National Children’s Center, Inc. (NCC) was founded in 1958 by Hyman S. Paper and a small group of local citizens who were concerned about the lack of community-based services for children with special needs and their families. The organization was incorporated in the District of Columbia on May 14, 1958, and shortly thereafter, children from the local community were enrolled into our first summer camp, residential and school programs.
NCC serves hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—including people who have cerebral palsy, autism, and Down’s syndrome through early childhood education and early intervention, school programs, community residences and supports, day services and supports to include individualized day supports, work readiness training, supported employment, and vocational training. NCC supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, grow and thrive in their community, which fully includes and embraces them as valued and contributing members.
“Early Intervention” might be the provider’s way of describing services that they provide to babies or young children. However, it might also indicate that the provider is a vendor for your state’s publicly funded program. This means the services with this provider might be covered by your state!
The first step in accessing these free services from your state is to get an evaluation. The evaluation will help the state determine what services your child qualifies for, if any. You can find your state’s local EI program by clicking here.
When you contact your local center, say “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if they are eligible for early intervention services.” They will ask screening questions and arrange for an evaluation, which is provided for free.
If you’re not sure where to start, this article lists 6 types of housing to be on the lookout for. Your child’s school and other parents are great resources to find out about potential options. Local groups, like your area’s Arc chapter, autism society, or special needs groups on social media, are good places to find resources as well. For additional help, consider working with a social worker and/or case manager.