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Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities

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$4.5 Million in Grants Awarded for Special Education Parent Information, Training Centers

The U.S. Department of Education announced more than $4.5 million in grants to operate 16 special education parent information and training centers in 14 states, including centers for American Indians and military families. Every state has at least one parent center that helps to improve results for children with disabilities.

Administration on Developmental Disabilities

Federal agency that works to empower, protect and advocate on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities.

American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Formerly known as the American Association of Mental Retardation (AAMR), the organization promotes progressive policies, research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO)
Provides information on assistive technology applications that help students with disabilities (including physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities) learn in elementary classrooms.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

AUCD is a resource for local, state, national, and international agencies, organizations and policy makers concerned about people living with developmental and other disabilities and their families. Find the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in your state.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Guide

Guide about ADHD, including diagnosis, treatment options, legal requirements and ways to improve life at school and home for children diagnosed with ADHD.

Autism Resource Network
Information on the key issues associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Autism Society of America
Promotes lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Resources

Information on autism and autism spectrum disorders from the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University.

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
A nonprofit organization run by and for autistics. The organization's leadership is made up entirely of self-advocates on the autism spectrum.
Behavioral Interventions Effective for Preschoolers with ADHD
Two types of early interventions designed to reduce symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers may be effective alternatives or additions to medication treatment, according to a recent NIMH-funded study.
Categories of Disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

There are 14 primary disabilities included in the IDEA under the definition of child with a disability. These definitions guide how states define disability, and determine eligibility for a free public education under special education laws.

Center for Autism Resources for Educators
Links to information and resources on autism for educators, parents and teachers.
Center for Effective Collaboration & Practice

Information and resources to improve the education of children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems.

Childhood Developmental Milestones
We naturally think of height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental disability such as autism.
College of Direct Support
An online educational resource offering training opportunities for caregivers, teachers, mentors and counselors of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Department of Education Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

Provides a wide array of support to parents and individuals, school districts and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation and research in order to improve results and outcomes for people with disabilities (including physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities) of all ages.

Developmental Disabilities/Mental Retardation Information
A Web site devoted to providing information on developmental disabilities (including mental retardation) including signs, diagnosis, IQ range, causes, terminology, support services, special education, camps and books.
Developmental Disability Research Centers (DDRCs)
Select your state to find contact information for DDRCs. DDRCs are located within research universities and/or are affiliated with major medical centers, and represent the world's largest concentration of scientific expertise in the fields of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Developmental Screening & Assessment Instruments

The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) has compiled this list of tools for state administrators and local providers of early intervention and preschool programs for the screening and assessment of childrens' social and emotional development. This link opens a PDF document.

Family Support 360
Helps local service providers create one-stop centers to assist families of those with developmental disabilities (DD). This Web site is a resource center for Family Support 360 grantees and other organizations serving individuals with DD.
Intellectual Disabilities Among Children
Children with intellectual disabilities have significant limitations in intellectual functioning. These limitations can cause problems in school, work, and leisure activities, social and communication skills, and activities of daily living.
LD OnLine

Helps children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Includes resources on preparing for college and transitioning from school to work.

Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) Branch
Research and training aimed at preventing mental retardation and related developmental disabilities.
My Child's Special Needs: Disabilities

List of resource links from the Department of Education for parents of children with disabilities, including physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD)
NACDD's mission is to provide support and assistance to member Councils in order to promote a consumer and family centered system of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
Nonprofit organization that works to improve and expand public services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID)
PCPID works to expand educational opportunities, increase access to technology, improve individual and family support, increase employment and economic independence and promote access and integration into community life for people with intellectual disabilities.
Resources for People Affected by Developmental Disabilities
Information and resources for parents and educators on children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders.
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on state Developmental Disabilities Councils, which are composed of individuals with significant disabilities, parents and family members of people with developmental disabilities and representatives of state agencies that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
State Protection & Advocacy Agencies
Listing of state advocacy agencies for people with developmental disabilities.
Students with Intellectual Disabilities Going to College
Information about the changing role of parents when a son or daughter with an intellectual disability goes to college.
Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers

Develops, assists and coordinates the over 100 Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These centers provide training and information to parents of children ages birth to 26 years with all disabilities (emotional, learning, cognitive and physical), and to professionals who work with them.

Technology for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Fact sheet from the Arc addresses the types of technology that can help people with intellectual and other disabilities like Down syndrome and cerebral palsy with communication, mobility and daily living. Document is in Word format.
The Arc

The national organization of and for people with mental and developmental disabilities and their families.

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