Disability Benefits for Speech Disorders: How to Apply on Behalf of a Child

Disability Benefits for Speech Disorders: How to Apply on Behalf of a Child

Financial Resources

Guest Post! As the Community Outreach Manager of Social Security Disability Help, Deanna Powers knows her way around applying for disability benefits on behalf of a child with a speech disorder.

From trips to the doctor’s office to therapist bills, if you are the parent of a child with a speech disorder, you know the added costs your family incurs. Fortunately, there are financial resources available for families who qualify. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers monthly disability benefits for speech disorders for children who have a qualifying disability.

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An Interview with Lori Steed Sortino

Interviews
Lori Steed Sortino

Courtesy: Lori Steed Sortino

This week, Lori Steed Sortino shares her experiences of raising her son, Daniel, who is Deaf. Lori’s blog, Deaf Son, Hearing Mother, emphasizes the positives. Daniel opened Lori’s eyes to a new world of possibilities. Despite the obstacles in his way, Daniel thrived and later became a successful college student. However, the journey wasn’t easy. Lori and her now ex-husband Joe fought to become advocates for their child and faced a great deal of resistance from the school district. While Daniel’s teachers wanted to help him, they were stuck in a system that was unresponsive to Daniel’s needs because of budget constraints. After her difficult experiences, Lori was inspired to work with a parent advocacy group to ensure that the needs of other Deaf children are being met. She emphasizes how critical it is for parents to join a network of support.

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