This is a list of indispensible resources for parents and guardians.
NATIONAL
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities.
https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
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Family Policy Compliance Office
The Family Policy compliance Office (FPCO) provides information concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).
Family Policy Compliance Office
Index of OSEP Policy Documents Regarding the Education of Infants, Toddlers, Children and Youth with Disabilities
Federal correspondence found in this index that describes the interpretations of IDEA or the regulations that implement IDEA.
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Office of Elementary and Secondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education
Offers links to legislation, Federal Register Notices, Policy Guidance, and Grant Applications for the elementary and Secondary Education Act.
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Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
With over 1400 members nationwide, COPAA is at the forefront of special education advocacy.
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Special Olympics
The world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4.2 million athletes in 170 countries.
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United Cerebral Palsy
UCP is a leading service provider and advocate for adults and children with disabilities.
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Autism Speaks
Autism advocacy organization that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public.
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The mission of NINDS is to reduce the burden of neurological disease – a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world.
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Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP)
Through MCPAP, Massachusetts General Hospital offers free educational programs for patients and families. Programs include presentations from clinicians and discussions with clinicians, patients and family members facing a variety of mental health challenges.
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The Arc
Advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
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Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
Provides information on depression and bipolar disorder, online tools, and support groups across the USA.
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MICHIGAN
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education
A direct link to the rules governing special education in Michigan.
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/MARSE_Supplemented_with_IDEA_Regs_379598_7.pdf (PDF)
Michigan Department of Education Special Education Laws and Policy
This webpage has links to laws and policies relating to special education in Michigan.
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Michigan Alliance for Families
Established by a group of involved families made up of trained leaders reaching out to other families of children with combined hearing and vision loss. They work with the state DeafBlind Project, DB Central: Michigan’s Training and Resource Project, to connect with families and provide support.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw is leading website about special education law and advocacy, with thousands of articles, cases, and free resources about hundreds of special education topics, books by Peter Wright and Pamela Wright, and special education law and advocacy training.
https://www.wrightslaw.com
National Center for Learning Disabilities
The leading online resource for parents and educators on learning disabilities and related disorders
https://www.ncld.org/
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Non-profit organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. Source of information on current research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with ADHD.
https://www.chadd.org/