Useful Links
Useful Links ~ Table of Contents
Birth-Five Organizations 
Disability Specific Resources 
Parent & Family Resources
Legal/Self-Advocacy 
Systems Serving the Disabled 
National Recreational Resources
Basic Generic Needs Assistive Technology 
Newsletters and Updates
Disclaimers: Please note, the WFREC does not endorse any of the listed 'useful links' resources. The purpose of this section is to provide a listing of continuous programs & organizations
to individuasl with special needs; and their family members. We are a clearinghouse of information and resources; and the compliation of these resources are meant as an opportunity
to share what is available in our community with you. Our goal is to have a listing of community resources that meaningfully integrate and include people with special needs into their program
Birth to Five Organizations and Resources
Ages and Stages
Quality developmental and social-emotional screening for children from one month to 5 ½ years. It looks at strengths, trouble spots, educates parents about developmental milestones, and incorporates parents' expert knowledge about their children.
Best Practices for Infants and Toddlers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
In 1998, Christine Yoshinaga-Itano (University of Colorado, Boulder) published landmark research, demonstrating that the identification of hearing loss by six months of age, followed by appropriate intervention, is the most effective strategy for the normal development of language in deaf and hard of hearing children. This research was the impetus behind the establishment of newborn hearing screening programs nationwide. The California Newborn Hearing Screening Program now offers hearing screening to the parents of all infants born in California Children’s Services approved birthing hospitals.
www.dds.ca.gov/EarlyStart/docs/BestPractices_ESInfantToddlersDeaf.pdf
Bright Future for Families
A project of Family Voices, developed in collaboration and with support the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It provides families with family-friendly child health and development information and materials based on the Bright Futures Guidelines used by health professionals across the country.
www.brightfuturesforfamilies.org/
CDC Milestones and Schedules for children 0-3 or 4-11:
Resources for children's development by how they play, learn, speak, and act. Parents can also learn about topics such as developmental disabilities, immunization recommendations, and screening.
http://www.cdc.gov/parents/children/milestones.html
Children's Home Society of California:
CHS reaches out to children and families at risk with a range of services to ensure every child the opportunity to develop within a safe, healthy, and secure environment. CHS provides a variety of services to children and families nationwide working to improve their lives by offering vital informational, educational, and resource services.
Dan the Man Gym
Gym classes for children ages 12 months to 5 years that helps them gain basic skills in coordination, independence, and health. They can learn skills by participating in activities such as stretching, gymnastics, coordination building, and basic apparatus skills.
EDSI – Early Development Screening & Intervention (UCLA):
http://www.healthychild.ucla.edu/slider/edsi/
For Our Babies:
A national movement promoting healthy development in U.S. children from birth to age three. They advocate types of environments, experiences, and relationships that infants and toddlers need in order to thrive. They advocate parental care, paid leave for parents for their child's care, screening and follow-up services, and quality infant and toddler care.
Gymboree
Over 30 years in fostering creativity and confidence in children from infancy to 5 years old. Consists of family fun classes where children can play and learn, and participate in music and art in 550 locations in 30 countries.
http://www.GymboreeClasses.com/index.jsp
First Five California:
Provides services and programs that directly benefit children and families and advocates for a sustainable early childhood system for future generations. They develop and integrate programs and resources designed to benefit three target audiences: the Child, the Teacher, and the Parent in the focus areas of Nutrition, Early Literacy and Language Development, and Smoking Cessation. It reaches out to low-income and hard-to-reach families.
First Five LA:
Increases the number of Los Angeles County Children from birth to five who are physically and emotionally healthy, ready to learn, and safe from harm. They help fund health, safety and early education programs for children prenatal to age 5 through revenue from tax on tobacco products.
FRC Network of CA:
Government official page that provides links to California Family Resource Centers. Family Resource Centers (FRC) work in partnership with local regional centers and education agencies and help many parents, families and children get information about early intervention services.
http://www.dds.ca.gov/
FRC Network of CA (To find your local FRC click here):
Early Start Family Resource Centers (ESFRC) provide information and reach out to families of children with disabilities. They serve families of children from birth to the age of three and many have funding which allows them to serve families with children over the age of three and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Provides services, which consist of programs that aid families in raising children with disabilities. They provide parent-to-parent services, a library of parenting books, and online "webinars" to parents first encountering raising children with disabilities.
www.FamilyResourceNetworkLAC.org
Powered through The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), they help to maintain physical, social, and mental health for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Through the healthy children foundation, the AAP supports the needs of its members, which include pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
ECTA's mission is to improve systems, practices and outcomes for young children and their families with disabilities. Their goal is to improve service systems and assist states in scaling up and sustaining effective services and research-based interventions to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities and their families.
An organization that provides information on prematurity and care for premature babies and children, and their parents. Since 1996, the Prematurity website has been a top ranked premature support site in major search engines, books, TV, and the news.
Works in advocating the needs of families experiencing the traumatic event of premature birth. They provide education, support, resources, and a sense of community through outreach programs and parent-to-parent support from birth throughout childhood.
Serves as a breastfeeding resource center that educates and guides parents as they learn to care for their baby. It also provides caring and a warm environment where new parents can bond with each other and their babies as they share experiences.
http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=TINFO_Home
Strives to support families from the very beginning. They aid parents in helping children become more flexible and resilient in life's many challenges.
YMCA offers Mommy and Me groups, childcare, after-school care, and preschools and redirects you based on your location. They focus in three key areas, which are nurturing the potential of kids, helping people live healthy, and supporting their neighbors to strengthen communities.
Disability Specific Resources
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD)
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 ADD and AD/HD. CHADD provides an informative website and also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications, and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD.
Provides resources for individuals with ADD and AD/HD. They provide guidelines for medications, treatments, and diagnoses for ADD and AD/HD.
AAC & Autism (Augmentative Alternative Communication):
The Center for AAC & Autism was established in 2009 to be a resource for clinicians, therapists, and parents who work to improve the language and communication skills of kids with autism. They thrive to create a community where people can come together to share successes and failures, encourage research, and learn from the children they serve in order to determine the best way to incorporate AAC to improve language and communication skills.
ACT Today! is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential. Their goal is to introduce and help facilitate early and on-going treatment by providing the necessary resources (including referrals, funding and guidance) to individuals with autism and their families.
They provide their resources to "reach out to make a difference" to children on the spectrum. They provide resources as therapies to help children on the spectrum including financial aid, iPad apps, service dogs, and special music made for children on the spectrum.
Autism NOW: The National Autism Resource and Information Center will be a dynamic and interactive, highly visible and effective central point of quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders.
The Autism Society, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Autism Society of America, California Chapter:
The mission of the Autism Society of California (ASC) is to improve the lives of all affected by an autism spectrum disorder. They increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
The Autism Society of Los Angeles is a non-profit corporation serving millions of people in the L.A. area affected by autism. They help improve the lives of all affected by autism in Los Angeles County by empowering individuals with autism, their families, and professionals through advocacy, education, support, and community collaboration..
Autism Society Greater Long Beach/San Gabriel Valley is a non-profit organization founded in 1971, and an affiliate of the Autism Society, a National organization. They provide information and referrals about behavior problems, education and treatment programs, your child’s right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), inclusion, how and where to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis, specialized facilities such as camps or residential programs, federal and state legislation, how to be an advocate for your child and more.
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into 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.
While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition in which the needs of your child will change over time, there is hope for your child to live a fulfilled life with the support and company of loved ones. Since 1993, FEAT families and supporters have worked hard to improve treatment resources and advocacy services; and effect changes in the minds of those who make program decisions for individuals with autism and their families.
MyAutismTeam gives you the easiest way to find the best providers who can help your child thrive. It provides the ability to share with other parents like you, and learn from their experience. In addition to the searchable local business database, they provide a social network to make it easier for parents to connect with each other and exchange insights about providers.
