Links

Special Education Law

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
(formerly the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities)

The new center, called the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, will be serving as a central source of information on:

• IDEA, the nation's special education law,
• No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities), and
• Research-based information on effective educational practices.

The center provides information to families, educators, and other professionals about disabilities as also serves as a referral center. The center and its web site offers services in Spanish too! Web de NICHCY en busca de información sobre las discapacidades, ¡le damos la bienvenida!

Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF)
Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF is a national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance, and education and training of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities.

National Protection and Advocacy System
Federally mandated system which provides protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through legally based advocacy.

California Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
PAI works in partnership with people with disabilities – to protect, advocate for and advance their human, legal, and service rights.

California Department of Education–Special Education
This web site contains information/links on: Announcements, Information in Administration, Fiscal and Support Departments, Family Involvement/Partnerships, General Information, Interactive Databases, Laws, Regulations and Policies, Quality Assurance Process, and Resources.

No Child Left Behind
This official No Child Left Behind site from the California Department of Education provides current news on the legislation as it affects California.

U.S. Department of Education–Special Education Programs
Provides the latest information regarding national special education issues.

Autism Interventions

rsaffran.tripod.com
A great link for ABA resources regarding the treatment of autism.

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
Their web sites hosts information about Applied Behavior Analysis approach to the treatment of Autism. What exactly is ABA? How do you know if an intervention program works? How do you select a behavior analyst in the first place, making sure you don't inadvertantly choose someone who is not properly trained in the ABA methodology? What rights do clients of these services have to effective treatment?

Sensory Integration International
International organization of occupational therapists, physical therapists, parents, educators, speech therapists, physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other health care and child care professionals. Services include educational programs, basic courses on sensory integration, information services, treatment and research at the Ayres Clinic, and a Research Affiliates program.

The Autism Institute on Peer Relations and play-center for integrated play groups
This Web site offers a guide to families, practitioners, researchers and others seeking to address the unique and complex challenges children on the autism spectrum experience in peer relations and play. The aim of our institute (co-founded by Pamela J. Wolfberg, Ph.D.–author, educator, researcher and creator of Integrated Play Groups and Therese O'Connor, M.A.- education specialist and Master Play Guide) is to expand national and international efforts to develop inclusive peer play programs for children based on the Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model.

ConnectionsCenter
Committed to providing families and professionals a means to learn more about relationship development programs that can be constructed for people of all ages. Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Program is a parent-based clinical treatment for individuals with autism spectrum and other relationship-based disorders. The RDI™ Program is based upon the model of Experience Sharing developed by Steven Gutstein Ph.D. The primary goal of the RDI™ Program is to systematically teach the motivation for and skills of Experience Sharing interaction. Deficits in Experience Sharing have been found to rest at the core of autism spectrum disorders. The RDI™ Program provides a path for people on the Autism Spectrum to learn friendship, empathy and a love of sharing their world with others. Language comes alive when integrated with real emotion.

TEACCH
located at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, provides research, education, and support for autism. Their website provides online articles (including Asperger's Syndrome Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis, from Yale University) and links to order their publications.

The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding
Carol Gray is well know for her development of the use of social stories for children with autism. Information on social stories and autism, her publications (books and journal), and speaking schedule.

Defeat Autism Now (DAN)
The Autism Research Institute convened a group of about 30 carefully selected physicians and scientists in Dallas in January, 1995, for the express purpose of sharing information and ideas toward defeating autism as quickly as possible. The participants, from the U.S. and Europe, represent the most advanced thinking by some of the best minds in the autism world. The participants continue to work together toward the goal of finding effective treatments.

Parents and physicians who do not regard psychotropic drugs as the best or only means of treating autistic patients will welcome this advanced manual on clinical assessment.

Autism Organizations

Autism Society of America
The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy at state and federal levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA's efforts to carry forth its mission.

Autism Research Institute
The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. ARI is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. ARI provide’s information based on research to parents and professionals throughout the world.

Unlocking Autism
Four years ago, Unlocking Autism was formed for the primary purpose of raising awareness to the general public regarding autism spectrum disorders. In February of 1999, UA launched its Open Your Eyes picture project designed to collect photographs of children with autism to help put a face on the disorder and expose the public to the autism epidemic. The boards have appeared at all three national awareness rallies in Washington, DC and around the country at many events.  Unlocking Autism has collected over 9500 pictures of people with autism ranging in age from 2 years to 54 years old.  UA has collected 9500 pictures thus far covering 225 boards which when hooked together are longer than TWO football fields.

National Autism Association
The mission of the National Autism Association is to advocate, educate, and empower by raising public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders. NAA empowers those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential. The National Autism Association strongly believes that there are effective treatments for autism spectrum disorders as well as a long awaited cure for the millions of families affected.

Autism Coalition
The Autism Coalition works with national, state and local organizations that promote autism research, education and supportive services. The Coalition raises public awareness about autism and works to strengthen and accelerate biomedical and applied research to find the causes of autism to lead to a cure. We raise and dispense funds for private research and advocate for greater public investments in autism research and education.

