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The School Years
Latest Special Education Data for the State is now available on the Web. Click here to see how your jurisdiction is doing. It is amazing how quickly the excitement and anxiety of your child's very first day of school gives way to the passage from grade to grade, and eventually in to adolescence. An exuberant five year old gradually develops into a pre-teen, then teenager before your very eyes. For your child, the school years are a time of making new friends, increasing independence, learning, and developing self-esteem and self-confidence. It's a time for emerging from the home, and becoming a part of the greater community. These passages are common for all children, but can be very challenging to children with disabilities and their families. Achieving developmental milestones and learning requires great effort for children with disabilities. And, parents and caregivers must learn new skills to become effective advocates for their child. A new vocabulary begins to develop: IEPs, entitlements, educational accommodations, related services, IDEA and more. The school years represent not only a learning experience for children with disabilities, but also for parents and caregivers. The key element in charting your child's educational experience is the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Parents must understand and participate as partners in the IEP process, from its initial development, throughout the school years. They need to be an integral part of evaluating the IEP's effectiveness through clear, measurable goals. As a part of this process, it is imperative that parents and caregivers are cognizant of entitlements under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that ensures that every child has access to a free and appropriate education. As defined by federal law, children with disabilities are entitled to related services intended to enhance their educational experience. These services may include, occupational and physical therapy, school health services, transportation, speech pathology and audiology, psychological services, recreation, including therapeutic recreation and social work services, and medical and counseling services. For many families, rising to the task of advocating for their child can be compromised by the increasing demands of day-to-day life: caring for a child with medical, developmental, physical and behavioral concerns that far exceed the norm. For some families, language presents a barrier to adequate information and resources. Time, energy and financial abilities are often taxed to their maximum. This section of the Family Net Works website seeks to aide families and their children in accessing the resources and information they need to ensure that their child with a disability truly receives a free and appropriate education and other entitlements delineated in state and federal laws. We encourage you to contact these organizations to learn more about IDEA, the IEP process and more. Parents of children younger than 5 may want to consult our Finding Out page for more resources. Parents of older students may want to consult our Teenagers and Young Adults page for additional information. 
Maryland Resources
Advocates for Children and Youth in Maryland Phone (410) 547-9200 Advocates for Children and Youth in Maryland focuses on issues related to all Maryland children. They provide researched based solutions in the areas of child welfare, early childhood, education, health, juvenile justice, economic well being, and after school issues. Community Connections This project at the University of Maryland is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help facilitate the participation of children with disabilities in community settings. The goals of the project are to increase opportunities for young children with special needs to participate in the community; promote awareness of persons with disabilities and provide support to people and organizations. The project offers resources for families and community, business and spiritual leaders; networking opportunities, training and technical consultation, and support for families. Learning Disabilities Association of Maryland (LDA) (800) 673-6777; 301-933-1076 The LDA provides families and individuals with information regarding learning disabilities, as well as a listing of local chapters. The National office provides website (cited above). Maryland Council for Inclusive Education (MCIE) (410) 859-5400 MCIE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the inclusion of children with disabilities in their neighborhood schools. Maryland Disabilities Law Center Baltimore: (410) -727-6352, (410)-727-6387 (TTY) Hotline: 800-233-7201 (Southern Maryland): (301) 925-9871; (800) 870-6362 Advocates for the interests of people with disabilities in Maryland. Provides low-cost legal assistance. Maryland Education and Day Care Resources for People with Disabilities This page of the Learning Independence Through Computers website provides a listing of a day care programs and schools for young children with developmental disabilities. Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program/Family Support Network: Birth through Age 5 (800) 535-0182; (410) 767-0261 Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program is a free service to State residents. Provides assessment and intervention services for children ages 0-5. The Preschool Program provides special instruction and related service to children ages 3-5 who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Maryland State Department of Education Phone: (410) 767-0100 Maryland State Department of Education offers all types of information regarding education in the state of Maryland including: school performance reports, new information, news releases, an overview of Maryland Special Education and various links for families and professionals. Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Association (MCCPTA) Special Needs Committee Special Education Parent Information and Training Center (PITC) 301-657-4969 Provides information and support for parents and caregivers of school children with special needs. Montgomery County Special Needs Library 301-897-2212 Publications and resources of help to families of children with special needs. Offers a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles of general interest in large type or on audio cassettes for persons with visual impairments. Books and other items from the Special Needs Library can be requested for pickup at your nearest branch library. Located in the lower level of the Davis Branch Library on Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda (near Montgomery Mall). Library is closed on Sundays. Parents Place of Maryland/Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) 410-766-4300/4400 A statewide, parent-directed resource center whose sole purpose is to enhance the ability of all individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in the home, school and community. There are regional offices to serve the needs of parents in different locations throughout the state of Maryland. Partners for Success: Resource Centers for Families and Schools (800) 535-0182; (410) 767-0261 Twenty-six parent and information training centers throughout the State are staffed by educators and parents to provide information on programs and services for individuals with disabilities, ages birth through twenty-one. Each center offers workshops and a lending library. There is a center in each local school district as well as centers located at the Maryland School for the Deaf and the Maryland School for the blind. Call the phone number above to get the location of the center nearest you. 
National Resources
The Beach Center on Families and Disability (785)-864-7600 This federally funded center was established to conduct research, to offer training and technical assistance and to disseminate information on issues relating to families who include children of any ages with a disability. Bridges4Kids This website provides timely, useful information as possible to both parents and professionals regarding parenting concerns, child development, children with special needs, disabilities, and those who are at-risk. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (800) 233-4050; (301) 306-7070 Provides information and support to children and adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Publishes a newsletter and provides extensive resource links on its website. Child and Adolescent Psychological and Educational Resources (CAPER) - a range of educational and psychological resources in relation to 'at-risk' adolescents, children and families. Not disability specific, focuses on coping with stress and violence in schools (bullying), which could be useful information for all parents and children. (Australia) Circle of Inclusion This website is for early childhood service providers and families of young children offering demonstrations of and information about the effective practices of inclusive education for children birth through age eight. Disability Resources This nonprofit organization was established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love and play independently. Disseminates information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos and more as well as reports on worthwhile materials in the Disabilities Resources Monthly newsletter. Do2learn This website offers printable flash cards, calendars, schedules and more as well as activity ideas and "fun stuff" to promote independence and learning for children with special needs. Family Village A global community offering disability related resources. IDEA News Useful and timely information and resources to help professionals and families understand and implement the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA '97) and achieve better educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Internet Resources for Special Children Website dedicated to communicating information relating to the needs of children with disabilities on a global basis. Provides families, educators and medical professionals with information and seeks to improve the environment for children with disabilities, create positive changes and enhance public awareness and knowledge. Internet Special Education Resources Assists parents/caregivers in finding educational advocates, diagnosis and assessments and locating the best school placement for their child. Kids' Quest Maintained by The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, a branch of the Center for Disease Control, this site is designed to teach children at the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade levels about issues faced by children with disabilities. Parents and teachers can modify the material on the website to meet different students' learning styles and levels. The site also includes links to additional sites to educate young people about disabilities The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (800) 695-0285 National information and referral center providing information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators and other professionals. A comprehensive website, publications and support services are offered including referrals for specific disabilities, early intervention, special education, family support, and more. Special Education News 202-320-0521 In-depth and timely news related to educating students with disabilities. Offers unique resources to special education professionals and parents. Special Education Resources on the Internet A collection of Internet accessible information resources of interest to families, individuals and those involved in the fields related to special education. Winners on Wheels WOW empowers kids in wheelchairs by encouraging personal achievement through creative learning and expanded life experiences that lead to independent living skills. 