The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program creates and cultivates the development of exemplary community-based services, training programs, and research to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and for their families across the lifespan. TEACCH developed the concept of the "Culture of Autism" as a way of thinking about the characteristic patterns of thinking and behavior seen in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides real help for children with autism and their families. They educate, empower, support and connect families with the resources they need to secure the best possible future for their children.
A friendly online chat support group for the autism spectrum. Consists of a group of parents, friends, teachers and those on the spectrum with no debates or arguments.
The Gray Center is a nonprofit organization which cultivates the strengths of individuals with autism and those who interact with them, and globally promotes social understanding. They help to assist all individuals in the shared challenge of building and maintaining effective social connections.
American Foundation for the Blind:
The American Foundation for the Blind removes barriers, creates solutions, and expands possibilities so people with vision loss can achieve their full potential. As a national nonprofit with offices in five US cities, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a leader in expanding possibilities for the more than 20 million Americans living with vision loss.
Before the Civil War, a Louisville company was formed to provide products for people who are blind. The American Printing House for the Blind promotes independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life.
In 1998, Christine Yoshinaga-Itano (University of Colorado, Boulder) published landmark research, demonstrating that the identification of hearing loss by six months of age, followed by appropriate intervention, is the most effective strategy for the normal development of language in deaf and hard of hearing children. This research was the impetus behind the establishment of newborn hearing screening programs nationwide. The California Newborn Hearing Screening Program now offers hearing screening to the parents of all infants born in California Children's Services approved birthing hospitals.
BestPractices_ESInfantToddlersDeaf.pdf
The Blind Childrens Center was founded in 1938, by members of the Southern California Delta Gamma Fraternity, to serve children from birth to school-age who are blind or severely visually impaired. The Center's goal is to provide a comprehensive program of specialized education and training which will optimize the blind or visually impaired child's development and consequent opportunities to lead a meaningful and productive life.
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. We offer a variety of Free Programs, Classes and Services at five Centers and 220 Community Outreach locations throughout Southern California.
http://www.brailleinstitute.org/
California Deaf-Blind Services promotes positive quality of life for individuals from birth through age 21 who have both hearing and vision loss. The goal of the project is to facilitate maximum participation in preferred life activities. California Deaf-Blind Services collaborates with individuals who are deaf-blind to celebrate strengths, recognize unique needs, and develop personalized supports and services. Read more: http://www.cadbs.org/mission-statement/
NCDB is a national technical assistance (TA) and dissemination center for children and youth who are deaf-blind. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Junior Blind of America's programs serve thousands of infants, children, teens and adults at no cost to families. Each year, with the help of volunteers, donors and friends, it provides the blind with the skills they need to achieve their goals, regardless of visual impairment or other disabilities.
http://www.juniorblind.org/
National Consortium of Deaf-Blindness (literacy website):
Development of the "All Children Can Read" site began in 2006 as part of the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) Literacy Practice Partnership. The goal of this site is to provide information and resources for teaching and working with children who have complex learning challenges. Specifically, the site is designed for individual state deaf-blind projects, teachers, family members and related services providers interested in beginning or enhancing literacy instruction for children who have combined vision and hearing loss.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.
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.
A blog that provides learning services to people who suffer from hearing or vision loss. It primarily touches upon "lip reading" for the deaf.
Q&A forum with questions and answers for parents of blind children.
Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (CCBD):
CCBD is an international community of educators which is the voice and vision of special education for children and youth with or at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders. CCBD is a diverse, vibrant professional organization that works together and with others to ensure that these students are valued and included in all aspects of life.
The TA Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education to give schools capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices.
United Cerebral Palsy:
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. UCP and its nearly 100 affiliates have a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities by providing services and support to more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time.
MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience) provides opportunities for children and adults with severe disabilities to improve skills (and independence) to sit, stand, walk and transition while participating in everyday activities of daily living in classrooms, care facilities and homes. This is achieved through instruction and the use of adaptive equipment.
http://www.move-international.org/
American Sign Language (ASL) Browser:
A resource for sign language hand positions. Allows a user to click on any word and see each hand position in sign-language for each word.
http://www.commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm
California Deaf-Blind Services promotes positive quality of life for individuals from birth through age 21 who have both hearing and vision loss. The goal of the project is to facilitate maximum participation in preferred life activities. California Deaf-Blind Services collaborates with individuals who are deaf-blind to celebrate strengths, recognize unique needs, and develop personalized supports and services. Read more: http://www.cadbs.org/mission-statement/
As a national presence, Hands & Voices has been able to build a strong network of families, professionals in all related fields, state/federal tech support resources, modality-based groups, institutions of higher education, service providers, and consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing. They share ideas and advice, collaborate on projects, and pass on information of interest to each other.
http://www.handsandvoices.org National: http://www.handsandvoices.org/
NCDB is a national technical assistance (TA) and dissemination center for children and youth who are deaf-blind. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
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.
Gallaudet University Press is a vital, self-supporting member of the Gallaudet educational and scholarly community. The mission of the Press is to disseminate knowledge about deaf and hard of hearing people, their languages, their communities, their history, and their education through print and electronic media.
The mission of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) is to ensure equal access of the deaf and hard of hearing community to the same opportunities afforded their hearing counterparts. The organization’s general purposes and powers are directed around the promotion of the social, recreational, cultural, educational, and vocational well-being of its deaf and hard of hearing constituents.
Handspeak:
Sign-language learning resources for the deaf. Includes a sign language dictionary and online webinars for how to learn sign language.
The House Research Institute (formerly House Ear Institute) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss and related disorders through scientific research, patient care, and the sharing of knowledge. Established in 1946 by Howard P. House, M.D., the House Research Institute has been engaged in the scientific exploration of the auditory system from the ear canal to the cortex of the brain for more than 60 years.
IMPACT is a California statewide all-volunteer, non-profit organization of parents, teachers and professionals serving deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Established in 1986 by 12 parents, IMPACT has a current membership of over 300 and is supported and encouraged by a host of organizations that serve the deaf community.
John Tracy Clinic (JTC) provides worldwide, parent-centered services to young children (ages 0-5) with a hearing loss offering families hope, guidance and encouragement.JTC is the leading diagnostic and education center for young children with hearing loss. We are the largest private provider of services to families with young children overcoming hearing loss in the world.
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University provides information, training, and technical assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our mission is to improve the quality of education afforded to deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21 throughout the United States.
http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc_center/information_and_resources/info_to_go.html
The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. NEI research leads to sight-saving treatments, reduces visual impairment and blindness, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. NEI-supported research has advanced the knowledge of how the visual system functions in health and disease.
Development of the "All Children Can Read" site began in 2006 as part of the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) Literacy Practice Partnership. The goal of this site is to provide information and resources for teaching and working with children who have complex learning challenges. Specifically, the site is designed for individual state deaf-blind projects, teachers, family members and related services providers interested in beginning or enhancing literacy instruction for children who have combined vision and hearing loss.
A blog that provides learning services to people who suffer from hearing or vision loss. It primarily touches upon "lip reading" for the deaf.
Association for Down Syndrome (NADS):
NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Their mission is to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential in all aspects of community life. We offer information, support, and advocacy.
The primary mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles is to enhance the welfare of people with Down syndrome and their families through the development and promotion of education, counseling, employment and recreational programs. We strive to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome.
Club 21's mission is to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities, so those individuals will reach their true potential. Club 21's strategy is to partner with parents on their child's educational pathway by creating educational partnerships and progressive programs that enable individuals with Down syndrome to fully integrate into our society.
The NDSC works to empower its members and all people with Down syndrome by creating a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome. This purpose is enhanced by the commitment of NDSC.
