Information and Support
Include NYC (formerly Resources for Children with Special Needs)
An organization providing information and assistance to families dealing with special needs.
Services include a helpline, links to resources, parent trainings, assistance with school issues and disability related issues, advocacy, and more.
Their website contains links to available resources for families.
Adoption Services
www.adoptionservices.org/index.htm
If you are looking for additional resources in your state, the Adoption Services website offers one of the best lists of organizations, both private and government, available to help parents. Each state list includes information about the following:
- Parent support groups and mentoring organizations
- Nutrition programs, food banks, and food stamps
- Financial assistance for medical care, utilities, and unemployment benefits
- Organizations for children with special developmental or medical needs
- Head Start and other educational programs
- Medical care and insurance resources
- Counseling services and more
My Child Without Limits
http://www.mychildwithoutlimits.org/
"...Though they have information geared to a wider audience, it is published by United Cerebral Palsy. It contains very much useful information in simple English for parents who are just learning the ropes."
The Lili Claire Foundation
http://www.liliclairefoundation.org/
From their website:
The Lili Claire Foundation provides hope, answers and help to special needs children and their families, in the US and abroad. Lili Claire, in partnership with some of the nation’s finest medical institutions, helps to ease the challenges they face by providing a unique, holistic, and comprehensive blend of diagnostic and supportive services.
Lili Claire’s mission is to help all children living with a neurogenetic condition, and to provide hope and support for the families who love them.
Abilities Expo
http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/index.html
From their website:
For the last 30 years, Abilities Expo has been the one show dedicated to educating and improving the lives of Americans with disabilities, senior citizens, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals and professional therapists. It has been the nation’s foremost event for companies to demonstrate their products and services to the largest community of end-users and industry professionals.
Disabled Online
http://www.disabledonline.com/
From their website:
Disabled Online is your prime destination for topics and resources involving people with disabilities, their family and friends. Get started by joining our social network and meet other members at DO Community . Shop for great products that enhance the abilities of those with challenges at our Disabled Online Store. Research other sites that provide unique services and opportunities for people with disabilities, by browsing our Link Directory.
Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid
Therapy and Sanity for Ordinary Parents of Special Kids
http://shutupabout.com/index.php
From their website:
Thanks for visiting shutupaboutyourperfectkid.com. You might think of this site as your daily dose of happy medicine without the scary side effects (though we have been known to make a few people nauseous). Pour yourself a virtual drink, put your feet up, and relax. You can learn about upcoming events, participate in imperfect contests, shop for imperfect Shut Up merchandise, or simply procrastinate from household chores (works for us). Be sure to visit often and to tell all your friends and loved ones to join our imperfect family. Just remember . . . life is a whole lot more interesting when you’re living on the imperfect side.
(Trust us, we know.)
Recommended by "B.O.":
There's also a book, and a blog, and some really neat bumper stickers. They also have a facebook page. I love those sisters. They really show that it is ok to laugh at the terrible situation...sometimes.