Hello  ~

 

Ohio ABLE has been struggling with providing access to costly diagnostic
services to our adult students. Several years ago we wrote letters to all of
the psychologists in Ohio asking them to participate in a network of
qualified professionals who offer LD diagnostic services at reduced cost or
on a sliding scale.

 

Currently 52 providers are in the network. We have placed their information
into an online database which can be accessed by anyone. Users click on
their county and they can see which psychologists or school counselors are
willing to provide low-cost LD diagnostic services in their county.   Click
here to see the online network (click a county) http://tinyurl.com/ywkhr2  .
It is up to the individual to contact the provider to arrange for an
appointment and pay for services. The costs range from $10.00 (yes - ten
dollars) to $300.00. 

 

We are grateful to the four Universities with doctoral programs in clinical
psychology across the state that have stepped up to the challenge and
decided to participate in the network and offer services at reduced cost or
on a sliding scale.  We hope to expand this to even more schools by the end
of the year. 

 

So - that's the success part.  As you may know, there are many challenges.

 

First is access. We do not have providers in each county willing to provide
low-cost services. My county included. Next, of course, is the financial
concerns. $300 is a reduced fee - but that is prohibitive for many people.
Transportation is also problematic. I have heard that students are willing
to travel across the state to get to the psychologist at Wright State in
Dayton who offers these services based on ability to pay. The gas money
alone is a financial burden.  Also  - we hear that some psychologists do not
understand our population and fail to communicate in an appropriate manner.
On and on..

 

So - as you can see many barriers exist. My question to the list: 

 

*	What else can we be doing to reduce the barriers and increase access
to diagnostic services?
*	What successful strategies have other states initiated?

 

Cant wait to hear your ideas. 

 

Sharon

 

Sharon Reynolds

Coordinator

Central/Southeast ABLE Resource Center

338 McCracken Hall

Ohio University

Athens, Ohio 45701

 

1(800 )753 - 1519

(740) 593 - 0969

FAX (740) 593 - 2834

 <mailto:reynols1 at ohio.edu> reynols1 at ohio.edu

 

"When one teaches, two learn." - Robert Half

 

 

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