Special Needs
Links for Special Needs
The following is a list of useful links for special need situations. Being the parent of a child with disabilities, I have used several of these sites myself. Don't forget to check out the Family folder on the Files for Everyone page. There you'll find more resources just waiting for you.
For information on I.D.E.A. visit this web site. This is the Education Act that governs special services birth through 21 years.
The Arc of Dallas builds bridges to a better quality of life for tens of thousands of North Texans with intellectual and related developmental disabilities. This site will connect you to helpful information, people and services. (Reference- The ARC of Dallas)
This site serves the nation as a central source of information on:
- Disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth,
- IDEA, which is the law authorizing special education
- No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities)
- Research-based information on effective educational practices (Reference- NICHCY)
Metrocare is north Texas' leading nonprofit dedicated to helping people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and severe emotional problems live healthier lives. Metrocare provides a comprehensive array of individually-tailored services to help the people we serve toward meaningful and satisfying lives. (Reference- Metrocare)
This site is intended to be a beginning point for research by parents, educators, state and federal staff members, and other interested parties into a wide range of issues involving disabilities and disability law. (Reference- FAPE Online)
Respite is short term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of caregiving. Unlike child care, respite services may sometimes involve overnight care for an extended period of time. Respite care enables families to take vacations, or just a few hours of time off. Respite is often referred to as “a gift of time". (Reference- The ARC)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects individuals from discrimination based on their disability. (Reference hhs.gov)
Click the Icon Above for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
A leader in the field of Dyslexia, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, discusses Dyslexia.
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others. (Reference- CHADD)
Selective Mutism is a frightening experience for children, parents, and educators. This is one site that helps dispel myths and establish research. SM is an area I have experience in and continue to study.
Brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and emotional needs often feel like forgotten family members. Parents, whose energy may be consumed in meeting the needs of the disabled child, may have little sense of the turmoil that exists below the surface among their children. (Reference- The ARC)
This will take you to the nearest e-mail Lisa Link!