This area provides a comprehensive list of sites that we feel are of interest to the TelAbility community. Use the search interface above to search by keyword or category for sites related to your area of interest. We are constantly reviewing and adding new links so please check back often.

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AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) This website provides additional professional development opportunities for those in the Early Intervention community.

ARC of North Carolina The ARC of NC advocates for improved quality of life for all individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in our state. This site offers an array of supports and services to individuals and families across North Carolina. There's an online discusion board and answer sheets, a link to the NC General Assembly website, and even a catalog of clothing with the ARC of NC insignia.

Addressing Child Care Challenges for Children with Disabilities This Center on Law and Social Policy report (February 2003) offers background and recommendations regarding Congressional reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which together provide resources for early childhood education for young children with disabilities in all states.

American Psychological Association Based in Washington, DC, the American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. This well-stocked website describes the organization, has book and brochure sections, a section on children, youth and family issues, a section on disability issues, a conference calendar, continuing education materials for psychologists, online games for children (under "kidpsych") and much more.

ArcLink - Know the System This site contains a wealth of information for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Use this site to learn about support programs and how services are delivered in North Carolina, locate and research service providers, conduct a basic needs analysis, and research topics.

Augmentative Resources A website that offers literacy aids, picture schedules, visual aid displays and choice boards, and communication books to aid teacher in establishing a successful and intergrated classroom.

Autism Asperger Publishing Company An independent publisher specializing in books on autism spectrum disorders based on the latest research on autism, Asperger syndrome and other pervasive developmental disorders. AAPC takes pride in offering books that provide practical solutions for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder as well as parents, teachers or others working or living with an individual with an autism spectrum disorder. In addition to autism books they offer videos and other interactive products. They have recently expanded our titles of books and resources on social skills and sensory integration dysfunction due to the importance of these areas for individuals on the autism spectrum and the scarcity of resources in these areas. Whether you need information about an autism spectrum disorder or social skills or sensory integration, AAPC offer books, resources, and conferences of the highest caliber with a practical focus.

Autism Cares This site serves as a disaster registry for the autism community so health records can survive a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina, allowing for continuous care.

Autism Education Foundation The purpose of the Autism Education Foundation is to make high quality teaching materials on autism available to college instructors, high school teachers, and other educators. You are encouraged to adapt the materials offered to your specific needs.

Autism Society of North Carolina The North Carolina chapter of the Autism Society of America. This website provides information on local resources, special events, summer camps, and an online bookstore

Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore The Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore was foundd in 1988 in response to parent requsts for information on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over the past 17 years the bookstore has grown to become the largest non-profit ASD-specific bookstore in the United States, with nearly 500 titles in stock.

AutismBuddy.com AutismBuddy aims to provide a FREE user-friendly website that provides high quality pintables and resources for teachers and parents for use with children with Special Educational Needs. You will find easy to download resources in many categories including booklets, puzzles and games, flashcards, worksheets, visual timetabling, activities, visual aids, emotions, teaching aids, matching and sorting, classroom display, clip-art, E-books and social skills and many more.

BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc. A Non-Profit Agency Providing an Objective Approach to Meeting the Diverse Needs of Families with Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and the Professionals Who Serve Them

Behavior Online a site for communication among mental health and behavioral scientists. This website includes biographies of the organization's board,transcripts of previous chat sessions (none since March 2000), threaded discussion lists and more.

Breastfeeding Babies with Special Needs A primer on breastfeeding children with Down Syndrome, cleft palate and Pierre Robin syndrome, from BabyCenter.com

Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome Benefits of and tips that may help breastfeeding your baby with Down Syndrome

Bubel/Aiken Foundation The Bubel/Aiken Foundation -with your help- will address areas of the disability community traditionally under-served. Investing in the education community will give us a voice in the future. Providing services and financial assistance, creating awareness, and recognizing `Champions of Change? will help us extend the boundaries of the human experience for all. Providing Services and Financial Assistance Our grant program will provide much needed funding to qualified programs serving families in need of funds to assist individuals in life skills and one-to-one social skills, but more importantly, to programs that provide social interaction with non-disabled peers. We will fund the development of curricula and the necessary training aimed at achieving full inclusion in the educational, employment, and recreational settings.

