Where does NY rank?

During our October parent meetings, one of the things that really resonated with me was the cost of taking care of loved ones who have a developmental disability.  In my previous post, the subject of the story -- a four-year-old Maryland girl with a chromosonal defect named Karson -- has 22 doctors she saw on a regular basis.  Raising a child is already expensive enough -- almost $300,000 just for the first 18 years (thanks, Mom and Dad).  The first year alone is roughly $11,000.  Now add in the costs of 22 doctors and the medical expenses that come along with that.  And diapers, feeding tubes, and adaptive equipment  needed to help take care of that little girl. 

A recent study in the medical journal Pediatrics ranked states by out-of-pocket spending among families with low incomes that have a child with a disability.  New York state was listed in 6th place as the least out-of-pocket money spent.  Maryland was ranked at the 33rd spot (see DisabilityScoop's "Out-of-Pocket Spending by Low-Income Families Raising a Child with a Disability").  Minnesota, Utah, and Montana were among the last.

While its reminder of how great the services are in New York, its also reminds us to continue advocating for what we have.  When Maxine Abbey and other parents from Ontario County founded our chapter of NYSARC, Inc. in 1954, I don't think they could have imagined what we have today.  I don't think they envisioned their children participating in college classes at Hobart and William Smiths College or Finger Lakes Community College.  Or being actively involved in their community through volunteer and service work.  But today, that is the reality here at Ontario ARC.  And we will continue to keep that reality a reality.