If you’re raising a child with Cerebral Palsy in Alaska, you’re not alone. The Last Frontier has a network of resources designed to support families like yours, from Anchorage to the most remote communities. This guide will walk you through what’s available and who to contact to help your child thrive.
Early Intervention Services (Birth to Age 3)
Alaska’s Infant Learning Program (ILP) is your starting point for children under three. This program provides home-based early intervention services at no cost to families, and it’s available statewide.
How to Qualify
Your child may qualify for ILP services if they have:
- A 50% or greater delay in any area of development
- A diagnosed medical condition like Cerebral Palsy
- Clinical opinion from the ILP team indicating a need for services
What Services Are Available
The ILP creates an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) tailored to your family’s needs. Services might include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Service coordination
- Developmental support
Important Update: As of July 1, 2023, Alaska discontinued the annual participation fee for early intervention services.
How to Get Started
Statewide Contact:
- Phone: (907) 269-8442
- Toll-Free: 1-877-HSS-FMLY (477-3659)
- Location: 323 East 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
Regional Programs:
For families in Anchorage:
- Programs for Infants and Children (PIC) – Contact through the early intervention system
For families in Eagle River/Chugiak or JBER:
- FOCUS – Contact through the early intervention system
Provider Organizations:
- Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults – Serves the Mat-Su Valley area
- Alaska Center for Children & Adults – Provides ILP services
- Referral Specialist: Sarah Kleinschmidt
- Email: sarah.kleinschmidt@alaskacenter.org
Pro tip: Don’t wait for a formal diagnosis to start services. Early intervention can begin even before CP is officially diagnosed.
Educational Services (Ages 3-21)
Once your child turns three, they transition from early intervention to school-based services through Alaska’s special education system.
Special Education Overview
Alaska provides free special education services through the public school system for children ages 3-21 who qualify. These services are guided by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines your child’s unique needs and goals.
Getting an IEP
Around your child’s second birthday, your service coordinator will begin transition planning. The process includes:
- Child Find screening (starting at age 2 years, 10 months)
- Evaluation to determine eligibility
- IEP meeting with you, teachers, and specialists
- Regular reviews (at least annually)
For Anchorage Families:
- Early Intervention Services Center (EISC) serves as the hub for preschool-aged children (3-5 years)
- Provides free developmental screenings
- Assists with transition from infant learning to school-based services
Key Contacts
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
- Office of Special Education: (907) 465-8693
- Main Office: (907) 465-2800
- Address: 801 West 10th Street, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99811-0500
- TTY: (907) 465-2815
- Email: sped@alaska.gov
- Website: education.alaska.gov/sped
Special Education Service Agency (SESA)
- Provides consultation for students with low-incidence disabilities
- Phone: (907) 334-1300
- Address: 3501 Denali St., Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Email: sesa@sesa.org
- Website: www.sesa.org
Statewide Educational Resource Center (SERRC)
- Provides itinerant special education services to rural Alaska
- All staff are fully certified through Alaska Department of Education
- Services can be provided in-person, remotely, or hybrid
Your Rights as a Parent
Alaska provides comprehensive information on parental rights in special education. You have the right to:
- Participate in all IEP meetings
- Request evaluations
- Access mediation services if disputes arise
- Receive procedural safeguards information
Alaska Special Education Mediation Services can help resolve disputes between parents and schools.
Financial Assistance and Health Coverage
Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers
Alaska offers several Medicaid waiver programs that can provide crucial support for families with children who have Cerebral Palsy.
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver
This waiver is specifically for children and young adults under 22 with medical needs that would otherwise require hospital or nursing facility care.
Good News: There is NO waiting list for the CCMC waiver, and there is no minimum age requirement.
Services may include:
- Respite care
- Home-based supports
- Specialized medical equipment
- Personal care assistance
- Environmental modifications
- Care coordination
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Cerebral Palsy is one of the five qualifying diagnoses for this waiver (the others are intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism, and other related conditions).
Important: The IDD waiver does have a waiting list. Alaska selects approximately 50 people from the waitlist every three months based on need.
Services may include:
- Residential supported living
- Day habilitation
- Supported employment
- Respite care
- Community inclusion supports
- Nursing oversight
To Apply for Medicaid Waivers:
- Contact an Aging and Disability Resource Center: 1-877-625-2372 (AK-ADRC)
- Division of Senior & Disabilities Services: 1835 Bragaw Street, Suite 350, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Website: health.alaska.gov/en/services/hcbs-waivers
TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act)
TEFRA provides Medicaid coverage for children with disabilities living at home, regardless of family income. Your child’s eligibility is based only on their income and assets, not yours.
