Your child may be eligible for special education services in school. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), entitles children with disabilities to "a free appropriate public education.” This is often called FAPE, or special education.

Although each state and school is different, one of the most important parts of the special education process is creating a written plan for your child's education. This is called an Individualized Education Program, or the IEP.

Developing the IEP consists of two important parts:

1. IEP meetings, where you, your child and school staff members decide on an education program for your child

2. The IEP document, which lists annual goals and short-term objectives along with the services and support your child will receive

Additional Resources

Developing Your Child’s IEP
Michigan Alliance for Families
Developing Your Child’s IEP: A Parent’s Guide
IDEA Website

If your child is receiving certain government benefits and receives an inheritance on the death of his or her parents, receipt of that inheritance may disqualify the child from receiving such benefits.

A Special Needs Trust allows to you provide equally for all of your children, while preserving important government benefits for the child with special needs.

Each trust must be specifically designed to suit the needs and situation of each family. A properly drafted trust:

1. Allows you to leave assets to your child with Spina Bifida.

2. Provides for proper management of those assets during the child's lifetime.

3. Prevents the child's inheritance from interfering with his or her government benefits.

Who to Contact

An estate planning attorney could provide further information regarding Special Needs Trusts and whether such a trust is appropriate for you and your family.