Naval Reserve Association Naval Reserve Association

Health AffairsExceptional Family Members –Exceptional FamiliesCAPT Susan Labhard, NC, USNNational VP for Health ProgramsAn exceptional family member(EFM) is defined as authorizedfamily members of any agewho have physical, emotional,developmental, or educationaldisabilities or conditionsrequiring special medical, psychological, oreducational services. 1We will address civilian and military programsfor individuals with disabilities with a specialemphasis on youth.A holistic approach to assisting exceptionalfamily members, especially an adolescent’stransition into adulthood, requires a personalizedprogram, drawing from a large assortment ofresources to meet the patient’s, family’s, orcaregiver’s needs. Usually an adult member of thefamily or a “care coordinator” interacts with thepatient care team and community. This individualmust focus on the strengths and opportunities ofindividuals; be flexible and open to new ideas;possess sufficient knowledge to coordinate withlocal, state, and government agencies as needed;and ensure uninterrupted age and developmentallyappropriate care. This expert should be awareof resource topics including diagnosis, assistivetechnology, careers, independent living, recreation,sexuality, and support. It is helpful for families tokeep a special file of their EFM including: pastproviders; diagnosis; treatment; medications;allergies; individual education programs; andemergency contacts. There are many helpfulnational resources, which are listed at the endof this article, to assist the individual and thefamily to maximize their potential .Members the Navy Reserve activated for aperiod of more than 30 days are eligible forTRICARE’s Extended Care Health Option(ECHO). 3 This program delivers financialassistance to active duty family members whohave a qualifying condition such as: moderate orsevere mental retardation; a serious physicaldisability; or an extraordinary physical orpsychological condition of such complexity that10 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007the beneficiary is homebound. In addition tocoverage received via the primary TRICAREplan, 2 TRICARE ECHO benefits may include:medical and rehabilitative services andappliances; training to use assistive technologydevices; special education; institutional care;special transportation; assistive services forbeneficiaries with visual or hearing impairment;durable equipment; and in-home medical orrespite care services. Another service availableonce a service member is mobilized isMilitary.com “Benefits” which offers “FamilySupport Services” under the “Exceptional FamilyMember Program.” Up-to-date information forfamilies with a special need family memberincludes local special education programs andmedically-related services available on base andin the community. “Enrollment allows a proactiveapproach to assignment planning by workingclosely with detailers to match duty stations andavailable resources for services needed.” 3Military Onesource “Special Needs” category 4is another reference available 24 hours a day. Inaddition to advice from your medical provider,the following contacts may be helpful:Military Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF)Providers, Policies and Benefits:* 2-1-1 Information and Referral Systems:www.211.org Under “2-1-1 Finder” type in“zip code/state;” search under “Military FamilyService/Support Centers”* Military Onesource (24/7) Stateside: 1-800-342-9647/Overseas: 800-3429-6477www.militaryonesource.com (User ID=Military;Password=OneSource)* Tricare North Region: 1-877-874-2273www.healthnetfederalservices.com* Tricare South Region: 1-800-444-5445www.humana-military.com* Tricare West Region: 1-888-874-9378www.triwest.comUnderstand that you can receive assistance byphone, on-line, or at your MTF. No one expectsyou to know all the services available for you andyour family, so it is not necessary to go throughthis process alone. Do not give up—all you needis one individual who cares. Being a member ofan “exceptional family” can be both a rewardingand a challenging experience. I salute you.Helpful resources for individuals with disabilitiesand their families:* Medical specialists have specific academies/organizations where individuals can searchon-line for physicians or therapists INCONUSand OUTCONUS. A family doctor can be foundthrough the Directory of Active Members ofthe American Academy of Family Physicians:http://familydoctor.org/* 2-1-1 Call Center: Information and ReferralSystems: Click on Link for State Resources:http://www.211.org/* Able Data-Assistive Technology InformationWeb site: http://www.abledata.com/* Adolescent Health Transition Project:http://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/* Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page:www.ada.gov/* ARC: http://www.thearc.org* Autism Society of America:http://www.autism-society.org/* Camps -Special Needs:http://www.mysummercamps.com* Disability Employment Office-US Dept. of Labor:http://www.dol.gov/* Disability Information Web site:http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/* Down Syndrome (Nat’l. Association):http://www.nads.org/* Exceptional Parent Magazine (DisabilityResource): (1-800-EPARENT): www.eparent.com/* Health Care Transitions Web site:http://hctransitions.ichp.edu/* Limb Differences:http://www.limbdifferences.org/resources/* March of Dimes: http://www.marchofdimes.com* Muscular Dystrophy Association:http://www.mdausa.org/* Nat’l. Dissemination Center for Childrenwith Disabilities: http://www.nichcy.org* Nat’l. Mental Health Information Center:http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/* Parent Advocacy Coalition for Ed. Rights (PACERCenter): http://www.pacer.org/* Physical Activity & Disability (Nat’l. Center):http://www.ncpad.org/* Sexuality Info. & Ed. Council of the US:http://www.siecus.org/* Spina Bifida Assoc.: http://www.sbaa.org/* United Cerebral Palsy: http://www.ucp.org/**Additional Resources:1 Special Needs Smart Book: www.uscg.mil/2 Tricare: www.tricare.mil/3 Military.com: www.military.com/4 Military Onesource: www.militaryonesource.com/(User ID=Military; Password=OneSource)October 2007 marks the end of my term as Nat’l. VPHealth Programs. The NRA is seeking dedicatedmembers to represent Medical at National Conferenceand to be responsible for the monthly “HealthAffairs” column. Please send nominations to LCDRGail Holzworth: misslorton@aol.com. For questions,contact CAPT Susan Labhard at susan@labhard.com.This unique opportunity is only available once everytwo years; consider it now!