Cure Autism Now (CAN)
The CAN Foundation is a non-profit organization design to fund research for new treatment options and eventually in finding a cure for this disease. It is geared towards researchers, scientists, physicians, and families with regards to clinical trials, research being conducted, raising necessary funds to support the research and the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (ARGE).

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation
The Foundation's mission is to aid financially disadvantaged families who need assistance in caring for their children with autism; to fund education and research into the causes and consequences of childhood autism; and to serve as a clearinghouse and communications center for new programs and services developed for individuals with autism.

Dan Marino Foundation
The mission of The Dan Marino Foundation is to support integrated treatment programs for children with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities, so they can lead healthier and happier lives.

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT)
FEAT is a non-profit organization designed to help children affected by autism and pervasive developmental disorders (pdd), provide support to families and opportunities to network. The organization is based in Northern California, however there are many chapters in other states that are linked.

Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN)
This regionally-based non-profit organization headquartered in New Jersey, has 12 local chapters, and provides a nice series of articles on children with autism in school.

Parent & Family Support

Parents Helping Parents
A comprehensive, not-for-profit family resource center run for and by parents of children with special needs. Their website Includes information on education, health, technical services, and the community.

FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment)
This is a non-profit organization of parents that advocate for early and intensive treatment for children with Autism. They have several chapters throughout the U.S.

Autism Society of America
The ASA is one of the oldest Autism non-profit organizations and may have chapters in areas that FEAT does not. 

The ARC of the United States
Arc is an advocacy group that also my have resources to direct you to other parents and professionals in your area. 

Association of Regional Center Agencies
Represents California’s regional centers in supporting and advancing the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
DDS is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions.

California Department of Rehabilitation
The mission of the Department of Rehabilitation is to assist Californians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment and maximizing their ability to live independently in their communities.

California Early Start Program
A child with or at risk of developmental delay or disability can receive an "Early Start" in the State of California. Teams of service coordinators, healthcare providers, early intervention specialists, therapists, and parent resource specialists can evaluate and assess an infant or toddler and provide appropriate early intervention services to eligible children.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
A national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. Our special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).

Newsletters

The Schafer Autism Report
The most comprehensive and most widely read autism publication at no cost! The report monitors a half a dozen of the larger autism-related email lists, as well as larger dailies and websites for important news and developments and sends out one posting per day to your email account. No overstuffing your email box!

The California Disability Community Action Network
Marty Omoto, director/organizer
1225 8th Street Suite 480 Sacramento, CA 95814  
VOICE PHONE: 916/446-0013
FAX number: 916/446-0026
email: martyomoto@rcip.com

The California Disability Community Action Network is a NON-PARTISAN online news report, a link to thousands of Californians with developmental and other disabilities, their families, community organizations and providers, direct care and other workers, and other advocates. This report goes to thousands of people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, community providers and organizations, direct care and other workers and advocates across California. In addition it also goes to news organizations, state and local government officials and staff.

* If you would like to get on this distribution (and conversely, get off of it) please send an email with that  request to:  martyomoto@rcip.com. Sharing information is part of our organizing effort.

Autism Research Review International (ARRI)
The Autism Research Institute has published a quarterly newsletter, Autism Research Review International (ARRI), since 1987. The ARRI has received worldwide praise for its thoroughness and objectivity in reporting the current developments in biomedical and educational research. The latest findings are gleaned from a computer search of the 25,000 scientific and medical articles published every week. A one-year subscription to the ARRI is $18 (U.S. funds; $20 outside the U.S.). Each issue is sent via first class mail. Back issues of the ARRI (from 1987) can be purchased for $12 per year.
If you would like to subscribe to the ARRI, or to receive a free sample issue, see ARI Information Request Form.

FEAT Online Newsletter
FEAT publishes a free newsletter about neurobiological disorders. If you are interested in autism, special education, advocacy, IDEA, genetic research, stem cell research, medical imaging, ADD/ADHD, or learning disabilities, you will want to subscribe to FEAT Daily Newsletter.

The Beacon
The Journal of Special Education Law and Practice, an electronic journal published quarterly by Harbor House Law Press. Includes articles and essays for attorneys and advocates who represent children with disabilities and others who are interested in special education law and practice. Each issue focuses on a theme and includes practical and theoretical articles.

The Special Ed Advocate
A free online newsletter about special education legal and advocacy issues, cases, tactics and strategy, and Internet resources from Wrightslaw.

Guides to IDEA and IEP’s

ideapractices
Site answers questions about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and supports efforts to help all children learn.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, A Guide to the Individualized Education Program (2000) Describes how to write IEPs that improve teaching, learning, and educational results. Includes: contents of the IEP; IEP team members; writing the IEP; placement decisions; after the IEP is written; implementing the IEP; revising and revising the IEP; resolving disagreements about the IEP; a sample IEP form, information and resources, the federal regulations for IEPs, and guidance about IEPs.

