Support Organizations for Families

Support Organizations for Families

NICHCY (http://nichcy.org/families-community)

NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth. You’ll find easy-to-read articles on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, as well as researched-based information on effective practices, programs and services.

Child Development Institute (http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/)

Our website is designed to provide the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.

Through the Looking Glass (http://www.lookingglass.org/)

Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally-recognized center that has pioneered research, training and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. Our mission is “To create, demonstrate and encourage non-pathological and empowering resources and model early intervention services for families with disability issues in parent or child which integrate expertise derived from personal disability experience and disability culture.”

PACER (http://www.pacer.org/)

The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER’s work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation.

Parents Helping Parents (http://www.php.com/)

Parents Helping Parents (PHP) strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.

E-Ready Special Education Information for Parents (http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3713)

This page provides parents, as well as teachers, of children with disabilities with information on specific disabilities, a glossary of special education terms, and links to helpful resources.

U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/edpicks.jhtml)

The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.

Easter Seals (http://www.easterseals.com)

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.

Angelman Syndrome Foundation (http://www.angelman.org/)

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation advances the awareness and treatment of AS through education and research, and provides support to individuals and families.

TASH (http://tash.org)

TASH is an international leader in disability advocacy for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates.

Special Education News (http://www.specialednews.com/)

Special Education News is a newspaper that provides information on issues related to special education.

The Sturge-Weber Foundation (http://www.sturge-weber.org/)

The Sturge-Weber Foundation is a non-profit organization for parents, patients, and all others concerned with SWS.

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (http://fcsn.org/index.php)

The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners and their communities. We are committed to listening to and learning from families, and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.

Family Voices (http://www.familyvoices.org)

Family Voices aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families with tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.

Stop Bullying Parent Guide (http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-you-can-do/parents/index.html)

StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

Team Of Advocates For Special Kids (http://www.taskca.org/)

Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to reach their maximum potential.

A Rosie Place (http://arosieplace.org)

A Rosie Place provides a safe and nurturing haven for medically fragile children while giving family members periods of relief from the demands of full-time caregiving.

University of Illinois at Chicago’s Specialized Care for Children (http://dscc.uic.edu/)

The University of Illinois at Chicago is home to Specialized Care for Children, a network of professionals that work with Illinois families and communities to help connect children with special needs to services and resources.

Assistive Technology

Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) (http://www.ataccess.org/)

The mission of the ATA is to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations. ATA encourages and facilitates the empowerment of people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities. Through public education, information and referral, capacity building in community organizations and advocacy/policy efforts, the ATA enables millions of people to live, learn, work, define their futures and achieve their dreams.

Learning Disabilities

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (http://www.NCLD.ORG/)

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is committed to ensuring that all students with learning disabilities graduate from high school with a standard diploma—prepared for college and the workplace.

LD OnLine (http://www.ldonline.orgh)

LD OnLine.org is the world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers and other professionals each month.

Learning Disabilities Association of America (http://www.ldanatl.org/)

Since 1964, the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. Today, the LDA is the largest non-profit volunteer organization advocating for individuals with disabilities, and provides cutting-edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions and a comprehensive network of resources.

The International Dyslexia Association (http://www.interdys.org)

The purpose of IDA is to pursue and provide the most comprehensive range of information and services that address the full scope of dyslexia and related difficulties in learning to read and write … in a way that creates hope, possibility and partnership.

Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

CHADD (http://www.chadd.org/)

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. In addition to our informative website, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with ADHD.

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (http://www.add.org/)

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives.

One ADD Place (http://www.oneADDplace.com/)

At the ADD and ADHD resource place you will find information on both child and adult attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Learn the symptoms of ADD and ADHD and how to test for them, and discover the latest natural treatments, pharmaceutical medications and brain science.

Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (FFCMH) (http://www.ffcmh.org)

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and their families.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (http://www.nami.org)

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The Arc (http://www.thearc.org)

We are the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We encompass all ages and all spectrums from autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X and various other developmental disabilities.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) (http://www.ndss.org/)

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

National Down Syndrome Congress (http://ndsccenter.org/)

Founded in 1973, the National Down Syndrome Congress is the country’s oldest national organization for people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them. We provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome, and work to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.

Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder

The Autism Society (http://www.autism-society.org/)

The Autism Society has a simple goal: To improve the lives of all living with autism. In order to improve lives, we focus on ensuring that all individuals with autism and their families have access to the help they need.

The Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) (http://www.autcom.org/)

Autism National Committee is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to “Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism” through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, pervasive developmental disorder and related differences of communication and behavior.

TEACCH Autism Program (http://teacch.com/)

TEACCH is a University-based system of community regional centers that offers a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the clinical, training and research needs of individuals with ASD, their families and professionals across the state of North Carolina. TEACCH conducts training nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers and other professionals from a variety of disciplines.

Autism Treatment Center of America (http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/)

Since 1983, the Autism Treatment Center of America™ has provided innovative training programs for parents and professionals caring for children challenged by autism, autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and other developmental difficulties.

Communication Disabilities

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) (http://www.asha.org/public/)

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. Here you will find resources to help you understand communication and communication disorders.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (http://www.nidcd.nih.gov)

NIDCD is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH’s mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose and treat disease and disability.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) (http://www.agbell.org)

AG Bell helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society.

American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) (http://www.deafchildren.org/)

ASCD supports and educates families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and advocates for high-quality programs and services. We believe that these children are entitled to full communication access in their home school and community; there should be access to identification and intervention by qualified providers, family involvement and educational opportunities equal to those provided for hearing children.

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) (http://www.nad.org/issues/education)

The NAD is actively involved in providing information about opportunities available for educating deaf and hard of hearing children, challenges that deaf and hard of hearing people encounter with high-stakes testing and the legal obligations of public and private schools, post-secondary programs, colleges and universities.

Visual Impairment

FamilyConnect (http://www.familyconnect.org/parentsitehome.asp)

FamilyConnect is designed for parents of children with visual impairments and brought to you by American Foundation for the Blind and National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. On FamilyConnect you’ll find videos, personal stories, events, news and an online community that can offer tips and support from other parents of children who are blind or visually impaired.

The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) (http://www.napvi.org/)

NAPVI is a non-profit organization of, by and for parents committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments. NAPVI is a national organization that enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) (http://www.loc.gov/nls/)

Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) (https://nfb.org)

The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation’s blind.

SPARKLE (http://www.sparkle.usu.edu/)

Project SPARKLE is a program of individualized learning that enhances the ability of parents of children who are deaf and blind to fulfill their roles in the development and education of their children. Through Project SPARKLE, parents will have access to information, training and resources in their homes via DVDs and the Internet.

Brain/Spinal Cord Injury

Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) (http://www.biausa.org/)

The mission of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. With a network of state affiliates, local chapters and support groups, we are the voice of brain injury.

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) (http://www.spinalcord.org/)

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). We provide active-lifestyle information, peer support and advocacy that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential in all facets of life.

Epilepsy Foundation (http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/)

The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to stop seizures and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy and research to accelerate ideas into therapies.

Legal/Advocacy Information and Resources

National Disability Rights Network (http://www.ndrn.org/index.php)

Every single day, our Network protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities across the United States and the territories. We fight to end abuse and neglect where we find it. We assist people in finding and keeping their jobs and work with kids, parents and schools to combat bullying and ensure educational opportunities for students with disabilities.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (http://idea.ed.gov/)

The official website of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B (ages 3 to 21) and Part C (birth to 2 years).

National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ) (http://ncdj.org/)

The National Center on Disability and Journalism is located in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. The center provides support and guidance for journalists as they cover people with disabilities.

Special Education Law Blog (http://specialedlaw.blogs.com/)

A special education legal resource discussing case law, news, practical advocacy advice and developments in state and federal laws, statutes and regulations. Postings include insight and sometimes humor from Charles P. Fox, a Chicago, Illinois attorney who is also a parent of a child with special needs, and guest authors.

Wrightslaw (http://www.wrightslaw.com/)

Parents, educators, advocates and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.