CHADD A National non-profit organization representing people with AD/HD (attentin deficit/hyperactivity disorder) that works to improve their lives through education, advocacy, and support. The website contains fact sheets, news releases, local chapter contact numbers (there are 11 in NC), research/ clinical trials information, advocacy tips for special education, and related links.

CLAS - Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Services In collaboration with many colleagues representing diverse cultural and linguistic roots the CLAS Early Childhood Research Institute collects and describes early childhood/early intervention resources that have been developed across the U.S. for children with disabilities and their families and the service providers who work with them. The materials and resources available on this site reflect the intersection of culture and language, disabilities and child development. Through this site we intend to inform consumers (e.g., practitioners, families, and researchers) about materials and practices that are available and the contexts in which they might select a given material or practice. Parts of the site can also be read in Spanish.

Caswell County Partnership for Children A non-profit organization led by local volunteers, designed to provide programs and services for families and children in Caswell County, North Carolina. This website includes informatin about the Partnership and its programs, including contact information, an events calendar, and more.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Autism Information Center As part of the Center for Disease Control's website, this link will provide you with answers to question about autism spectrum disorders. You can also learn about the autism spectrum disorders projects at CDC and about projects at the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies. State Activities: Read about state autism spectrum disorders programs funded by CDC.

Certified Child Safety Seat / Child Restraint Technician Contact Locator A state by state list of certified child restraint technicians who can make sure that your child's car seat is properly installed and is up to current safety standards. Sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

Child Care for Children with Special Needs An excerpt from the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5" (Bantam 1998)this page offers suggestions on finding appropriate day care services for a child with special needs.

Child Care plus+: The Center on Inclusion in Early Childhood This website offers a number of free and inexpensive resources to help facilitate the inclusion of young children with disabilities in early childhood programs.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder A National non-profit organization representing people with AD/HD (attentin deficit/hyperactivity disorder) that works to improve their lives through education, advocacy, and support. The website contains fact sheets, news releases, local chapter contact numbers (there are 11 in NC), research/ clinical trials information, advocacy tips for special education, and related links.

Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities Resources A listing of over 100 websites (in alphabetical order) from the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Collaborative Early Intervention National Training e-Resource Based at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, this nationwide program seeks to inform and support graduate-level professionals serving families with infants and toddlers who are deaf/hard of hearing through transdisciplinary web-based training modules. This website contains information about the program, lists of state contacts, related books and links, tips, and FAQs. Sponsored by the United States Department of Education.

Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education The National Center on Dispute Resolution, CADRE uses advanced technology as well as traditional means to provide technical assistance to state departments of education on implementation of the mediation requirements under IDEA '97. CADRE also supports parents, educators and school administrators to benefit from the full continuum of dispute resolution options that can prevent and resolve conflict and ultimately lead to informed partnerships that focus on results for children and youth. This website contains handouts, audio clips, videos, calendars and more. Funded by the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

Council for Exceptional Children An international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. Sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective practice. The website is a great resource for school related issues. Includes the federally funded Educational Resources Information Center on Disabilities and Gifted Education.

Deaflinx Deaf Linx is designed to be a one-stop shop for legal deaf cultural resources, American Sign Language (ASL) resources, deaf education, and deaf services. Health care, government assistance, real estate access, insurance, and travel also may create issues that uniquely affect deaf people and their families. There are many resources available here to help you find the information and programs that can greatly improve the deaf community, as well to help deaf individuals and their friends and family navigate all of the concerns that may arise in these areas. Whether you were born deaf, suffer from degenerative hearing, or are the parent or loved one of a deaf child, Deaf Linx has valuable information to help you find the information you are looking for.

Division TEACCH Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children) is a comprehensive, community-based program dedicated to improving the understanding and services for autistic and communication handicapped children and their families across the state. This website decribes TEACCH's programs, lists its regional centers, and offers information and resources about autism, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and strategies for inclusion of children with autism-spectrum conditions.

Division for Early Childhood This website provides professional development opportunties for those in the Early Intervention community.

Do 2 Learn This site provides free and for a fee learning products for children with autism and developmental delays.

Dr. Greene's Housecalls Dr. Greene is a pediatrician and internet physician from California who answers pediatric questions submitted by readers from all over the world. This website, one of the very first physician sites on the internet, provides bios about Dr. Greene and his website colleagues, FAQ sections, a dictionary of childhood medical conditions, online chatroom and bulletin boards, and more.

