Special Education: If your child is having difficulty in school, getting the help that he or she needs can often be a long, frustrating, and confusing process. UnderstandingSpecialEducation.com provides an excellent resource in understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, as well as Student Study Teams (SST), the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
All Kinds of Minds also has an excellent website with information and resources for parents of children who are having difficulties in school.
Learning Disorders: The following websites and organizations provide good information and resources regarding learning disorders, obtaining services and accommodations, and support groups.
LD Online www.ldonline.org WETA Public Television 2775 S. Quincy St. Arlington, VA 22206 Fax: 703-998-2060
Learning Disabilities Association of America www.ldanatl.org [email protected] PO Box 1067 Sierra Madre, CA 91025 626-355-0240 Fax: 626-355-0109
National Center for Learning Disabilities www.ncld.org 381 Park Ave. S., Ste. 1401 New York, NY 10016 212-545-7510 Toll Free: 888-575-7373 Fax: 212-545-9665
AD/HD: Whether you or your child have AD/HD, there are many resources available for information, referrals, and support.
National Resource Center on AD/HD (also CHADD) www.help4adhd.org www.chadd.org 8181 Professional Place, Ste. 150 Landover, MD 20785 800-233-4050
Attention Deficit Disorder Association www.add.org [email protected] PO Box 7557 Wilmington, DE 19803-9997 800-939-1019
This guide has a wealth of information on how to support your child at home by fostering a calm, soothing environment. Creating a Comfortable Home Environment for Children with ADHD If you suspect you have ADHD, this resource provides excellent information on factors your doctor considers in diagnosing you, as well as some of your treatment options.
This guide not only outlines your legal rights at work, but also provides tips for accomplishing your career goals despite your ADHD. How to Succeed in the Workplace with ADHD
For adults and children alike, there are an array of activities to try that can help ease ADHD symptoms ADHD Helpful Activities
Cognitive and Developmental Delays: If your child has developmental delays, he or she may qualify for Regional Center services. Regional Center is the service system within California that provides assistance, treatment, and resources for children with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and autism. They also provide early intervention services for children ages 0 - 3. The following organizations provide good information regarding client rights, advocacy, information, and support.
The Arc of California www.thearc.org 1225 8th Street, Ste. 350 Sacramento, CA 95815 916-552-6619
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities www.aaidd.org [email protected] 501 3rd Street NW, Ste. 200 Washington, DC 20001 800-424-3688 Fax: 202-387-2193
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome www.nofas.org [email protected] 1200 Eton Court, NW Third Floor Washington, DC 20007 Office: 202-785-4585 Fax: 202-466-6456 General Information: 202-785-8570 or 800-66NOFAS
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center for Excellence www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov [email protected] SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence 2101 Gaither Road, Ste. 600 Rockville, MD 20850 866-STOPFAS (786-7327)
Support:
If you are coping with anxiety, information and support can be found at www.calmclinic.com
Advocacy: Sometimes, it helps to have an advocate in your corner to assist you in obtaining the accommodations you or your child need due to a disability. The following organizations may be able to provide you assistance:
Ability First www.abilityfirst.org 1300 E. Green St. Pasadena, CA 91106 Toll Free: 877-768-4600 Local: 626-396-1010 Fax: 626-396-1021
Disability Rights California www.pai-ca.org Los Angeles Regional Office 3580 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 902 Los Angeles, CA 90010-2512 Toll Free: 800-776-5746 Local: 213-427-8747
Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice www.laclj.org [email protected] 1241 S. Soto St., Ste. 102 Los Angeles, CA 90023 323-980-3500
Living with Disabilities Toolkit: The folks at educatorlabs.org have put together an online toolkit to help empower those living with disabilities.
SSDI: Depending on the nature of you or your child's difficulties, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Click on the files below for more information.