The resources listed below are a good starting point for information and support regarding specific disabilities.
Support Organizations for Families
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.
Special Education News (http://www.specialednews.com/)
Special education News is a newspaper that provides information on issues related to special education.
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.
The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.
Special Education News (http://www.specialednews.com/)
Special education News is a newspaper that provides information on issues related to special education.
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.
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.
The Resource Room (http://www.resourceroom.net/index.asp)
The Resource Room provides tools, strategies and structured explorations for interesting learners, including lessons, ideas, articles and links for multisensory learning for people of all ages. The site also offers resources for people who learn differently, or have learning difficulties or learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
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 Ameriga (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.
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.
The Resource Room (http://www.resourceroom.net/index.asp)
The Resource Room provides tools, strategies and structured explorations for interesting learners, including lessons, ideas, articles and links for multisensory learning for people of all ages. The site also offers resources for people who learn differently, or have learning difficulties or learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
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 Ameriga (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.
ADD/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.
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.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) (http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families)
The AACAP developed Facts for Families to provide concise and up-to-date information on psychiatric issues that affect children, teenagers and their families. The AACAP provides this important information as a public service.
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.
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.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) (http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/facts_for_families)
The AACAP developed Facts for Families to provide concise and up-to-date information on psychiatric issues that affect children, teenagers and their families. The AACAP provides this important information as a public service.
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.
UPSIDE! (http://www.telebyte.com/upside/upside.html)
An informal society of individuals, parents and friends involved with the world of 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.
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.
UPSIDE! (http://www.telebyte.com/upside/upside.html)
An informal society of individuals, parents and friends involved with the world of 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 Development Disorder
Autism Speaks (http://www.autismspeaks.org)
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
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/)
TEACH 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.
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
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/)
TEACH 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.
Autism Community (http://www.autism-community.com)
Autism Community provides information on Autism, education issues, communication, and other resources for parents, teachers and more. It is also a great place to connect with individuals with autism, family members, teachers and other professionals.
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.
Autism Community (http://www.autism-community.com)
Autism Community provides information on Autism, education issues, communication, and other resources for parents, teachers and more. It is also a great place to connect with individuals with autism, family members, teachers and other professionals.