a basic introduction by qualified professionals about the stages of care families may encounter for children with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. It will be presented by "Close the Gaps," a program of the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Children's Health Home, and the Niagara Family Resource Partnership.

Areas to be discussed will include early intervention, preschool and school-age special education, life transitions, adult services, youth law enforcement and community interaction through the church. Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight from panelists and service providers.

"Close the Gaps," which is supported by a grant from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, addresses gaps in care for children with special needs by supporting their families, connecting them with services, linking them to treatment before and during their school years, and helping teens transition to adult services.

Refreshments will be served at this free program. For information, call the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Children's Health Home at 716-278-4647.