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. The National Down Syndrome Society envisions 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.
Epilepsy Foundation:
The Epilepsy Foundation is a strong advocate for people with epilepsy. They are active in Congress and the courts, focusing attention on the needs of people with epilepsy. They work to promote research for a cure; raise awareness about epilepsy, improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, and ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is leading the fight to END EPILEPSY and overcome challenges created by seizures by focusing on Care, Advocacy, Research and Education (CARE). Through CARE, they offer a range of services and programs to help, support, advocate for, and empower those who are affected by epilepsy and their caregivers. They also support research to accelerate cures for the epilepsies, support the training and work of new pediatric neurology/epilepsy specialists, and also seek to educate the general public.
Sophia's Garden Foundation:
A foundation for children with life-threatening disabilities. They create and proliferate a community-based approach to healing, Healing in Community™, as a compassionate and highly effective way of caring for children with life-threatening conditions, and as a way for families to take charge of their child's health care and to improve the quality of life, lengthen life span and ultimately find cures.
www.sophiasgarden.org/index.html
The ARC:
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD's goals are to enhance the capacity of professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, participate in the development of a society that fully includes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to build an effective, responsive, well managed, responsibly-governed, and sustainable organization.
Provides info for what Fetal Alchohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). They provide resources as to what birth defects, symptoms, and neurodevelopmental disorders they cause.
The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities.
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD)
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 ADD and AD/HD. CHADD provides an informative website and also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications, and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD.
Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. At the national, state and local levels, LDA provides cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make the Learning Disabilities Association of America the leading resource for information on learning disabilities.
LDA-CA is a non-profit volunteer organization of parents, professionals, and adults with learning disabilities. Its purpose is to promote and support the education and general welfare of children and adults of potentially normal intelligence who manifest learning, perceptual, and/or behavioral handicaps.
The Los Angeles Learning Disabilities Association is an affiliate of the Learning Disabilities Association of California which is affiliated with the Learning Disabilities Association of America. LALDA supports the mission statement of LDA of America as follows… LDA is a non-profit organization of volunteers, including individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and professionals who serve them.
LD Online is the world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals each month. LD Online seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes is an organization dedicated to helping children and adults learn to their potential. Our research-validated instructional programs strengthen reading, comprehension, and math skills by developing the sensory-cognitive functions that form the foundation of learning.
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives. They provide hope, empowerment and connections worldwide by bringing together science and the human experience for both adults with ADHD and professionals who serve them.
RecognitionandResponse.org supports a new systemic approach that can help early educators and parents ensure early school success for all children, including those at risk for learning difficulties. This approach is consistent with best practice in early childhood education and with evidence that supports seamless and effective transition from Pre-K to the early school grades.
www.RecognitionAndResponse.org
Provides resources for individuals with ADD and AD/HD. They provide guidelines for medications, treatments, and diagnoses for ADD and AD/HD.
The Division for Learning Disabilities (DLD) is one of 17 special interest groups of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, including both students with disabilities and the gifted. Since the early 1983, DLD has worked on behalf of students with learning disabilities and the professionals who serve them to meet the needs of more millions of school-aged children and youth currently identified as having learning disabilities in the United States.
Research and Training Center on Family support and Children's Mental Health:
The Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health was established in 1984 at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education, and the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding for the Center ended September 30, 2009. The Center was dedicated to promoting effective community-based, culturally competent, family-centered services for families and their children who are, or may be affected by mental, emotional or behavioral disorders.
Brain Impairment ~ Degenerative Brain Disease ~ Traumatic Brain Injury ~ Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center:
LACRC is part of a statewide system of regional resource centers created by California legislation passed in 1984 and designed to assist families and caregivers of adults with brain impairment. The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center assists those who care for adults who are permanently brain impaired after age 18. All who reside in Los Angeles County are eligible for some or all of the services.
http://www.la4seniors.com/lcrc.htm
Mothers United for Moral Support is no longer a Parent-to-Parent matching organization, but will continue to provide information and resources. MUMS was a national Parent-to-Parent organization for parents or care providers of a child with any disability, rare or not so rare disorder, chromosomal abnormality or health condition. MUMS' main purpose wass to provide support to parents in the form of a networking system that matches them with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition.
The BRAIN initiative, and President Obama's concept of this as "one of the Administration’s Grand Challenges of the 21st century," presents an extraordinary opportunity for the neuroscience community and for patients with brain disorders. The BRAIN Initiative will support the development of the new tools, technologies and research strategies required to reach this goal.
NORD serves all stakeholders in the rare disease community, including patients and their families, patient organizations, researchers, medical professionals, and companies developing orphan products. They also work closely with many government agencies, most notably the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All NORD programs are focused on one ultimate goal- to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by rare diseases.
Did you know that PWSA (USA), which is funded through our "On The Move" activities and other donations, provides for the most extensive support services for families and people with PWS in the world. In addition to Research, PWSA (USA) provides Family Support Services.
Prader-Willi California Foundation (PWCF) was established in 1979 as a non-profit, charitable organization by parents of persons with Prader-Willi syndrome. PWCF is an affiliate member of the national Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA). Our founders’ aspirations were to improve the educational and residential quality of life of individuals born with the syndrome.
Parent and Family Resources
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Autism Asperger Publishing Co:
AAPC Publishing specializes in providing mainstream, hands-on advice and information to parents, educators and others about topics related to autism spectrum disorders. Accordingly, their books are more practical than technical.
They are recognized as the leading and most trusted publisher in the fields, partnering with top experts to deliver relevant, high-quality, research-backed content in optimal form and price for our customers. They show their commitment and connection to the areas in which they publish through their active involvement in the communities they serve.
Future Horizons was founded in 1996 in the belief that dissemination of information about autism and Asperger’s Syndrome through books, conferences, and other media would beneficially impact those who live and work with the condition, personally and professionally. Devoted entirely to supporting and fostering such works and programs, Future Horizons has grown to be a world leader in publications and conferences on autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
JKP publishes books for professional and general readers in a range of subjects. They are well known for their long established lists on the autism spectrum, on social work, and on the arts therapies. More recently they have published extensively in the fields of mental health, counselling, palliative care, and practical theology.
Special Needs Project is a place to get child development textbooks, books about aspergers syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. Located in Santa Barbara, California, SNP serves families, professionals, agencies and schools worldwide with the largest, most authoritative collection of disability-related materials.
Consists of nine colleagues who have worked together for years to publish books. Most of them have had some personal experience with special needs.
AbilityHub (Assistive Technology Solutions):
The guide to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers, operated by Alive By Nature Inc. They have also expanded their company to sell health and beauty products as well.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. Centers, portfolios, and initiatives support the work needed to make research on quality of health care services possible.
All About Loving Care provides the best service, care, and match for you and your family so that you can relax, feel secure, and focus on other areas of life's enjoyments. They give you quality, safe and cost effective home care services for your day-to-day tasks in order to live a full and independent life, for as long as you can.
The Medicaid program provides health insurance for 3.08 million low-income children in California. Medicaid is an indispensable health program providing health insurance coverage for part or all of the year to 4 in 9 children.
Association for Direct Instruction:
Education shapes the life of every individual and is fundamental to the survival and success of society. Education is too important to leave to chance; nothing less than excellence will do. The Association for Direct Instruction was founded to promote research validated instructional methods that result in an outstanding education for all students, and prepares them to be fully engaged members of society.
The Cal-TASH organization supports practices that promote our resolution that all people, regardless of their label or perceived level of disability, should have the supports they need to direct the course of their own lives, and to live and participate successfully in inclusive schools and communities.
http://www.tash.org/chapters/
Canine Companions for Independence Enhances the lives of people with disabilities, highly trained assistance dogs:
Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, CCI is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people.
Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals with special needs and their families (e.g. Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy... etc). All the parent members are volunteers, and strive to help each individual achieve his or her full potential toward a meaningful and productive life, to encourage opportunities of social integration, and social inclusion into mainstream society.
Connections For Children is the non-profit Child Care Resource and Referral agency serving child care providers, educators, and parents in the West Los Angeles and South Bay communities. They offer assistance to parents and child care professionals seeking information, referrals, and education. Connections For Children has linked children's advocates, service providers, and parents about issues affecting children and families for over 25 years.
http://www.cfc-ca.org/about/
Center for Disease Control (CDC): National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities:
The official government page for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are around 24/7 for health services to help save lives and protect people.
CODI serves as a community resource for consumers and professionals by providing disability information in a wide variety of areas. It consists of both an Internet Directory of Disability Information and a repository of electronic disability documents, dating back to the early 1990s. Many of the documents on CODI are publicly available nowhere else on the Internet.
The mission of Crystal Stairs is "improving the lives of families though child care services, research and advocacy." They host "Lunch and Learn" events, which are opportunities for the community to learn about Crystal Stairs, their history and work and to celebrate the successes of our most recent fiscal year.
http://www.crystalstairs.org/news_events/news_press_lunch_learn.html
NCDB is a national technical assistance (TA) and dissemination center for children and youth who are deaf-blind. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
The Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP) is a public program mandated by the California State Legislature and administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The DDTP has two components: the California Relay Service (CRS), which includes Speech to Speech, and the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) which provides assistive telecommunications equipment. The mission of the program is to provide access to basic telephone service for Californians who have difficulty using the telephone.
Since 1916, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service with the care of their national parks. With the help of volunteers and park partners, they safeguard these more than 400 places and to share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year.
Disability resources for every disability by state. The California Disability page consists of resources for disabilities throughout the state of California.
http://www.
Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH):
Through an array of activities such as education and outreach, advocacy, direct action and publicity, they work on the federal, state and local levels to insure that the civil and human rights of persons with disabilities are recognized and fully honored in provision of housing. They work to insure that the independent living and consumer/survivor models based on consumer control and choice, integrated living, visiting options and freedom from mandated services are followed in the provision of housing.
http://old.libertyresources.org/Advocacy/Housing/nac.htm
The Disability Statistics Center produces and disseminates policy-relevant statistical information on the demographics and status of people with disabilities in American society. The Center's work focuses on how that status is changing over time with regard to employment, access to technology, health care, community-based services, and other aspects of independent living and participation in society.
http://www.dsc.ucsf.edu/main.php?name=finding_data#sources
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. Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 90 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
The mission of EmpowerTech is to educate, train, support, and empower people with physical and developmental disabilities through assistive technology (AT). Today, the agency now known as EmpowerTech, is helping more people in better ways than ever. With EmpowerTech's knowledge of state-of-the art software and hardware and association with software and hardware vendors and developers, EmpowerTech is able to bring its clients the very latest in assistive technology.
Etta pioneered providing support and programming for the Iranian Jewish Community in Los Angeles, and the division continues to break the mold. The Iranian-American Community Services Division offers the only support group for parents of children with disabilities conducted in Farsi. Additional Services include community outreach, education and translation of important articles into Farsi.
Exceptional Children's Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and adults with developmental and other disabilities to enable them to reach their greatest potential. Over the years, ECF has developed into a comprehensive education, rehabilitation, social service, and advocacy agency that provides a broad range of innovative services to assist the developmentally disabled a chance to enjoy life at their fullest.
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. They offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, they provide information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.
A disability service and help center. It provides resources for people with disabilities such as tips for living with a disability, disability insurance, disability grants, and much more.
Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.
The official US Department of Housing and Urban Development page for housing for people with disabilities. This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions on the housing rights of people with disabilities and the responsibilities of housing providers and building and design professionals under federal law.
http://www.hud.gov/groups/
Family Village (A Global Community of Disability-Related Resources):
The Family Village is a web site for children and adults with disabilities, their families, and their friends and allies. Family Village brings together thousands of online resources in a organized, easy-to-use directory. The centerpiece of Family Village is the library, where visitors can find information on over 300 diagnosis.
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/
Kidsdata.org, a program of the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, is a public service that promotes the health and well being of children by making trustworthy information easily accessible to policymakers, service providers, grantseekers, advocates, media, parents, educators, and others who influence kids' lives. Through kidsdata.org, the foundation aims to raise the visibility of key issues affecting California's children and make it easy for leaders and policymakers to use data in their work, whether that's assessing community needs, setting priorities, tracking progress, making program/policy decisions, or identifying new areas of concern.
Based on Jewish values, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles convenes and leads the community and leverages its resources to assure the continuity of the Jewish people, support a secure State of Israel, care for Jews in need here and abroad, and mobilize on issues of concern to the local community, all with our local, national, and international partners.
http://www.jewishla.org/pages/special-needs
Independent Living Centers are typically non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities. Also, Independent Living Centers serve as a strong advocacy voice on a wide range of national, state and local issues. They work to assure physical and programmatic access to housing, employment, transportation, communities, recreational facilities, and health and social services. These are just a few of the services offered.
http://www.ilusa.com/links/
Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center:
LACRC is part of a statewide system of regional resource centers created by California legislation passed in 1984 and designed to assist families and caregivers of adults with brain impairment. The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center assists those who care for adults who are permanently brain impaired after age 18. All who reside in Los Angeles County are eligible for some or all of the services.
http://www.la4seniors.com/lcrc.htm
As a global nonprofit, MedicAlert focuses on the well-being of others. They give you the freedom to live fearlessly, confident in the coverage we provide as the world's most dependable medical identification and information network. We have designed our membership services to eliminate worry and ensure your medical needs are met with speed, accuracy and care.
http://www.medicalert.org/shop/shopHome.htm?selected=MedicAlert+Jewelry
NAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources. NAEYC expresses its mission in improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education, supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education, building a high-performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children.
UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone--not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.
The National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP), located at Education Development Center, Inc., was funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs from 1992-1998 to promote the effective use of technology to enhance educational outcomes for students with sensory, cognitive, physical and social/emotional disabilities.
NCDB is a national technical assistance (TA) and dissemination center for children and youth who are deaf-blind. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
NCD is an independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. NCD is comprised of a team of fifteen Presidential appointees , an Executive Director appointed by the Chairman, and eleven, full-time professional staff.
The National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) is the world's foremost Direct Instruction (DI) support provider. This website provides information and resources for administrators, teachers, and parents to help them maximize student achievement through DI. The website also contains information on DI's extensive and broad research base, including a searchable database of more than one hundred article summaries.
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. They provide books, magazines, and audio-tapes including on Braille and on Foreign policy.
OSERS is committed to the broad values of Inclusion, Equity and Opportunity for infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults with disabilities to actively participate in all aspects of life. OSERS promotes inclusion, ensures equity and creates opportunity as we strive to improve results and outcomes for children and adults with disabilities.
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html
A blog that provides learning services to people who suffer from hearing or vision loss. It primarily touches upon "lip reading" for the deaf.
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. Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families.
Parent-to-Parent is a program where experienced support parents through a one-to-one match provide emotional and informational support to parents of children with special health care needs, disabilities, and mental health needs. The Beach Center has had a partnership for two decades with Parent to Parent USA which is a national non-profit organization committed to assuring access and quality in Parent to Parent support across the country.
http://www.beachcenter.org/families/parent_to_parent/default.aspx
The ALLIANCE National Parent Technical Assistance Center (NPTAC) provides Parent Centers, Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs), with innovative technical assistance, up-to-date information, and high quality resources and materials. A major goal of the ALLIANCE National PTAC is to build the capacity of Parent Centers in order to improve results for children with disabilities ages 0 -26 in rural, urban and suburban areas and from underrepresented and underserved populations.
http://www.parentcenternetwork.org/national/aboutus.html
Twenty five years ago, the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities created a ground-breaking, innovative training program called Partners in Policymaking to teach parents and self-advocates the power of advocacy to change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. During the past two decades, important issues have been confronted and dramatic changes have been made.
www.partnersinpolicymaking.
