Should I even consider Hawaii when I have a baby with Down syndrome?

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by mogon

....You would also be even more isolated from family than now, and you need factor in that at "family times" like Christmas the airfares will sometimes quintuple or more in price.

So you are claiming that the typical $1000 round-trip airfare to mainland would be $5000 or more? Not. I have seen $1500 on short notice, but certainly not 5x pricing.

[jjeska30]

Thank you ALL so much! It is very clear to me now that I should not move and as R_cowgirl stated "the grass is always greener" so true, and also about the hospitals and dr.'s and nurses, the whole insurance thing. Thank you that is good to know, it makes my decision very easy.
The kids are the most important thing. God did lead me here to get the answer and you know since coming here things have amazingly gotten better here for us = )
God Bless you my friends!

[sierra23]

First, medical care for children on Oahu is solid, nearly anything can be done at Kapiolani. The only concern I'd have specificially with a baby with Down Syndrome is that a relatively high proportion of them have cardiac defects (though not all are surgical issues) and the pediatric cardiac surgery is done by surgeons from the mainland or children are sent to the mainland for surgery if it is an emergency.

But, equally important for anyone who will have special-needs children in any locale: state-funded services for children are being cut and probably will be cut further before there is more money to put back into those programs. I would imagine that any parent considering a move would want to check out the current status of the specific programs they would like their children to have access to.

Services are probably being cut in places other than Hawaii, it's too bad, but the reality of the society in which we live.

[mogon]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

...certainly not 5x pricing.

Well, maybe when you've been here awhile.

[persephone1]

The State of Hawaii is broke. The social services system, DHS, Department of Human Services is cutting everything down to the bone. The only island that has services available for special needs is Oahu and they are minimal. We have a lot of issues presently. People that work for the state have to work for free 3 Fridays out of the month forbecause the State is broke. Social services are the last thing to be funded. Nonprofit organizaitons and even United Way is having a hard-time helping people. People don't have places to live and are going without food due to lack of funds....think about it real hard before you make that move. ....I know as I'm handicapped and it isn't a very helpful place. The rent is outrageous and the places are small and dumps.

[patobrocks]

Originally Posted by Afishwithabike

I do have a child with special needs but it's not Down Syndrome. We receive good services from the State but we had to really fight for them. It's not like they offered all that we wanted but once we really pushed and advocated, we got a buffet of services that we're pleased with.


http://hawaii.gov/health/family-chil.../services.html

This state is generally family friendly and child oriented - very much about the ohana. I've heard people in other states say their SN kids were treated badly by strangers when they were out and about in public. I haven't seen that here and I've haven't heard of that happening here. For that reason alone, I'm glad I live here.

We have a 30 year old special needs daughter with cerebral palsy and we are wondering if anyone has any input about services and programs for adults with disabilities and their families. We realize that all social programs are constantly in flux and are hard to pin down, but we are hoping that the attitudes and concerns are positive.

Any help is certainly appreciated.