BY ANGELA SHAW

In order to provide a comprehensive list of supports to meet the needs of today's family, resources for children and adults with special needs are encompassed within the following guide.

CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (CHADD): Founded in 1987 in response to the frustration and sense of isolation that was being experienced by parents and their children, due to the fact that there were few resources and little understanding of about the disability at that time. Today CHADD has grown to become the leading non-profit national organization for children and adults with ADHD. Provided within the website are links, tips and resources, and an opportunity to subscribe to a free newsletter. In addition to free resources provided within the website, various paid membership is available. CHADD has three current goals and priorities objectives to including serving as: 1. A clearinghouse for evidence-based information on ADHD. 2. A local face-to-face family support group for families and individuals affected by ADHD. 3. An advocate for appropriate public policies and public recognition in response to needs faced by families and individuals with ADHD chadd.org

THE AUTISM INTERNET MODULES (AIM): One of many online resources available to family members, educators, or any individual who works with or lives with someone with autism. AIM provides no-cost instructional modules to include evidence-based practices for home, school, community, and work place. Modules are simple to navigate and make it easy for the busy parent to learn at their own pace. This site features tools to ensure that families and service providers are equipped to effectively care for, support, educate, employ, or work with individuals on the autism spectrum from early childhood to young adulthood. Provided within the site is an online video-based learning solution that offers families with practical information, real-life examples, and skills to utilize in care and support of loved ones with ASD from early childhood through young adulthood. Click on ASD Strategies in Action to discover how to get started in a course tailored to your specific needs based upon the individual with ASD and your role as a caregiver. Navigate the Explore tab to discover: • New Courses • For Families • Video Gallery • Continuing Education • Resources autisminternetmodules.org

CP DAILY LIVING: Inspired by one family's struggle to find resources information about the day-to-day details involved in raising a child with cerebral palsy. The goal of this site is to help make the journey easier by helping parents and caregivers navigate the challenges of CP through sharing of information and experiences about a range of topics to include treatment modalities, negotiation of air travel, emotional perspectives, education/ preschool, sleeping, eating, and growing up. Tabs include: • What is Cerebral Palsy • CP News & Books • Adaptive Needs • Newly Diagnosed • Daily Living • Support & Planning • Associated Disorders/Difficulties • Inspiration • Supporting the CP Community & More • Patient-Professional Communications Each of these tabs provides a comprehensive list of content that THE AUTISM INTERNET MODULES (AIM): One of many online resources available to family members, educators, or any individual who works with or lives with someone with autism. AIM 68 February 2018 • EP Magazine | EXCEPTIONAL PARENT provides guidance to parents and families within a range of topics to include inspiration, practical day-to-day guidance, parent organizations listed by state, research and news, and so much more. This is a great resource to share with educators, as well as extended family members. cpdailyliving.com

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE DEAF EDUCATION & FAMILIES PROJECT (CSUN DEAF PROJECT): Consists of faculty and staff associated with the Family Focus Resource Center at CSUN, in addition to faculty in the Deaf Education Program in the Department of Special Education. Resources to support the family, as well as a newsletter is available. Within the family project at CSUN, the goal is to empower parents of children who are deaf to get educated, get together, and learn to communicate. In addition to a news and events within the home page, a comprehensive collection of links for parents and families is provided. Some unique links for families in the home page include: • Resources tab: The Lending Library. It is noted that the Lending Library is for families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Families may borrow any items for a specified period of time. The contact for Lending Library is deafproject@sun.edu or 818-677-6854. • Parent Links tab: Portal that serves to connect parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) to other parents in similar circumstance. • Newsletter: Sign up for the newsletter available through this website. csun.edu/deafproject

HANDS & VOICES (H&V): A parent-driven, non-profit organization in support of families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. All approaches and experiences with deafness or hearing loss are included, from American Sign Language to cochlear implants. Local chapters comprised mainly of parents along with professionals are available and can be contacted via the website. Additionally, resources such as links and handbooks are available within this site. Topics ranging from education, the law, perspectives from families and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and much more is available on the website. handsandvoices.org

