Office of Special Needs Articles

Home Programs Office of Special Needs Office of Special Needs Articles

Office of Special Needs: Articles

Articles provide deeper information on a specific MilLife topic and connect you to other relevant content, benefits and support. Military service members, their immediate families, military service providers and leaders can browse Office of Special Needs-related articles below.
Showing 17 of 17 articles
Sort By:
Counselor and student working on computer
Students With Special Needs: Transitioning to Adulthood
March 14, 2025, 12:00 a.m. 5 minute read
Exploring options, building a support network and self-advocating are steps students with special needs should take to prepare for their transition to adulthood.
Teacher working with special needs child in classroom
Special Education: Impact Aid and School Liaisons
March 11, 2025, 12:23 a.m. 6 minute read
Federal Impact Aid helps school districts cover the cost of educating military children, including those needing special education services. Learn about this funding and how it may be spent.
Young boy learning on a computer
An Overview of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
March 11, 2025, 12:14 a.m. 5 minute read
Learn how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures children with special medical or educational needs have the necessary tools to meet their educational goals.
handicap-access-ramp
Understanding the Americans With Disabilities Act
Jan. 21, 2025, 12:14 p.m. 4 minute read
The Americans with Disabilities Act has been protecting disabled people's civil rights for more than 30 years, making sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Student working in classroom
504 Plan Versus IEP Overview
Jan. 16, 2025, 12:22 a.m. 11 minute read
Both individualized education programs and 504 plans document how children with special needs will reach their education goals. Learn about the differences between IEPs and 504 plans.
Caretaker with elderly patient
Respite Care Services for Families With Special Needs
Jan. 15, 2025, 12:42 a.m. 6 minute read
Taking breaks from caregiving is important for your quality of life. Respite care provides flexible and temporary breaks to recharge and refresh.
Child hugging service member parent
See What’s New With the Exceptional Family Member Program
May 8, 2024, 12:56 a.m. 4 minute read
Learn more about the EFMP & Me tool and other program highlights to improve the experience for military families with special medical and educational needs.
Young adult with cerebral palsy
Living Independently When You Have a Disability
March 20, 2024, 3:45 p.m. 14 minute read
Learn about supportive housing for individuals with disabilities and investigate other options, resources and supports to help facilitate your independent living.
Differently abled coworkers in office
Employment Options For Adults With a Disability
March 5, 2024, 7:05 p.m. 7 minute read
There are plenty of opportunities for adults with disabilities to join the workforce. A variety of protections, employment options and assistance programs can help.
Parents with toddler at home
The EFMP Family Needs Assessment
Jan. 29, 2024, 12:00 a.m. 2 minute read
The Family Needs Assessment is a way for any military family who has a member with special medical or educational needs to create an action plan for support.
Child being examined by otoscope
Medicaid Waivers for Military Families
Dec. 12, 2023, 5:12 p.m. 5 minute read
Learn about registering in advance for a Medicaid waiver for your eligible family member with special needs to avoid lengthy wait times after you separate or retire from military service.
Student working on cognitive pattern perception exercise
Department of Defense Directory on Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities
Oct. 13, 2023, 4:26 p.m. 3 minute read
Whether your family is moving to Ansbach, Germany, or Camp Zama, Japan, you'll want to know everything you can about overseas schools, especially if you have children with special educational needs.
Mother with special needs child
Special Needs Considerations When You Separate or Retire From the Military
July 2, 2021, 1:02 p.m. 4 minute read
Preparing for your separation or retirement from the military with a special needs family member may require additional consideration. Develop a plan using available support, tools and resources.
Elementary age girl using a digital tablet
Know the Laws That Protect Your Child With Special Needs
June 20, 2021, 7:44 p.m. 7 minute read
You want to be an effective advocate for your child with special needs. The first step is to understand the laws that are in place to protect children with special needs.
Teacher and two young students in classroom
Child Care Options For Military Families With Special Needs
June 16, 2021, 4:12 p.m. 6 minute read
Finding the right care for your child with special needs starts with asking the right questions. The military offers quality, affordable child care options, both on the installation and off.
Mom on computer beside special needs child
Spring Clean Your EFMP SCOR
April 8, 2021, 3:10 p.m. 3 minute read
Keeping your Special Care Organizational Record organized and up to date makes it easy for you to use and ready if someone needs to step into your role as a caregiver.
Service member filling out tax form
Tax Breaks for Families With Special Needs
Jan. 6, 2021, 1:54 p.m. 3 minute read
If you are filing taxes on behalf of yourself or a family member with special needs, you may be eligible for certain tax breaks.