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Practice uppercase and lowercase letters with Learn with Ms. A! Free interactive ABC tracing with letter names, animations, and touchscreen activities. Tracing Activities

Practice uppercase and lowercase letters with Learn with Ms. A! Free interactive ABC tracing with letter names, animations, and touchscreen activities. Tracing Activities

Creating smiles by removing barriers, discover our mission and get involved today. Support for Families Raising Children with Diverse Needs AJ Family Support Foundation is a Nevada-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing caregiver-informed education, systems navigation, and inclusive community access for families raising children with disabilities. Find Support Explore Learn Resources Who We Help 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt • Nevada-Based • Caregiver-Informed • Community-Focused Families can explore educational guides, frequently asked questions, and caregiver perspectives in the Learn section to better understand disability-related systems and supports. Who We Support Parents and caregivers raising children with disabilities Families navigating healthcare, education, and community access systems Nevada-based families seeking disability-related navigation support Full eligibility details → See Who We Help Get Started Clarification & Navigation Support Get clear, caregiver-informed explanations to help you understand disability-related systems, benefits, and access pathways. Community Connection Learn about inclusive, sensory-aware group outings that reduce barriers and create opportunities for family connection. Health & Insurance Supports Educational resources that explain insurance options, Medicaid programs, and healthcare access. Access & Inclusion Programs Information about established access programs and inclusion initiatives families can explore. ABC Touch & Trace Help your child practice uppercase and lowercase letters with this free, interactive learning activity! Make learning letters fun and interactive at home! Start Letter Practice Numbers 1–10 Touch & Trace Make learning numbers fun! Children can hear number names, watch how numbers are formed, and practice tracing numbers 1–10 using their finger or mouse. Start Number Practice Free Interactive Activities Tracing Activities programs Our Approach We focus on practical, caregiver-informed solutions that make complex systems easier to understand and inclusive experiences easier to access. Translate disability-related systems into clear, usable information Support caregiver well-being as a foundation for family stability Expand access to inclusive, community-based experiences Promote dignity-centered accessibility informed by lived experience Our resources focus on real-world topics such as special education navigation, healthcare access, insurance complexity, and inclusive community participation. Programs & Initiatives We deliver focused programs that reduce information gaps and access barriers for families raising children with disabilities. Clarification & Navigation Support Helping families understand disability-related systems across healthcare, education, and community services. 👉 Ask a Question General information and navigation support. Not legal or medical advice. Community Connection Inclusive group outings that help families connect and participate in community experiences together. 👉 Join Interest List Joining the interest list does not guarantee participation. Opportunities depend on partnerships and funding. Additional initiatives may be explored over time as partnerships develop and community needs are identified. 👉 View All Programs Share Your Experience Caregivers may voluntarily share general experiences navigating disability-related services and community participation to help other families understand what to expect. 👉 Share Your Experience

