Special Needs Web Resources

Use this comprehensive list of Websites about special needs to help with all kinds of issues, such as Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder, learning disabilities, special education, and more. You'll also find plenty of resources on TeacherVision, from lesson plans to activities, in our Special Needs resource center.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) The CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities and students with disabilities. This site has articles, research, and products to meet the challenges of educators who are working with exceptional children. Attention Deficit Disorder National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) The ADDA is an organization built around the needs of adults and young adults with ADD and ADHD. It serves individuals with ADD and the people who care for them. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) CHADD is an advocacy group for children and adults with ADD and ADHD. The site contains useful classroom management techniques and is a great resource for advocacy and treatment. Parents will also find the site helpful. KidSource Online - Attention Deficit Disorder This two-part article focuses on students with ADD in the classroom. It provides teachers with references and advice on topics such as classroom management and lesson planning. The research is well-documented. ADD Activities and Strategies This article provides teachers with useful classroom strategies and activities that can be used with students with ADD in all grade levels and subjects. General Learning Disabilities LD Online - The Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities for Parents, Teachers, and Children This is a comprehensive reference and support resource for students, parents, and teachers. Offerings include articles, essays, a literary magazine for students, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and links to the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (CCLD). The site delivers clear, useful general information. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) This is a clearinghouse for information about learning disabilities, covering diagnosis, treatment, legal rights, and more. It offers a list of publications by the NCLD and other authors and provides links to related organizations. Schwab Foundation for Learning This site, for teachers and parents of children with learning disabilities, offers a wealth of online and off-line reference information: publications, web resources and materials for class and home use. Especially useful is a section called Collaborative Challenge that profiles model projects in school districts that successfully serve students with learning disabilities. National Dissemination Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities This website provides general resources for parents and teachers, including legislative and advocacy information. Most of the content is oriented toward more severe learning disabilities. The site also offers information to older students, such as how to find and keep a job, how to develop an IEP, and more. ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education This is a database and information clearinghouse sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It features up-to-date, reliable, and easy-to-use articles, statistics, references, publications, content evaluations for books, and websites. It is an excellent resource for information on students with special needs.

KidSource Online - Learning Disability Search Engine This search engine is specifically developed for learning disability questions, and is updated frequently. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) The IDA has the latest information on dyslexia, including early identification, effective literacy education, research, current facts, and teacher training. There are discussion boards and a kids-only section. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) LDA is a national organization devoted to defining and finding solutions for the broad spectrum of learning disabilities. There are many fact sheets, research articles, and links to other organizations provided. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) The NICHD conducts and supports research on the processes that determine and maintain the health of children, adults, families, and populations. Special Education The Federal Resource Center for Special Education (the FRC) The FRC is a special education technical assistance project funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and is part of the Regional Resource and Federal Centers Network. There are resources from all types of governmental agencies listed. The Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas The Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas provides a variety of professional opportunities for students committed to the improvement of lifestyles for children, youth, and adults with disabilities. The school's many projects are detailed on the site. Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) PACER's mission is to improve and expand opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with all disabilities - physical, mental, emotional, learning - and their families. There are legislative updates, suggestions for teachers, research, and more on this site. Riverbend Down Syndrome Support Group The major issues of Down Syndrome are discussed here: communication, inclusion, medical issues and more. Transition to Adulthood Goodwill Industries of Orange County's Supported Employment Goodwill Industries work to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their highest level of personal and economic independence. The site has information on enrollment, individual program plans, employment training services, crisis intervention, and more. Institute on Independent Living Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disabilities who work for equal opportunities, self-respect, and self-determination. The Institute's website invites individuals and organizations to share materials on independent living, personal assistance, accessibility, legislation, and peer support.