F A Q ‘s

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT AGES DO YOU SERVE?

We help individuals who are aged 16 years and older, as well as their families and loved ones.

WHAT DIAGNOSES OR SPECIFIC DISABILITIES DO YOU WORK WITH?

We do not limit our services by medical condition. People with any diagnosis (or no diagnosis) will be considered, as long as they want to establish and work on their life goals. Although we don’t limit ourselves to any specific diagnosis, we do often work for individuals with complicated diagnoses such as schizophrenia, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety, and high-functioning autism.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

We operate on a fee-for-service basis and do not accept insurance. This allows us to select the best activities and support systems for you to move toward your goals as rapidly as possible. We do not conform to a medical model that is designed for traditional rehabilitative and habilitative services.

HOW MUCH DO YOUR SERVICES TYPICALLY COST?

Everyone’s situation is unique. Because our services vary based on your personal needs and goals, all occupational therapy and transitional services are billed on an hourly basis, and can be prorated as needed. We negotiate with clients to determine how much or little time and assistance is needed.

HOW CAN I REACH YOU?

You can email us directly at debora@b-futures.com or call us at (636) 399-8910. Or feel free to fill out our online contact form here.

WHERE ARE YOUR OFFICES LOCATED?

As of July, 2016 Bright Futures has moved from St. Louis to the west Chicago area.  We will take a few months to get settled and meet our grandbaby. Dr. Davidson will start working with clients and families in the west Chicago area in early 2017.  An office location is yet to be determined.

WHAT ARE YOUR OFFICE HOURS?

We meet with clients at their convenience, so we are happy to arrange a time or day that fits your personal schedule.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF I CALL?

When you give us a call or request a consultation, you will be treated with complete respect and compassion. There is no charge for this initial telephone consultation, and we will answer your questions about our services, and focus on your concerns, needs and ideas for the person for whom you are seeking help. Together, we will determine whether our services are a good fit your needs. If so, we will plan a free face-to-face meeting to discuss your needs and concerns in more depth.

HOW LONG WILL WE WORK TOGETHER?

The length of our relationship will be largely dependent upon your goals, needs, and personal preferences. The combination of your needs and our expert advice will help determine the pace, frequency, and duration of our time together. We are tenacious in our pursuit of best-fit resources and situations and strive to deliver excellent outcomes as quickly and efficiently as possible. We provide an excellent value and intend to significantly improve the lives of our clients.

WHAT IF WE MAKE AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN WITH BRIGHT FUTURES, AND THEN LATER WE NEED SOMETHING ELSE?

We understand that as life goes on, the needs, goals and opportunities of individuals and their families can evolve. Because of this, our work together will change and evolve as needed to reach your goals.

HOW DOES BRIGHT FUTURES COMPARE WITH TRADITIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT OR OTHER PROGRAMS?

Bright Futures is radically different than traditional case management practices. We work for you and are not constrained by overly-large caseloads or rule-books. We are experienced professionals who are comfortable both with working within systems and inventing new and creative options outside of the existing systems. We listen to our clients, and meeting their hopes and needs is our only task.

HOW CAN YOU HELP US ACCESS PUBLIC FUNDS AND SERVICES WHEN WE HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL OURSELVES?

We know that this can be a very stressful situation, and it can be very helpful to have expert assistance with reviewing documents and policies regarding who qualifies for services, and under what conditions. Sometimes the issue is one of knowing the right words to use, completing the right parts of a form, or simply persisting in one’s efforts. The professionals at Bright Futures have worked within a wide array of educational, health care, mental health, and health insurance systems. We are here to help untangle the red tape! We will help you to realistically assess and compare options to help you the best choice possible.

WE ARE TRYING TO WORK WITH OUR CHILD’S SCHOOL TO DEVELOP A TRANSITION PLAN THAT WILL BEST HELP TO PREPARE HIM FOR A HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE ADULT LIFE. CAN YOU HELP?

Absolutely! Transition planning typically begins in middle school or high school, although it does not end there. We can consult with you to prepare for the IEP/ITP meetings, to identify and articulate your child’s goals and share ideas about how they might best be met. If you wish, we will accompany you to the meetings in the role of advocate and support person.

DOES BRIGHT FUTURES WORK WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY?

We work to educate key individuals within the community about the appropriate ways to interact with people who have special needs or unique obstacles to overcome. Encouraging employers and marketers to recognize the untapped potential of our clientele base is a huge part of community development and support. Through this approach, we hope to strengthen the bond between our community and the people that need us.

WHAT ARE SOME GOALS THAT YOU MIGHT HELP CLIENTS MEET?

The possibilities are nearly endless, but here are a few ideas

  • Discover and activate a career track that appeals to the individual and is sustainable.
  • Locate, evaluate and choose educational or training opportunities that are the best fit to prepare the individual for their career of choice.
  • Adopt healthy routines, skills and attitudes that help promote academic success.
  • Locate and secure a job that is not only enjoyable, but earns money, establishes a healthy work ethic, and is a good reference for future employment.
  • Establish values, habits, and skills that are needed for success in any educational or work setting.
  • Create and maintain a weekly routine that includes engagement in age-appropriate social fun, recreation, and fitness activities.
  • Learn skills and living habits that prepare the individual for successful independent life outside of the home of their parents or guardians.
  • Develop daily self-care habits that result in continued wellness, including sleep, hygiene, and medication management.
  • Having a group of friends to do fun things with on a regular basis.
  • Having functional goals and skills for dealing with personal health problems or unusual and emergency situations.