An overview of health and insurance support pathways that are often misunderstood or under-explained within disability systems. Health Insurance Support Understanding health coverage options families often overlook Health insurance systems can be confusing—especially for families raising children with disabilities or complex medical needs. Many supports exist within public and private insurance systems, but they are often poorly explained, inconsistently shared, or misunderstood. This page provides clear, family-friendly explanations of health and insurance-related supports that families are frequently not told about. The goal is not to determine eligibility or replace professional advice, but to help families understand what types of options exist so they can ask informed questions and plan more confidently. This page is informational. Some families also benefit from one-to-one navigation support, which is listed later on this page. Eligibility, coverage, and availability vary by state, insurer, and individual circumstances. Why health insurance supports are often misunderstood Families often miss available insurance supports because: Rules differ by state and program Children with disabilities may qualify under different criteria than adults Income is not always evaluated the way families expect Some programs are optional or must be requested Information is often shared only after a denial or crisis As a result, families may assume they have “no options” when additional pathways exist. Types of health insurance supports families often overlook Below are categories of health and insurance supports families may encounter, along with specific examples that are often not explained clearly or proactively shared. These examples include Nevada-relevant supports. This list is not exhaustive and eligibility varies by state, program, and individual circumstances. Medicaid pathways for children with disabilities Some Medicaid eligibility options consider a child’s medical or functional needs rather than household income. Examples include: • Katie Beckett / TEFRA Eligibility Option (Nevada) This Medicaid option allows children with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional care to qualify for Medicaid coverage based on the child’s situation, without counting parental income in eligibility determinations. This can make coverage possible for families who might assume they earn too much to qualify. In many cases, families first qualify for Medicaid through an eligibility option like Katie Beckett and then apply separately for HCBS waiver services. Katie Beckett Info Disability-based eligibility categories Other states and Nevada may have pathways that adjust eligibility rules for children with specific medical or functional needs. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers HCBS waivers provide supports that help individuals remain at home and in the community rather than in institutional settings. These services may include personal care, respite, therapeutic supports, and caregiver assistance. Families are often not told about these options early, and they may require separate applications or placement on waiting lists. HCBS Waivers Health Insurance Premium Payment Programs (HIPP) Nevada HIPP (Health Insurance Premium Payment Program) HIPP identifies Medicaid recipients with access to employer group health insurance and, when cost-effective, assists with paying premiums so families can keep employer-sponsored insurance and supplement it with Medicaid. This program can help reduce out-of-pocket costs and broaden provider networks, but families are often unaware it exists. HIPP Program Info Children’s Health Coverage Programs • Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Under federal law, children enrolled in Medicaid are entitled to EPSDT benefits, which include a wide array of preventive and treatment services. Families may not realize that Medicaid covers services such as dental, therapy, eyeglasses, and medical equipment when medically necessary. EPSDT Info • Nevada Check Up (CHIP) Nevada’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost comprehensive coverage for uninsured children who do not qualify for Medicaid and helps promote continuity of care. Premiums may be charged quarterly, but services are often much more affordable than private plans. Nevada Check Up (CHIP) Info Premium assistance & coordination programs Some programs help families coordinate private and public coverage or assist with premiums, copays, and deductibles. These supports may: Reduce financial strain Allow families to use private insurance as primary coverage Enable Medicaid or CHIP as secondary coverage Because these programs are less commonly advertised, families may not realize they exist until a specific conversation or referral occurs. Questions families may want to ask When exploring health and insurance supports, families may find these questions helpful: Are there Medicaid eligibility options in my state that focus on children’s medical or functional needs rather than parent income? Does my state offer a premium assistance or HIPP program that can help with employer insurance costs? Can Medicaid or CHIP be used alongside my private insurance to cover additional services? Are there HCBS waivers or separate applications that could support care at home or in the community? What preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services does EPSDT cover for children under Medicaid? If I was denied in the past, should I ask again or appeal based on a different eligibility pathway? These questions do not guarantee eligibility but can help families ask targeted questions and understand potential options. Nevada health insurance resources The resources below are provided for educational reference. Program rules and availability can change and may vary based on individual circumstances: Nevada Medicaid – State Medicaid coverage and eligibility. Nevada Check Up – Low–cost health coverage for children. Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services – State agency administering Medicaid and CHIP eligibility in Nevada. Nevada Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) – Information about HIPP and premium assistance. These links are for educational purposes only. AJ Family Support Foundation does not administer these programs and cannot determine eligibility. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers HCBS waivers allow eligible individuals to receive services in their homes and communities rather than institutional settings. These services may support: Personal care or respite Behavioral or therapeutic supports Community participation Caregiver assistance Waivers often have: Waiting lists Separate applications Different eligibility rules than standard Medicaid Families are not always told about waiver options early. Premium assistance & insurance coordination programs Some programs help families keep employer-sponsored insurance by assisting with premium costs or coordinating coverage with public programs. These supports may: Reduce out-of-pocket expenses Allow families to maintain provider continuity Supplement private insurance rather than replace it Because these programs are less commonly advertised, families may not realize they exist. Secondary and supplemental coverage In some situations, a child may have: Private insurance as primary coverage Public insurance as secondary coverage This coordination can help cover: Services not included in private plans Co-pays or deductibles Extended therapies or supports Understanding coordination of benefits can significantly reduce financial strain. Many families delay exploring options due to beliefs such as: “We make too much to qualify for anything.” “We already have insurance, so there’s no help.” “If it was available, someone would have told us.” “Applying will affect our immigration or employment status.” These assumptions are understandable—but not always accurate . Common misconceptions families encounter Family Navigation & One-to-One Support (Nevada) Understanding health and insurance systems can feel overwhelming—especially when eligibility rules, applications, and program names are unfamiliar. Some families benefit from one-to-one navigation and peer support to help make sense of options and next steps. The following Nevada-based resources provide free, family-centered support . They do not determine eligibility or enroll families in programs, but they can help families understand systems, identify options, and prepare informed questions. Nevada Family Navigation Network (FNN) – Family-to-Family Health Information Center FNN provides individualized support to families of children and youth with special health care needs. Staffed by parents with lived experience, FNN helps families navigate health systems, understand insurance and benefit options, and connect to community resources across Nevada. Family to Family Health Information Center Parent to Parent of Nevada Parent to Parent offers one-to-one peer support by matching families with trained parent mentors who share lived experience. Support may focus on emotional encouragement, system navigation, or transitions related to diagnosis, services, or care needs. Parent to Parent of Nevada Nevada 2-1-1 Nevada 2-1-1 connects families to a wide range of health and human services, including insurance assistance, disability resources, housing, food, and community programs. It can serve as a starting point when families are unsure where to begin. These resources are shared for educational and referral purposes. AJ Family Support Foundation does not administer these programs and cannot determine eligibility or enrollment. Why understanding insurance supports matters When families understand what types of health and insurance supports exist, they are better able to: Ask informed questions Appeal or reconsider denials Plan for transitions and long-term needs Reduce unexpected medical expenses Advocate effectively for their child Information does not guarantee approval—but it creates options. Important note All information shared on this page is educational. Program rules, eligibility, and coverage vary by location and individual circumstances. Families are encouraged to consult official program sources, insurance providers, or qualified professionals when making decisions. 👉 Explore Learn Topics

