Resources on the Internet |
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Last update January 6, 2024
Holocaust Teacher Resource Center
Wonder Moms
School Speciality Abilitations
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Project NoSpank A resource for parents, students, educators, education policy makers, healthcare providers, children's advocates, and all others who are concerned with the safety and wellbeing of children. See also on this site Judge Rotenberg Center investigated for child torture
ONLINE HANDBOOK FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PARENTING "... offers resources for parents at every stage of the journey of caring for their special needs children. From learning more about special needs to picking a school, planning a financial structure, and getting past the bullying and discrimination that so often plague people with special needs."
"United Cerebral Palsy’s (UCP) knowledge of disability issues has been accruing for more than sixty years ..." Enlightenment - A progressive world view Common Dreams News Center - Breaking news and views for the progressive community. Texas Parent to Parent "Texas Parent to Parent provides support, information, and education to families of children of all ages who have disabilities or chronic illness."
OlmsteadRights: Texas Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations"Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)."
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. Pretty much what the name implies. I went to the first COPAA meeting in January 1998. They cover a wide range of legal and practical matters specifically aimed at special education and public schools.
Here are two sites with teaching and research materials for students, teachers, and those seeking an understanding of the horrors of intolerance. Our disabled children - I am convinced - are victims also. When institutions and schools use violence against autistic and mentally retarded children under the guise of discipline, it is an outrage against humanity. The evidence indicates to me a dangerous trend in attitudes in America, not by all -of course- but when violence and intolerance becomes instituionalized, we have a problem. The Holocaust Teacher Resource Center (TRC) web site, is dedicated to the memory of the six million Jewish people and the six million other people slaughtered during the Holocaust. It strives to combat prejudice and bigotry by transforming the horrors of the Holocaust into positive lessons to help make this a better and safer world for everybody. This site is sponsored by the Holocaust Education Foundation, Inc. The Southern Poverty Law Center is a non-profit organization that
combats hate, intolerance, and discrimination through education and litigation. Its
programs include Teaching Tolerance and the Intelligence Project, which incorporates
Klanwatch and the Militia Task Force. The Center also sponsors the Civil Rights Memorial
which celebrates the memory of 40 individuals who died during the Civil Rights Movement.
Amnesty International is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. In particular, Amnesty International campaigns to free all prisoners of conscience; ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; abolish the death penalty, torture and other cruel treatment of prisoners; end political killings and "disappearances"; and oppose human rights abuses by opposition groups.
ABLE RISE "We are here to help locate disability resources and make the world a bit more caring." ... a site designed to empower the disabled as well as their friends & family with resources, with the ultimate goal of fostering community mechanisms for seamless acceptance and assistance for those coping with any measure of disability.
The Wonder Moms Blog is a project by three moms to share real talk, helpful information, and practical advice with parents of kids who have intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism, language and speech delays, deafness, chronic illness, and traumatic brain injury. Some suggestions from Christy:
What to Look for in Accessible Apartments
Simple Home Modifications for Kids with Special Needs
Tips for Coping with Covid Stress
Making Special Education Work for Your Child During COVID
Special Home Educator is blog by mother of four (Jenny Wise), one "is a very special girl who just happens to be on the autism spectrum" Some suggestions from Jenny:
Creating a Home Atmosphere of Solitude to Help
Cope with Adult Autism
When My Son With Autism Melts Down, Here’s What I
Do
Breaking Free of Addiction When You Have a
Disability
Special Needs - Associations, Catalogs, Publications The Autism National Committee (autcom.org) "This is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to 'Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism' through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior. In the face of social policies of devaluation, which are expressed in the practices of segregation, medicalization, and aversive conditioning, we assert that all individuals are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
S&S Opportunities catalog. "Equipment and supplies for Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Rehabilitation, Special Education, Sensory Stimulation." They have several catalogs.
Computer and Technology Resources California State University, Northridge Center On Disabilities
"AbleNet is a world leader in assistive technology, curriculum, and services to help individuals with disabilities lead productive and fulfilling lives." Elo Touch Solutions - This company sells PC/Mac compatible touch screen monitors. They have "SAW" (surface acoustic wave) monitors that provide touch screen technology without the use of a covering (membrane) over the monitor screen. Membrane technologies introduce distortion (fuzziness) and reduce brightness. Elo pricing is industry standard. (My son has touch screen monitor from Elo that has provided 15 years of trouble-free service - Dave Thompson) NOTE: Touchscreens are available now from various manufacturers and PC/Laptop manufacturers. EloTouch is durable, high-end product, but we do have other choices now - Dave Thompson April 2018
Community Playthings - Maker of toys and furniture for
children in kindergartens and child-care centers since 1948. Solid maple blocks, chairs,
tables, cribs, shelving and more. Rifton Equipment - Special equipment made for children with physical disabilities since 1977. Rifton works with teachers and therapists to develop products for positioning and mobilizing children for functional activity.
U. S. Congress - Current US Federal Legislative Information. Bills,
Laws, Congressional Record, reports, and links to further information. THSC. As we know, home schooling is not an option for many parents, especially single parents. If the federal government is going to pass legislation such as IDEA, then we should have the right to expect that our children should be safe in public schools. Furthermore, public schools should make the experience for our children be something other than trivial and demeaning. However, some parents - myself included - find home schooling an alternative in states and school districts that are particularly "hostile" (my word) to disabled children and their parents. While the THSC has a religious emphasis. They sure know how to lobby and sure know how to deal with the politicians in Austin (Texas state capital). And they support their members on legal issues with school districts in Texas.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities "special financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities. The purpose of this guide is to focus on these financial aid opportunities and discuss how to take advantage of them."
The autism community is large and has many online resources. Here I mention only a few websites of interest that can point you to many other sites. From AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) website. "Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world
for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this
through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances
in care for autistic individuals and their families." Guide to Better Sleep for Kids with Autism Navigate Life Texas (Autism Support Network) "The Autism Support Network connects families and individuals touched by ASD with each other, provides support and insight, and acts as a resource guide for education, treatments, strategies and therapies for autism."
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