Back-to-school time is exciting for families. It's also when parents need to buy supplies for the year. Excessive costs can add stress, especially when back-to-school supplies have become increasingly more expensive.1 With inflation and an increase in the price of groceries and other necessities, it's not uncommon for some parents to struggle to pay for these items.2
Families who have a child with disabilities face even greater expenses, especially since the cost to raise a child with disabilities can be as much as $2.4 million.3 In addition to backpacks, pencils and folders, children with disabilities may need adaptive clothes, a communication device, tutoring and private therapy, among other things.
Here, we discuss a few tips for navigating these additional costs so families can focus on what their child is learning, rather than their finances.
Getting the Right Tools for Children With Disabilities
Supplying children with the right equipment and making sure they're supported are important steps. The sooner parents are able to plan for these items, the better.
Start saving early
Even though back-to-school items are a necessity, it's easy to forget to include these costs in a yearly budget. Organize your finances by creating an easy-to-access system and automating as much as possible. Use a high yield savings account to grow your savings, and set up automatic transfers so you're well prepared for the school year.
Plan ahead
Planning a semester or quarter ahead ensures that your student has what they need to be successful. Create a list of items you know your child needs, and the costs associated with them. Then, when you shop, it's easier to figure out what's important to purchase and what to skip. Sales are often abundant in July and August, when stores offer discounted prices on new clothes, outerwear and backpacks. Sometimes adaptive items are only offered online, so don't limit your shopping to what you see in physical stores. Disability-specific items may require additional work to locate and acquire, so it's especially important to plan ahead.
Utilize resources
Some children with disabilities can benefit from adaptive equipment or technology to aid in learning. For example, a communication device is an important tool for children who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Adaptive equipment can be costly, but private health insurance companies, local school districts or government programs may help pay for these items.4 Other resources can include social media resale groups or eBay, where sellers may offer pre-owned equipment and technology.
Request testing for an IEP/504 plan
Very often, children with disabilities are eligible for a 504 plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). These programs offer legal protection and accommodations to help your child do their best in the classroom. You meet with school administration and your child's teachers to discuss the child's needs at least once a year.
If a 504 plan or IEP is already in place, request a meeting with your child's new teacher and/or aide a couple of weeks after the start of the school year, once they get to know your child. Before the meeting, brainstorm and develop an organized list of key topics to discuss so you can hone in on the goals of the meeting. Follow up with your child and their teachers and therapists throughout the year to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Time is Money
Once your child has the tools they need to be successful, it may still be difficult to go from the lazy days of summer to a consistent routine. A child with disabilities may have an even tougher time making that shift. Here, we discuss good habits for an easier transition and a successful school year.
Organize and label everything
Label new clothes with your child's name to prevent adding to the school's ever-increasing lost and found section. This is especially important for pricier items, like a communication device. Some schools may log the serial number and tag the item in their own system so these items aren't misplaced or sent home with the wrong student. It's important that you do the same.
Organize closets and drawers by shifting clothes from last season to the side and making space for new items. Clear, stackable drawers make it easy to prepare outfits for each day of the week. Just be sure to check the weather first.
Look ahead at the calendar
To alleviate confusion, look at your calendar on Sunday to see what you can prep for that week. Does your child have after-school activities, such as therapy on one day or sports on another? The week can run smoothly if you set aside equipment now. Then, each night before bed, pack backpacks, make lunches and place water bottles in an easy-to-find place.
Create morning and after-school routines
A morning routine can set the mood for your day by getting you and your family out the door. This may be especially important for children with disabilities who thrive on knowing what they have planned. A routine can also ensure you don't forget anything, saving you the need to backtrack.
After-school can be just as hectic as the morning. Set aside easy-to-find snacks and a place to put homework. A meal prep board, taking after-school commitments into account, is a great way to reduce weeknight stress. That way, kids know exactly what's for dinner, which can be helpful for those with sensory issues. And any evening is less hectic when you know that dinner ingredients are on hand.
Teach kids about saving
Prioritize family conversations about spending and saving, which can turn into valuable lessons in financial education. Shop with your child and point out deals, and talk to them during dinner about the cost of various items. Give them an allowance to buy a special outfit, or even help your child open a savings account so they can develop good savings habits and learn about budgeting, including the difference between needs and wants.
The Bottom Line
Start the new school year off right by thinking ahead. Understand what your child requires inside and outside the classroom so you can set them up to succeed. Parents can best support a child with disabilities by getting financially organized, utilizing resources and developing a consistent routine that keeps the whole family in good spirits.
Jaclyn Greenberg writes about accessibility, inclusion, parenting and personal finance. You can find her writing in The New York Times, CNN, Wired, Parents, Fodor's, Good Housekeeping and other places. You can connect with Jaclyn on LinkedIn.
READ MORE: 5 Tips for Better Money Talks With Your Child
Sources/references
1. https://nrf.com/blog/back-to-school-trends-to-know
2. https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/back-to-school-shopping-inflation-retailers-rcna39066
3. https://www.autismspeaks.org/financial-resources-autism-help
4. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Augmentative%20Communications%20Road%20Map%20%281%29.pdf