A benefit exclusion letter is a letter that says something is not covered under the policy. You can call your health plan to see if there is or isn't a benefit.

How do I get an insurance denial letter?

If you need urgent assistance and can’t reach your service coordinator, you can call your Regional Center and ask to speak with the “service coordinator of the day.”

What do I do when Regional Center doesn't respond to me?

Even if your health plan covers your child's genetic testing, there may be costs you need to be aware of Leslie Lobel, Undivided Director of Health Plan Advocacy, explains what you need to know.

Does Insurance Cover Genetic Testing?

If you're interested in beginning genetic testing for your child, where do you go first? Hear tips from Allison Ortega MS, LCGC, Senior Manager of Clinical Services at Bionano Laboratories. 

Tips for Parents Starting the Process of Genetic Testing

Developmental pediatrician Dr. Josh Mandelberg explains the different factors parents should consider when deciding when to do genetic testing for their child.

Is Genetic Testing a Last Resort Recommendation?

Melissa Randall, a Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, acknowledges that these conversations can be challenging but emphasizes that the process is aimed at empowering and educating parents, ensuring they receive the knowledge and support they need.

Tips for Parents Nervous About Genetic Testing

Join Melissa Randall, a Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, as she gives an inside look at what a typical session involves, how to best prepare, and the key questions to ask. Discover why genetic counselors can dedicate more time to addressing patient concerns and providing detailed answers, often more so than many other medical providers.


What to Expect and Ask in a Genetic Counseling Session

Dr. Pedro Sanchez-Lara discusses recent advances in genomics, highlighting the significantly faster test results and highly specific tests that can lead to more precise and targeted treatments.

Understanding Genomics: How Advances in the Field Impact Your Child

Dr. Pedro Sanchez-Lara discusses how families often suspect a misdiagnosis or an additional diagnosis, and they are frequently correct. He explains that genetic testing can be repeated, even if done previously, as advances in testing technology continually provide new insights. Updated tests may reveal new information about your child's condition, offering a more accurate diagnosis and potential treatment options.

How Genetic Testing Can Help Uncover Your Child's Condition

Pedro Sanchez-Lara, MD, MSCE, FAAP, FACMG, Director of Pediatric Clinical Genetics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explains that, in many cases, parents are not responsible for their child's condition. Follow along in this video clip, as we dive deeper into the why genetic conditions occur.

Why Do Genetic Conditions Occur?

Genetic testing allows these geneticists to look at an individual’s specific array of genes and spot any minute mutations and/or variations. Learn how genetic testing can be helpful to families raising kids with disabilities and where families who are interested can start.

Genetic Testing for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Delays

Whether you have a newborn or an older child who never received genetic testing, there are good reasons to consider genetic testing regardless of a child’s age or diagnosis. If you’re thinking about stepping into the vast world of genetics and genetic testing but aren’t sure where to start, what the process will be like, or if it’s even the right choice for your family, we’ve got your ultimate crash course right here.

Genetics 101

Special Education Services and Individualized Education Programs

Learn about special education services, everything you need to know about IEPs, and how to advocate for the services and supports your child needs.

Education and IEPs

Insurance Options for Parents of Kids with Disabilities

Whether you’re using private insurance or public benefits like Medi-Cal or a combination of the two, get tips on how to fund the supports and services your child needs.

Insurance

What to Do When Your Child Has Received a New Diagnosis

Has your child received a new diagnosis? Are you concerned about a developmental delay? Check out these resources to help you navigate medical services, funding, and more.

New Diagnosis

Public Benefits - Government Programs for Children with Disabilities

Depending on your income, your child’s age and diagnosis, and other factors, there are a variety of government programs available to you.

Public Benefits

Mental Health

Learn how to help your child manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges with these resources from therapists and other experts.

Financially Supporting Your Child With Disabilities into Adulthood

Check out our resources to help plan your child's transition into adulthood and set them up for success.

Future and Financial Planning

Family Life - Advice for Parenting Children with Disabilities

Parenting a child with disabilities comes with unique joys and challenges. Learn how to meet your family's diverse needs and how to talk about disability together.