President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities:
The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities.
Prevent Blindness America is committed to providing help and hope to Americans of all ages as they strive to maintain healthy vision for a lifetime. Taking care of your eyes and learning about your health is a first step to preventing vision loss from common eye problems.
http://www.preventblindness.org/children/ch_eye_problems.html
PE Central (pecentral.org) is the most widely used Web site for health and physical education teachers, parents, and students. Resources on the site include over 2000 physical education and health lesson ideas and Best Practices, a growing media center including 100 videos, and a series of programs designed to motivate children to improve their fitness levels (Log It), activity skills (The PE Central Challenge) and their health and nutrition knowledge (The Kids Quiz). In 2010 the site averaged over 125,000 unique visitors a month from its' global audience. It is not uncommon for the site to reach over 165,000 unique visitors during September and October.
http://www.pecentral.org/adapted/adaptedmenu.html
From initial concept to final construction, Purple Cherry Architects is dedicated to helping your project succeed. By taking the time to listen carefully to your needs, conduct necessary research and explore options, we are able to develop solutions that exceed our clients' expectations.
Since the opening of their flagship playground, Shane’s Inspiration has helped raise millions of dollars to develop over 40 Universally Accessible Playground projects throughout Southern California and as far away as Sri Lanka. They also reach over 2,600 children each year through transportation, education and community outreach programs.
SELPAs are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and that special needs students must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of society. SELPAs facilitate high quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SELPA collaborates with county agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/caselpas.asp
Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) is a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities. Their long list of programs and campaigns address issues from both a top-down approach- by changing government legislation; and bottom-up- by collaborating directly with parents, caretakers, and healthcare professionals who work with children with developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Online Bookstore:
SpecialNeeds.com is the leader in special needs information and essential resources. They provide expert Editorial Contributors including authorities in the community, Medical Miracles, and breakthroughs, and thousands of vital articles that help Special Needs Families successfully navigate raising a special needs child.
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. They offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.
http://www.fctd.info/show/fig_
The Washington State Fathers Network (WSFN) connects men with other dads, resources, information and education, plus opportunities for "all family" celebrations. Focus is on assisting fathers as they become more competent and compassionate caregivers for their children with special needs. WSFN is the only regional program in the United States and Canada fully devoted to fathers of children with special health care needs and developmental disabilities.
The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. Their mission is accomplished by training local service providers on how to create community-based peer support programs for young siblings; hosting workshops, listservs, and websites for young and adult siblings; and increasing parents' and providers' awareness of siblings' unique, lifelong, and ever-changing concerns through workshops, websites, and written materials.
The US Department of Education Title V Program, which involves health related services and programs for people with special needs. The purpose of this is to support local education reform efforts that are consistent with and support statewide education reform efforts and to provide funding to enable State educational agencies and local educational agencies to implement promising educational reform programs and school improvement programs based on scientifically based research.
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg57.html
Despite losing his vision at the age of 13, Erik Weihenmayer has become one of the most celebrated and accomplished adventurers in the world. In 2001, Erik became the only blind climber in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In 2008, he completed his quest to climb the Seven Summits- the tallest peak on each of the seven continents. Since then, he continues to inspire others through actions and deeds.
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Includes a list of government-funded services and agencies for people with disabilities.
Vietnamese Parents With Disabled Children Association, Inc. (VPDCA) was established in 1986, and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1988. The Association founding members included parents who participated in, and assumed leadership roles as part of the nationally regconized Multicultural Training-of-Trainers (MTOT). They are committed to developing a volunteer organization that can continue providing assistance to Vietnamese parents of children with disabilities.
http://www.vpdca.org/default.aspx
WestEd, a research, development, and service agency, works with education and other communities to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults. Kindergartners to university graduate students in Sacramento, CA, are brought together to learn about agriculture and environmental sustainability — from building solar-powered toy cars to surveying land.
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
Legal and/or Self-Advocacy
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504 Accommodation Checklist:
If you have a child who does not qualify for special education but has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning, that child may qualify for special help in a regular classroom setting under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This provides a list of areas of concern and possible accommodations that may help your child succeed in the classroom. The list can be used as a reference for parents and school personnel.
http://www.lovejoyschools.com/504_accomodations.htm
ean Murrell Adams opened the law firm of ADAMS ESQ in October of 2002. Ms. Adams’ experiences in advocating for a child with exceptional needs compelled her to establish a special education law practice. The attorneys and staff of ADAMS ESQ are committed to improving the lives of children with disabilities by advocating for free and appropriate education.
http://www.adamsesq.com/id0.html
Area Boards were created by state law in 1969 to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families get the services they need. The mission of the Area Board is to protect and advocate for the civil, legal, and service rights of persons with developmental disabilities, and to ensure that the support and services they receive are of the highest possible quality.
http://www.areaboard10.org/index.asp
Bet Tzedek's duty in life is to relentlessly pursue justice. For the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick and the elderly, justice is far too often something that doesn’t belong to them. So Bet Tzedek, the House of Justice, steps in to give them an equal voice, a fair shot.
Enter your California address and click the locate button to find your State Senate and Assembly representatives. This site is to be used for informational purposes only. To accurately determine your district please contact your local county registrar or elections department. The maps and information shown in this site are based on the districts established by the 2011 redistricting, except as otherwise noted. As a result of redistricting, your area may be represented by two Senators, or may not be represented by any Senator, during the 2013-14 legislative session.
http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
DRLC seeks to promote change primarily in government agencies and other institutions by establishing precedent-setting court cases, and by educating the disability, business, government, education, cancer and legal communities to avoid common issues that result in discrimination. DRLC trains local government and people with disabilities, and has close working relationships with disability commissions and grassroots disability organizations. They partner with other public interest law offices and private law firms to litigate systemic issues and legislative advocacy efforts.
www.DisabilityRightsLegalCenter.org
Disability Rights of California (DRC):
DRC advocates, educates, investigates and litigates to advance and protect the rights of Californians with disabilities. They envision a barrier-free, inclusive, diverse world that values each individual and their voice. In this world, all people with disabilities enjoy the power of equal rights and opportunities, dignity, choice, independence and freedom from abuse, neglect and discrimination.
The mission of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development. They work to replace this legacy with the core principles of equality of opportunity, disability accommodation, accessibility, and inclusion by employing the following strategies.
Evaluation for Special Education and Related Services:
The evaluation process is guided by requirements in our nation's special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This section of NICHCY's website will help you learn more about what these requirements are.
http://nichcy.org/schoolage/evaluation
Family Voices of California (FVCA) is a statewide grassroots clearinghouse for information and education about ways to assure and improve health care for children with disabilities and chronic conditions. FVCA was established through the linkage of Family Voices National and the Family Resource Centers Network of California. The FVCA Council is made up agencies from across the state that represents urban, suburban and rural areas in 36 counties.
http://www.familyvoicesofca.org/about2.html
The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) oversees all HMOs in California and some other kinds of health plans. The information in this section can help you understand different types of health plans and compare plans. There is also information for people who are not insured. This website can help you learn about keeping your group health plans or buying individual health insurance. Group health insurance is health insurance you have through an employer or union. Individual health insurance is health insurance you buy on your own.
The Housing Rights Center ("HRC") is the nation's largest nonprofit, civil-rights organization dedicated to promoting and securing fair housing. HRC actively supports and promotes freedom of residence through education, advocacy and litigation, to the end that all persons have the opportunity to secure the housing they desire and can afford, without discrimination based on their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, marital status, disability, ancestry, age, source of income, or other characteristics protected by law.
