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A local health information center hopes to help more parents, who have children with disabilities through a federal grant.

Idaho Parents Unlimited Inc. hopes to help more families with healthcare information, resources for music therapy, support groups and more.

Cami Smith, 22, who's diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, plans to go to Washington D.C. next week to inspire teenagers with disabilities, coming from all over the country.

"I'm going to speak about youth transitioning out of high school into post secondary,  whatever they chose to do, whether its college, independent living, educating youth on the resources available to them," she said.

This week, the center received almost $100,000 through the Affordable Care Act, which some opponents call ObamaCare.

"This grant is the primary reason we're able to provide healthcare information and resources and support for families, who have special health care needs. Some of our federal programs are going away, and so it will actually be 40% of our budget," said Angela Lindig, Executive Director of Idaho Parents Unlimited.

While the center is housed in Boise, it serves families statewide. "The biggest barrier for these families is access to information and services especially being in a rural state like ours," said Lindig.
   
Some talked about how they now know their rights as a parent of children with disabilities, because of the guidance provided from the center.

"Getting a job and keeping that job, being able to work around the schedule of my son and as well as being able to talk to doctors in a professional manner," said Megan Slifer, parent.

According to Idaho Parents Unlimited, 13% of Idaho children have special healthcare needs.

The information center is working to continually improve its services and is embarking on a medical home project that helps parents provide coordinated care for their children.