Disability-Specific Resources
State Resource Lists
http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm [1]
NICHCY compiles disability-related resources in each state. This comprehensive resource will help you locate organizations and agencies within your state that address disability-related issues, including state resource lists, state agencies serving children and youth with disabilities, state chapters of disability organizations, and parent groups, parent training and information projects, and much more.
Blindness and Visual Impairment
Blindness and Visual Impairment: State Infrastructures and Programs (April 2006) [2]
This report was prepared by Eve Müller, Project Forum, National Association of State Directors of Special Education and describes various state infrastructures and programs under IDEA that serve children and youth who are blind or visually impaired.
Visual Impairments Fact Sheet [3]
NICHCY fact sheet including definition, incidence, characteristics, educational implications, resources, and organizations.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) [4]
AFB's web site contains a wide variety of information relating to blindness and vision impairment. A Learn About section provides information about vision loss, education, employment, technology, and Braille; a separate Information section presents information specifically created for family, employers, and so on; a large search feature covers a vast array of topics such as accessibility, counseling, education, health, housing, mobility, recreation, transportation, and many more.
The V.I. Guide [5]
A guide to Internet resources about visual impairments for parents and teachers, The V. I. Guide web site compiles a wealth of practical information, including sections on vision-related services (socialization skills, orientation and mobility, etc.), materials and curriculum adaptations (materials sources, teaching guides, etc.), special education services (IEPs, state DOEs, financial aid/scholarships, etc.), entertainment (visually impaired-friendly computer games, movie reviews, sources for audio, etc.), and much more.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) [6]
Official web site of the NFB, providing "public education about blindness, information and referral services, scholarships, literature, and publications about blindness, aids and appliances and other adaptive equipment for the blind, advocacy services and protection of civil rights, development and evaluation of technology, and support for blind persons and their families" (from the web site).
American Council of the Blind (ACB) [7]
ACB's official web site, an organization that seeks to "improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic, and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities; and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people" (from the web site). ACB's web site includes resources, a calendar of events, a jobs bank, news and information, and more.
Cerebral Palsy
NICHCY fact sheet including definition, causes, incidence, characteristics, educational implications, tips for parents and teachers, resources, and organizations.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Cerebral Palsy Information Page [9]
NINDS overview of CP with links to organizations; resources, including publications in Spanish; and portals to expanded information sources and other NINDS web pages.
4MyChild.com's Special Education Web Pages [10]
These special education web pages include CP-related information on IEPs, legal issues, resources, school systems, testing and evaluations, and more.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: State Infrastructures and Programs (September 2005) [2]
This report was prepared by Eve Müller, Project Forum, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, and describes various state infrastructures and programs under IDEA that serve children and youth who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Deafness and Hearing Loss Fact Sheet [3]
NICHCY fact sheet including definition, incidence, characteristics, educational implications, resources, and organizations.
ParentPals.com's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources Guide [11]
This resources guide includes general information, sections on special education, continuing education, assistive technology (AT), sign language, organizations, articles and other publications, and more.
Down Syndrome
NICHCY fact sheet including definition, incidence, characteristics, educational implications, resources, and organizations.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) [13]
NDSS's official web site includes sections on research, information and resources, an advocacy center, and a news/press center.
Learning Disabilities
NICHCY Connections... to Learning Disabilities [14]
NICHCY fact sheet including quick intros, diagnoses information, national organizations, research links, school and home issues, and more.
LD Online [15]
With sections specifically created for parents, teachers, and children, this web site provides information, resources, links, articles, and news regarding learning disabilities and ADHD.
Mental Retardation
Mental Retardation Fact Sheet [16]
NICHCY fact sheet including definition, causes, incidence, characteristics, educational implications, tips for parents and teachers, resources, and organizations.
Teachnology.com's Special Education Teachers' Resources [17]
Resources include lesson plans, worksheets, rubrics, and other curriculum materials; teacher message boards divided by grade ranges; and links to organizations and events of relevance to those with mental retardation.