We have put together a list of people and agencies to call, and what to ask for, in hopes to make what can be an overwhelming time, a little easier. This list will get you started, but it is not meant to be comprehensive.
1. Call
Child Development Services
There are 16 CDS sites in Maine. Listed below are the numbers for each county.
Aroostook 764-4511 Androscoggin 795-4022 Cumberland 781-8881
Franklin 778-6262 Hancock 667-7108 Lincoln 563-6312
Knox 594-5933 Penobscot 947-8493 Waldo 338-1177
Washington 255-4892 York 985-7861 Piscataquis 564-3115
Oxford 743-9701 Somerset 877-2498 Kennebec 623-4989
Sagadahoc 725-6365
Early Intervention has been proven to be of vital importance to children with Down syndrome. Child Development Services will help to provide the services your child will need. Ask for an evaluation for physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT) and possibly speech therapy (speech therapists often deal with feeding issues as well). You should be assigned a case manager. You may need to have your pediatrician make a referral and write a prescription for therapies.
2. Call the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services
(800) 492-0846
Ask for a case worker to be assigned (they will send you a list of agencies local to you to choose from).
3. Call Dr. Wendy Smith, Maine Pediatric Specialty Group.
828-8226
Dr. Smith is a pediatric geneticist. She will help evaluate your child, and also be a great resource for information regarding Down syndrome. Don't forget to get a referral from your pediatrician.
4. Call the Department of Human Services
822-2000 or (800) 482-7520 TTY 822-2293
Children with Down syndrome are usually elligible for Medicaid (known as Maine Care). Although Medicaid is based on income, even if your family is over income, our kids usually qualify under a program known as "Katie Beckett". Ask for a Medicaid application, and a Katie Beckett application .
5. Call the Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213
Ask for application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are based on income.
6. Call the following organizations. They can help to provide newsletters, resource lists, and other information.
There are 16 CDS sites in Maine. Listed below are the numbers for each county.
Aroostook 764-4511 Androscoggin 795-4022 Cumberland 781-8881
Franklin 778-6262 Hancock 667-7108 Lincoln 563-6312
Knox 594-5933 Penobscot 947-8493 Waldo 338-1177
Washington 255-4892 York 985-7861 Piscataquis 564-3115
Oxford 743-9701 Somerset 877-2498 Kennebec 623-4989
Sagadahoc 725-6365
Early Intervention has been proven to be of vital importance to children with Down syndrome. Child Development Services will help to provide the services your child will need. Ask for an evaluation for physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT) and possibly speech therapy (speech therapists often deal with feeding issues as well). You should be assigned a case manager. You may need to have your pediatrician make a referral and write a prescription for therapies.
2. Call the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services
(800) 492-0846
Ask for a case worker to be assigned (they will send you a list of agencies local to you to choose from).
3. Call Dr. Wendy Smith, Maine Pediatric Specialty Group.
828-8226
Dr. Smith is a pediatric geneticist. She will help evaluate your child, and also be a great resource for information regarding Down syndrome. Don't forget to get a referral from your pediatrician.
4. Call the Department of Human Services
822-2000 or (800) 482-7520 TTY 822-2293
Children with Down syndrome are usually elligible for Medicaid (known as Maine Care). Although Medicaid is based on income, even if your family is over income, our kids usually qualify under a program known as "Katie Beckett". Ask for a Medicaid application, and a Katie Beckett application .
5. Call the Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213
Ask for application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are based on income.
6. Call the following organizations. They can help to provide newsletters, resource lists, and other information.
National Down Syndrome Society
666 Brodway, New York, NY 10012-2317
(800) 221-4602
Ask for a New Parent Packet.
National Down Syndrome Congress
7000 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, NE, Building 5, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30328
(800) 232-NDSC
Ask for a New Parent Packet
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
(800) 843-7323
Publishing company. Call for free catalog of books in Special Needs Collection.
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
(508) 278-7769
Ask for copy of MDSC Update(a newsletter) and membership application.
Down Syndrome Society of Maine
Faye Greany
9 Norton Street, Winslow, ME 04901
873-2311
Information, lending library, newsletter, Augusta area parent support group.
