Simon

Simon*, now 9, has struggled with significant disabilities since birth. His mother’s challenges with addiction left her unable to address Simon’s needs related to seizures, developmental delays, autism, and an inability to speak. Simon was malnourished when he was removed from his mother’s care as a six-year-old. KidsVoice was appointed to represent Simon. 

After a brief institutional placement where Simon’s medical needs were further assessed, KidsVoice worked with Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) to find a foster family willing to give Simon the intensive care and attention he needed. Simon's disabilities hindered his speaking, chewing, and swallowing. His foster parents worked diligently to encourage and assist Simon with feeding, but he did not improve. It became a concern that Simon would need a gastrostomy feeding tube if he could not receive the nutrition he needed. 

Simon’s KidsVoice attorney helped his physical and occupational therapists identify a specialized program that could help train Simon gradually to consume liquids and eat basic foods. KidsVoice advocated for Simon to receive this assistance during the school year as part of his special education Individualized Education Program (IEP). He began to improve and progressed to drinking PediaSure. The hope was that Simon would continue on to solid food groups, but his progress was slow, and Simon was still not receiving enough nutrition as the school year ended. KidsVoice spoke with Simon’s foster family, and they agreed that Simon could not wait until the new school year to continue with the training program.

Simon was still at risk for needing a G-tube when KidsVoice advocated in court for funding to cover an intensive feeding program for him during the summer. This was a more substantial, targeted program than he could receive during the school year. Over the course of six weeks, Simon progressed further than anyone anticipated. His diet has expanded to raspberries, apple sauce, pudding, and squeeze fruit pouches. He also has become confident in holding a spoon in his mouth. Simon's remarkable progress has created benchmarks he can build upon in the future, both at home and in the new school year.

While Simon has developed a system of basic communication with his foster family, it can be more difficult for him to communicate with his team at school. With this in mind, KidsVoice advocated for Simon to receive a trial period using a digital speech-assistive tablet to help him communicate. Simon will receive a device of his own in the fall. This equipment will open up new avenues for Simon to express himself.

KidsVoice continues to work closely with Simon’s foster family, and we are so happy that Simon will be adopted in the early fall. Even when Simon leaves the child welfare system and his Juvenile Court case closes, that will not be the end of our involvement in Simon and his family’s lives. Since KidsVoice continues to work with our former clients through age 24, KidsVoice will be there to help Simon take further steps when a need arises. Our specialized team of attorneys and social service professionals has significant experience advocating on behalf of clients with physical and intellectual disabilities, and KidsVoice can help Simon and his family with Social Security disability funds, potential state-provided waivers to help with medical care and training, and other areas. 

We are proud of the strides Simon has made, and we look forward to watching him grow.

*Names and details changed for confidentiality.