Eleven-year-old Chance enjoys being outdoors. He loves to play basketball and go swimming. Chance was born with hearing and vision impairments as well as serious psychological and neurological problems.
After a recent hospitalization, Chance was discharged but desperately needed follow-up care. Chance’s doctors had ordered residential treatment for him. This intensive level of care and therapy is Chance’s opportunity to develop to his fullest potential. To avoid social isolation due to his deafness, Chance’s doctors recommended placement at a facility where both the staff and the residents could speak to him in sign language. Integrating Chance in a social setting during his treatment increases the likelihood that Chance’s therapy will succeed, and that upon discharge he will be able to function well at home and in school. Originally, TennCare indicated that it would not cover this specialized treatment for Chance.
Chance’s behavior was out of control due to his disorders and he posed a serious risk to himself, his family, and his peers. He could not return to school. He could not be around other people. In order to keep their son, their family and their neighbors safe, his mother, Kim, stayed with Chance at a State Park. Knowing she could not remain awake around-the-clock to watch over Chance, Kim called TJC for help.
With the help of the Tennessee Justice Center, Chance received the care his doctors recommended. TJC’s advocacy ensured that TennCare will cover the treatment for Chance at a facility that works specifically with deaf children who have multiple special health needs.
Chance’s mother wrote to TJC on behalf of the family: “Thank you so much from all of us, especially Chance. We finally have so much more hope for him.”
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