In situations where medical malpractice has results in the birth of a disabled child, the parents will need substantial funding to be able to cope with this; in addition, the parents and the disabled child are entitled to compensation for the medical malpractice that has occurred.  At Gershon, Willoughby, Getz & Smith, LLC, we have lawyers and doctors who concentrate on winning cases and getting the rightful monetary gains that can make a large difference for a family in need after a medical malpractice. Here, in addition to our legal assistance, we offer a list of social assistance programs that can help you in Texas.

Organizations Offering Aid to CP Sufferers
It can be time-consuming and costly to find out how to access government resources to help cope with the financial burden for raising a child with cerebral palsy.  Here is a list of programs available that offer the help needed.  In addition to government assistance, one should also try to access aid from other organizations, such as communities, churches, and non-profit bodies set up and dedicated to helping those with disabilities.  For those in Texas, this is a starting point:

United Cerebral Palsy of Texas
Established in 1954, the United Cerebral Palsy of Texas (UCPTX) organization offers many programs and services with one purpose in mind: “to ensure that people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully and equally in every aspect of our society.” It works amongst a network of other organizations with the same mission – to help people integrate and function in society who have certain disabilities.  The UCPTX advocates for public policy and helps people with CP and their families more easily navigate the system.  Its mission is to: affect positively the quality of life for persons with cerebral palsy and others with similar disabilities and their families; and to prevent cerebral palsy and minimize its effects. Its current executive director is Patty Anderson.

Ability Connection Texas
Ability Connection Texas (ACT) was set up to offer a comprehensive list of services for people with various physical, emotional and mental challenges so that they can “strive to achieve their highest level of independence.”  We serve a whole range of people in the Texas area with a variety of different disabilities – including cerebral palsy – spanning all different ages.  Currently the youngest child ACT helps is 18 months old and the oldest member, 82 years-old.  The organization has been working on its passion – of “providing the very highest quality care and support to children and adults with disabilities” – for close to six decades.

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Texas
The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Texas is a non-profit organization that was set up to help provide housing assistance.  Its aim is to have a positive effect on the quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy as well as others experiencing disabilities, and their families.  Helping with the financial burden of dealing with cerebral palsy and all the treatments it requires, is one less burden.

Other Social Service Assistance Programs in Texas

State Department of Education: Special Education
Gene Lenz, Senior Director
Texas Education Agency
Division of Special Education
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701-1494
(512) 463-9414
E-mail: sped@tea.tetn.net
Web: www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed

Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 3-5
Kathy Clayton, Coordinator
Special Education Programs
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701-1494
(512) 463-9414
E-mail: kclayton@tmail.tea.state.tx.us

State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Roger A. Webb, Executive Director
Texas Planning Council for DD
4900 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX
78751-2399
(512) 424-4080; (800) 262-0334 (512) 424-4099 (TTY)
E-mail: TXDDC@rehab.state.tx.us

Client Assistance Program
Judith Sokolow, CAP Coordinator
Client Assistant Program
Advocacy, Inc.
7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 171-E
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 454-4816
E-mail: info@advocacyinc.org
Web: www.advocacyinc.org

Programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Susan C. Penfield, Director
CSHCN Planning & Policy Development
Bureau of Children’s Health
TX Department of Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3179
(512) 458-7355
E-mail: susan.penfield@tdh.state.tx.us

Learning Disabilities
Ann Robinson, Coordinator
Learning Disabilities Association of TX
1011 West 3lst Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 458-8234; (800) 604-7500 (TX only) E-mail: LDAT@compuserve.com

Texas Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
7701 North Lamar, Suite 504
Austin, TX 78752
(866) 893-3264 (512) 407-8844
E-mail: txffcmh@prodigy.net
Web: http://www.txffcmh.org