To order free copies, contact ED Pubs, Editorial Publications Center, P. O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794. Phone: 877-4-ED-PUBS or:

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Articles

What I Would Do If I Were a Parent of an a child with autism : Recommendations Based on 25 Years of Research Experience
Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon

www.wrightslaw.com has excellent articles regarding developing and negotiating Individual Education Plans (IEP). See the examples below to get an idea of the articles available on Wrightslaw.com.

Your Child's IEP: Practical and Legal Guidance for Parents
This comprehensive article describes IEPs and the IEP process, including: Present levels of performance; Measurable goals and objectives; How to Measure Educational Process; Understanding the Parental Role Educational Benefit and FAPE; Is IEP Adequate? Is the IEP Sufficient?; Objective Testing v. Subjective Observations.

Game Plan: How to Write IEP Goals and Objectives
From teachers to parents, it seems like everyone is confused about how to write good IEP goals and objectives. This Wrightslaw Game Plan will help you get started. 

IEPs for Success by Dr. Barbara Bateman
Frustrated with one-size fits all IEPs that are not tailored to the child's unique needs? Feeling intimidated at IEP meetings? Dr. Barbara Bateman will teach you how to write IEPs that are educationally useful and legally correct. Article includes extensive discussion of transition and transition plans.

How Can I Get My Child's IEP Revised?
Can parents ask that the IEP be revised? Answers to questions about when and why to revise IEPs. 

Is There a Limit to the Number of Goals in the IEP?
Answers to questions about IEP goals and who is responsible forlong-term planning. 

Play Hearts, Not Poker
By Jennifer Bollero, Esq., Mother of child with autism explains that parents need to learn the rules and strategies, to reduce the risks when you negotiate for your child. "Your child's IEP should never be a gamble. Know what your goals are and work them. Many roads lead to the same place. Many different cards can win the game." Article includes 8 Steps to Better IEP Meetings.

School Must Offer an IEP to Child with a Disability
The child has a disability, school does not write an IEP or provide FAPE. In Knable v. Bexley, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issues a clear, well-written decisions about IEPs, IEP meetings, child find, substantive and procedural violations, and tuition reimbursement.

Support for School Personnel and Parent Training: Often Overlooked Keys to Success
By Susan Bardet, Esq. IDEA To help children learn and succeed, IEP teams can use the tools provided by IDEA, including support for school personnel and training for parents.

To Promote or Retain
If you have a child with a disability, you may face a tough decision. Many schools offer two "solutions" to children's learning problems: retention and referral to special education - and do not offer the third "R"–remediation.  

Understanding Tests and Measurements
To write IEP goals and objectives that are tailored to the child's unique needs, you need to learn how to interpret educational and psychological test results. (NOTE: To ensure that you get the graphics in this article, you may want to print the article from the screen, rather than download it.).

Research

Autism Research Institute
The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in 1967. ARI is primarily devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. ARI provide’s information based on research to parents and professionals throughout the world.

Center for the Study of Autism
The Center for the Study of Autism (CSA) is located in the Salem/Portland, Oregon area. The Center provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research on the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. Much of our research is in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California.

The Association for Science in Autism
ASAT is committed to science as the most objective, time-tested and reliable approach to discerning between safe, effective autism treatments, and those that are harmful or ineffective. ASAT supports all scientifically sound research on the prevention, treatment and cure of autism, as well as all treatments for autism that are shown to be effective through solid scientific research, regardless of discipline or domain.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
This site is through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and it primary goal is to provide information on NICHD research on autism. It includes news releases, publications, research and funding opportunities.

National Alliance for Autism Research
The National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) is the first organization in the U.S. dedicated to funding and accelerating biomedical research focusing on autism spectrum disorders. Established in 1994 by parents of children with autism concerned about the limited amount of funding available for autism research, NAAR was created in a spirit of optimism and excitement over the opportunities for accelerating the pace of autism research. This spirit continues to guide the organization today, enabled by recent advances in the neurosciences and other scientific fields. NAAR is a 501 (c) (3) organization–contributions which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The research initially funded by NAAR has made a dramatic impact on the autism research landscape in the United States, Canada and Europe and has been leveraged to attract more than $37 million in autism research awards by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding sources.

Cure Autism Now (CAN)
The CAN Foundation is a non-profit organization design to fund research for new treatment options and eventually in finding a cure for this disease. It is geared towards researchers, scientists, physicians, and families with regards to clinical trials, research being conducted, raising necessary funds to support the research and the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (ARGE).

Defeat Autism Now (DAN)
The Autism Research Institute convened a group of about 30 carefully selected physicians and scientists in Dallas in January, 1995, for the express purpose of sharing information and ideas toward defeating autism as quickly as possible. The participants, from the U.S. and Europe, represent the most advanced thinking by some of the best minds in the autism world. The participants formed an group know as Defeat Autism Now (DAN) and they continue to work together toward the goal of finding effective treatments and have agreed upon a biomedical guidances.

Parents and physicians who do not regard psychotropic drugs as the best or only means of treating autistic patients will welcome this advanced manual on clinical assessment.