DOWN SYNDROME ADVANCEMENT COALITION (DSAC) OF ARKANSAS: Founded in 2016 by Brittany Boccher, an Air Force spouse. Under the Resources tab, there are links to local and national links, as well as events within the state of Arkansas. Education, advocacy, awareness, and outreach are foundational aspects of this organization. The coalition goals reflective of these four cornerstones are shared within the Mission and Vision link provided within the home page to include: • Educate: Inform families about the resources and benefits designed for individuals with Down syndrome. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE DEAF EDUCATION & FAMILIES PROJECT (CSUN DEAF PROJECT): Consists of faculty and staff associated with the Family Focus Resource Center at CSUN, in addition to faculty in the Deaf Education Program in the Department of Special Education. Resources to support the family, as well as a newsletter is available. Within the family project at CSUN, the goal is to empower parents of children who are deaf to get educated, get together, and learn to communicate. In addition to a news and events within the home page, a comprehensive collection of links for parents and families is provided. Some unique links for families in the home page include: • Resources tab: The Lending Library. It is noted that the Lending Library is for families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Families may borrow any items for a specified period of time. The contact for Lending Library is deafproject@sun.edu or 818-677-6854. • Parent Links tab: Portal that serves to connect parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) to other parents in similar circumstance. • Newsletter: Sign up for the newsletter available through this website. csun.edu/deafproject • Advocate: On behalf of individuals with Down syndrome on the issues of wellness, education, and employment. • Awareness: Promote awareness and understanding about Down syndrome and make the community aware of the ABILITIES of individuals with Down syndrome. • Outreach: Connect families by bridging the communication gap between our community and the public and private agencies that serve us so we can work together, better. csun.edu/deafproject

NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY (NDSS): A nonprofit organization committed to their vision of "…a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities." There are a number of programs and resources available within the website, to provide across-the-lifespan guidance, support and information. Additionally, there local support groups, social media, and newsletter links to support families. Tabs to navigate and discover include: • Work • Involve • Advocate csun.edu/deafproject Dyslexia HANDS & VOICES (H&V): A parent-driven, non-profit organization in support of families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. All approaches and experiences with deafness or hearing loss are included, from American Sign Language to cochlear implants. Local chapters comprised mainly of parents along with professionals are available and can be contacted via the website. Additionally, resources such as links and handbooks are available within this site. Topics ranging from education, the law, perspectives from families and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and much more is available on the website. handsandvoices.org DOwN syNDrOme • Engage

THE INTERNATIONAL DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATE (IDA): The oldest organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia. IDA is rooted to Dr. Samuel T. Orton's pioneering studies in the 1920s, relative to the field of reading research and multisensory teaching. Formalized organization of the Orton Society began after Dr. Orton's death, through his wife and colleague June Orton, in 1949. Orton's important pioneering work would continue through teacher training and published instructional materials. The Orton Society would eventually become today's International Dyslexia Association that abides by their mission: "To create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need." Families and professionals are provided access to handbooks, DOWN SYNDROME ADVANCEMENT COALITION (DSAC) OF ARKANSAS: Founded in 2016 by Brittany Boccher, an Air Force spouse. Under the Resources tab, there are links to local and fact sheets, conferences, and workshops. Under the Families tab, discover the helpful IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know. Numerous fact sheets and resources are provided within this website. Additionally, check out the Youth Art Gallery under the Families tab to learn how IDA highlights the artistic talents of students with dyslexia and other related learning disabilities during Annual Conferences and throughout the year. A resource guide for parents of children with learning disabilities is not complete without the information from the IDA. dyslexiaida.org

OVER AND ABOVE: Military families are charged with balancing the challenges of the military lifestyle and responsibilities, in addition to the regular day-to-day, year-to-year, and decade-to-decade family and life experiences that civilian families face.

THE YALE CENTER FOR DYSLEXIA AND CREATIVITY (YCDC): Provides a comprehensive wealth of information for parents and educators. YCDC was founded by world-renowned physician-scientist and leaders in the field of dyslexia research and diagnosis, Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz. It provides avenues to support understanding of dyslexia for the parent, teacher, and child. The mission of YCDC is to increase awareness of dyslexia and its true nature, specifically to illuminate the creative and intellectual strengths of those with dyslexia, as well as disseminate the latest scientific research and practical resources. Transformation of the treatment of all dyslexic children and adults is of critical importance, based upon the mission provided. If you are interested in learning about dyslexia, this website will provide you an abundance of information. Under the Resources tab information is shared within the categories of: • Accommodations • Parents • Dyslexic Kids & Adults • Educators dyslexia.yale.edu

LD ONLINE: Noted to be an educator's guide to learning disabilities and ADHD, but lends a comprehensive hand to support parents, as well. The site features LD Basics and ADHD Basics, LD Topics, Home-to-School Connection, Resources, and more. LD OnLine describes their organization as one that seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice. LD OnLine is a national educational service of WETA-TV (the PBS station in Washington, D.C.). The Home-to-School link within the site provides a great start point for parents and educators. LD OnLine's pursuit of building a strong bridge between families and educators categories provides links and resources in support of proactive and solution-focused IEP teams: • Top Subjects • Top Articles • Multimedia • Resources • Recommended Links ldonline.org • In the Forums

THE CHILD MIND INSTITUTE: An independent, national nonprofit organization. This organization is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. The Child Mind Institute shares, "We share all of our resources freely and do not accept any funding from the pharmaceutical industry."Child Mind Institute shares their three commitments, relative to creating a brighter future for children to include: • Best, most effective treatments when and where needed most. • Advancement of the science of the developing brain to improve diagnosis and treatment. • Provision of useful, accurate information that empowers families and communities to get the help they need. Navigate the Topics from A-Z tab to discover what is available to families relative to issues ranging from ADHD, anxiety, learning, medication and more. Guides are available for families to include a range of subjects within this section. The For Families tab includes insights and advice regarding common concerns that families face, including subjects ranging from parenting guides containing information about selective mutism and ADHD medications, as well as a special section relative to the unique challenges that military families face – including a collection of articles, strategies, and expert advice on how to know when children are not responding in a healthy way to stressors in the family. Check the sub-tabs under More on Military Families within the Military Family page to provide a quick and more focused glance of available topics: • Latest • Parenting Challenges • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Special Needs • Mental Health • Suicide and Self-Harm • Trauma and Grief • Trauma and Stress Related Disorders childmind.org  • Stress and Resilience • Teenagers • Responding to Traumatic Events

CENTER FOR PARENT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES: A broad-reaching support for families and professionals. Serving as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers, as well as the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs), military families can discover a wealth of information to support them with a range of resources and information with nearly 100 PTIs and CPRCs in the U.S. and Territories. Direct services are available for children and youth with disabilities, as well as families, professionals, and other organizations that support them to include a range of activities such as: • Working with families caring for children and youth with disabilities from birth to 26 years of age. • Helping parents to effectively participate in their child's education and development. • Partnering with professionals and policy makers to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities. Visit the website and learn about their parent support websites to include links to: • Branch Military Parent Technical Assistant Center (MPTAC) – building the capacity of parent centers to provide effective services to military parents of children with disabilities in military families. • Native American Parent Technical Assistant Center (NA PTAC) – building the capacity to provide services to Native American parents of children with disabilities, as well as youth with disabilities, in an effective and culturally-responsive manner. • Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) – Funded through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education, supports the Parent Center network and the role that Parent Centers play in educating parents and improving outcomes for children with disabilities. parentcenterhub.org

SHEILD HEALTHCARE: A medical supply company accredited in 2007 by the Community Health Accreditation Partner's (CHAP) Board of Review. Shield HealthCare provides a comprehensive website to consumers and the caregiving community, to include families and providers. Originally established in 1957 as a specialty pharmacy, the company provides products and services for the home healthcare market. Beyond their product line, families can discover a broad array of resource to support them under the Community tab, as they seek to understand and navigate a diagnosis or specialized strategy to include blogs, webinars, and newsletters. Check under the Services tab and learn about how the insurance billing services, relative to TRICARE, may benefit you and your family. Peruse the website and the labeled tabs to discover the community of support available for individuals with special needs and their caregivers within the digital pages. shieldhealthcare.com

SMART KIDS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: Offers a comprehensive website and blog, as well as a free e-newsletter, articles and regional programs. Their mission is to educate, guide and inspire parents of children with learning disabilities or ADHD. The organization, founded by Jane B. Ross, M.S., a former publishing executive and consultant, was inspired by her determination to help other parents who find themselves parenting a child with learning disabilities. The aim is to help parents realize their children's significant gifts and talents. In addition to getting informed through their free e-newsletter, another way to stay informed and get involved is to send a question to Ask the Experts, which will be answered by a member of the Smart Kids Professional Advisory Board. For residents of Connecticut, check out the website to discover local chapters that have started and discover the opportunities available in the vicinity. smartkidswithld.org

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE PROJECT (SNRP): Helps parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities and special needs get a jump-start in search of helpful information and resources, unique to their needs. The site includes a military section, resource links, newsletters, and much more. Navigation under the Military tab provides information to include: • Introduction: Special Needs and the Military Family • DEERS & ID Cards • TriCare Introduction • Early Intervention • Individual Case Management • Dependency Determination • TriCare Program Options • Housing Options • Family Support Services • Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) • TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) • Community Contacts Letters of Medical Sufficiency snrproject.com

UNDERSTOOD FOR LEARNING & ATTENTION ISSUES: For families who are parenting children, ages 3-20, who are struggling with learning and attention issues. The website was founded by 15 non-profit organizations, under the operation and management of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. This site provides for a broad perspective, which one single organization may not be capable of providing on its own. The sponsoring organizations include: • Benetech • Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) • Children's Health Counsel (CHC) • Child Mind Institute • Common Sense Media • Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation • Eye to Eye • Great!Schools • Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) • National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) • New Profit • Oak Foundation • Poses Family Foundation (PFF) • Reading Rockets • Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation The goal of Understood is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3-20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. They strive to empower parents to understand their children's issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, Understood looks toward providing parents the tools "to make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving." The tabs available provide for a wide variety of topics for parents and families to become empowered in their quest for knowledge and understanding, in order to put them on a direct path to support them in feeling more confident and capable, as well as less frustrated and alone. Support tabs include: • Learning & Attention Issues • School & Learning • Friends & Feelings • Community & Events • You & Your Family • Your Parent Toolkit understood.org

FUN AND FUNCTION: A retail-based company specializing in sensory needs. The company found its roots and purpose in finding kid-friendly sensory tools that fit their family's needs. They share their purpose as one that is guided by their values of making kid-friendly, affordable, and making a real developmental and therapeutic difference in the lives of children. In addition to providing a marketplace for therapeutic and fun toys and tools, Fun and Function offers a free newsletter that provides information to educators and families to include sensory activities, guidance on subjects ranging from how to reduce sensory meltdowns, vacation friendly sensory tools, and much more. Additionally, they provide a quick link to resources on their home page to include such links as: • Self-Regulation Tools • School Tools • Blog • Tips from Pediatric Therapists • Sensory Activity Guide • Checklist for Therapist Recommendations funandfunction.com

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (NIDCD): Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The organization conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. Under the Health Info tab, there is a wealth of information and links to include: • Hearing, Ear Infections and Deafness • Voice, Speech, and Language • Información en español • Balance • Taste and Smell • Statistics • Health Resources • Clinical Studies Click on the Free Publications link to discover an array publications covering the following topics, plus many more areas pertaining to deafness and other communication disorders: • ASD: Communication Problems in Children • Specific Language Impairment in Children • Speech and Language Developmental Milestones • Stuttering nidcd.nih.gov

SUPER DUPER PUBLICATIONS: A retail-based company specializing in speech/language materials and curriculum. Although retail in nature, it also provides a FREE Stuff tab that contains free online, informational newsletters for teachers and parents. Due to the unique and wide-ranging needs of students with communication disorders, which inhibit so many aspects of living life, this recommended site will provide a perspective to parents that is often not readily available to those outside of the very specialized field of the speech/language pathologist. Free flyers for parents and teachers include: • How to use picture books to develop language skills, build social- emotional competence, and improve a child's ability to listen • Identifying signs of disorders in language, speech sound, stuttering, voice quality, and hearing • Special education disability categories • Understanding dyslexia • Preparing a child with special needs for the holiday season. superduperinc.com

PATHS TO LITERACY FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED: A resource, resulting from a joint project between Perkins School for the Blind and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)—combines resources and expertise to support educators and families in their quest to provide literacy experiences for children who are blind or visually impaired. Helpful and informative links within this website are blogs, strategies, resources, events and webinars. A Path to Literacy Newsletter is available. Readers can browse by topic to discover areas of need to include: • Auditory Strategies • Braille • Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) • Dual Media • English Language Learners • Learning Media Assessment • Multiple Disabilities • Deafblind • Emergent Literacy • General Literacy • Math Literacy pathstoliteracy.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Angela Shaw is a special educator who synthesizes her diverse education and experience to collaborate with families and staff, in order to promote success and encourage the students in her care to be life-long learners. Her publishing focus is on special education topics. Shaw's son-in-law is an active duty U.S. Coast Guard. Shaw and her husband spend much of their free time adventuring to various PCS locations and enjoying every possible minute with their son-in-law, daughter, and baby grandson.