Throughout your child's school years, there is always a need to communicate with the school's teachers, administrators, and others concerned with your child's education. There are also times when the school needs to communicate with you. Letters provide both you and the school with a record of ideas, concerns, and suggestions.
This Manual has one purpose: to help you understand some of your rights as a person with developmental disabilities in California. The Manual focuses on your rights to supports and services under the Lanterman Act -- your rights with the regional center and service providers.
Lanterman Rights & Responsibilities
Learning Rights Law Center (LRLC), officially founded in 2005, is an independent non-profit organization, whose sole mission is ensuring that all students are provided with equitable access to the public education system, with a focus towards students involved in the welfare and/or juvenile justice systems; students with learning disabilities and/or learning difficulties; and students not accessing the public school system because of language, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, homeless or inadequate facilities. The following mechanisms combine to deliver service: advocacy and policy work; education and training; litigation; and development of materials.
Limited Conservatorships: Limited Conservatorship is a legal proceeding for protection of developmentally disabled adults. It gives the one(s) appointed by the court the authority to manage certain facets of their loved one's life, including the authority to make decisions that promote personal growth and independence.
Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center:
LACRC is part of a statewide system of regional resource centers created by California legislation passed in 1984 and designed to assist families and caregivers of adults with brain impairment. The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center assists those who care for adults who are permanently brain impaired after age 18. All who reside in Los Angeles County are eligible for some or all of the services.
http://www.la4seniors.com/lcrc.htm
Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc. (MHAS) is a private, non-profit organization established in 1977 to provide free legal services to people with mental and developmental disabilities. MHAS is sponsored by the Los Angeles County and Beverly Hills Bar Associations and the Mental Health Association in California. MHAS assists both children and adults, with an emphasis on obtaining government benefits and services, protecting rights, and fighting discrimination.
NICHCY is very pleased to offer you a wealth of information on disabilities! NICHCY serve the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Here, you'll also find easy-to-read information on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education.
The Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA) is part of Disability Rights California. OCRA has a Clients' Rights Advocate (CRA) at each regional center. The CRA helps protect regional center consumer's rights.
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/about/ocra.htm
Twenty five years ago, the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities created a ground-breaking, innovative training program called Partners in Policymaking to teach parents and self-advocates the power of advocacy to change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. During the past two decades, important issues have been confronted and dramatic changes have been made.
www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/index.html
After generations of being invisible People First of California has joined together, with their OWN voice to inspire and educate each other "peer to peer" throughout the state, to start People First chapters. They train, inform, and support all people with developmental disabilities to help our peers learn to speak up for themselves, know our rights and responsibilities, make decisions and solve problems, and, stand together in unity, to take our rightful place in the world.
www.peoplefirstca.org/index.
Special Education Rights Manual:
Manuals on California's disabilities rights acts. Lists the Special Education Rights and Responsibilities for all California citizens.
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/PublicationsSERREnglish.htm
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 by providing them, their families and the professionals who serve them with training, support, information, resources and referrals, and by providing community awareness programs. Initially, the primary focus was on children three to 21 years of age, but services evolved to include all ages, especially in the TASK Technology Center.
Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Begin your search in the Advocacy Libraries and Law Libraries, which include thousands of articles, cases, and resources about dozens of topics.
CFILC – California Foundation for Independent Living Centers:
They help to achieve greater input, participation and control over policies and services especially those for people with disabilities, including those that exclude them. In the spirit of unity, collaboration and respect for the human dignity and civil rights of all people, Communities Actively Living Independent & Free (CALIF) envisions a culturally diverse independent living center designed to empower the Disability Community.
Westside Center for Independent Living:
The Westside Center for Independent Living is a non-residential center dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with all kinds of disabilities. The goal of the peer-led programs and services is the elimination of economic, social, attitudinal and environmental barriers.
AB3632 - Mental Health Services Through School:
State law assigns responsibility for providing services to individuals with psychiatric disabilities to more than one agency. Understanding each agency’s responsibility and the ways in which interagency disputes can be resolved, will help insure that students with mental health needs will receive the services they need in a timely fashion. This information letter discusses coordination of mental health services between county departments of mental health (CMH) and local school districts for students with disabilities.
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/OPR/Empowerment/ER08.pdf
Following is the current text of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [ADA], including changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325), which became effective on January 1, 2009. The ADA was originally enacted in public law format and later rearranged and published in the United States Code.
http://www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Includes a list of government-funded services and agencies for people with disabilities.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
http://idea.ed.gov (Quick Summary): http://www.help4adhd.org/en/
Lanterman Rights & Responsibilities:
This Manual has one purpose: to help you understand some of your rights as a person with developmental disabilities in California. The Manual focuses on your rights to supports and services under the Lanterman Act -- your rights with the regional center and service providers.
Lanterman Rights & Responsibilities
The No Child Left Behind government page for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Information on No Child Left Behind, including the Act and policy, and the Obama Administration's blueprint for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/
Special Education & the Individualized Education Program:
The purpose of this guidance is to assist educators, parents, and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with disabilities, including preschool-aged children. (This guide does not address the development of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for infants and toddlers.)
http://www.ed.gov/parents/
504 Accommodation Checklist:
If you have a child who does not qualify for special education but has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning, that child may qualify for special help in a regular classroom setting under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This provides a list of areas of concern and possible accommodations that may help your child succeed in the classroom. The list can be used as a reference for parents and school personnel.
http://www.lovejoyschools.com/504_accomodations.htm
Systems Serving People with Disabilities in California
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California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) :
The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities. They provide rehabilitional services, specialized services, independent living services, and more.
Home Page:
California Children's Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/pcfh/
CDE Home Page:
California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, CDE prepares students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.
The CDE provides state leadership and policy direction for school district programs and services for students who have disabilities. This leadership includes providing families with information on the education of children with disabilities. The CDE works cooperatively with other state agencies to provide everything from family-centered services for infants and preschool children to planned steps for transition from high school to employment and quality adult life.
SELPAs are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and that special needs students must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of society. SELPAs facilitate high quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SELPA collaborates with county agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/caselpas.asp
L.A. Care Health Plan ("L.A. Care"), responding to these particular challenges facing low-income families of children with disabilities and the system of care available to them, recognized that L.A. Care health care professionals and L.A. Care's pediatric members with disabilities needed a resource guide. L.A. Care funded the Disability Rights Legal Center's ("DRLC's") Children's Benefits Access Project to educate L.A. Care's pediatric members with disabilities, their families and other children in Los Angeles County who may be eligible for public programs, as well as the health care professionals providing services to these children, about the responsibilities of the various governmental entities that provide health care and related services.
Children Benefits Access Guide
American Academy of Pediatricians the Children's Hospital Association:
The Medicaid program provides health insurance for 3.08 million low-income children in California. Medicaid is an indispensable health program providing health insurance coverage for part or all of the year to 4 in 9 children.
American Academy of Pediatrics:
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 pediatricians. They are committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Family Voices of California (FVCA) is a statewide collaborative of locally-based parent run centers working to ensure quality health care for children and youth with special health care needs. FVCA builds the capacity of parent centers throughout California to provide families with the information and support they need to make informed decisions about the health care of their children. FVCA provides information and a forum for parent centers and families to advocate for improved public and private policies, builds partnerships between professionals and families, and serves as a vital resource on health care.
