Tri-Counties Regional Center
Healthy Living - Medical and Dental Resources
Person Receiving Services
Overview
Health and Medical Services
Specialized health care services are provided when a person who is served by the Regional Center has a need directly as a result of a developmental disability. The care is provided to assure health and safety or to prevent regression.
Adaptive Equipment/Supplies
Specialized equipment and supply services may be necessary for the health and functional ability of some individuals.
Durable medical equipment (DME) provided can include wheelchairs, apnea monitors and communication devices.
Non-durable medical equipment and supply services include prescription medication, eyeglasses, diapers, hearing aids, orthopedic shoes, and equipment maintenance and repairs.
Other methods to obtain adaptive equipment and supplies include early intervention service providers, California Children's Services, local education agencies, health care facility providers, health care agencies, private insurance, trust funds, and low incidence SELPA / LEA funds through the schools.
Assistive technology devices can be used to enhance functioning and quality of life for people with disabilities. Learn more about assistive technology (AT) devices here.
Therapy Services
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services
Therapy is ordered by a physician for gross and fine motor deficits or problems with self-help skills. This type of therapy is planned when it most likely will make an improvement in the motor skills and self-help skills. It is also necessary when it will help to prevent deterioration of function or of health.
Physical and/or occupational therapy services must be provided by licensed or accredited professionals. Treatment and services include home evaluations to assess function and equipment needs. Therapeutic activities are planned improve overall coordination, develop self-help and daily living and motor skills. Therapy services provided must be on the list of recognized therapies developed and maintained by Medi-Cal and California Children's Services.
Other methods to obtain physical and occupational therapy include early intervention service providers, California Children's Services, local education agencies, health care facility providers, health care agencies, private medical insurance, trust funds and Medi-Cal EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment) for children.
Communication Therapy Services
Speech, language and communication therapy services include assessment and treatment of receptive and expressive communication skills in any or all modalities. These modalities include oral language (speech), sign language, gestural, written communication and/or the use of appropriate augmentative communication systems.
Speech/Language therapy is recommended when it is likely that it will result in an improvement in the communication skills of the person served. Information from the medical doctor, audiologist (hearing), or psychologist may help to determine if therapy is needed.
Other reasons for speech/language therapy would be:
1. The person's communication skills are significantly different and delayed from other development.
2. There is a big difference between receptive and expressive abilities.
3. There is a problem understanding the person.
4. The need for improvement of communication skills is more than the responsibility of the public education system.
Other ways to get speech/language services include early intervention service providers, California Children's Services, local education agencies, health care facility providers, health care agencies, private insurance, trust funds, and Medical EPSDT for children.