Below are some Web sites of organizations and agencies that might be helpful to parents of children with special health care or developmental needs. When you click on the name of the organization, you will be taken to that organization's Web site. Some of these organizations and agencies offer assistance, newsletters, parent-to-parent support, information and resources. Contact the group that fits your needs and ask what services they can provide.

Support groups may also be found on the Internet. These may be called "chat rooms" or "bulletin boards". These groups can be extremely helpful to parents who are seeking support and/or resources.  However, remember that they are not regulated and that people may post information that is not accurate.

“(Sp)” indicates that the web site is also available in Spanish.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - General information on health of children with special needs, especially how to make a "Care Notebook."

Area Board III - Advocates on behalf of people with developmental disabilities in California.

The ARC of the United States - National organization of and for people with cognitive and related disabilities.

California Association of Family Empowerment Centers - Provides information, resources, technical assistance and more for a statewide network of FECs which provide family education, empowerment and parent-professional collaborative activities for families of children with disabilities ages 3-22 years.

Capitol People First - Self-advocates training self advocates.

Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs - To improve and promote the health and well being of children with special health care needs and their families.

Circle of Inclusion (Sp) - Supports inclusion of children with special needs.

Disability Rights California (Formerly Protection and Advocacy) - Advocates for Californians with disabilities.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) - Advances the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education and public policy and legislative development.

Family Village - Site for children and adults with disabilities and their families and their friends and allies.

Family Voices of California (Sp) - Grass roots family advocacy group focusing on health care related issues.

Fathers Network (Sp) - Supports fathers of children with special needs.

Health Rights Hotline (Sp) - Provides free assistance and information about rights in health care.


Make-A-Wish Foundation of America (Sp) - Grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Matrix - Parent training and information center.

Mothers United for Moral Support (MUMS) - National parent matching organization providing assistance in finding support for rare diagnoses.

NICHCY: National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (Sp) - Information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth, IDEA, No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities) and more.

NorCal Services f0r Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Provides advocacy for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing with their IEP/IFSP. 
 
Placer ARC (Advocacy, Resources & Choices) - Programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Protection And Advocacy - Advocates for the rights of Californians with disabilities. Publishes Special Education Rights and Responsibilities.

Rowell Family Empowerment Center - Parent training and information center for Northern California.

Sibling Support Project - Supports the life-long concerns of siblings of people who have special needs.

California Children's Services - Health care for children in California who qualify and who have an eligible diagnosis.

Health Rights Hotline (Sp) - Provides free assistance and information about rights in health care.

My Friends Pediatric Day Healthcare Center - Respite care for medically fragile children up to 21 years.

Shriners Hospitals - Free medical care for children up to 18 years who have orthopedic diagnosis, limb deficiencies, burns or who require plastic surgery.


Alta California Regional Center (Developmental Disabilities / Early Start) - Serves people with developmental disabilities and their families.

California Department of Developmental Services - Serves people with developmental disabilities and their families.

California Early Start Program - Program within Department of Developmental Services which provides early intervention services to children birth-3 years.

Easter Seals - Developmental services, employment training, adult day programs and warm water therapy.

Area Board III - Advocates on behalf of people with developmental disabilities in California.

California Department of Education, Special Education Division - State Agency which oversees both general and special education programs.

Disability Rights California (Formerly Protection and Advocacy) - Advocates for Californians with disabilities.

NICHCY: National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (Sp) - Information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children and youth, IDEA, No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities) and more.

Team of Advocates for Special Children (Sp) - Advocacy for children with special needs.

Wright's Law - information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Please see "Where Can I Find Additional Information On A Specific Disability?"

Family Village - Site for children and adults with disabilities and their families, friends and allies.

Mothers United for Moral Support (MUMS) - National parent matching organization providing services for finding support for rare diagnoses.

California Map to Inclusive Child Care Project - Support and information for child care providers to help support inclusive child care.

Child Action, Inc. - Child care resource and referral in Sacramento County.

On Eagles Wings - Provides respite care, on the third Friday of each month, to children with special needs and their siblings.  

ATNetwork (Assistive Technology) - An organization dedicated to expanding the accessibility of tools, resources and technology to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities.

National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center - National clearinghouse and technical assistance (TA) center that provides comprehensive child care information resources and TA services to Child Care and Developmental Fund (CCDF) Administrators and other key stakeholders.

Fiesta Educativa - Informa y ayuda a las familias del Latino en la obtención de servicios y en cuidar para sus niños con necesidades especiales. (Fiesta Educativa, Sacramento)

La Familia Counseling Services - Trabajos para mejorar la calidad de vida para la juventud del en-riesgo y las familias de fondos diversos ofreciendo el asesoramiento, servicios del outreach de la ayuda y programas multiculturales para ayudar a las familias a superar adversidad