Resources and Support for Parents and Guardians

Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) (http://www.icdri.org/community/ata.htm/)
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.

The Trace Center (https://trace.umd.edu/)
The Trace Research & Development Center is a part of the College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Founded in 1971, Trace has been a pioneer in the field of technology and disability. The Resources and Tools section of their website has a variety of informational products, kits, videos, databases and online tools intended for consumers, advocates, industry and educators.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NationalFederation 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.

Learning Disabilities Association of America (https://ldaamerica.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 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 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).

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.

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. For example, since 1982, Support for Families of Children with Disabilities has offered information, education, and parent-to-parent support free of charge to families of children with any kind of disability, concern, or special health care need in San Francisco. Support for Families is the coordinating office for Family Voices of California, a statewide collaborative of locally-based parent-run centers working to ensure quality health care for children and youth with special needs.

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.

Disability Resources, inc. (http://www.Disabilityresources.org)
Disability Resources, inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently.

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.

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.