WEBSITES FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Family TIES has chosen these web sites as a “starting point” for families of children with special needs.  This is only a sampling of what is out there in “cyber world”.  Most of these sites also have links to other great web pages.  Surfs Up - Enjoy!

Massachusetts Websites:

• Federation for Children with Special Needs – A center for parents and parent organizations that work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families.  Offers a variety of services, information and resources. http://www.fcsn.org
  
  
• Massachusetts Family Voices – The state chapter of the national organization composed of parents and professionals who are committed to improving systems of care for children with special health care needs.  http://www.massfamilyvoices.org
  
  
• Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change – A grassroots organization that provides leadership training and works to inform and educate individuals, families and community members about advocacy, services, and local, state and federal resources for individuals with disabilities. Regional chapters throughout the state.  http://www.communitygateway.org/mfofc/
  
  
• Massachusetts Department of Education –  News, resources and information about MCAS and educational technology.  On-line access to DOE publications on the web as well as a guide to free videos.  http://www.doe.mass.edu
  
  
• Arc Massachusetts – A statewide agency that promotes quality community services and advocates for enlightened public policy.
  http://arcmass.org
  
  
• PAL (Parent Professional Advocacy League) – An organization that promotes a strong voice for families of children and adolescents with mental health needs.
  http://ppal.net
  
  
• Institute for Community Inclusion – Through partnerships with families, offers training and technical assistance to develop innovative educational options, provides technical assistance about employment, recreation and living options for children and adults with disabilities.  Involved with numerous projects promoting community integration.  http://www.communityinclusion.org
  
  
• MASSPAC – A statewide network of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (PACs).
  http://www.masspac.org
  
  
• Community Gateway – A disability resource center based in Central Massachusetts.  Has wonderful links to state and national resources.  http://www.communitygateway.org

National Websites:

• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities – Provides free information on disabilities and disability related issues, focusing primarily on ages 0-22.  Also has printed materials in Spanish.  http://www.nichcy.org
  
  
• National Father’s Network – Networking for fathers and families raising children with special needs.
  http://www.fathersnetwork.org
  
  
• The ARC of the United States – National organization of and for people with mental retardation and related disabilities and their families.  http://www.thearc.org
  
  
• Family Village – A global community that integrates information, resources and community opportunities on the Internet for people with mental retardation and other disabilities, their families, and those that provide them services and supports.
  http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu
  
  
• Family Voices – A national grassroots network of families and friends advocating on behalf of children with special health care needs regarding health care reform on the state and federal level.
  http://www.familyvoices.org

And just a few more…

• NORD (National Organization on Rare Disorders) - A unique federation of more than 140 not-for-profit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders and disabilities.
  http://www.rarediseases.org
  
  
• Band Aides and Blackboards – Kids talk about their medical problems. 
  http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/fleitas/contents.html
  
  
• First Gov – A one-stop, easy to use web portal to all government online services. 
  http://www.firstgov.org 

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