Healthy Families provides low cost insurance that provides health, dental, and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance today and do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal. When you enroll your child in Healthy Families, you choose the health, dental, and vision insurance plans. The plans provide the health, dental, and vision coverage for your child.
http://www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov/Home/default.aspx
The Department of Health Services (DHS) provides acute and rehabilitative patient care, trains physicians and other health care clinicians, and conducts patient care-related research. DHS operates four hospitals, including some of the nation's premiere academic medical centers through their affiliations with the University of Southern California School of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. In addition, DHS operate six comprehensive health centers and multiple health centers throughout the Los Angeles County, many in partnership with private, community-based providers.
http://www.ladhs.org/wps/portal/
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS. Medi-Cal is financed equally by the State and federal government.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS):
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provides personal care and domestic services to persons who are aged, blind or disabled and who live in their own homes. IHSS is provided to those who otherwise might be placed in an out-of-home care facility but who can safely remain in their own home if IHSS services are received.
http://www.dds.ca.gov/
Department of Social Services (CDSS):
CDSS is comprised of more than 4,200 employees who are responsible for the oversight and administration of programs serving California's most vulnerable residents. For information about all of our divisions, view the CDSS Brochure.
http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/default.htm
In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is an alternative for individuals who might otherwise be placed in a facility when they are unable to care for themselves in their own home. IHSS provides basic services to individuals who cannot safely perform the services themselves due to physical or mental incapacity. Personal care services, domestic services, and paramedical services are just a few of the types of services available under IHSS.
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/547001-Ch-01.htm
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) serves an ethnically and culturally diverse community through programs designed to both alleviate hardship and promote health, personal responsibility, and economic independence. The Department provides benefits and services to low-income residents of Los Angeles County.
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program helps pay for services provided to low-income elderly, blind or disabled individuals to hire someone to help them with housework, meal preparation, and personal care. With help, individuals who receive IHSS can remain safely in their own home and do not need to move into a care facility or boarding home.
Deprtment of Mental Health (DMH):
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. In order to achieve this mission, SAMHSA has identified 8 Strategic Initiatives to focus the Agency's work on improving lives and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
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.
Useful resources for parents of teens with issues with substance abuse and depression. Useful links for the interventions parents can use once they encounter these issues.
http://www.about-teen-depression.com/
It can be tough to get the help your family needs. LACountyHelps is a free and easy way to find out if your family can get help from many different health and human services programs. This website provides convenient, one-stop access to program lists and descriptions, contact information, and a list of items you may need to bring to an eligibility interview.
California Department of Developmental Services Regional Centers Home Page:
Regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have offices throughout California to provide a local resource to help find and access the many services available to individuals and their families.
Families whose infants or toddlers have a developmental delay or disability or an established risk condition with a high probability of resulting in a delay may be eligible to receive an "Early Start" in California. Teams of service coordinators, healthcare providers, early intervention specialists, therapists, and parent resource specialists evaluate and assess infants or toddlers and provide appropriate early intervention and family support services for young children from birth to three years of age.
The California Department of Developmental Services is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. CDSS is comprised of more than 4,200 employees who are responsible for the oversight and administration of programs serving California's most vulnerable residents.
Home Page:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income and provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/
Behavioral Therapists/ Mental Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) is the largest county mental health department in the country. DMH directly operates 75 program sites and more than 100 co-located sites. DMH contracts with approximately 1,000 providers, including non-governmental agencies and individual practitioners who provide a spectrum of mental health services to people of all ages to support hope, wellness and recovery.
The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA is the world's largest association of psychologists, with more than 134,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. Their mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
Protect Californians by promoting consumer awareness, advocating for improved mental health services, and setting, communicating, and enforcing standards. The Board of Behavioral Sciences is a California state regulatory agency responsible for licensing, examination, and enforcement of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC).
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the world’s largest psychiatric organization. It is a medical specialty society representing more than 33,000 psychiatric physicians from the United States and around the world.The American Psychiatric Association promotes the highest quality care for individuals with mental disorders (including intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders) and their families, promote psychiatric education and research, advance and represent the profession of psychiatry, and serve the professional needs of its membership.
California Children's Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.
A family business since 1948, Western Psychological Services (WPS) publishes psychological and educational assessments that practitioners trust. WPS's products allow Helping Professionals to accurately screen, diagnose, and treat people in need. As an independent test publisher, they respond quickly to the evolving demands of the assessment community.
California Children's Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.
The Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) promotes the highest quality of life for all children, people with developmental disabilities, and their families. The Section represents pediatric physical therapy and promotes its members as practitioners of choice for children (birth to 21 years) with or at risk for movement dysfunction. The Section also serves as a collective voice to further the role of pediatric physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 166,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel, and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems, including swallowing disorders.
This on-line directory contains valuable information about thousands of programs that employ audiologists and speech-language pathologists who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Since 1998 speech-language-therapy dot com has provided information and resources to consumers, Speech-Language Pathologists / Speech and Language Therapists and students worldwide. The content reflects the professional, clinical, teaching and research activities of the site owner Caroline Bowen who has special interests in children's speech sound disorders and the role of families in intervention. The site was voted Best Teacher Blog in the 2012 Edublog Awards.
The Stuttering Foundation provides free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. We are the first and the largest nonprofit charitable organization in the world working toward the prevention and improved treatment of stuttering, reaching over a million people annually.
The NSA provides support, friendship, and information to the stuttering community, instilling the sense of self-worth so often missing in the lives of those who battle this disorder. With members nationwide and over 100 self-help support groups in the United States, the NSA provides information about stuttering, increases public awareness of stuttering, serves as a support and advocacy group, and is a referral organization for speech therapy sources throughout the United States.
National Adaptive Recreation Organizations & Resources
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Arts
The National Arts and Disability Center (NADC) promotes the full inclusion of audiences and artists with disabilities into all facets of the arts community. The NADC is a leading consultant in the arts and disability community, and the only center of its kind. Our information is aimed at artists with disabilities, arts organizations, arts administrators, disability organizations, performing arts organizations, art centers, universities, and arts educators.
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.
Provides all individuals, regardless of physical or mental capacity, the opportunity to experience the joy, challenges & personal growth from playing the great games of baseball & softball. The League of Dreams offers an adult softball program and various youth baseball leagues and organizes school-based programs, which are instructional clinics that bring together students with special needs and local high school volunteers.
Wheelchair softball is an exciting and challenging summer sport that enables most wheelchair users to compete. Today, NWSA governs over 30 teams nationwide. Many teams have sought and found allegiance and sponsorship with their Major League Baseball (MLB) team counterparts, such as the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies.
The Adaptive Sports Center enhances the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure activities. The successful programs the ASC provides are inclusive to families and friends, empower our participants in their daily lives and have a positive enduring effect on self-efficacy, health, independence and overall well-being.
The American Camp Association (formerly known as the American Camping Association) is a community of camp professionals who, for 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 9,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living - lessons that can be learned nowhere else.
