Plasticity Becomes Authorized Care Provider for Children with MD in Special Florida Program

Plasticity Brain Centers has become an authorized care provider for children and young adults with muscular dystrophy and other rare disorders who receive Gardiner Scholarships from the State of Florida.

In addition to those with rare diseases, the scholarships allow youngsters with developmental disorders and other conditions to attend a private school or be educated at home. The money covers educational fees and supplies and health-related therapy services.

The Florida Department of Education administers the program, which is for Florida children aged 3 to 12th grade — or 22 years of age, whichever comes first.

You’ll find frequently asked questions about the scholarship program here.

Plasticity Brain Centers has become an approved reimbursable therapeutic healthcare provider for youngsters taking part in the program.

“This is one of the many outstanding programs here in Florida that reminds us how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful state,” Mattchew M. Antonucci, director of Plasticity’s Neurological Performance and Rehabilitation program, said in a press release.

“The Gardiner Scholarship will allow us to further our mission of providing the best neurological care to as many individuals and families as possible. Living with neurological struggles like concussions, cerebral palsy, autism, and others remains a challenge for many individuals and their families. Hopefully, this needs-based reimbursement program can help provide those that may benefit from our services, with a way to receive it.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a child must have been diagnosed with MD or another eligible condition. The eligibility criteria are here. Students enrolled in public schools are not eligible for the program.

The amount a child receives depends on a number of factors, including grade level, county of residence and level of need. The average full scholarship amount is about $10,000.  The percentage of scholarship a student qualifies for depends on the date that their eligibility is confirmed – September 1 (100 percent), November 1 (75 percent), February 1 (50 percent), and April 1 (25 percent).

Plasticity Brain Centers uses science-based and research-based approaches in all its treatments. Neuroplasticity, or the concept that your brain can continue to adapt throughout life, is the primary approach.

Neuroplasticity implies that the brain’s transformations during a person’s lifetime can improve its function and healing process. The general treatment program lasts five days and is individually tailored to patients.

All treatments and services are designed not only to ease symptoms but restore the quality of life of youngsters with MD and other conditions — without using invasive procedures or prescription medications.