Resources for Youth with Special Education Needs

Resources for Families from the National PTA

Autism Key: The Autism Friend Finder Program is a unique system that will allow visitors to submit basic contact information through a web-based portal. The data is then shared with anyone residing within a 35-mile radius of their postal zip code. The information will allow individuals facing similar challenges to connect with others in their community.

College Resources for Students with Disabilities Guide: Reviews several technologies and advocate groups available to students who face various disabilities and includes tips and resources to help students transition from college to career.

College Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: A guide offering key strategies, resources, scholarships & more for deaf and hard of hearing students entering higher education.

International Dyslexia Association: The IDA Dyslexia Handbook offers valuable information throughout a child’s life, through to adulthood, about dyslexia and provides information on assessments effective teaching approaches, self-advocacy ideas, and a vast array of resources.

Family & Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE): Provides families, advocates and self-advocates with information about IDEA.

How Myths About Learning Disabilities Rob Many of Their Potential to Succeed and Contribute in School and in the Workplace: This white paper details how learning disabilities rob many of their potential to succeed and contribute in school and in the workplace.

How Safe is the Schoolhouse?:Provides an analysis of state seclusion and restraint laws and policies.

IDEA Early Childhood Policy and Practices Guide: This booklet assists early childhood general educators, early childhood special educators, related service providers, parents, administrators and others in understanding what IDEA now requires for young children with disabilities ages birth through five years old and their families.

IDEAs that Work: Preparing Children and Youth with Disabilities for Success: Provides parents and teachers access to information from research to practice initiatives that are designed to connect teachers and families with resources to assist them in supporting the academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs of students. 

Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School and Home: This free online resource includes information on evaluations and school issues.

National Library Service Talking Books: A free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page.

Understanding the Every Student Succeeds Act: This guide aims to help parents understand the flexibility provided in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and advocate for better education for their children.

Response to Intervention (RTI): A Primer for Parents: The National Association for School Psychologists has prepared this helpful guide for parents wanting to know more about RTI.

Special Connections: Connecting teachers to strategies that help students with special needs successfully access the general education curriculum.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP): Provides extensive information on IDEA.

U.S. Department of Education, Restraint and Seclusion Resource Document: Provides information to consider when developing policies on the use of restraint and seclusion.

Wrightslaw: Provides accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

The LD Checklist: Recognize and Respond: An interactive tool to detect potential signs of LDs or an attention issue in your child or student.

Parent’s Guide to Toilet Training Special Needs Children: Special needs children can face challenges when it comes to toilet training and the role parents play in the process is invaluable. This guide provides great tips for families.