March 2012

Over 2000 Idaho community/not-for-profit service providers are now in the Medical Home Portal's database. Idaho Careline, the state's 2-1-1 program provider, is a program of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. In the coming months we'll be adding information on Idaho professional service providers, including pediatric sub-specialists and other healthcare providers. To access Idaho services information, choose "Idaho" from the dropdown menu of states at the top left of each Portal page.

Spring is the time of year when families begin to plan summer activities for themselves and their children, including children with special health care needs. While children and young adults with disabilities can find it challenging to participate in social opportunities and recreational activities outside the home, these experiences offer physical activity, intellectual stimulation, and personal enjoyment that can lead to improvements in medical management, physical and mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life. These activities can also be an opportunity to develop social support networks and relationships with both disabled and typically developing peers. It is important for children and young adults to have and engage in social outlets in areas of their interests e.g. arts, crafts, dances, and recreational pursuits. The Utah Recreational Activities 2012 ( 152 KB) newsletter provides an updated list of some activities.

While adapted programs can be more expensive, many organizations offer scholarships to offset these costs to families. Families should not hesitate to inquire about such scholarships. There are currently 42 adaptive recreation service providers for Utah listed in the Medical Home Portal: see our Service Category page and scroll down to the Recreation category and choose "Adaptive Recreation."

We need your help to learn about other recreation and leisure programs! Parents and professionals are encouraged to share their favorite recreational opportunities through the Medical Home Portal’s Feedback page on the website or the Medical Home Portal Facebook page.

Thanks to the Utah Bureau of Children with Special Health Care Needs (UDHHS) for their support of the "Your Medical Home" section.

The Medical Home Portal is on Facebook: Medical Home Portal Facebook page. We use Facebook to connect with families and children with special health care needs, and with other organizations with similar missions. "Friends" can post directly on our page. Do you have CSHCN information you'd like to share? Contact Mindy via our Feedback page or, "like" us and post it on our Facebook wall.