Each of Us Remembers... Created by a group of parents and providers from United Cerebral Palsy of America, this printable 26 page booklet offers wonderful information by parents, for parents of young children recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Early Childhood LINK Based within the Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning at UNC-Chapel Hill, the Early Childhood LINK program provides training and technical assistance to improve the ability of local providers to offer transdisciplinary early intervention services to young children with autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment/blindness and/or mental health challenges. While currently concentrating its training activities and services in Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, and Pender counties, the LINK website offers information and resources about these low incidence disabilities to people across the state and beyond.

Early Childhood Music and Movement Association The Early Childhood Music & Movement Association is an organization of professional educators dedicated to uniting music and early childhood professionals for the benefit of children. This website describes the organization, lists its conference offerings, and provides links to relavant websites.

Early Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers with Visual Impairment A collection of resources designed to build the capacity of colleges and universities to prepare personnel to serve infants and toddlers who are blind or have visual impairments and their families. At this website, you can find handouts, bibliographies, website links and more. Based at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.

Early Intervention and Early Childhood Libraries At this website, users can search North Carolina's Early Intervention and Early Childhood libraries by keyword (a list is provided), title or author and then contact them to borrow the materials. A short list of related websites is also provided.

Enabling Devices-Toys for Special Children Enabling Devices, a division of Toys for Special Children, Inc., is a New York based company dedicated to developing affordable play, learning, and assistive devices to help people with disabling conditions. This site allows you to learn about and purchase their many toys and assistive technology products.

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center This website provides professional development opportunities and resources for those in the Early Intervention community.

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center The ECAC is a federally funded, statewide education, advocacy, and training program for families with school aged children who have disabilities. Their website includes information about their various programs, a listing of upcoming workshops, materials available from their lending library, and related links.

Exceptional Parent Magazine The online version of a magazine devoted to parenting children with physical or mental handicaps. Good resources for equipment, mobility, etc.

F.I.R.S.T. (Families, Information, Resources, Support and Technology) F.I.R.S.T. is a nonprofit family driven organization dedicated to helping persons with disabilities to live included, productive lives as members of the community by supporting and educating families to be their child's best advocate and youth to be self-advocates. F.I.R.S.T. offers: Free parent training related to educational issues and rights under IDEA and section 504 Staff available to attend school meetings - including Spanish-speaking Advanced training for parents to become better advocates Training for educators and agency staff related to educational issues Resource materials related to specific abilities Website with 24 hour access to information and evening phone hours to help serve families

Families for Early Autism Treatment of North Carolina FEAT of NC is a not-for profit organization that provides resources and support to families with autistic children. This website describes the organization, offers information about autism and the use of applied behavior analysis in its treatment, listings of ABA tutors, links to related websites, and more.

Family Support Network of North Carolina This organization provides information about disabilities, services and agencies which serve families of children who have special needs. Their Central Directory of Resources is a computerized database housing over 15,000 files of information and materials that may be helpful to families of children who have or are at risk for developmental disabilities. Contains links about resources, organizations,special education, advocacy, and assistive technology. Be sure to look at their listings of local Parent to Parent Support Groups to find one near you. To contact them by phone, call 1-800-852-0042.

Fatherhood Initiative A program of the United States' Department of Health and Human Services. This website includes an incredible amount of information on fatherhood ranging from ways to improve opportunities for low-income fathers to a "Toolkit for Fatherhood."

Federal Interagency Coordinating Council The Federal Interagency Coordinating Council will assure that all children ages zero to eight with or at risk for developing disabilities and their families benefit from an integrated, seamless system of services and supports that is family centered, community based, and culturally competent. As a result of this system, children with disabilities will have their physical, mental, health, developmental, and learning needs met in order to reach their full potential. The Federal Interagency Coordinating Council facilitates successful outcomes for young children with disabilities and young children at risk for developing disabilities and their families by: * effectively developing federal interagency policies, * identifying and recommending strategies for the coordination of federal program and fiscal resources, * minimizing fragmentation and duplication in programs and activities at the federal level, * developing strategies for the coordination of the provision of federal technical assistance and support activities, * exemplifying partnerships across federal programs, * ensuring that all supports and services are designed and implemented in a culturally competent, appropriate, and respectful manner, and ensuring that all children, regardless of culture, have maximum access to the full range of supports and services that are due them by federal law.

