Parents who are homeschooling a special needs child encounter lots of challenges. How can they stay strong despite high medical costs, the need for therapy, and the expenses of special curricula? Tune in to today’s Home School Heartbeat for one answer.
Mike Smith:
“Thank you so much for the money toward my daughter’s reading program!” wrote a mother to the Home School Foundation. “She is already improving in her reading skills. She is very excited to see her reading improve also.” Accompanying this mom’s letter was a heartwarming note from her daughter.
While homeschooling carries benefits for every type of child, it is often the children with special needs who benefit the most. And yet the costs of educating a special needs child can be prohibitive for parents who desire to train their children in a loving, one-on-one environment. Several years ago, the Home School Foundation established the Special Needs Children’s Fund to help these children thrive. Grants from this fund allow families to purchase specialized equipment and curriculum, while at the same time meeting the high medical and therapy expenses that often accompany caring for a special needs child.
While special needs grants are only available to members of Home School Legal Defense Association, the Foundation offers scholarships to families who are not able to afford HSLDA membership.
The Foundation is also partnering with HSLDA to offer expanded services. Our two special needs coordinators offer years of combined experience and expertise, advising individual families on diagnosis, testing, and teaching strategies. We are also launching a new website with information and resources for families who are homeschooling special needs children.
If you have a special needs child, consider the benefits of homeschooling.
And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
