Youth's Eye View

These articles bring you the “Youth’s Eye View” of coordinated, culturally diverse, community-based services for CYSHCN.

One Medical Home and One School Make a Difference for Family

The following story is part of a series focused on the experiences of individual families as they work to obtain community-based services for their children with special health care needs. The article was written by a mother of a child with special health care needs living in Cache County, UT.

The experience in the hospital last year when my 9-year old daughter was first diagnosed and treated with diabetes was very overwhelming. We left feeling unprepared and lacked confidenc....

Last updated: 03 Nov, 2009

Thinking and Living “Outside the Box”

Article based on interview with Micah Fialka Feldman.

A typical day for Micah can be summed up in one word: busy. Micah is attending Oakland University in Rochester, MI through the Options Program during the school year and is working at a Youth Camp near home during the summer months. With the support of his family, friends, and community, Micah has achieved many of his dreams so far, including his biggest dream: to go to college.

Last updated: 18 Aug, 2009

Creating Change

Article based on interview with Jessica Norwood.

Jessica has found satisfaction in giving back to her community. While in college she was able to help make buildings more accessible for those in wheelchairs. As a member of People First, she was included in a committee to support United Service Organizations (USO) activities.

Every Day an Adventure: Part 2, Advice for People with Disabilities

Article based on an interview with Quintin Williams.

Quintin has lived the majority of his life with a disability and has found many ways to overcome the challenges; therefore, he has some solid advice for youth in similar situations. He says “they need to know how to advocate for themselves.” In many cases, parents will do everything for their child with special needs. They make doctor’s appointments, fill prescriptions, and drive them where they need to go. Despite the good intentions of the parents, this becomes a problem when the young adult tries to transition to independence and finds themselves helpless.

Last updated: 21 Apr, 2009

Every Day an Adventure: Part 1, Advice for Communities

Article based on an interview with Quintin Williams.

Quintin has learned a variety of skills for getting from one place to another with little or no assistance, but there are still times when he must ask others for help. “Some people know how to give good directions, some don’t,” Quintin said. Unfortunately, he’s encountered a number of people that seem to be uneasy around him and others with disabilities due to a lack of education and experience with the situation. He wants to emphasize that “we aren’t aliens!” No matter the situation, Quintin has come to realize that “every day is a new adventure.”

Last updated: 17 Mar, 2009

The Role of Youth in Making High Schools More Inclusive

Article based on a KASA/LRE Part B Teleconference.

Youth and young adult involvement is an important element in developing community-based systems of care for children and youth with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Family and youth/young adults are the primary consumers who know first hand what works, what doesn’t, and how communities can better meet their needs.

Last updated: 16 Dec, 2008