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute is one of the nation's oldest multidisciplinary institutes for the study of young children and their families. Research and education activities focus on child development and health, especially factors that may put children at risk for developmental problems. This website offers information about the institute and its many programs, investigators, publications, and products.

Generations Tadpole Assistive Technology Lending Library Based in the Murdoch Center in Butner, NC, Generations-Tadpole lends and delivers low-tech assistive technology devices and toys to families and professionals all across North Carolina. At this website, you can learn more about this organization, search its inventory and borrow materials for free.

Global Early Intervention Network An internet community for everyone who cares about early intervention. Hosted by Northeastern University.

Healthy Childcare America The Healthy Child Care America Campaign and the Blueprint for Action are the result of a strong shared vision of the Child Care Bureau and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This vision is two-fold: (1) Create and maximize linkages between health care providers and the child care community; and (2) develop comprehensive and coordinated services to benefit children across the country.

IDEA '97 The Law The full text (available in wordperfect and adobe acrobat formats) of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, covering infant/toddler, and school services. From the United States' Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.

IDEA News Updated information designed to answer questions about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, inform professionals, families and the public about IDEA '97 and strategies to improve educational results for children and youth with disabilities. This website describes this organization and its members, offers a monthly online newsletter (the IDEA News), provides numerous links, documents, and other resources related to school and special education services. Sponsored by the US Department of Education.

International Dyslexia Association (North Carolina Branch) The North Carolina Branch of The International Dyslexia Association (NCIDA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, scientific and organization dedicated to educating the public about the learning disability, dyslexia. The North Carolina Branch has four objectives: 1) to increase awareness in the dyslexic and general community; 2) to network with other learning disability groups and legislators in education; 3) to increase membership and provide services that will strengthen members presence in their communities; 4) to raise funds for future projects that will make a difference in our community.

Internet Resources for Special Children The IRSC web site is dedicated to communicating information relating to the needs of children with disABILITIES on a global basis. The bulk of this website is a directory of links to other websites. The online communities section contains threaded discussion lists, and a search engine makes it easier to find specific sites and information.

KidSCope KidSCope is an early intervention program that provides specialized mental health services to young children with or at risk for developmental disabilities in Orange and Chatham counties. This website provides more information about this and other programs of The Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Project, Inc.

Learn More About Early Childhood Program Standards Related to Assessment and Curriculum The program is informed by ongoing systematic, formal, and informal assessment approaches to provide information on children?s learning and development. These assessments occur within the context of reciprocal communications with families and with sensitivity to the cultural contexts in which children develop. Assessment results are used to benefit children by informing sound decisions about children, teaching, and program improvement.

Learn More About RTI: National Center for Learning Disabilities The site will feature content on implementing RTI from preschool to secondary; information for administrators, teachers, specialists, and families; unprecedented access to the nation?s top researchers and experienced implementers; and numerous networking opportunities to talk to colleagues nationwide.

Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina The Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina (LDANC) promotes awareness of the multifaceted nature of learning disabilities. They support equitable opportunities for people with learning disabilities to participate in life's experiences. LDANC seeks to accomplish this through education, support, advocacy, collaboration and the encouragement of ongoing research.

Life Span LifeSpan transforms the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities by providing education, employment, and enrichment programs that promote inclusion, choice, family supports, and other best practices.

M-CHAT Scoring Sheet The Scoring sheet for the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) screening tool. From FirstSigns.org

MUMS - Mothers United for Mutual Support MUMS is a national Parent-to-Parent organization for parents or care providers of a child with any disability, rare disorder, chromosomal abnormality or health condition. MUMS aims to provide support to parents in the form of a networking system that matches them with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition. Their database includes over 15,700 families from 48 countries, covering over 2700 disorders, very rare syndromes or undiagnosed conditions. Their newsletter allow families to share and speak out about issues affecting their lives. This website describes the origins and goals of this organization, provides information about various conditions, and includes a directory of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) providers.

Mariposa School News The home page of the Mariposa School (located in Cary, NC) which provides intensive individualized instruction to children with autism. This website offers information about the school and its programs, handouts from the school's training manual, useful links and resources and more.

