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The
World Wide Web (Internet) can provide a wealth of information and
connect you with other parents and professionals. If you don't have
a computer of your own, you can access the Web through computers
at your local library. As you search the Web, be sure to take time
to evaluate each site. Online advice should never replace your physician’s.
The Internet isn't regulated, so keep in mind that anyone-including
someone with no medical training- can set up a health and medical
Web site. To help determine a site's credibility, check that:
- It's
affiliated with or produced by an established organization or
person whose credentials are made clear.
- There's
a distinction between content and advertising.
- Site
sponsorships or funding are displayed, making it obvious when
a company recommends its own products.
- The
date the content was created is evident.
- Information
is regularly updated.
You
can find a web site by typing in its URL (“address”) ex: www.warmlinefrc.org.
(Always
type www. before the URL.)
~ OR~
You
can perform a “search”. Searching is when you go to the web site
of a Search Engine and type in a word or phrase (called a key word).
Search Engines are web sites that allow you to search for information.
Some examples are:
The
Search Engine will then search the Internet and find the web sites
that have matching keywords. For example, typing in “Down syndrome”
will give you sites that contain those words. This is a good way
to gather a variety of information about a particular topic, however,
it may mean having to look at many sites. Many search engines have
tutorials to teach you how to enter information in order to refine
your searches, or you can call us at WarmLine – we can help!
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 are usually
called "chat rooms" or "bulletin boards".
You can find them by using a Search Engine. These groups can
be extremely helpful to parents who are seeking support and/or resources.
However, you should use the same caution as with Web sites.
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.
Listed
below are some Web sites that might be helpful to parents of children
with special needs.
Advocacy/Family
Support/General Information
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
Provide 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."
Circle of
Inclusion
(Sp) Supports
inclusion of children with special needs.
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
Netowrk (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. Very helpful for 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.
Resource Foundation for Children with Challenges
Educational resources and emotional support to families of children,
adolescents and young adults with disabilities.
Placer
ARC (Advocacy, Resources & Choices)
Programs for individuals with developmental
disabilities.
Protection And Advocacy
Advocates for the rights
of Californians with disabilities.
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
Sibling Support Project
Supports
the life-long concerns of siblings of people who have special needs.
Health
Services
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 age 21 years.
Shriner’s Hospitals
Free mecial care for children up to 18 years who have orthopedic
diagnoses, limb deficiencies, burns or who require plastic surgery.
Developmental
Disabilities/Early Start
Alta
California Regional Center 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 0-3 years old.
Easter Seals Developmental
services, employment training, adult day programs and warm water
therapy.
Special
Education
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.
Great Schools Formerly
"Schwab Learning", information for parents of children
who have learning difficulties. Includes link to California
State Learning Standards which describe what students should learn
at each grade in a particular subject. State standards are
created by the state's department of education.
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.
Protection And Advocacy
Advocates for the rights of Californians with disabilities.
Special
Education Rights and Responsibilities
Team
of Advocates for Special Children
(Sp) Advocacy for children with special
needs.
Wright's
Law Information about special education
law and advoacy for children with disabilities.
Diagnosis/Disability
Specific
Please
see "Where Can I Find Additional
Information On A Specific Disability?"
Family Village Site
for children and adults with disabilities and their families and
their friends and allies.
Mothers United for Moral Support (MUMS) National
parent matching organization. Very helpful for finding support
for rare diagnoses.
Technical
Assistance
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
Child
Care
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.
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 Development Fund (CCDF) Administrators and other
key stakeholders.
Resources
for Spanish Speaking Families
Fiesta
Educativa
Informs and
assists Latino families in obtaining services and in caring for
their children with special needs.
Fiesta
Educativa, Sacramento
La
Familia Counseling Services
Works to improve the quality of life
for at-risk youth and families of diverse backgrounds by offering
multi-cultural counseling, support outreach services and programs
to help families to overcome adversity, to become empowered, and
to succeed in their lives.
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