To Learn More:
- Contact: Qualis Health
- A care coordinator will help gather necessary documents
Social Security Benefits
Children with Cerebral Palsy may qualify for federal benefits through the Social Security Administration.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly payments to children with disabilities from low-income families. Cerebral Palsy is on the SSA’s list of conditions eligible for “presumptive disability,” which means you may receive payments immediately while your application is being processed (up to 6 months).
To qualify for presumptive disability benefits, your child must have severe problems with:
- Speaking and communication
- Hand and arm movements
- Walking (requiring braces)
To Apply:
- Call Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
When your child becomes an adult, they may be eligible for SSDI benefits based on your work record if they were disabled before age 22. This is called Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits.
Alaska Disability Determination Services
- Address: 619 East Ship Creek, #305, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Phone: (907) 777-8100
- Toll-Free: 1-800-577-3334
Social Security Field Offices in Alaska:
Anchorage Office
- Phone: 1-866-772-3081
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Fairbanks Office
- Contact through main Social Security number
Juneau Office
- Contact through main Social Security number
Adult Public Assistance (APA)
Most adults receiving SSI in Alaska are also eligible for APA, a state supplemental benefit. In 2024, APA provides $362 per month for adults living independently, bringing total monthly benefits to $1,305.
Note: Children are not eligible for APA.
Support Groups and Community Organizations
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Alaska has several organizations dedicated to supporting families like yours.
Stone Soup Group
This is Alaska’s premier resource for families with special needs children. Almost all staff are parents or family members of children with special needs, so they truly understand what you’re going through.
Services:
- Parent navigation and advocacy training
- One-on-one support
- Workshops and training
- Assistance with medical, school, behavior, and community issues
- Support for children birth to age 26
- All services are FREE
Contact:
- Address: 307 E Northern Lights Blvd, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Website: www.stonesoupgroup.org
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Arc of Anchorage
The Arc provides advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Contact:
- Phone: (907) 277-6677
- Fax: (907) 272-2161
- Address: 2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Website: thearcofanchorage.org
National Organizations with Local Connections
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
- National Hotline: 1-800-872-5827
- Provides information, resources, and may have local affiliates
- Offers grants through the UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund for assistive technology equipment
Easterseals Alaska
While this specific location may vary, Easterseals provides services for children and adults with disabilities, including therapy services, child care, and support programs.
Online Support Communities
- Cerebral Palsy Foundation – Funds research and provides resources
- My Child at CerebralPalsy.org – Comprehensive online resource with information and inspiration
- Facebook Groups – Search for “cerebral palsy parents Alaska” or national CP parent groups
- Reaching for the Stars – Active Facebook group with over 10,000 members
Therapy Services
Alaska has several excellent pediatric therapy providers specializing in working with children who have Cerebral Palsy.
Private Therapy Clinics
Alaska Pediatric Therapy
Offers a unique Intensive Model of Treatment (IMOT) for children with CP – 5 days a week for 3-4 weeks, with sessions lasting 90 minutes to 3 hours.
Services:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Aquatic therapy
- Hippotherapy (horseback riding therapy)
- Feeding therapy
- Car seat safety checks (certified car seat technicians on staff)
Insurance: Accepts Medicaid, Denali Kid Care, TEFRA, Blue Cross Blue Shield, TriCare, Aetna, United Healthcare, and many others
Website: www.akpedtherapy.com
Kids Are People Too, LLC
Services:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Lactation support
- Specializes in children with Cerebral Palsy, autism, developmental delays, and other conditions
Therapeutic Approaches:
- Therapeutic Listening
- Interactive Metronome
- Cranial Sacral Therapy
- Sensory integration
Website: kidsarepeopletoopt.com
Achievement Therapy Center
Location: Anchorage Services:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Specializes in pediatric conditions including Cerebral Palsy
Note: In Alaska, children can be seen by a pediatric physical therapist without a prescription or referral.
Website: aktherapyforkids.com
Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital
Services:
- Inpatient and outpatient pediatric therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Orthotics and adaptive equipment assessments
Contact:
- Phone: (907) 212-6300
- Address: 3801 Lake Otis Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99508
Insurance: Accepts all major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare
Early Intervention Therapy (Birth to 3)
Remember, if your child is enrolled in Early Intervention (ages 0-3), they likely qualify for BOTH continued EI services AND private therapy services. Research shows the first two years of life are critical for CP interventions.
Assistive Technology and Equipment
Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
ATLA is Alaska’s comprehensive assistive technology resource center, connecting Alaskans with disabilities to the tools they need.
