Try contacting your area Education Service District. They should be listed in the phone book under county. The school district works for you and should help you with any funding issues and schooling issues.

Seek help through federal programs and other social services that specifically work with caregivers for the disabled. Your state's Department of Rehabilitation is just one resource that can help you (and the TBI patient) get the doctors and other help needed. http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/recovery-traumatic-brain-injury/caregivers-traumatic-brain-injury/index.html Every state runs its own Department of Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation Services or some other similarly named organization that is set up to aid those with disabilities. Those with traumatic brain injury, paraplegia or any other permanent disability can apply for help from their state's Department of Rehabilitation. Another federal program for TBI patients and the disabled is the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once accepted by the SSA, applicants will be paid monthly benefits based on financial need. http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/coping-traumatic-brain-injury/federal-programs-tbi/index.html

Since you are in Missouri, a good starting point would be the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council. Their website has links to a lot of resources and a "contact us" link so you can ask questions. http://www.dhss.mo.gov/HIA-Council/ You can also contact the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which is in the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Here's their website: http://dese.mo.gov/vr/?opendocument Here's their toll-free number: 1-877-222-8963 The Voc Rehab division provides disability assessments as well as services, connecting you with various educational resources in your state. On the financial level, your child may qualify for Medicaid. Here's a website for eligibility that tells you how to apply. http://www.quickbrochures.net/medicare/missouri_medicaid_medicare.htm Missouri also has Medicaid "waiver" programs your child may qualify for, such as the Community Support Waiver. This program is for MR/DD persons who have a place to live in the community and receive substantial unpaid support from faily members. Services offered under this waiver include: day habilitation, individualized support living, therapies, respite, adaptive equipment, and personal assistant services. Some children with TBIs qualify for this. Contact Information: (573) 751-4054. If your child qualifies for Special Ed, parents are advised of period IEPs (Individualized Education Program) meetings at which the child's "team" determines the educational goals and how to meet them. YOU are an integral part of this team, and you should definitely be at those meetings to advocate for your child. If you don't feel your child's needs are being met through this process, you can contact agencies who can either advise you or provide representation. A resource for assistance with advocacy for your child's needs is Missouri P&A Services 925 S. Country Club Drive, Unit B-1 Jefferson City, MO 65109 Phone: 573-893-3333 800-392-8667 Fax: 573-893-4231 E-Mail: mopasjc@embarqmail.com Website: www.moadvocacy.org I hope these resources help.