Mr. and Mrs, David Morgan 8080 SE Crossrip Street Hobe Sound, Fl, 33455 March 13, 1997 Ms. Lynn B. Dickinson P.O. Box 14567 Tallahassee, FL 32317-4567 Dear Ms. Dickinson, Melinda Morgan has been going through a lot of pain in the recent months, She can sit for very short periods of time and for about 8 weeks could only be comfortable in a side line position. She js suffering from three compression fractures in her back and also kidney stones. She responds ‘great to her therapist and they have been working with her in whatever position keeps her comfortable In December, we purchased a computer because the state would provide the software for Melinda if we would provide the computer, We did not come to you for the money because this was an item that we could all use and benefit from so therefore we paid for it. During her stay in PICU, a nurse discovered that if she placed the TW/VCR set right by her bed (within 24 inches) on a stand at eye level, she could see it, Melinda was thrilled and watched videos very attentively. The nurse called Melinda's teacher and told her since having found a tool for Melinda's education was very important news. Dr. Bello also fet ike we should be giving her the most visual stimulation possible. ‘Therefore, 1 am submitting the enclosed letter from the Martin County Teacher who works with Melinda and also a prescription from Dr. Bello for a TV/VCR set. We feel that NICA should pay for this since if Melinda were a HEALTHY 3 year old, I would not be purchasing these items ‘There are a lot of extra expenses involved in having 2 child like Melinda in which we have not re: quested reimbursement However, if you continue to deny requests that are supported by medical ‘and educational professionals, | will begin to submit every expense that directly correlates to Melinda’s disability. A jaw suit against the physicians would have covered all of these expenses and that right was taken from us. We feel like we are not being unreasonable in this request, since we have found units ranging from $279,00 - $399.00 | requested this already by phone, and you turned it down, So T have decided to put it in writing with al the supporting documentation enclosed. If you tum it down again, [ will have no choice ‘but to fax allthis information to Mr. Kendrick and request for a hearing. I will also submit a copy to our Congressman so that he is aware of the situation. Sincerely,6) efor 0:18: = DOAM CLERKS OFFICE; Page 6 W Tri-County TEC TRAINING ¥ EMPLOYMENT ¥ COMMUNITY March 11, 1997 Dear Ms. Dickinson: | am writing to support the request for a televisionVCR unit for educational and behavioral programming in the home program of Melinda Morgan. I have been providing behaviorel services for Melinda since January 1995. | currently serve as homebound teacher and behavior analyst for the 1996-97 school year. Since working with Mefinda | have found both her and her family to be an exceptional family. The Morgan’s have never made frivolous requests nor would ! promote the support for nonessential allocation of funding from any source. The purpose of this letter is to substantiate the necessity of a TVINCR as an educational and behavioral tool: as well a right to improve her quality of lite Due to medical fragility. Melinda does not have the opportunity to attend a public school and engage in developmentally appropriate educational activities. Her physical impairment has rendered many of the typical teaching strategies ineffective. Assessment of leaming style, range of vision and positioning obstacles led to choosing audio-visual media as @ predominant ‘method of facilitating successful progression across developmental dom: The school district has provided augmentative communication devices, ‘equipment to promote optimal range of body posturing, and computer software. | have found the Morgan family to be among the most honest and sincere families ve worked with. They have never made a request for an item that would be construed as a “nicaty’, This family has endured more pain and heartache in the three years since Melinda's birth than any family would endure over generations, let alone one lifetime. | have watched them have to battle for answers, requests, and permission for fundamental rights most parents take for.granted. More importantly, | have watched a toddler with such a strong will to live continue to mystify her Doctors and defy medical odds. | have watched this child endure relentless physical pain, and remain trapped in a body that can net ambulate nor communicate, During her last admittance in a pediatric intensive care unit, a small TVVCR was wheeled over to Melinda's bedside. For a brief period while she watched the screen, Melinda was able to escape the pain and frustration of her physical condition and like all other typically developing children escape her environment and enter the world of fun and fantasy through this media, PO, Box 597 # Stuart, Florida 34995 © SunCom 269-4050 © FAX 286-4361 © (407) 221-4050 @ (407) 456-3668peceived: 8/0/97 85785 i> OAH CLERKS OFFICE; Page o W Tri-County TEC TRAINING ¥ EMPLOYMENT’ ¥ COMMUNITY Melinda may never be able to run, sing, go to school, visit places, of engage in a majority of activities, BUT she can leam and experience these vicariously through television. have enclosed my telephone number, please feel free to contact me | appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Singerely, Alanna Apap Ms, CBA PO. Box 597 « Start, Florida 34995 «© SunCom 269-4050 # FAX 286-4966 @ (407) 227-4050 « (407) 465-3668« 04~ Pu peeves eR (Use woe {a8 Bacay, AbuTATER De cece mit 1 vere mine tn wurst oma tid paveraM cxets0s ‘Some wens Da tame PRD, ABP? ABP aan RAHA rATOR 0 veaotoen aosirernnr 9 MT. Co oo POL | MAY @1797 14701 April 14, 1997 Judy Duell, Claims Manager Florida Birth-Relaied Neurological Injury Compensarion Association 1435 Piedmont Drive East Suite 101 P.O. Box 14567 ‘Tallahassee, FL 32317 Re: Melinda Morgan Dear Miss Duell: I received your lewer regarding Melinda Morgen regarding the prescription that | gave to the parents for their request for a VCR and a TV. As you know, Melinda is» profoundly impaired infant who: has. Lndergone 32 surgeries, all related to the mubiple prenatal complications associated wich cerebral palsy. ‘According to the reports provided by the parents and observations made in the hospital during multiple admissions, Melinda had 2 significant degree of sensory stimulation provided by the motion activities, especially those ones related to the images seen on TV. The mother has noticed that this appears to have significantly improved the awareness and socialization of the extersal surroundings, Ithas been my thought that for the sake of her clinical improvement, ‘and I think her cognitive stimulation, that she may benefit from the use of these devices that are relatively inexpensive Certainly the decision, whether you want to provide coverage for this amount oF not, will be respected; whether it is favorable or not. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, {Dictated But Not Read}