Having children whith special needs is overwhelming in itself, now imaging moving them!  Here is my first installation of advice for those who are helping these families!

Although, I think you will find that most families that have children with special needs do not take the thought of moving lightly. It can be a very long and drawn out process. There are so many things to consider and here are just a few:

• Schools for "Special Needs" - or for older children and young adults with special needs "Medical Day Care" it is one of the most important components to consider.

When you are the guardian for a person with special needs you have many responsibilities, working is most likely still one of them. So who will care for your special someone when you are making the big bucks? Rest assured that most families have already done their homework in this area.

Even if the child or young adult is attending a "typical (public) school" as opposed to a Private Special Education Facility they all vary greatly from district to district. Much diligence is required to research each individual district and each individual school to find out their policies.

• Family or Support - Moving towards family members or people who will be supporting them is very important.

Although you will find that most families are moving towards their support system, you will also find that Relocation will sometimes present the opposite for these families. Honestly, knowing many families who have children with special needs it would have to be a pretty darn good career move to uproot their child. Consistence is the key for all children with special needs. If a family has made the decision to make a move it came with many sleepless nights.

• Medical Needs - There are many great hospitals in the United States today and most of them have specialties that draw people from all over the world to them.

With many diagnosis comes the need for constant medical follow up. Hospitals and medical professionals will be very high on the priority list when choosing a new home town.

• People first language  - This is very important!!!! Please take the time to read up on the proper use of language when you are speaking about a person with disabilities.

Here is a great website to reference

I currently have two children with unique or "special needs". One in each setting private and public schools. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the prospect of moving a family that includes a person with "special needs"

UPDATE!!

Later this afternoon I was contacted by a representative from the Angellman Syndrome Foundation (www.angelman.org) who asked me to write an article to post on the foundations website.  Tips for families who are moving and how to make it easier for those families. 

My son has Angelman Syndrome and I currently hold the position of Chair person for the National Walk-a-thon Philadelphia location. 

Needless to say I was honored to have been asked and will try my best to put this together for them.  If you, or anyone you know has some tips and tricks they used when assisting a family in need, please feel free to post a comment.

Thanks in advance!!!