Educational navigation Families raising children with disabilities often interact with multiple systems over time, including healthcare, education, and community supports. Each system has its own processes, terminology, and decision points, which can make it difficult to understand how different supports fit together. The Learn section of our website provides clear, plain-language information to help families understand how disability-related systems are structured and what types of supports may be available across them. Our goal is not to replace professional advice or enroll families in services, but to support informed decision-making by helping families recognize options, ask meaningful questions, and plan next steps with greater confidence. Explore Guides & Topics Understanding Disability Support Systems An overview of how supports are organized across disability systems and how this context can help families navigate available options more effectively. 👉 Start Here Health Insurance Supports Clear, family-friendly explanations of health and insurance-related programs that families often overlook, including HIPP and other coverage pathways. 👉 Insurance Help Access & Inclusion Programs Federal, state, and community programs that support access, recreation, and participation—but are rarely explained or proactively shared with families. 👉 Access Programs Questions & Answers Library Common questions families ask when navigating disability systems, school supports, and services. 👉 Q&A Library Caregiver Experiences Voluntary perspectives shared by caregivers about navigating services and community participation. 👉 Caregiver Experiences Medicaid FAQ (Nevada) Answers to common questions about Medicaid eligibility, coverage pathways, and related programs for children with disabilities. 👉 Medicaid FAQ Community Equipment Opportunities Programs and organizations that help families access adaptive equipment when insurance coverage or formal systems fall short. 👉 Explore Opportunities Why This Information Matters When families understand what types of supports and options exist, they are better equipped to: Ask informed questions Prepare for transitions and changes Reduce unnecessary stress and financial strain Advocate for safety, access, and dignity Information alone does not remove every barrier—but lack of information almost always makes barriers harder to overcome. Important Note Information shared in this section is for educational purposes only. Program availability, eligibility, and requirements vary by location and individual circumstances. Families are encouraged to consult official sources or qualified professionals when making decisions.

