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Resources For Families With Special Needs Children

Having a child with special needs can be time consuming.

LIfe is always on the go, and sometimes parents just don't know what to do, where to go, or who to trust!

Here are some links to help families out!

*Sites are ranked from a scale of 1-5. 5 being the most helpful and 1 not as helpful. Ratings can be located a thet end of description of websites*

National Respite Locator Network

National Respite Locator Network provides respite services to families that are on the go and need a break. Respite companionship can be found through the website that gives parents the opportunity to take a break and complete daily business or chores without the stress of worrying about their child. Respite companions are properly trained. This is valuable tool that parents who are always busy should use. This will decrease stress and help parents manage their time effectively with help from a respite companion. Rating 5/5 for giving parents information needed so that they may get a respite companion for their child in which the parents can complete tasks of their own without interruption.

10 relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques are important in order to combat stress and prevent future health problems. Web MD gives example of specific relaxation techniques that are used. Sometimes problems are hard to avoid and parents must make the toughest decisions. Having the ability to relax and think with a clear mind will help ease the pain and enable parents to get through the difficult phase of their life for that moment. These techniques will help parent's lower blood pressure and prevent future health problems. We want parents to be able to take care of their child as stress free as possible, and relaxation techniques are critical. Rating 5/5 for being critical in preventing health issues from stress.

Six Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress and improve Health

Relaxation techniques for parents to keep their mind focused and body healthy. Stress is a silent killer in the long haul, and special education parents can be are are at risk. These techniques will help with everyday daily stresses that can be done in the comfort of parents own home. This will enable the parent to think clearly and make right choices when stressed. Especially effective before an IEP! 5/5 for giving coping techniques that parents can use anywhere.

Talk About Stress

The website, Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), lists a few articles that relate to stress. They talk about the holiday stress, food allergies, provide links to family and marriage counseling groups you could contact, and a cleverly written The Ten Commandments of Parents of Handicapped Children. Not only on this page, but within the rest of the site, TACA dives deep into the conversations and questions parents may have in terms of having a child with autism. Rating 5/5 for this site because it covers a wide variety of topics, provides support services, and has plenty of PDFs, diagrams, pictures, and visuals to help you understand their articles more clearly.

What is an IEP?

For parents entering the special education system. Important information to understand what an IEP, and what it entails. Critical first step in empowering your child. Effective well written IEP will give you services and placement your child needs to be successful. 5/5 as this is the foundation to special education. Understanding the IEP is the framework of your child's education.

Educational Mandates

Federal laws protect children of special needs by ensuring that their IEP is specifically suited for their needs. Parents ensure that school districts are following these laws as budget cuts are at an all time high. Your child should still be given the best education possible under these federal mandates. 5/5 as it informs parents of mandatory laws that are in place to protect their children in which they might other wise not have known.

Special Education Blog

The Special Education Law Blog is always up to date and current. It helps families by providing up and coming information about the special education world. On the right hand side of the website are links ranging from parental advocacy to school placement. A plethora of information is the parents disposal to create the best special education experience possible. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Rated 5.

Council of Parents Attorney and advocates

Provides advocacy, and lawyer information for parents whom seek services. The site is primarily for parents to gain a better understanding of their rights as a special education parent. Special education can be confusing and it can be a lonely battle if one does not know what to do. Council of Parents Attorney and Advocates provide parents with help and support in order for the child to receive the proper services or maintain services. The site will fight for you! Rated 5 for extensive information and the potential to help a family be empowered through knowledge of an advocate or attorney.

ABC News: New Definition of Autism

For parents to gain knowledge about the new redefinition of autism. This will help prepare families for possible loss of service and for the worst unfortunately. It's still not definitive in what will be reclassified. Rated a 4/5 due to the warning of the reclassifying but specifically lacking who it will be affecting.

Effective Communication in Schools

Effective communication is critical for student success, but can be hindered when educators and parents do not see eye to eye. The following website is a lesson plan for the effective communication for students, teachers and other professionals. Parents should feel free to take the quick lesson and gain insight to how educators are trained. This site provides information on effective communication skills that are not only effective for teachers, but also for parents. One main topic on the website learning how to take constructive criticism. It's something that a person can take the wrong way and may hinder future communication. Rated 5 for extensive information that is beneficial to both parents and school staff.

How to Effectively Communicate with your Special Education Team

The 5 step follow through! Another site that gives detail follow through of how a parent should approach meetings, and the first day of school. 5 simple steps to follow through with the final step being the most important. FOLLOW THROUGH! A well thought out guide for parents who are entering the special education realm, as well as other parents who are currently in the system whom need guidance in effective communication. Rated 5 for a simple stylistic approach that seems effective.

National PTA

Provides information on standards of family and school partnerships. For both parents and school personnel. Informative standards that are labeled 1-6 for effective collaborative communication for parents and school personnel. Rated 5/5 for the standards that are being set for communication.

Communicate with Special Education Parents

Ways that parents and teachers can communicate on a daily basis. Find the best preference, and most effective communication method that is needed for your child's success. From email, to phone, or a traveling folder. The site gives tips for each so that the communication from one end will be properly received on the other end. 5/5 for advice on basic methods of communication and how to make them effective.

                                                               The purpose of this website is for parents of special needs children to have a place of reference.
                                                                                  Special education can be a scary place when one is not informed of their rights.
                           These links are meant to be a guide for parents to help them make a more informed choice in the approach they decide to take with their child.

Website created by Ronald Lefevre and Eun Kim
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