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
Basic Generic Community Needs
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211 Los Angeles County: www.211LA.org
Benefits Check Up: www.benefitscheckup.org
Brooks & Brooks (lunch paks & educational materials for Skid Row Children): www.YvonneBrooksBooks.com
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: http://www.cpedv.org/crisis_
CA Department of Child Support Services: http://www.childsup.ca.gov/default.aspx
CA Department of Public Social Services: http://www.ladpss.org/
Children's Defense Fund: www.childrensdefense.org
Feeding America: feedingamerica.org
Healthy City: http://www.healthycity.org/c/
FRC Network of Los Angeles County (New Home Page):
Healthy Children (by the American Academy of Pediatrics):
Mommy and Me groups (find one near you):
ECTA -The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center:
Premature Baby-Premature Child:
Preemies Today:
Pump Station Breastfeeding Resource Center
Toy Safety Info:
Well Baby Center:
YMCA
National Resource Center on AD/HD:
ACT Today (Autism Care & Treatment):
Autism Epicenter:
Autism Now:
Autism Society of America (National):
Autism Society of America (ASLA) – Los Angeles Chapter:
Autism Society of America ~ Greater Long Beach/ San Gabriel Valley Chapter:
Autism Speaks:
Families for the Early Treatement of Autism (FEAT)
My Autism Team:
Project TEACCH:
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA):
The Autism Channel:
The Gray Center:
American Printing House for the Blind:
Best Practices for Infants and Toddlers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
Blind Children's Center:
Braille Institute:
California Deaf-Blind Services:
Deaf-Blind Link:
Junior Blind of America:
National Institute of Deafness & Other Communications Disorders:
National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped:
Oral Deaf Education:
Wonder Baby:
Center on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support):
MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education):
California Deaf-Blind Services:
California Hands and Voices:
Deaf-Blind Link:
National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped:
Gallaudet University Press:
GLAD: Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness Inc:
House Ear Institute:
Impact Families:
John Tracy Clinic:
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center:
National Eye Institute:
National Consortium of Deaf-Blindness (literacy website):
Oral Deaf Education:
Down Syndrome Association of L.A.:
Club 21 Learning and Resource Center:
National Down Syndrome Congress:
National Down Syndrome Society:
Epilepsy Foundation ~ Los Angeles:
AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities):
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS):
President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities:
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA):
LDA Californa:
LDA Los Angeles:
LD Online:
Lindamood-Bell:
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA):
National Center for Learning Disabilities:
National Resource Center on AD/HD:
Teaching LD:
MUMS Parent-to-Parent Network:
National Institute for Neurological Disorder & Stroke:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD):
Prader-Willi Syndrome Assocation:
Prader-Willi California Foundation:
Brookes Publishing Co:
Future Horizons:
Jessica Kingsley Publishers:
Special Needs Project (Local Publisher based out of Santa Barbara):
Woodbine House:
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality:
All About Loving Care (Regional Center Vendored - Respite Provider):
American Academy of Pediatricians the Children's Hospital Association:
CALTASH:
Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD):
Connections for Children – Westside L.A. Area clearinghouse of childcare/preschools:
Cornucopia Of Disability Information (CODI):
Crystal Stairs, Inc. – L.A. Area clearinghouse of childcare/preschools:
Deaf-Blind Link:
Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program:
Department of the Interior National Park Service:
Disability Resources on the Internet:
Disability Statistics Center:
Easter Seals:
EmpowerTech (Assistive Technology classes & evaluations):
Etta Israel (Iranian American Community Services):
Exceptional Children’s Foundation:
Family Center on Technology and Disability:
Federal Resource Center for Special Education:
Find Moms near you (Meetup):
HUD: Housing and Urban Development-Housing for People with Disabilities:
Kids Data (find data about California children including special needs):
Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (Ha-Mercaz):
Independent Living Centers:
MedicAlert Jewlery (Emergency bracelets and necklaces for the disabled):
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):
National Center on Universal Design for Learning:
National Center to Improve Practice in Special Education Through Technology, Media, and Materials (captioning):
Deaf-Blind Link:
National Council on Disability (NCD):
National Institute for Direct Instruction:
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (Braille and audio books):
Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services (OSERS):
Oral Deaf Education:
PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights):
Parent-to-Parent Programs:
Parent Training & Information Center:
Partners in Policymaking:
Prevent Blindness America:
PE Central (Adapted Physical Education):
Purple Cherry Architects (Purposeful Architecture):
Shane's Inspirations (Parks throughout Los Angeles adapted for people with Special Needs):
SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) for California:
Special Needs Network, Inc:
The Family Center on Technology and Disability:
The Father's Network:
The Sibling Support Network:
Title V Program, CSHCN (health-related services for Children with Special Health Care Needs):
Touch the Top: Erik Weihenmayer, Blind Adventurer:
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section:
Vietnamese Parents with Disabled Children Association, INC.:
WestEd:
Adams Esquire L.A. ~ (Ask for ProBono Services on Contingency - Sometimes take Special Education Mediation or Hearing Cases):
Area Board 10:
Bet Tzedek Legal Services:
California State Legislature (find your local representative by zip code):
Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC):
DREDF - Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund:
FVCA-Family Voices of California:
Health Consumer Center (Legal Assistance Specializing in Medi-Cal):
Housing Rights Center:
How to Write a Letter to School District:
Lanterman Rights & Responsibilities:
Learning Rights Law Center:
Limited Conservatorships (Protecting Developmentally Disabled Adults, A How-To Guide):
Mental Health Advocacy Services:
NICHCY– National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities:
Office of Client's Rights Advocacy (OCRA) ~ only serve regional center clients:
Partners in Policymaking:
People First of California:
TASK Team of Advocates for Special Kids:
Wrightslaw-Special Education Law:
CALIF – Communities Actively Living Independent & Free:
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section:
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act:
No Child Left Behind: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA):
Special Education Link:
SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) for California:
Disability Rights Legal Center & L.A. Care Health Plan (PDF):
Family Voices of California:
Healthy Families:
Los Angeles County Health Services:
Medi-Cal Home Page:
Disability Rights California (DRC) ~ IHSS Explination of Benefits:
Los Angeles County ~ Department of Public Social Services (LAC DPSS):
Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC):
National Alliance on Mental Illness:
About Teen Depression:
Other Social Services That You May Qualify For in L.A. County:
Early Start of California (Birth to 3 Program)
Department of Developmental Services – (overseas regional centers):
California Department of Social Services – (overseas DDS):
Department of Mental Health:
Psychologist and Behaviorist:
Finding Therapists:
American Psychiatric Association:
Occupational Therapists
California Department of Health Care Services:
Locate a certified sensory integration (SI) OT in your area
Physical Therapists
California Department of Healthcare Services:
Pediatric American Physical Therapy Association (Pediatric APTA):
Speech Therapists/Resources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Main Site):
Find a Professional Near You:
Speech Language Therapy:
Stuttering Foundation of America:
National Stuttering Association:
Medicare:
Contact the California Department of Aging's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at , if:
You are an older adult, an adult with disabilities, a caregiver, or a resident in long-term care facilities throughout the State
HMOs:
Contact the California Department of Managed Health Care at , if:
if you're a consumer requesting general information or assistance
PPOs:
Contact the California Department of Insurance at , if:
you are in need of insurance protection
Providers:
Contact the Medical Board of California at , if:
you are in need to inqure about or choose a physician
Baseball and Softball
League of Dreams, Incorporated:
National Wheelchair Softball Assocation:
Camping/Outdoor Activities:
American Camping Association:
Boy Scouts of America:
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center:
Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group (CW HOG):
Department of the Interior National Park Service:
Girl Scouts of the USA:
SPLORE Accessible Outdoor Adventures:
VISIONS/ Vacation Camp for the Blind:
Wellness G.I.F.T.S.:
Wilderness Inquiry:
Education & Enrichment
Education&Enrichment.com:
Flying
General Sport
Freedom's Wings International:
AIM (Adventures in Movement for the Handicapped):
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD):
American Amputee Foundation, Incorporated:
Beneficial Design, Incorporated (designs adaptive sporting equipment):
Disabled Sports USA:
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability:
National Disability Sports Alliance:
Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Special Olympics International:
U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center:
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes:
YMCA (Find Local Office):
Golf
National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA):
US Blind Golf Assocation:
Horseback Riding/ Equestrian
New York Therapeutic Riding Center:
North American Riding for the Handicapped Assocation (NARHA):
Parks & Recreation
Shane’s Inspiration:
Rowing
US Rowing Assocation:
SCUBA
Handicapped Scuba Assocation:
Shooting
NRA Disabled Shooting Services:
Skiiing
American Blind Skiing Foundation:
Ski for Light, Incorporated (visually or mobility impaired adults, cross-country skiing):
National Sports Center for the Disabled:
US Disabled Ski Team:
Soccer
Surfing
Swim