Exceptional Family Member Program - Family Support

Military family members with special needs children face unique and often times stressful situations. As a result, these parents find themselves, tired, frustrated and have little time to waste. Every Air Force family needs to know that enrollment in EFMP is mandatory for all active duty with a family member of special needs. If you believe your child has special needs, it is important that you bring those concerns to your child’s pediatrician and to follow through with any and all recommendations that doctor makes. If EFMP enrollment is required, the process starts with the 5th Medical Group Family Advocacy Office. For those individuals enrolled in EFMP, family member’s needs are considered during the assignment process to ensure any special medical and or educational requirements can be met prior to any relocation. All military families should be aware the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) is a resource to help families find information and referrals. Although not all inclusive, examples of more specific services the A&FRC can provide are as follows: a place to explore options, obtain information to prepare for an IEP meeting, get tools to electronically track the care your child receives, obtain materials on a variety of issues that affect a family with special needs.  If you are interested in learning more about the work Minot AFB is doing to support families of special needs, you are welcome to attend the Special Needs Committee meetings. These meeting are held each month at the Airman & Family Readiness Center. You may call the A&FRC at 723-3950 to see when the committee meets again.

Advocacy for your Special Needs Child

Parents are the best advocates for their children because no one knows your special needs child better than you. The American Heritage Dictionary defines an advocate as “a person who pleads for or on behalf of another.” An advocate can either write or speak in support of a person. The more the advocate knows and understands the person they are advocating for the better supporter they can be for that individual. It’s important to note that although parents are their child’s best advocate, parents can also be emotional and that can work against them. The most effective parent advocate recognizes their emotions, how to control their emotions and use those emotions in a positive way to energize them in the advocacy process. When you first begin your quest as a change agent it can be quite intimidating, but realize if you have established goals for your child and an action plan in place you have a direction. Additionally, the more you work to support your child, the better advocate you will become. A basic understanding of the agency you are working with and the people who make the rules is important to your success. Often agency personnel will say no to a request because they don’t want to have to change procedures already in place. If you not only present the problem but offer up potential solutions and present an action plan then this is often a positive first step. It is also helpful to research and present the issue, facts and information you have gathered from the internet, knowledgeable professionals or parents experiencing the same problems to help you substantiate the need for change. The bottom line-- you want to advocate without damaging your relationship with the agency in which you are working with. If the agency cannot help you, ask them to present that to you in writing. This way you have established a paper trail so when and if you decide to elevate the issue you have a date, person and agency to reference. Advocacy can be frustrating and draining. To quote Vince Lombardi, football coach “It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again.” Don’t give up the fight as you are your child’s greatest supporter. Band with other parents and find agencies that can provide support that will listen to you and help you to recharge.