Retirees  and  their  spouses  and  children, spouses  and  children  of  deceased  active  duty (other than the above exceptions), and deceased retirees are not eligible for assistance under the Program  for  the  Handicapped. PHYSICAL   HANDICAP.—To   be   con- sidered   for   CHAMPUS   assistance,   a   physical handicap must be so serious that: A  spouse  or  child  older  than  high  school age  is  unable  to  engage  in  gainful  pursuits because  of  the  handicap. A  child  of  elementary  or  high  school  age is   unable   to   be   educated   through   the   public school  systems  and  the  handicap  is  expected  to continue  for  at  least  a  year  or  is  expected  to result in death and has reached the point where the individual requires assistance to support the essentials of daily living. The  following  are  examples  of  impairments that may qualify as serious handicaps: Severe vision impairment Severe   deafness Severe   epilepsy Advanced  Parkinson’s  disease Advanced  multiple  sclerosis Severe injury Advanced  muscular  dystrophy Advanced  Huntington’s  disease Severe bone disease Severe  respiratory  disease Severe diabetes in children Severe cerebral palsy Two or more serious conditions that, in com- bination, so restrict activity that they constitute a severe handicap may also qualify, even though no   one   condition   qualifies   when   considered alone. MENTAL   RETARDATION.—An   individ- ual   is   generally   considered   to   be   moderately retarded  with  an  IQ  between  36  and  51  and severely  retarded  with  an  IQ  of  35  or  under, based  on  generally  accepted  intelligence  tests. Final judgment as to the degree of mental retar- dation may also be based on an evaluation of the individual’s  developmental  history  and  present ability  to  function. A   helpful   booklet   on   mental   retardation is  the  “Manual  of  Information  for  Members of  the  Armed  Forces  with  Mentally  Retarded Children. ” It   gives the   medical,   diagnos- tic,   educational,   institutional,   and   financial services  available,  both  nationally  and  over- seas.  It  also  includes  addresses  of  state associations. Inquiries  may  be  sent  to  the National  Association  For  Retarded  Children (NARC)  at  2709  Avenue  E  East,  Arlington, Texas 76011. HEALTH   BENEFITS   ADVISOR   (HBA).– The  CHAMPUS  Program  is  subject  to  frequent changes  in  regulations.  The  HBA  would  be  the best  source  of  information  for  this  program. MILITARY    PHYSICIANS.—Family    practi- tioners,    pediatricians,   and   psychiatrists   may be  able  to  provide  information  in  regard  to the resources available to meet the needs of the handicapped. ADDITIONAL  RESOURCES  FOR  THE HANDICAPPED.—A   National   Special   Educa- tion   Information   Center   helps   parents   and others  find  services  for  children  with  mental, physical,  emotional,  and  learning  handicaps. The center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of  Health  and  Human  Services.  Information concerning these areas may be obtained by con- tacting: Closer   Look P.O.  BOX 19428 Washington,  DC  20036 5-14