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Understanding Your Medicaid Rights in Nevada | AJ Family Support Foundation Understanding Your Medicaid Rights Understanding Medicaid Care Options for Medically Complex Children in Nevada (FAQ) What is TEFRA / Katie Beckett Medicaid? TEFRA (also known as Katie Beckett) is a Medicaid eligibility option for children under age 19 with significant disabilities or medical complexity. It allows a child to receive Medicaid based on their medical needs alone, even if their parents’ income would normally be too high to qualify. Does TEFRA automatically mean we receive paid in-home care? No. TEFRA establishes Medicaid eligibility, but it does not automatically authorize services. Families must still request and receive approval for services such as: Home health nursing Private duty nursing Other Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) What language can families use when requesting services? Families may find it helpful to say: “Our child qualifies under TEFRA and requires medically necessary in-home services. We would like to discuss all available options, including agency-provided nursing and other authorized LTSS supports.” Does my child being a minor disqualify them from Medicaid services? No. TEFRA is specifically designed for minors under age 19. Once approved: the child is considered a Medicaid recipient in their own right, and parental income is not counted for eligibility. How does Nevada deliver in-home services? Nevada provides in-home supports through: Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) frameworks These programs exist to support care in the home instead of institutional settings, when safe and appropriate. What are the most important things to remember? Key takeaways: ✔ Being a minor does not disqualify a child ✔ TEFRA confirms that a child has significant medical or functional care needs beyond routine parenting ✔ Some restrictions apply only to specific programs (like PCS) ✔ Licensed parent nurses may be paid through an agency, if hired ✔ Unlicensed LRIs cannot be paid under self-directed skilled care ✔ Clear, accurate wording matters What counts as “beyond routine parenting”? Medicaid distinguishes between typical parenting tasks and medically necessary care. Examples of needs that may qualify as medical or functional care include: Inability to walk or transfer independently Lack of head or trunk control Seizure monitoring G-tube or medically assisted feeding Continuous positioning or safety monitoring When these needs are present, continuity of care becomes a medical safety issue, not a preference. What Medicaid service options may allow family caregivers to be paid? In limited and specific circumstances, Nevada Medicaid may allow family caregivers to be reimbursed when care is medically necessary and authorized. This may include: Licensed family members (nurses) hired by a Medicaid-enrolled agency, and Certain self-directed service models, when permitted and authorized under Medicaid rules. Eligibility, payment method, and caregiver qualifications depend on the type of service authorized, the child’s medical needs, and current Nevada Medicaid policy. ➡️ Families should ask their case manager to review all authorized options based on their child’s situation. ⚠ Important Disclaimer This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized Medicaid determinations or case management decisions. Service availability and eligibility depend on medical necessity, authorization, and current Nevada Medicaid policy.

Contact Us AJ Family Support Foundation welcomes questions from families, partners, supporters, and volunteers. Whether you need resources, program information, or collaboration opportunities, we are here to help. How We Can Assist You For Families: Questions about resources, accessibility needs, or upcoming programs. For Community Partners: Collaboration inquiries, event participation, access initiatives, and strategic partnerships. For Supporters & Donors: Information about giving opportunities, corporate sponsorships, or funding alignment. For Volunteers: Opportunities to contribute to family support initiatives and community events. Get in Touch Call us +1-702-582-8153 Email contact@ajfamilysupport.org First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Privacy Policy AJ Family Support Foundation (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information when you visit ajfamilysupport.org or interact with our programs, forms, or communications. Information We Collect We may collect limited personal information when you voluntarily provide it, such as: Name and email address (for contact forms, newsletters, or inquiries) Information shared through support or interest forms Communications you send to us by email or through the website We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website. How We Use Information Information collected is used only to: Respond to inquiries and requests for support Share updates about programs, events, or initiatives Improve our website and services Maintain internal records related to nonprofit operations We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. Cookies and Analytics Our website may use basic cookies or analytics tools to understand general website usage (such as page visits or traffic patterns). This information is collected in aggregate and does not identify individual users. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer. Information Sharing We may share information only when necessary: To comply with legal obligations To protect the rights or safety of our organization or users With trusted service providers who assist in operating the website (such as website hosting or email services), under confidentiality obligations Data Security We take reasonable measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage method is completely secure. Third-Party Links Our website may contain links to third-party websites or resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. Updates to This Policy This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or operations. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Contact Us If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact: AJ Family Support Foundation Email: office@ajfamilysupport.org Effective Date: January 2026

