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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 and at the WarmLine Family Resource Center
. 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 the 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. This is by no means a complete list.
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.
“(Sp)”
indicates that the website is also available in Spanish.
Listed
below are some Web sites that might be helpful to parents of children
with special needs.
Alta
California Regional Center
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The ARC
Area Board III
Association of Birth Defect Children
ATNetwork (Assistive Technology)
Autism Society of America
(Sp)
California Association of Family Empowerment Centers
California Children's Services
California Department of Developmental Services
California Department of Education, Special Education Division
California Early Start Program
Child Action, Inc.
Circle
of Inclusion
(Sp)
Easter Seals
Family Village
Family Voices
(Sp)
Fathers
Netowrk (Sp)
Health
Rights Hotline (Sp)
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
March
of Dimes
Matrix (Parent Training and Information Center)
The Merck Manual
Mothers United for Moral Support
My
Friends Pediatric Day Healthcare Center
National Down Syndrome Society
National
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
National
Health Information Center (Sp)
NICHCY: National Information Center for Children and Youth with
Disabilities (Sp)
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National
Mental Health Association (Sp)
National
Organization of Rare Disorders
Parent
Advocacy Coalition of Education Rights (Sp)
Parent’s Place of Maryland
Protection And Advocacy
Resource Foundation for Children with Challenges
Search
and Respond (Exceptional Parent Magazine)
Schwab Learning
Shriner’s
Hospitals
Sibling Support Project
Supporting Early Education Delivery Systems (SEEDS)
Team
of Advocates for Special Children
Through
the Looking Glass (Sp)
United Cerebral Palsy Associations
UC
Davis MIND Institute
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