Medline Plus: Prader Willi Syndrome This link offers information and resources related to Prader Willi Syndrome.

More Information on General Outcome Measures: Get It, Got It, Go! Get It, Got It, Go! provides informational materials, assessments, and database-driven systems to help educators, parents, and others: Select measurement tools (Individual Growth and Development Indicators) to monitor children's development. Download assessment materials. Manage the data obtained and generate graphical reports.

My Baby's Hearing A website from Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska that is designed to answer parents' questions about: * Infant hearing screening and follow up testing. * Steps to take after diagnosis of hearing loss. * Hearing loss & hearing aids, language & speech. * Parenting issues. Funded by a grant from the National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

NAMI North Carolina NAMI NC (formerly The North Carolina Alliance for the Mentally Ill) is a grass-roots organization providing support, education and advocacy for the families and friends of people with serious mental illness, and for persons with serious mental illness. This website describes the organization and its membership, bulletin boards for its 32 statewide affiliates, a suggested reading list, links to related websites and more. Use the navigation bar on the left of its screen or the site's search engine to locate several sections specifically for children's issues, including an online edition of the INSIGHTS newsletter.

NIDCD's Apraxia Page This is an informative page from the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders. The page provides a definition of and list of symptoms for apraxia; information on the types and causes of apraxia; diagnoses and treatments and additional resources.

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Contained within the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) this Center aims to improve the health of children and adults by preventing birth defects and developmental disabilities, promoting optimal child development, and promoting health and wellness among children and adults living with disabilities. This website contains information, links and funding opportunities related to developmental disabilities, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, early childhood development, hearing impairment, mental retardation, and vision impairment.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities Now called the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. An excellent site for policy issues, IDEA / special education, pertinent nationwide conferences and resource organizations at both the state and federal levels. Text-only version available.

National Network for Child Care: Children with Special Needs This site contains online articles (many by Doreen B. Greenstein, Ph.D. a Developmental Psychologist at Cornell University) designed to enhance the inclusion of children with special needs in day care and early childhood centers. Some articles are also available as printable handouts. The site was last updated in 2000.

National Organization for Rare Disorders A federation of health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. Be sure to look at NORD's Medication Assistance Program, and databases on rare diseases, genetic syndromes, "orphan" drugs, and specialty organizations.

Neurodevelopmental Therapy Treatment Association The NDTA promotes the use of this hands-on approach is used in working with people who have central nervous system insults that create difficulties in controlling movement. The website offers news and information about NDT.

North Carolina Assistive Technology Project The NC Assistive Technology Program is dedicated to creating a statewide system that coordinates assistive technology services. Activities include awareness and training, consumer groups, expansion projects, funding information, technincal assistance, and much more. Be sure to take a look at the Check-It-Out program - an assistive technology equipment loan program for North Carolinians with disabilities, their families, and their service providers.

North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center Based in Raleigh, this center improves child care services for children by providing information, training and technical assistance to North Carolina's Child Health Care Consultants. This website provides information about the resource center, training modules on asthma and sun protection, a listing of day care related links, and online editions of the NC Child Care Health and Safety Bulletin, available in both English and Spanish.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services The NC Department of Health and Human Services protects the public health, fosters self-reliance and helps the vulnerable in all 100 NC counties. At this site you can learn more about the DHHS and its many divisions and services. If you're not sure where to find what you're looking for, visit the web sites for the divisions and agencies and/or scan the topics index available on the website.

North Carolina Early Intervention Mentor Program Professionals in early intervention are encouraged to participate as a mentor or mentee. Mentors are early intervention professionals with significant experience who want to work one on one with a professional to promote his or her growth and learning. If you are new to the field or new to your position, you can sign up as a mentee to learn from a more experienced member of the field and gain confidence and competence with your skills. The program involves 20 contact hours completed over a 12-month period of time.

North Carolina Early Intervention Services The website of Together We Grow, the NC Early Intervention Services Program. This site includes information about the NC Interagency Coordinating Council (NC-ICC), the Infant Toddler Program (Part C - birth to age 3), and our state's Preschool Program (Part B - ages 3 to 5). This site also includes a training calendar, links page, brochures, and more.

