Haystack, Meet Needle

You’ve come to the conclusion that your child needs help.  You also know that there are various programs out there in the vast nether that can help you help your child.  Where in the world do you begin to do your research?  Here are a couple of starting points for you.

This list is intentionally short, and these resources are meant as jumping-off points.  Because every state has different resources, as well as different qualifications for those resources, it’s important for you to do your own research.

• Disabilityinfo.gov – The U.S. Government’s website for all things “disability.”  Yes, you’ll need to search.  They also have State and Local Resources to peruse.
• National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) – Another great starting point, with sites geared toward parents, schools, etc.  They also have state specific information.
• Family Voices – An organization emphasizing family care.  These are searchable by state.
• The Department of Defense has put together a Special Needs Parent Toolkit, available on Military.com.  Military families often get their resources in different ways due to where they’re potentially stationed, and their medical care is provided differently.
• The U.S. Department of Education has put together some resources.  Navigation is required, but another great jumping off point.

A lot to ingest?  Absolutely.  But the very act of searching will begin to inform you; and that information is a weapon in your arsenal to fight for your child.

Photo by Yellow Book Ltd