Family Life

Self-Care for Parents Raising Children With Disabilities

Raising a child with disabilities can place a lot of demands on parents. Check in with your own mental and physical health needs through these resources.

Self-Care for Parents

Learn what to expect and all the best tips and tricks to make the transition to elementary school easier for your child.

Prepare for my child's triennial IEP

Prepare a request for a 1:1 aide

Create an All About Me page for my child

Request an educational assessment

Transition to elementary school

If your child is eligible to continue to receive Regional Center services after age 3, it's important to learn about what services will be available.

Receive an inclusion aide for community integration from Regional Center

Update the IPP

Receive social-recreation services from Regional Center

Request Regional Center funding for an Undivided membership

Transition from Regional Center early intervention to services after age 3

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) includes new words, acronyms, and many different parts. Learn the essentials and get prepared with a breakdown of the information you need regarding your child’s eligibility, district assessments, placement options, and more.

Receive an Independent Education Evaluation

Review and sign my child's IEP

Review my child's educational assessments

Prepare for my first IEP

Are you making the most of the services you receive from Regional Center? Learn more about specialized supervision and how to request the hours your child needs. Note that some Regional Centers have different specialized supervision criteria for teenagers and/or may call it personal assistance.

Review Regional Center Specialized Supervision hours

Once a year, it's a great idea to review your child's therapeutic and medical needs with members of their care team to see if current services are appropriate.

Enroll my child in occupational/speech/physical therapy

Prepare for a new provider visit

Find an OT

Find an SLP

Find a PT

Request funding for my child's ABA

Reassess therapy and team needs

You can apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if your child receives Medi-Cal.

Apply for IHSS paramedical services

Become an IHSS parent provider

Prepare for my annual IHSS visit

Apply for IHSS protective supervision

Apply for IHSS after enrolling in Medi-Cal

Regional Center

Regional Center Early Intervention (Ages 0–3)

Self-Determination Program

Medi-Cal

IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services

Other Public Funding Sources

IEP: Individualized Education Program

IEP Meeting Preparation

Preschool IEP

IEP Assessments

Strength-Based IEP Goals

Educational Accommodations, Modifications, and Curriculum

Educational Transitions

Learning At Home

Educational Placement

Educational Inclusion

Parenting

Camps and Travel

Supporting Therapies and Education at Home

Disability Culture and Advocacy

Private Insurance

Public Insurance Programs

Mental Health In Children with Disabilities

Therapies

Education-Based Therapies

Behavioral Intervention Therapies

Funding Sources For Therapies

AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Therapy at Home

504 Educational Plans

Medical

Therapies (Ages 0-3)

IEP-Related Services

After the IEP

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing their eligibility for other benefits. Learn about CalABLE in California.

7 Key Questions about CalABLE Accounts Answered

Got questions about public benefits? Have no fear, Undivided’s Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck is here! At our June 27th event, Lisa broke down everything you need to know about Regional Center services, Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Social Security, and California Children’s Services. Get ready for a session packed with helpful insights and answers to all your burning questions — it’s time for Undivided’s Public Benefits Bootcamp!

5 California Public Benefits Your Child May Be Eligible For

Getting IHSS for a child under age 5 is less common but not impossible. Hear tips about applying for IHSS protective supervision and paramedical services.

5 Steps to Get IHSS for Kids Under Age 5

The total maximum is 283 per month, but different IHSS services have different max hours.

What is the maximum number of IHSS hours my child can receive?

You may have heard the term "early intervention" in regards to your child's development, disability, or early diagnosis, but do you know exactly what it means?

The 4 W's of Early Intervention

Getting ready to take a summer road trip? Save this post for some ideas on how to pack and plan for your trip so you can enjoy it with your family!

Road Trip Tips When Traveling with a Child with a Disability

Undivided's Content Writer, Karen Cull, recently engaged in a compelling conversation with Dr. Chad Rose, the Director of Mizzou Ed Bullying Lab, to delve into the complexities of bullying and the unique challenges faced by parents of kids with disabilities. 

Bullying: How to Navigate When Your Child Has a Disability | Undivided Conversations

Whether you’re preparing for your first flight with your service dog or you’re a pro, we’ve gathered some handy tips for before, during, and after your flight.