North Carolina Infant Toddler Program This website includes information on the NC Infant Toddler program housed in the Early Intervention Branch, Women's and Children's Health Section, Division of Public Health: the Preschool Disabilities Program, housed in the Department of Public Instruction: and the NC Interagency Coordinating Council, housed at the Division of Child Development. Links to related sites are include.

North Carolina Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program Part of the NC Division of Health, the NC Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program aims to ensure that: All infants are screened for hearing loss prior to discharge from birthing/neonatal facilities, or within one month of birth. All infants referred from the screening process complete diagnostic audiological evaluation by three months of age. All infants with diagnosed hearing loss receive appropriate interventions by six months of age, including amplification selection (if appropriate) and early intervention. At this website you can learn more about this program, get information about hearing for parents and providers, get a list of Children's Special Health Services (CSHS) rosterd physicians, and more.

North Carolina Office of Information Technology Services ITS is committed to develop an efficient, effective, customer-centric e-state by helping business and government: * Promote the delivery of more effective and efficient services * Provide increased accountability to citizens * Offer easier access to useful information * Enable enhanced participation in the democratic process * Present new opportunities to encourage economic development * Improve society through telemedicine and distance learning. This website describes its products and services, information and standards, and more.

North Carolina Women's and Children's Health The Website of the Women and Children's Health Section of North Carolina's Division of Public Health. Includes program listings, website links, contact information, and more.

Office of Special Education Programs The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. At this website, you can find information about the agency, employee listings, national grant programs, ongoing programs funded by the agency, and much more.

Partnerships for Inclusion A statewide technical assistance project providing technical assistance to support the inclusion of young children with disabilities in child care, school, and all aspects of community life. This website includes information about the organization, its programs, and its products.

Partnerships for Inclusion (PFI): Inclusion Support Partnerships for Inclusion (PFI) is pleased to announce *Inclusion Support* - a new addition to our website! This resource is designed to support early care and education professionals who work to enhance inclusion in local communities.Inclusion Support offers three additional features;/ASK PFI/, /Resources/, and an /Inclusion Talk/ discussion forum.

Partnerships in Assistive Technology Partnerships in Assistive Technology (PAT) is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is "to increase knowledge about and access to Assistive Technology (AT) for North Carolinians with disabilities." Here you will find resources to help you with: AT programs, devices and aids to enhance independence; computer access, augmentative communication, mobility aids, environmental control units, and more.

Pathways Awareness Foundation Pathways Awareness Foundation is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about the benefits of early intervention for infants and children with physical movement and/or sensory processing differences. Their website supports professionals and families who have concerns about their children?s physical development. It offers specific information about pediatric physical development for both professionals and parents, and features a unique growth and development chart approved by the Illinois Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics. One can use the chart to track a child?s physical, play, and speech milestones from 3-15 months. The chart also explains what parents need to know about normal development during this age period, gives an overview of developmental milestones, and includes pictures, as well as warning signs for potential movement and developmental problems. It is a great tool for physicians and parents to use and share. You can also view the entire Pathways Awareness Foundation video (in both English and Spanish), by clicking on the ?Affiliates? button on the left side of our home page. Then click on the link below the heading ?Early Infant Assessment Redefined?. If you would like more information about the Pathways Awareness Foundation or services available in your area, please call toll free 1-800-955-CHILD or write to Pathways Awareness Foundation, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2100, Chicago, Illinois 60601

Pediatric Dentists in NC By entering your zip code, this website will give you a list of up to date contact information for pediatric dentists near you who are members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Note: These dentists may or may not have expertise in caring for children with disabilities.

Pediatric Development and Behavior Homepage The Pediatric Development and Behavior Homepage is an independent web site created by a developmental pediatrician to promote better care and outcomes for children and families affected by developmental, learning, and behavioral problems by providing access to clinically relevant information and educational material for medical providers, psychologists, social workers, therapists, educators, and parents. Geared towards physicians, this site offers news, handouts, article reviews, links and more.

Prader Willi Syndrome Food Pyramid This link provides an augmented food pyramid helpful for monitoring the nutrional needs of children diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome.

Project Enlightenment An early childhood education and intervention program located in Raleigh, North Carolina that offers a variety of workshops, resources, intervention, consultation, and education services to families and teachers of Wake County. This website offers information about their programs for teachers and parents.