Publications
Assistive Technology Solutions By Sherry L. Purcell (2002) A practical and innovative guide that focuses on K-3 curriculum standards and provides assistive technology solutions and sample IEP goals. Presents a thorough review of current technologies and how they can help students attain academic success. Available through Attainment Company. Beyond Functional Assessments: A Social-Cognitive Approach to the Evaluation of Behavior Problems in Children and Youth By Joe Kaplan, 2000 Designed to help school districts meet the new discipline requirements set for in IDEA. Complete Guide to Special Education Transition Services: Ready-To-Use Help and Materials for Successful Transition from School to Adulthood By Roger Pierangelo, Ph.D. and Rochelle Crane, CSW (1997) The comprehensive guide gives teachers, counselors and parents and source of information and tried-and-true advice to help them through every phase of the difficult and sometimes confusing process of transitioning students from school to further education or work. The Complete Guide To Successfully Home School the Child with Learning Differences By Leonore Colacion Hays (Prima Publishing, ISBN #0-7615-3569-1) Written by a professional who has personally met the challenges of educating a child with learning differences, this guide provides simple starting points and strategies for home schooling children with learning difference such as autism and ADD. The guide includes an extensive list on where to get help from both public and private sources. The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child By Lawrence M. Siegel, (1999) This guide to the IEP walks you step-by-step through the entire process by proving all the instructions, suggestions, strategies, letters, resources and forms you need to proceed from the first stage through preparing for and attending the initial IEP meeting and all subsequent meetings until your child completes school. The book provides the most up-to-date special education laws as well as extensive appendices. Creating a "Win-Win" IEP for Students with Autism By Beth Fouse, Ph.D., 1999 Dr. Fouse takes the reader through the entire range of a "child-centered" educational process from the initial stages of identification and diagnosis to full implementation and monitoring of the individualized education program. Includes chapters on Common Mistakes Parents Make and School District Errors. The Early Intervention Dictionary By Jeanine G. Coleman, MEd, 1999 This newly-revised book defines hundreds of medical, therapeutic and educational terms commonly used in the early intervention field. Inclusion - 450 Strategies for Success: A Practical Guide for All Educators Who Teach Students with Disabilities By Peggy A. Hammeken, 2000 This book contains hundreds of teacher-tested techniques and time-saving, easy to use strategies designed to make inclusion successful for students with disabilities. Inclusion Programming for Elementary Students with Autism By Sheila Wagner, 1999 A user-friendly book for parents and teachers that includes strategies and techniques for the inclusion of young children with autism in the classroom. Includes an appendix that offers materials to support ideas presented in the main chapters. Informal Assessments for Transition Planning By Gary M. Clark, James R. Patton & Rozelle Moulton A comprehensive source of assessment procedures to help identify the transition needs of students ages 14-21 in the areas of employment, further education and training, daily living, leisure activities, community participation, health, self-determination, communication and interpersonal relationships. On The Road to Comunity Inclusion The Boggs Center (732) 235-9304 This 48-page booklet contains an edited collection of stories and strategies from direct support staff who help build community connections with the people they serve. Down-to-earth, real life stories, successes and challenges are presented. $5.00 Special Education News 202-320-0521 Special Education News provides in-depth, timely news related to educating students with disabilities. The Web site and newsletter are journalistic publications centered on the news of the special education field. The Web site is also designed to offer unique resources to special education professionals in one convenient place. On-Line Articles Building Self-Esteem This on-line article provides information on ways to build self-esteem in children as well as information and links regarding learning differences. Building Self-Esteem in Children with Learning Disabilities This on-line article looks at the issues of creating a positive mind-set, providing tools and strategies for self-improvement, and fostering a caring and supportive environment to build self-esteem for children with learning disabilities. Middle School/High School Parent Involvement Resource Kit A resource kit filled with research information, articles and sources on a variety of topics affecting preteens, teens, and their families. (National PTA) Learning to Walk in Another's Shoes An article describing a PTA sponsored Elementary/Middle School's activities during a Disability Awareness Week and its effects on students. |
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