Sped 421: Family Resource Plan | 2017

For the OConnell Family

Created on May 16, 2017

Review Due (6 months) October 16, 2017

Created by Kristy Pobst, Kylee Dempsey, Samantha Mountain

(Names of service coordinators)

FAMILY INTRODUCTION
The OConnell family consists of Patrick and Evelyn who are the parents of two boys and one
girl. Quinn is their oldest daughter who is 7 years old. She loves art and enjoys painting and
drawing. Nolan is the second child and is 5 years old. He loves being outside, playing in the dirt,
and skipping rocks in the pond in our backyard. Aiden is their youngest child and is 2 years old.
He is in the stage of attachment right now and loves to be around mom. The OConnells are
strong believers in Scientology and come from a long line of Irish descent. They believe solely in
the creation of medicine and science. They currently live in Austin, Texas for the increasing
opportunities for better education, health care, and environment.
Nolan was born without complications but was delayed in his gross motor walking skill.
Nolan broke his leg as a result of a bicycle accident. Following the removal of his cast he had
difficulty with walking and strength. Due to the complications Nolan was tested further and was
recently diagnosed with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. Currently he is having difficulty with
mobility around the home. At school, after a falling incident, the school suggested that for his
safety and liability, he needs to be in a wheelchair to return to school.
FAMILY STRENGTHS
The OConnells are a very nurturing family that love their children deeply. They spend a lot of
time together outdoors. The parents relationship is very strong, but during this difficult time,
there has been a lack of communication. The two older children (Quinn and Nolan) have a close
bond because of the closeness in age. The OConnells extended family communicate often, but
because of distance cannot aid to the needs of the children.

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INFORMATION SUPPORT
1st Family Concern/Priority: Evelyn would like more information about Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy. This is the first she has heard of this disease and needs to know what her son is
facing.
Current Resource/Information: Evelyn knows a minimum amount of information based on
what her specialist told her.
Outcome: Evelyn wants to fully understand what this disease will mean for Nolan and the
family.
Suggested Action: Evelyn will immediately make an appointment with a Neuromuscular
Specialist to find out more information on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Resource Type and Name: Private Resource/ Austin Neuromuscular Center
Contact Information: Call: 512-920-0140/ Fax: 512-920-0142
3901 Medical Parkway, Ste. 300 | Austin, TX 78756
Program information: Austin Neuromuscular Center is one of the few comprehensive
neuromuscular centers in Central Texas. Their goal is to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and
treatment services in a comfortable and personal setting.
Policy Information: The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Appointments can be made by calling the listed number.
Applications/Forms: (see attached form)
Pamphlets/Handouts: (see attached handout)

Rationale: Evelyn is looking for a place where she can receive more knowledge on what
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is and what procedures should be taken to get Nolan the best
care, and this place can do all of that for her.

2nd Family Concern/Priority: Evelyn would like to know what resources would be available in
the home and school environment. She would like the resources to make sure Nolan will be
taken care of socially, and emotionally.

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Current Resource/Information: Evelyn is aware that under law the school will have to meet
specific ADA requirements, and that they will provide a wheelchair accessible bus. Evelyn is also
aware that some changes to the home will take place to fit Nolans physical needs.
Outcome: The home will be wheelchair accessible and the school will fulfil their part.
Suggested Action: Evelyn will be called and be taking a tour of the Empower School to find
out more information on how Nolan will be accommodated for with his disease and how well
the school will fit his needs.
Resource Type and Name Private Resource/ Empower School
Contact Information Tel: (512)-351-7837/ Tel: (512)-817-6273
Email: info@empowerschool.org
Suite #105 1825 Fort view road, Austin, Texas 78704.
Program information The Empower School is a new licensed private special school in
Austin, which has been in operation since the summer of 2012. The school operates as a special
school serving students with disabilities ages pre K through Grade 5.
Policy Information The Empower School is open all year around and is open five days a
week.
Applications/Forms (see attached form)
Pamphlets/Handouts (see attached handout)

Rationale: The Empower School is a specialized school for children with disabilities that offers
modified curriculum, physical therapy and aquatic therapy. Nolan will be receiving many
opportunities to learn but also receive help with his muscles in physical and aquatic therapy. He
will be able to fit right in with kids that have similar needs as Nolan.

