Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are developmental disabilities?

The term developmental disabilities refers to a variety of conditions that become apparent during childhood and cause mental or physical limitations. These conditions include autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and other impairments. Developmental disabilities have a variety of causes, which can occur before, during, or after birth.

2. My child is under two-and-a-half years of age and I suspect that he/she is not developing at a typical rate. How can I get my child evaluated?

Early Intervention Services are available for qualifying children from birth through age two. Before receiving these services you must first receive a referral from your county’s Department of Health. Inspire can make this contact for you. Inspire is contracted through Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties to be an evaluator and a service provider. If you choose Inspire as your evaluator, a site is then chosen. The evaluation can be conducted in the home, at day care, with a babysitter, or at Inspire, whichever is most appropriate for the family and the child. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and explore areas of concern. A team of two or more professionals conducts a developmental assessment. A typical visit can last about one-and-a-half hours. Any concerns that are found at this time are identified and the child’s eligibility for Early Intervention is decided. If the child is eligible for continuing services, an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) is prepared with the county. Services may include physical therapy, speech therapy, audiology, or any number of services that can benefit the child. Services can be provided in the home, at day care, or at Inspire depending on the needs of the child and family. The state and county provide the funds for evaluations and services.

3. My child is between the ages of two-and-a-half and kindergarten age and I suspect that he/she is not developing typically. How can I get my child evaluated?

Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) evaluations are available for qualifying children between the ages of two-and-a-half and kindergarten age. If your child is between these ages and you have concerns about their development you must first contact your local school district and register with your respective Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Inspire Kids can be chosen as an evaluation site. Along with the required psychological and social evaluations, other areas of concern can be evaluated such as Speech, Audiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc. If a child doesn’t have a current medical evaluation, this too may be scheduled. If the child is eligible for services, a committee made up of a district chairperson (from the family’s school district), a parent of a child in the district, a “regular” education teacher, special education teacher, county representative, the child’s family, and a member of the evaluation team together decides the child’s plan for services. The state and county provide the funds for evaluations and services. An annual review of the child’s progress is held with the same committee that initially prepared the child’s plan for services.

4. What insurances does Inspire accept? / What are the payment options?

Inspire participates with Medicaid and Medicare, the Physically Handicapped Children Program, as well as with a number of HMO and PPO plans, which include AETNA, AFFINITY, CHPHP, CIGNA, EMPIRE BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD, EMPIRE PLAN, GHI, HUDSON HEALTH PLAN, INDECS, MVP, OXFORD, UNITED HEALTH PLAN, and WELL CARE. When you call we can provide detailed information on the plans we accept, and what may be required by those plans.

If you do not have coverage, or if Inspire does not yet participate in your plan, you may arrange for payment options with our Patient Accounts staff. Inspire also offers a sliding scale for payment based on your income and the services provided.

5. How do I set up an appointment?

To set up an appointment, call Inspire’s main number (845) 294-8806. When listening to the directory message, choose the “All Other” option when it is announced, then choose the “Appointments and Evaluations” option.

6. Do I need a referral from my doctor to receive services at Inspire?

Many of Inspire’s services require a referral from your doctor. Please call the main number (845) 294-8806 for further information.

7. Who is eligible to receive services at Inspire?

Anyone with a need for evaluation or treatment can receive services at Inspire. People of all ages and with any disability are welcome, including Medicaid recipients and the general public.

8. What dental services are offered at Inspire?

Inspire offers general dentistry for people with special needs, Medicaid recipients, and the general public. Among the dental services available are general exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, partials, and dentures. All services are based on the appropriateness and the needs of the individual patient.

9. I am familiar with Inspire’s family support services. How can I learn about other services offered in Orange County, NY for people with developmental disabilities?

The Orange County Services Guide has been developed by the Orange County Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Division. This guide contains useful information that helps people with disabilities and their families access the resources that are available.

10. How can I get more information about Medicaid?

For more information about Medicaid you can call the Orange County Department of Social Services Medicaid Unit at (845) 291-4381.

11. I speak Spanish. Does Inspire have Spanish-speaking staff members?

Yes, Inspire has Spanish-speaking staff members who can assist you. Please dial (845) 294-8806 ext. 277 to speak to a representative who is bilingual.