USA Health to host free disability resource fair on Tuesday, Jan. 28

USA Health is offering education and support to families of children with special needs on Tuesday, Jan. 28, during a Disability Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Strada Patient Care Center in the first-floor lobby.

“For many families, and even service providers, they may not know where to start when looking for resources for their child or loved one diagnosed with autism or some other developmental disability,” said Michelle McDaniel, director of the University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network (USARAN). “The resource fair will give families and professionals an opportunity to stop by and speak face to face with representatives from agencies and organizations who can help to guide them to the resources they need most.”

Representatives from the Alabama Department of Mental Health Autism Services; Alabama Early Intervention System; Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose; Children’s Rehabilitation Services; United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile, Inc. Children’s Program; and USA Regional Autism Network will be available to provide information and answer questions.

Those who attend can learn more about the following resources:

• Care coordination and in-home services for children and adolescents with autism who qualify for Medicaid;
• Developmental assessments and intervention for infants and toddlers who have developmental delays;
• Childcare and childcare provider training for children with disabilities;
• Medical care and coordination for children with special healthcare needs;
• Respite for caregivers of loved ones with disabilities; and
• Information, training, and connection to resources related to autism.

“The USA Health Disability Resource Fairs have created a network of collaborative partners across the area in addressing needs in the community,” McDaniel said. “Many service providers in our community have committed to participating in the USA Health Disability Resource Fairs throughout the year to increase awareness of the services provided and connect families to agencies that can provide crucial support.”

USARAN started hosting these resource fairs in March 2024, and due to the response from families, service providers and support agencies, it has continued on an almost monthly basis to highlight services that are available in the community.

“Last year, we hosted eight fairs at the USA Health Strada Patient Care Center and were able to highlight 36 programs. Strada is a great location since so many people are familiar with the building and it is located centrally, with a public transportation stop for families and individuals with transportation difficulty,” McDaniel said.

“Many individuals and families may be unaware these services exist. From childcare programs to social opportunities, to safety resources, we can connect individuals with the services needed most. We also highlight programs and services that provide support for advocacy, school-related resources, employment, and transition to adulthood.”

To learn more, contact USARAN at 251-410-4533.