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 Sped 421: Family Resource Plan | 2017
FORMAL SUPPORT
1st Family Concern/Priority: The family would like to know where Nolan can go for physical
therapy where they are well informed with Muscular Dystrophy. They want Nolan to be
involved with physical therapy to positively contribute to his health, feelings of wellbeing and
the development of sensory motor skills.
Current Resource/Information: They are aware that Nolan will need physical therapy. They also
understand that the type of therapy he needs will change overtime as his condition progresses.
Outcome: They will find a physical therapy office that will serve Nolans condition. They will find
a place that will customize a treatment plan for Nolans specific needs.
Suggested Action: The family will immediately contact Central Texas Neurology Center and
make an appointment to discuss what kinds of physical therapy will benefit Nolan.
Resource Type and Name: This is a community resource/CTNC- Central Texas Neurology
Consultants
Contact Information:
Phone: (512) 218-1222
Address:
16040 Park Valley Drive,
Building B, Suite 100
Round Rock, TX 78681
Program information: This is a community resource that provides health information and
care to the public.
Policy Information: The office is open Monday- Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Services are
available to the public by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the number
listed above.
Applications/Forms: (See attached forms)
Pamphlets/Handouts: (See attached handout)

Rationale: Because the family is looking for a place for Nolan to go for physical therapy, this is a
center where they specialize in helping with Muscular Dystrophy and can provide physical

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therapy. This center promotes health, education, and support for patients, caregivers, family
members, healthcare providers and the community.

2nd Family Concern/Priority: The family would like to know more about occupational therapy
and how it can benefit those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They would like to know
where they can go that can provide occupational therapy options.
Current Resource/Information: The family is aware that occupational therapy can help with
tasks for work, recreation or daily living, such as dressing or using a computer. They are aware
that this will be helpful for Nolan.
Outcome: The family will have knowledge of how occupational therapy can benefit Nolan and
what it will include. They will also find a nearby place that can provide occupational therapy
services.
Suggested Action: The family will contact the Muscular Dystrophy Association to meet with
someone who can explain and provide occupational therapy services.
Resource Type and Name National Resource/This is an association called Muscular
Dystrophy Association.
Contact Information
Address:
9430 RESEARCH BLVD.
ESCHELON BLDG. 2 SUITE 300
AUSTIN, TX 78759
Phone: 512 691-0065
Email: austin@mdausa.org
Program information This is a national resource that provides different information on
occupational therapy for those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and how it will help them
improve the quality of their life.
Policy Information You can contact the Muscular Dystrophy Association by phone or by
email. Information and resources are available to the public at no cost to them.
Applications/Forms There is no application or form to fill out

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Pamphlets/Handouts (See attached handout)

Rationale: Because the family is not aware of what kinds of occupational therapy Nolan will
need, this center will show the importance of occupational therapy for those with Muscular
Dystrophy and how it will improve the quality of life for Nolan in the future.

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 Sped 421: Family Resource Plan | 2017
INFORMAL SUPPORT
1st Family Concern/Priority: Evelyn would like to receive more information on different support
groups to help her as a parent to cope with the challenges of having a son with Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy
Current Resource/Information: Evelyn was told by her doctor that there are some support
groups in the area that she would be able to find.
Outcome: Evelyn will find a support group that will fit her familys beliefs and Nolans condition.
Suggested Action: Evelyn will go to this website to connect with other families who are dealing
with the same disease as Nolan.
Resource Name/Type: Private Resource/EndDuchenne.org (Private)
Contact Information:
http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nws_index
Program Information: This is a website based support group and informational site
specifically on Nolans disease. It offers information to parents concerning information about
the disease, how to advocate, care for those who have it, and find support from families across
the world dealing with the same problem.
Policy Information: Where this is web-based, contacting a family and finding out
information can be done at all hours of the day. To attend an event, check the website for dates
and locations. To join the community, an account must be created. There are no fees.
Applications/Forms (See attached form)
Pamphlets/Handouts(See attached handout)

Rationale: This resource is fitting for Evelyn because it gives information and support in areas
that the family hasnt encountered yet. Being able to talk with parents all over the world
suffering the same condition will help her know that shes not alone and give her support no
matter where the family will be.

2nd Family Concern/Priority: Evelyn would like to find a good support group for the whole
family to attend.

