A Message to our Readers

Talking recently with a parent about a number of concerns she faced, I noted that the service coordinator assigned to her could have assisted with each one of her issues. It made me realize that, quite possibly, many families do not fully avail themselves of one of their most valuable resources. Whether they are known as service coordinators or case managers, these are individuals whose primary responsibilities are to assist parents and individuals’ with accessing services, funding or any other types of support needed to help a person with developmental disabilities in any area of their daily life.

As parents, we know that a seemingly simple thing like coordinating therapies, doctors appointments and the like, can take inordinate amounts of time, making a busy day that much more stressful. Dealing with insurance companies can be a nightmare. That’s where a family can benefit from an experienced service coordinator. The professional can help navigate the special needs educational system. Identifying funding sources for special needs that are not covered by Medicaid is another task especially suited to a service coordinator.

In addition to being an advocate, facilitator, record keeper, research assistant and secretary, a service coordinator who does his or her job conscientiously becomes a trusted confidant and friend. A good service coordinator truly shares the concerns of parents and is invested in providing a positive contribution. On the other hand, I have known families that have, for whatever reason, refused to share information or needs with their service coordinator and then complained that they were unhelpful.

Should a parent raising a child with a developmental disability feel that asking their service coordinator to help them with something is an intrusion? Absolutely not! Think of yourself as an employer entitled to a certain work product or as a customer at a fruit stand who expects a quality product.

Bottom line: Call your service coordinator today and get re-acquainted.

Rabbi Simon Lauber
Founder & CEO

Founder & CEO
Rabbi Simon Lauber
slauber@spiritmag.org

Editor-in-Chief
Gershon Sabol
gershon@spiritmag.org

Rabbinical Advisory Board
Rabbi Chaim L. Rottenberg, shlita
Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer, shlita

Editor
Dini Sternhill
dinis@spiritmag.org

Copy Editor
Arielle Miller
Gitty Stiel

Magazine Layout & Design
Mark Weisz Design
www.markweisz.com

Web Layout & Design
Baruch Lebovits

Editorial Advisory Board
Elisheva Stein
Michelle Steinhart

Contributors
Jene Aviram
Emunah Braverman
Jodi Brauner
T.C.
Dina Coopersmith
Ruchi Eisenbach
Tziri Frank
Krassy R. Klein
Galiah Morgenstern
Devorah Leah Meshulovin
Rabbi Baruch Rabinowitz
Devoiry Schon
Rochel Stern
Elisheva Stein
Michelle and Yaakov Steinhart
Deena Weinberg
Nancy Zweibach, MA, PD