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Peace of Mind Handbook: A Guide to Supporting Special Kids with Special Needs Handbook

Housing Discrimination

The Texas Young Lawyer’s Association’s "Peace of Mind Handbook" provides an overview of resources for parents of children with special needs.

This article links to a handbook called "Peace of Mind: A Guide to Supporting Special Kids with Special Needs.” This handbook is a resource for parents of children with special needs. The handbook includes information about the following: 

  • the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,  

  • housing laws,  

  • disabilities laws and protection in the workplace,  

  • financial planning,  

  • estate planning, and 

  • Supplemental Security Income & Medicaid, and resources for parents with special needs children.

Peace of Mind Handbook Table of Contents 

TexasLawHelp.org has included the table of contents for this handbook to help you find the information you need. 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 

This section provides an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This section describes the process for identifying a child with special needs. This section also outlines the process for developing a plan to support the child. This section also generally describes what to do if you feel like your child's needs aren't being met.  

See page 1 of the Peace of Mind Handbook.

Housing Laws 

This section is written in a question-and-answer format. This section provides an overview of housing requirements for landlords, specifically reasonable accommodations. This section describes common reasonable accommodations and how to request them. There is also a brief explanation of housing discrimination and what to do if it happens.  

See page 10 of the Peace of Mind Handbook. 

Disabilities Law and Protection in the Workplace 

This section is written in question-and-answer format. It provides an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This overview includes an explanation of the purpose and scope and important terms. It also includes how to request a reasonable accommodation. This section also includes strategies about how to prevent discrimination in the workplace. It further explains what to do if discrimination occurs.  

See page 15 of the Peace of Mind Handbook. 

Financial Planning 

This section is written in question-and-answer format. This section discusses considerations when financial planning for a child with special needs. This includes types of insurance as well as tax credits and benefits available. This section also includes what happens if a child has assets in their name.  

See page 24 of the Peace of Mind Handbook. 

Estate Planning 

This section is written in question-and-answer format. This section covers the different aspects of estate planning and estate planning options. These options include guardianship, powers of attorney, living wills, and special needs trusts. For each estate planning option, there is information about what it is and what to keep in mind when setting it up.  

See page 32 of the Peace of Mind Handbook. 

Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid 

This section is written in question-and-answer format. This section covers supplemental security income (SSI) benefits. The SSI information includes the review process and who qualifies. It also discusses Medicaid for children and adults, including eligibility, and has a list of resources for more information about these topics. 

See page 41 of the Peace of Mind Handbook.

Resources for Parents with Special Needs Children

This section lists websites for parents of children with special needs.  

See page 48 of the Peace of Mind Handbook. 

Disclaimer 

This handbook is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Any laws described in this handbook are subject to change at any time. For legal advice about your specific issue or situation, consult an attorney. 

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