Caregiver Insights Personal caregiver experiences shared for community awareness only. Families sometimes look for general insight from other caregivers about navigating services and systems related to disability support. This page allows caregivers to voluntarily share personal experiences to support informed conversations within the community. Community Experiences Disclaimer Caregiver Insights shares voluntary caregiver perspectives about navigating services and community experiences. These submissions reflect individual experiences only and are not endorsements, recommendations, or evaluations of any provider or organization. 👉 Share Your Experience Share Your Experience You may choose how much information to provide, and submissions may be summarized or shared publicly without identifying you. Your role Parent / Caregiver Self-advocate Other Provider Type Pediatrician Specialist Therapist (PT / OT / SLP / ABA) Clinic / Hospital Other Organization or service referenced (optional) City / Region* Why families often ask about this provider I understand that this information reflects personal caregiver experience only and may be summarized or shared publicly without identifying me. * Your email (optional – not published) Important note: AJ Family Support Foundation does not recommend, evaluate, or endorse healthcare providers. Information shared through this form reflects individual caregiver experience only and is provided for community awareness purposes. Submit Experience

Understanding Your Medicaid Rights in Nevada | AJ Family Support Foundation Questions Families Often Ask When Navigating Disability Systems Common questions families ask when trying to understand disability-related systems, supports, and services. I think my child may need additional support. Where should I start? Many families begin by speaking with their child’s pediatrician or requesting a developmental evaluation. Parents may also contact their local school district to ask about evaluation services for children who may qualify for special education support. Taking notes about your concerns and observations can help guide these conversations. What is an IEP meeting and who attends it? An IEP meeting is a discussion between parents and members of the school team to review evaluation results, determine eligibility, and develop an education plan. Participants may include: • parents or caregivers • teachers • school administrators • special education specialists • therapists or service providers Parents play an important role in these discussions. I feel overwhelmed by all the systems I have to learn. Is that normal? Many families describe the early stages of navigating disability services as overwhelming. Over time, caregivers often become more familiar with the terminology and processes. How do I know if my child qualifies for special education services? Eligibility for special education services is determined through an evaluation process conducted by the school district. The evaluation looks at how a child’s disability may affect their ability to access education. If a child qualifies, the school team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to outline supports and services. How do families navigate health insurance for therapy services? Insurance coverage for therapies can vary depending on the policy and the type of therapy recommended. Families often review their insurance benefits, ask providers about coverage, and contact insurance representatives to understand what services may be covered. My child’s progress seems slower than other kids. How do parents handle that emotionally? Every child develops at their own pace. Many caregivers learn to focus on their child’s individual progress and celebrate milestones that may not always be visible to others. What is the difference between medical therapy and school-based therapy? Medical therapies are usually provided through healthcare systems or clinics and may focus on broader developmental goals. School-based therapy services are designed to help students access their education and participate in school activities. These services are typically connected to educational goals within an IEP. My child has a diagnosis. Does that automatically mean they get services at school? A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a child for school services. Schools determine eligibility based on whether the disability affects the child’s ability to access education. Is it okay to ask a lot of questions during appointments or meetings? Parents are an important part of the decision-making process for their child. Asking questions can help caregivers better understand services and supports being discussed.

How Our Help Works AJ Family Support Foundation provides educational guidance and navigation support to help families understand available options and next steps. Our process is informational and educational. We do not replace medical providers, attorneys, case managers, or school teams. Step 1 — Explore Resources Families are encouraged to begin with our Guides & Resources section. Many caregivers find answers by reviewing checklists and preparation materials before contacting us. Step 2 — Contact Us If additional help is needed, you may contact us at: contact@ajfamilysupport.org Please include a brief description of your situation (for example: age of child, services you are trying to access, and your general question). Sensitive personal information is not required. Step 3 — Receive Guidance We provide practical next-step guidance such as: • What programs may be relevant • Which documents to prepare • Questions to ask providers or agencies • Typical timelines and expectations Our guidance is educational and based on commonly followed processes. We do not make eligibility decisions. Step 4 — Continue Independently Families use the information to communicate with schools, providers, insurance, or government agencies directly. You may return with follow-up questions as you move forward. Typical response time: 2–3 business days Important Notice We provide general educational guidance only. We do not: Provide legal advice Provide medical advice Submit applications Represent families in hearings or appeals Provide emergency services If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, call 911. Why This Exists Our goal is to help caregivers understand complex systems so they can make informed decisions and advocate effectively for their child.