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Browse Office of Special Needs-related articles below for more in-depth information and relevant resources.
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Young family blowing bubbles in the park
Making the Most of EFMP Family Support Services with the EFMP Family Needs Assessment
June 23, 2023, 4:46 p.m. 2 minute read
The Family Needs Assessment is a way for any military family who has a member with special needs to create an action plan for support.
Caretaker with elderly patient
Respite Care Services for Families With Special Needs
June 23, 2023, 2:42 p.m. 3 minute read
Taking care of a family member with special needs can be more than a full-time job. Respite care provides a temporary break to recharge and refresh.
Happy girl playing under sheet
See What’s New With the Exceptional Family Member Program
June 23, 2023, 9:56 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 needs.
Girl on playground
Family-to-Family Health Information Centers
Nov. 28, 2022, 9:24 a.m. 2 minute read
Family-to-Family Health Information Centers are nonprofit organizations familiar with the issues facing families with special needs. They can connect you to resources that can provide and finance health care for your children, help locate assistance, and explain legislation.
Woman assists child with special needs
Benefits for Families with Special Needs
July 18, 2022, 9:30 a.m. 5 minute read
Learn about federal and state programs that help families with special needs.  Military families can also count on the support of the Exceptional Family Member Program and Military OneSource.  
Family laughing and playing outside with their son with special needs
Financial Planning and Assistance for Families with Special Needs
June 28, 2022, 8:39 a.m. 6 minute read
When you have a family member with special needs, financial planning is vital. Be prepared to take good care of your family member by tackling the money issues today.
eye doctor examining young boys eyes
Medicaid for Family Members With Special Needs
March 22, 2022, 10:57 a.m. 4 minute read
Medicaid is a federal program that provides eligible military families with benefits beyond TRICARE. It covers basic health and long-term care services for eligible children, adults, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities and the elderly, and for families with low income and limited resources.
older man working on budget with calculator
Supplemental Security Income
March 17, 2022, 8:57 a.m. 1 minute read
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal income supplement program designed to help the aged, blind and people with disabilities who have limited income. It provides them with cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter
Service member and woman in wheelchair dancing
An Overview of Adults With Special Needs
March 3, 2022, 9:49 a.m. 4 minute read
Supporting adult family members with complex needs may involve collaboration with a variety of support systems and community-based services.
Soldier in wheel chair holding a tablet
Understanding the Americans With Disabilities Act
March 2, 2022, 12:14 p.m. 4 minute read
The Americans with Disabilities Act has been protecting disabled people's civil rights for more than 25 years, making sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else to be part of everyday American life.
Autistic boy with teacher
Autism Care Demonstration Policy Changes Benefit Military Families
Feb. 22, 2022, 3:18 p.m. 4 minute read
Review the changes to the Autism Care Demonstration to understand the new processes and benefits for your military child with autism spectrum disorder.
airmen and children
How the Exceptional Family Member Program Can Benefit Your Service Member and Their Family
Nov. 18, 2021, 2:13 p.m. 4 minute read
The Exceptional Family Member Program can help military families with special needs thrive in military life.
Student working on cognitive pattern perception exercise
Department of Defense Directory on Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities
Oct. 13, 2021, 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.
Father reading with son on tablet
Moving With an Individualized Education Program
Sept. 23, 2021, 11:34 a.m. 5 minute read
If you have a child with an individualized education program, don’t be nervous about moving schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, ensures that all children with special needs have access to a free, appropriate public education and the tools needed to meet their educational goals — no matter where or how often your family moves.
Young child playing in child care center
10 Questions to Ask Child Care Providers for Your Child With Special Needs
Sept. 22, 2021, 2:33 p.m. 4 minute read
Finding a great child care provider is like finding a new member of your military family. After all, your child will spend a significant amount of time there each week, and what happens at daycare can impact what happens at home.
Children playing.
Indoor Fun Helps Military Families Beat Cabin Fever
Sept. 22, 2021, 9:12 a.m. 5 minute read
There will always be days when cold or rainy weather keep everyone indoors. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to fight cabin fever. Here are 11 tried-and-tested activities that can help children burn off energy, learn basic skills and have a good time.
Mother and daughter smiling
Recognizing the Importance of Special Education Law to Families
Sept. 22, 2021, 8:54 a.m. 2 minute read
Service attorneys, paralegals and Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Providers from around the world participated in a five-day, joint-service legal training on special education law.
Happy family with differently abled son
Keep Your Relationship Strong: 8 Tips for Military Parents Raising Children With Special Needs
Sept. 20, 2021, 7:50 a.m. 4 minute read
Research shows raising a child with special needs can test a marriage. As a military family you have a strong foundation to work from, but the ability to depend on one another and teamwork are key.
Young boy learning on a computer
An Overview of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Sept. 17, 2021, 11:14 a.m. 4 minute read
Every child deserves a quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that all children with special needs have access to a "free appropriate public education" and they have the necessary tools to meet their educational goals.
Yeoman works with a special education student one on one
An Overview of Special Education
Sept. 17, 2021, 10:50 a.m. 7 minute read
Special education is designed to meet unique needs of children with special needs, ages 3 through 21.
Child playing with bubbles
10 Outdoor Games Your Children Will Love
Sept. 17, 2021, 9:52 a.m. 6 minute read
Kids love playing outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to go to the park every day. Here are 10 outdoor activities that can help your children burn off energy, learn basic skills and have a good time.
Woman filling out paperwork at desk
Liaison Connects Families with TRICARE Services
Sept. 17, 2021, 9:09 a.m. 2 minute read
To help families with special needs get the most benefit out of their healthcare coverage, the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs has added a TRICARE liaison to their growing team. The liaison helps families navigate TRICARE to find the information and services they need.
Family relaxing with holiday socks
6 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress for Families With Special Needs
Sept. 15, 2021, 9:45 a.m. 4 minute read
The holidays are packed with fun, food, festivities and, for some of us, - stress. For families with special needs, the unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors can sometimes be disruptive. Minimize your stress this holiday season with six simple strategies for keeping your family member engaged and calm. Be prepared and put the fun back into your festivities.
Student working in classroom
504 Plan Versus IEP Overview
July 12, 2021, 3:22 p.m. 8 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.
Counselor and student working on computer
Students With Special Needs: Transitioning to Adulthood
July 2, 2021, 5:00 p.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.