Monday, June 01, 2020

New 'EFMP & Me' Web Tool Launched to Help Families With Special Needs

June 1, 2020

The Department of Defense Office of Special Needs and Military OneSource launched today a new digital tool to guide military families with special needs to the specific information and resources they need. The tool, called EFMP & Me, conveniently connects families anytime and anywhere with tools and information about the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP. Using the tool, families can learn about support services, preparing for a move or deployment, responding to changes in education or medical needs, and adjusting to new life situations.

“The Department of Defense is committed to supporting our families with special needs, and EFMP & Me is an important enhancement to the Exceptional Family Member Program,” said Kim Joiner, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy. “EFMP & Me provides virtual access to EFMP support services for all stages of their military lives, whether they’re just starting out in the program, navigating medical or educational systems, or preparing for retirement from the service.”

Available on computers or mobile devices, EFMP & Me gives families personalized assistance based on their specific circumstances. On the homepage, users answer a few questions then select the types of information they want, such as medical, education, EFMP enrollment, PCS, child care, accessibility or housing. The tool then creates customizable checklists, at the DOD policy level, for users to follow. These checklists include important to-dos, tips and resources that help fine-tune the individual’s experience. Users with a Military OneSource account can save their checklists to view again later.

EFMP & Me is one part of a broad system of support for military families with special needs. That support starts with EFMP Family Support on installations and includes the Military OneSource network, which provides 24/7 support to service members and families anywhere in the world. Click here to access the EFMP & Me tool. Contact Military OneSource EFMP Resources, Options and Consultations for free, around-the-clock support, tools, assistance and more. Call 800-342-9647 or live chat with a consultant. OCONUS/International? Click here for calling options.

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy is responsible for oversight of quality-of-life policies and programs that support the wellness and mission-readiness of Service members, their families, and survivors.

No comments: