Links

Support for Families | Related Federal, State, and General Disabilities Agencies | Inclusion

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Support for Families

Center of Budget and Policy Priorities (http://www.cbpp.org/) – A nonpartisan research organization and policy institute that conducts research and analysis on a range of government policies and programs, with an emphasis on those affecting low- and moderate-income people.

Center for Law and Social Policy (http://www.clasp.org/)– A national nonprofit organization with expertise in both law and policy affecting the poor. Through education, policy research and advocacy, CLASP seeks to improve the economic security of low-income families with children and secure access for low-income persons to our civil justice system.

Families for Early Autism Treatment (http://www.feat.org/)– FEAT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing world-class education, advocacy and support for the Northern California Autism Community.

Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (http://www.fape.org/) – The Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) project is a partnership that aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities by linking families, advocates and self-advocates to communicate the new focus of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Family Voices (http://www.familyvoices.org/) – Comprised of families from throughout the United States who have children with special health needs, this organization also includes caregivers, professionals and friends whose lives have been touched by these children and their families.

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IDEAPractices (http://www.ideapractices.org/) – The IDEA Partnerships, working together for five years, inform professionals, families and the public about IDEA '97 and strategies to improve educational results for children and youth with disabilities.

Internet Resources for Special Children (http://www.irsc.org:8080/irsc/irscmain.nsf/) – The IRSC Web site is dedicated to children with disabilities and other health-related disorders worldwide.

Our-Kids (http://www.our-kids.org/) – Our-Kids is a "family" of parents, caregivers and others who are working with children with physical and/or mental disabilities and delays. The Our-Kids Web site supports the Our-Kids e-mail list, which consists of over 800 people representing children of varying diagnoses — everything from indefinite developmental delays and sensory integration problems, to cerebral palsy and rare genetic disorders.

Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (http://www.peatc.org/) – Parenting a child with a disability means you may need to be an expert at navigating a complex maze of educational, health care and social services for your child. Being your child's advocate in these areas can be a challenge. The information provided here will help parents to navigate these complex systems.

Parent Pals (http://parentpals.com/gossamer/pages/) – A special education community where parents and professionals share information and offer support.

Parent Resource Center (http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/sess/) – Special education information especially for students and parents from the Virginia Department of Special Education.

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Parent Training and Information Center (http://www.taalliance.org/centers/index.htm) – Parent centers in each state provide training and information to parents of infants, toddlers, school-aged children and young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who work with their families. This assistance helps parents participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children and youth with disabilities.

People with Attentional and Developmental Disabilities Association (http://www.padda.org/) – PADDA is a community-parent resource center based in Newport News, Va. Its goal is to improve the quality of life and educational results for all children with disabilities through high expectations from our children and from those who educate them; working to ensure equal protection to children under the law; research and advocacy for proven methods of learning and teaching; and training to make parents strong advocates through education and participation.

Save Babies Through Screening (http://www.savebabies.org/) – The mission of Save the Babies Through Screening is to improve the lives of babies by working to prevent disabilities and early death resulting from disorders detectable through newborn screening.

Special Education Resources on the Internet (http://seriweb.com/) – SERI is a collection of Internet accessible information resources of interest to those involved in the fields related to special education. This site will continually modify, update and add additional informative links.

Special Olympics (http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/default.htm) – Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with mental retardation year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

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U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/) – Demographics on many U.S. population groups including people with special needs (disabilities).

Zero to Three (http://www.zerotothree.org/) – National center for infants, toddlers and families, dedicated to the healthy development of infants and toddlers.

Related Federal, State, and General Disabilities Agencies

Federal, State and General Disability Agencies

Administration on Developmental Disabilities (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/) – Ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services, supports and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion into the community.

America Nurses Association (http://nursingworld.org/)
The American Nurses Association is a full-service professional organization representing the nation’s 2.6 million Registered Nurses through its 54 constituent state associations and 13 organizational affiliate members. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

American Occupational Therapy Association (http://www.aota.org/)
The American Occupational Therapy Association is the nationally recognized professional association of more than 40,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students of occupational therapy. These individuals work with people experiencing health problems such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, cancer, congenital conditions, developmental problems and mental illness. Occupational therapy helps people regain, develop and build skills that are essential for independent functioning, health and well-being.

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American Physical Therapy Association (http://www.apta.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home)
The mission of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the principal membership organization representing and promoting the profession of physical therapy, is to further the profession’s role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunctions and the enhancement of the physical health and functional abilities of members of the public.

The ARC of Virginia (http://www.arcofva.org/) – Statewide advocacy organization composed of individuals with disabilities, families and professionals who care about people who have mental retardation and related developmental disabilities.

Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (http://www.atlfa.org/) – Facilitates favorable credit financing of assistive technology for Virginians with disabilities

Child Welfare League of America (http://www.cwla.org/default.htm) – The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. It is committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth and their families, and protecting every child from harm.

Council for Exceptional Children (http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home) – The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

CYFERNet (http://www.cyfernet.org/) – CYFERnet is a national network of Land Grant university faculty and county extension educators working to support community-based educational programs for children, youth, parents and families.

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Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (http://www.vdbvi.org/)– Virginia Web site: The mission of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired is to enable blind or visually impaired individuals to achieve their maximum level of employment, education and personal independence.

Department of Education: Department of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) (http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=mr) – U.S. Government agency committed to imporoving results and outcome for people with disabilities of all ages.

Disabled Action Committee (http://members.aol.com/DAC4VA/cils.htm)– Lists centers for independent living located throughout Virginia.

Disability Service Boards (http://vadrs.org/boards.htm) – A partnership of consumer, local government and business working together to increase access and develop consumer-oriented, community-based services for persons with physical and sensory disabilities.

Division of Early Childhood (DEC) (http://www.dec-sped.org/)
The Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children is an international membership organization for individuals who work with or on behalf of children (birth through age eight) with special needs and their families. Founded in 1973, the Division is dedicated to promoting policies and practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of children. Children with special needs include those who have disabilities, developmental delays, are gifted/talented or are at risk for future development problems.

Easter Seals (http://va.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=VADR_homepage) – Easter Seals Virginia has led the way in creating solutions that positively impact the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

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Enhancing Rehabilitation Research in the South (ERRIS) Project (http://erris.med.virginia.edu/)– Designed to provide an infrastructure that will increase the quality and quantity of rehabilitiation research in the region. All etiologies and age groups are included, although there is a relative focus on central nervous system injury and pediatric through young adult populations.

Federal Resource Center for Special Education (http://www.rrfcnetwork.org/) – The FRC supports a nationwide technical assistance network to respond to the needs of students with disabilities, especially students from underrepresented populations.

Gateway to World of Resources for Enhancing Mental Health in Schools (http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/gateway/cativa.htm)– This site, sponsored by UCLA, lists many links related to mental health and education of people with mental health issues.

Head Start (http://www2.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb/)
Head Start and Early Start are comprehensive programs that serve children from birth to age five, pregnant women and their families. They are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school-readiness of young children in low-income families.

IDEA Practices Website (http://www.ideapractices.org/) – The IDEA Partnerships inform professionals, families and the public about IDEA '97 and strategies to improve educational results for children and youth with disabilities.

Infant & Toddler Connection (http://www.infantva.org/) – Virginia's Implementation of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

IRSC (Internet Resources for Special Children) – The IRSC Web site is dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities and other health-related disorders worldwide.

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National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (http://www.naeyc.org)
NAEYC is the nation’s largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade. Membership is open to all who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of young children.

National Association of School Nurses (http://www.nasn.org/)
NASN’s core purpose is to advance the delivery of professional school health services to promote optimal learning in students.

National Association of School Psychologists (http://www.nasponline.org/index.html)
The mission of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is to promote educationally and psychologically healthy environments for all children and youth by implementing research-based, effective programs that prevent problems, enhance independence and promote optimal learning. This is accomplished through state-of-the-art research and training, advocacy, ongoing program evaluation, and caring professional service.

National Association of Social Workers (http://www.naswdc.org/)
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NIH) (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/ncmrr/ncmrr.htm) – Designed to provide an infrastructure that will increase the quality and quantity of rehabilitiation research in the region. All etiologies and age groups are included although there is a relative focus on central nervous system injury and pediatric through young adult populations.

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National Clearinghouse for Careers in Special Education (http://www.special-ed-careers.org/)– The National Clearinghouse for Careers in Special Education (NCPSE) is committed to enhancing the nation’s capacity to recruit, prepare and retain well-qualified, diverse educators and related services personnel for children with disabilities.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (http://www.nichcy.org/) – NICHY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. Our special focus is on children and youth.

National Institute of Child and Human Development (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/) – The mission of NICHD is to ensure that every person is born healthy and wanted, that children have the chance to fulfill their potential for healthy and productive life, free of disease or disability.

National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research (http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/index.html?src=mr) – NIDRR provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. All of its programmatic efforts are aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities from birth through adulthood.

The National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/index.cfm)– This offers information from NIMH about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Included are brochures and information sheets, reports, press releases, fact sheets and other educational materials.

National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) (http://www.rarediseases.org/) – Working toward the prevention, treatment and cure of rare "orphan" diseases.

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Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) (http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html?src=mr)– OSEP is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts.

Office of Special Education Technical Assistance Dissemination (TA&D) Network (http://www.dssc.org/frc/oseptad.htm) – The TA&D Network works closely with the FRC and OSEP to coordinate special education technical assistance efforts across regions and topical areas.

Office of Career and Technical Education Services (http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/CTE/) – Serves secondary students in its programs. Supports many initiatives and provides valuable resources that further enhance the value of its educational offerings.

Partnership for People with Disabilities (http://www.vcu.edu/partnership/) – Partners with communities to support, respect and include individuals with disabilities and their families.

Protection and Advocacy Agency (http://www.vopa.state.va.us/Links/State%20Links.htm)

State Department of Education: Special Education (http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/sess/)

Virginia Assistive Technology System (http://www.vats.org/) – The purpose of the system is to increase the availability of technology to Virginians of all ages.

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Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (http://www.vaboard.org/)

Virginia Commonwealth University Training and Technical Assistance Center (http://www.vcu.edu/ttac/)– Part of a statewide network of Training and Technical Assistance Centers, VCU TTAC provides quality training and technical assistance in response to local, regional, and state needs.

Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (http://www.vddhh.org/) – VDDHH works to reduce the communication barriers between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, their families and the professionals who serve them. VDDHH operates with the full understanding that communication is the most critical issue facing persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Zero to Three (http://www.zerotothree.org/)
ZERO TO THREE’s mission is to provide the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities and those who work on their behalf. We are dedicated to advancing current knowledge; promoting beneficial policies and practices; communicating research and best practices to a wide variety of audiences; and providing training, technical assistance and leadership development. ZERO TO THREE is a national non-profit organization.

Inclusion

(links for this section are coming soon!)

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