Services:
- Assistive technology assessments
- Device demonstrations
- Equipment loans (try before you buy)
- Training and technical assistance
- Assistive Technology Loan Fund (low-interest loans for equipment purchases)
Contact:
- Address: 3330 Arctic Boulevard, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Phone: (907) 563-2599
- Toll-Free: 1-800-723-2852
- TTY: (907) 561-2592
- Email: atla@atlaak.org
- Website: www.atlaak.org
Alaska Assistive Technology Trading Post
This is a FREE service where you can find used assistive technology equipment available for:
- Purchase
- Loan
- Free giveaway
You can also list your own equipment that your child has outgrown. Only Alaskans can add items, but anyone can purchase.
Contact: Same as ATLA above
Types of Equipment Available
Assistive technology for children with CP can include:
- Mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, gait trainers, standers)
- Communication boards and speech-generating devices
- Orthotics (AFOs, SMOs, braces)
- Adaptive seating
- Computer access tools
- Feeding and eating aids
- Hearing aids and listening systems
- Environmental controls
Funding Sources for Equipment
- IEP/School District – If equipment is needed for education
- Medicaid Waivers – Cover specialized medical equipment
- ATLA Loan Fund – Low-interest loans
- UCP Bellows Fund – Grants for assistive technology
- Private insurance – Check your policy
- Alaska Trading Post – Used equipment at reduced cost
Legal Advocacy and Rights
Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC)
DLC is Alaska’s Protection & Advocacy agency – an independent nonprofit law firm providing FREE legal advocacy for people with disabilities anywhere in Alaska.
Services:
- Response to abuse, neglect, or denial of rights
- Legal representation when needed
- Self-advocacy training and education
- Special education advocacy
- Public benefits assistance
- Information and referrals
Beginning July 1, 2025: DLC’s intake process is moving completely online.
Contact:
- Anchorage Office: Main location
- Juneau Office: Secondary location
- Website: www.dlcak.org
- Note: Offices are not open to walk-ins, but readily available by email and voicemail
To Request Assistance:
- Complete their online intake form at www.dlcak.org
- If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the form, contact them to request assistance
Access Alaska – Independent Living Centers
Provides advocacy to ensure the rights of people with disabilities are protected, including:
- Individual advocacy
- Systems advocacy
- Self-advocacy training
- Deinstitutionalization services (transitioning from institutions to community living)
Website: www.accessalaska.org
Office of Public Advocacy (OPA)
Provides legal advocacy and guardianship services to vulnerable Alaskans, including:
- Advocacy in protective proceedings
- Public guardianship for incapacitated adults
- Support in navigating complex legal situations
Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC)
Provides free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with:
- Social Security benefits
- Medicaid benefits
- Other legal issues
Know Your Rights
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects against discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Ensures your child receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.
Alaska Human Rights Law (AS 18.80): Enforced by the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, protects against discrimination based on disability.
Additional Resources
Center for Community
Provides case management and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:
- Help applying for Medicaid waivers
- Support in navigating state systems
- Assistance with the Community IDD Grant Program
Website: cfc.org
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
Supports early intervention and prevention programs for children with developmental disabilities. Focus areas include:
- Early childhood programs
- Family support
- Trauma-informed care
- Mental health services
Website: alaskamentalhealthtrust.org
LINKS Resource Center
Provides resources and connections to support parents of children with special needs, including:
- Educational and IEP resources
- Parent support
- Community connections
Website: linksprc.org
Quick Reference: Who to Call First
If your child is under 3:
- Start with Infant Learning Program: (907) 269-8442 or 1-877-477-3659
If your child is 3-21:
- Contact your local school district or Early Intervention Services Center (Anchorage): Check with Anchorage School District
For financial assistance:
- Medicaid waivers: 1-877-625-2372 (AK-ADRC)
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
For parent support and navigation:
- Stone Soup Group: www.stonesoupgroup.org
For assistive technology:
- ATLA: (907) 563-2599 or 1-800-723-2852
For legal advocacy:
- Disability Law Center of Alaska: www.dlcak.org
For therapy services:
- See list of providers above or ask your pediatrician for local referrals
Final Thoughts
Raising a child with Cerebral Palsy in Alaska comes with unique challenges – from vast distances to limited local resources in some communities. But Alaska’s service providers are experienced in delivering support across the state, whether you’re in Anchorage or a remote village. Many services are available remotely or through periodic visits.
Remember:
- You don’t have to navigate this alone
- Services are available at little to no cost
- Early intervention makes a significant difference
- You are your child’s best advocate
Start by reaching out to one or two organizations that feel right for your family. Each connection you make will lead to more resources and support. Your journey with CP is unique, but you’re part of a caring community of families and professionals who want to help your child reach their full potential.
You’ve got this, Alaska families!
Last Updated: November 2025 Note: Contact information and programs may change. Always verify current details with the organization directly.
