Programs & Services

PATH offers many programs and services to families of children with special needs.

We offer:

• • One-to-one, personal support, and information by phone with our health information specialists and parent support staff.
  • Support and information to moms-to-be on bed-rest, parents of premature babies, and parents of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
  • Support, outreach, and resources to families in need of genetic information.
  • Support and information on specific disabilities, including but not limited to Autism, Down syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, ADHD, and learning disabilities, to help families better understand their child’s healthcare and overall needs.
  • Help understanding how to navigate the healthcare system, including applying for insurance and finding medical specialists/providers in your area.
  • Information and assistance applying for programs and services that may be available to children with special needs and their families in the state of Connecticut, including Birth to 3, DDS, SSI, Section 8 housing.
  • Help learning how to advocate for your child with special needs, both in a medical and an educational setting.
  • Help understanding your child’s educational evaluations and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 plans.
  • Trainings and webinars to help parents become their child’s best advocate.
  • Trainings for both parents and professionals on cultural and linguistic competency.
  • Educational support and advocacy. PATH is often able to assist families with educational support in the school setting, attending PPT/IEP and 504 meetings. Our goal is to help parents become better advocates for their children. We ask that parents who use this educational advocacy support participate in at least two parenting trainings with our organization. In the event that we are unable to provide educational advocacy services, parents will be provided with a list of special education attorneys in the state of Connecticut.