R&R Official Website This new site features a section devoted to Response to Intervention on the Pre-K level, explores the Recognition & Response model, and offers helpful information and resources combined with networking access to top leaders in the field.

Reed Martin's Special Education Law & Advocacy Stratgies An online information center about special education law from Reed Martin, an attorney in Morgantown, West Virginia. While the website's design makes it somewhat difficult to navigate, it is packed with information in various media (articles, books, videos, chat rooms, message boards) about advocating for children with special needs at school.

SNAP Playgroup SNAP (Special Needs Awareness Project) was created to help families with children (birth to 5 years old) regarding all aspects of Early Intervention in Wake County. We invite you to call (219.0852) for more information or resources. We also invite you to attend a free Friday morning playgroup to meet parents with children birth to 3 in the Early Intervention Network and gather information on area resources.

Sibling Support Project A national program, the Sibling Support Project strives to increase the availiability of peer support and educational programs for the brothers and sisters of people with special health care needs and developmental disabilities. Information is geared to both younger brothers and sisters as well as adult siblings.

Signs of Learning Signs of Learning creates an educational and fun atmosphere where babies and young children, as well as their parents, educators, and caregivers, learn the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). A basic ASL vocabulary can empower children to express their needs and feelings before they can speak. Signs of Learning provides workshops, classes, and playgroups designed to teach babies and their caregivers the basics of ASL in a playful, language-rich, educational environment. These opportunities equip babies and their caregivers with the tools they need to nurture their potential. Signs of Learning believes that this system of communication can open a channel for a deeper connection between children and their parents, educators, and caregivers. By integrating ASL into daily routines relationships between adult and child can be strengthened and frustration can be significantly reduced. Signs of Learning stands behind the research that shows ASL enriches children's speech and language, boosts vocabulary, increases self-confidence, and stimulates intelligence. Signs of Learning is committed to providing quality services that will support the wellbeing of the families it serves.

Smart Start NC North Carolina's early childhood initiative designed to ensure that young children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. This website describes this statewide program, lists contact numbers for its programs in each county, and offers online and downloadable information to parents and professionals about many issues related to young children.

Spectrum Resources of NC This oganization provides resources, courses and support for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disoders and other developmental disabiliies.

SpeechTX This site, designed especially for Speech Language Pathologists, has a variety of printable speech language activities and lessons for children of different ages, all free! Parents are also encouraged to enjoy the activities. (apraxia)

State Center for Health Statistics A part of NC's Division of Public Health, the SCHS is responsible for data collection and research, production of reports, and maintenance of a comprehensive collection of health statistics for the Department of Health and Human Services. This website provides information on the SCHS's branches and programs, publications including state health statistics, related links, and more.

TEACCH Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children) is a comprehensive, community-based program dedicated to improving the understanding and services for autistic and communication handicapped children and their families across the state. This website decribes TEACCH's programs, lists its regional centers, and offers information and resources about autism, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and strategies for inclusion of children with autism-spectrum conditions.

The 16 Campuses of The University of North Carolina A helpful website that offers easy access to the home pages of all 16 campuses of the University of North Carolina. Although reviewed in January 2003, the What's New section was last updated in June 2000.

The Expressive Communication Help Organization The Expressive Communication Help Organization (ECHO) is a parent-friendly resources & support website for children with oral motor speech disorders. ECHO is a volunteer-run non-profit charity established by parents for parents/caregivers of late-talking children diagnosed with or suspected of having Apraxia of Speech, Dyspraxia, Dysarthria or Oral Motor Speech Disorders. The site offers resources, information, friendship and support to those whose lives are touched by a late-talking child.

The First Words Project The FIRST WORDS? Project and website is a longitudinal research investigation in the Department of Communication Disorders at Florida State University. The project's major goal is to identify early red flags of developmental language disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other communication delays in children under 24 months of age. Through research findings, the project aims to improve screening tools and early detection of communication disorders by maximizing the role of the family, which will help families obtain intervention services sooner.

The Lucy Daniels Center New to the WATCH Project in March of 2007, The Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood is a private, non-profit program devoted to promoting the healthy emotional development of young children. The program includes a vibrant blend of a school, a children's mental health facility, and a training site for parents and professionals.

Tots 'n Tech Research Institute (TnT) This is the newest section of the Tots 'n Tech web iste that features AT ideas from early interventionists around the United States. It is being updated weekly with new categories and new ideas.

Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. The TSA is a national not-for profit organization dedicated to providing up-to-date, accurate information about Tourette Syndrome. This website describes the organization, provides information about Tourette Syndrome, offers books and videos for purchase, has an online newsletter (non-members can only read the first page each edition), an ask the expert page and a new education and advocacy section.

UNC Hospital School UNC Hospitals is host to the state?s only accredited Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade (PK-12) Hospital School. The school helps children keep up with their classroom studies during their hospital stay and works with the local schools to provide a smooth transition back to school. There are two separate locations for the school within the UNC Hospitals complex. The pediatric component of the school is located on the seventh floor of the Children?s Hospital, and the psychiatric component is located on the second floor of the Neurosciences Hospital. At both locations, there are classrooms, offices and a media center or computer lab. Although there are classrooms and physical space designated as ?school? where students ?go to school?, school often goes to them. When needed, teachers work with students at bedside or on the patient?s units where they are being treated. To learn more about the Hospital School, click here: http://chccs.k12.nc.us/hospital

Vocal Development This website, from Purdue University, has been designed to share information about early speech development and to provide examples of the speech sounds that children produce before they say words on a regular basis. At the site you can: learn about and listen to vocalizations from different developmental levels; check your listening skills; learn about the research in vocal development; and learn about ways to stimulate Early Speech Development and Oral language (in children diagnosed with apraxia).

Wake Count Local Interagency Coordinating Council The Wake County LICC is a collaborative partnership among: ? parents, ? caregivers, ? public agencies, ? private and non-profit organizations, ? interested community members or organizations, to promote a coordinated and effective Early Intervention (EI) system in Wake County. This website provides an overview of the Wake LICC goal areas, showcases resources for families,and ofers a listing of Wake LICC Member agencies. Parents can download a copy of the Wake County Early Intervention Road Map, a short guide to help parents navigate the Early Intervention system. The guidebook provides information on early intervention services, an early intervention timeline, support groups, and much more. It's also available in Spanish.

Wake County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) The Wake County Special Education PTA is a new, unique county-wide PTA designed to focus on children receiving special educations services in Wake County Public Schools. A group of parents and teachers chartered SEPTA in February 2005, elected officers and opened the organization to new members. Since then, 161 people have joined. SEPTA connects parents and teachers as well as with professionals and other organizations that provide support, training and resources. To learn more or to join call (919) 788-2599. Annual dues are $5.00.

Washington Learing Systems This website offers resources and evidence based programs to promote early literacy, language, cognitive, and social development. Activities are appropriate for children with and without special needs. This link directs you to free reproducible language and early literacy activities available in Engligh and Spanish.

Williams Syndrome Association Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. This site is geared toward caregivers and professionals providing information on common traits throughout development, regional information, web links, camps, etc.

Wrights Law This website (from Pete Wright, an attorney who represents children with special needs, and his wife Pam Wright, a psychotherapist with training in psychology and clinical social work)offers a great deal of information about special education law, focusing on attention deficit disorder, autism, IDEA, IEPs and other school-related services. The site includes article, tips, a bookstore, a seminar/training schedule and more. Try the site search engine to find specific information more quickly. You might need to scroll far down some the long web pages.

Yale Child Study Center Developmental Disabilities Clinic & Research Home Page The Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut, offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluations for children with social disabilities, usually focusing on the issues of diagnosis and intervention. This website provides website links, information, and updates about the clinic's research on autism, asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders, prader willi syndrome, williams syndrome and more.

Yellow Pags for Kids This website is free through Wrightslaw services and is a site for people searching for reliable information and support for children with special needs. The site is organized by state and lists a variety of evaluators, educational consultants, tutors, support groups, grassroots organizations, advocates, attorneys and others who help parents and professional get services for children with special needs.

Zero to Three ZERO TO THREE is a national non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to strengthen and support families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers. This website provides information about the organization, resources for parents and professionals, an events calendar, and more.

http://www.audiciondelbebe.org/portada.asp Spanish Version of a website from Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska that is designed to answer parents' questions about: * Infant hearing screening and follow up testing. * Steps to take after diagnosis of hearing loss. * Hearing loss & hearing aids, language & speech. * Parenting issues. Funded by a grant from the National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.