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 Sped 421: Family Resource Plan | 2017
Current Resource/Information: Evelyn was told by her doctor that there are some support
groups in the area that she would be able to find.
Outcome: Nolan and his family will be in a support group with other children that suffer with
his same condition.
Suggested Action: The family will call the MDA office in Austin to schedule a support group for
Nolan.
Resource Name/Type: National Resource/MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
Contact information:
Address:
9430 Research Blvd.
Eschelon Bldg. 2 Suite 300
Austin, TX 78759
Phone: 512 691-0065
Program Information: MDA offers a variety of services ranging from disease information,
specialists, support groups for individuals and families, as well as summer camps.
Policy Information: The Austin, TX office hours are not shown in the site. Call the office
phone number to schedule an appointment.
Applications/Forms: To request services for any of the support groups, call 800-572-1717.
There are also ways to find support through the MDAs Facebook and Twitter Page. (Also see
attached form)
Pamphlets/Handouts: (See attached handout)

Rationale: The services and support groups offered through MDA will greatly benefit Nolan and
his family because they are directly related to his condition. He will be able to meet other
children who have similar diseases as well as receive information on his own. The summer
camp would be a fantastic opportunity for Nolan because he will be able to learn new skills that
he can accomplish even though he has a disease. It will give him the opportunity for social
interaction and to know that hes not alone in his journey. This will help the family because they
can meet with other families experiencing similar challenges.

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 Sped 421: Family Resource Plan | 2017
MATERIAL SUPPORT
1st Family Concern/Priority: The family would like more information on companies who could
make adjustments on wheelchairs when needed. As Nolan gets older and his condition
progresses, he will need his wheelchair fitted to meet his needs.
Current Resource/Information: The family has an accessible wheelchair for Nolan. They are
aware that adjustments will need to be made for the wheelchair as he grows.
Outcome: They will find a company that provides wheelchair adjustments and fittings for Nolan
throughout his entire life.
Suggested Action: When Nolan needs his wheelchair to be refitted or have any repairs, Evelyn
will contact Wheelchair and Scooter Repair to have that done.
Resource Type/Name: National Resource/Wheelchair and Scooter Repair
Contact Information:
Phone: 1-888-584-3095
Website: http://wsrsolutions.com/
Program information: This is a National resource. Wheelchair and Scooter Repair (WSR) is
a nationally accredited repair company. They specialize in in-home wheelchair repair and have
WSR service technicians in all 50 states.
Policy Information: Hours are Monday- Friday 7am- 5pm EST. To set up an in-home
appointment with one of the service technicians, call the number above or visit their website.
They accept Medicare, private insurance, workers compensation, credit cards, money orders,
cash payments, and financing.
Applications/Forms: No applications or forms.
Pamphlets/Handouts: (See attached handout)

Rationale: This resource is a good fit for the family because it is nationally based. The family will
have access to this company even if they move to another state. The at-home services will
benefit the family because they dont have to transport Nolan to the office.

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2nd Family Concern/Priority: The family would be more than willing to transport Nolan in a car,
but they want to know where they can buy a wheelchair accessible car.
Current Resource/Information: The family knows that there are places where they can buy a
wheelchair accessible car or to get it installed. They understand that they will need a car that is
wheelchair accessible for Nolan, as well as fits the rest of the family.
Outcome: The family will have a wheelchair accessible car to drive Nolan to his appointments,
therapies, and school. The car will meet Nolans needs as well as the rest of the families.
Suggested Action: The OConnell family will visit United Access and see what kind of car will fit
their needs for Nolan and the rest of the family.
Resource Type and Name- This is a Private Resource/United Access
Contact Information-
Phone: (512) 436-0820
Website: www.unitedaccess.com
Address:
15301 N IH 35 Ste A
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Program information- This is a private resource that goes above and beyond vehicle
modifications; they consider themselves a resource center for people with disabilities. Each of
their locations is committed to giving back to the local communities through volunteer time,
event sponsorships and donations.
Policy Information- The office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Appointments can be made by calling the number listed above for Saturdays. Walk-is are
available Monday through Friday.
Applications/Forms- There is no application or form to fill out.
Pamphlets/Handouts- (See attached handout)

Rationale: Due to Nolan needing to be in a wheelchair full time in the future, the family will
need a wheelchair accessible car. United Access provides a variety of cars to fit familys needs
that are accessible for wheelchairs.

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 Sped 421: Family Resource Plan | 2017
Please check one and sign below:
I agree to the above stated plan
I agree to the above stated plan with the following changes (see attached addendum
sheet)
I do not agree to the above stated plan and refuse all services and supports

Parent/Legal Guardian print name Parent/Legal Guardian print name

Parent/Legal Guardian signature Date Parent/Legal Guardian

signature Date

Service Coordinator Signature Date

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