Anyone from Near Harrisburg, PA???

[jennaskye]

Hi! I've been a member for 6 years now. We have a 6 yo daugher Jenna with DS. She is in kindergarten this year. We have posted on and off during that time always get great insight from this site and need some now. We are in the 1st stages of considering a move to Pennsylvania somewhere near Harrisburg (York Co., Dauphin, Co....) and we were wondering about the school systems in or around that area. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

Suzanne

[giglho]

Hey Suzanne,
My name is Holly, Mom to Jake, 9 years old with DS and PDDNOS. We live in souther York County PA, about40 minutes from Harrisburg. PA has great services for families with special needs. We have lived in TX and AL and MI. Only in MI with Jake, but from what I understand the services here far outdo most other states. I am not all that familiar with Dauphin co However most services are done through the state and are based off the DS diagnosis. You automatcally (with a little paperwork) qualify for medical assistance (no matter your income) just based on the DS diagnosis. We are lucky to have both Hershey Medical Center and also Kennedy Krieger close by. KKI is home to the Down Syndrome Clinic where the famed Dr. George Capone works. Because my son also has autism he is like our little cult leader...ha! He was one of the first to recognize that our children can also have all the other little things that all the other typical kids can have as well. Not everything they do is just because of the DS. Anyway, I digress! ha!. There are many Ds groups around with many Buddy Walks in Oct. We have good MHMR services, and very good schools. I think you will be happy. I will tell you that the closer you get the maryland......the less chummy (friendly) people are. I am from TX so I am used to the good ol southern hospitality that is often times forgotten in these parts.
Hope this helps. You can always contact me!
Holly
[e-mail]