RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO HAVE VISITED THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CLINIC

Listed below is a brief list of resources for children with a neurodevelopmental or related disability and their families who have been seen in the Child Development Clinic at the Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington.

The inclusion of any resource, information or advice offered below or on sites you choose to visit, does not imply endorsement. This information is included as a public service only.  If you have any questions, please consult your health care provider.

The information on this Web Site was compiled and prepared by Sally N. Stuart, LICSW,  Clinical Training Unit, Center on Human Development and Disability;   University of Washington.   http://staff.washington.edu/sns/    email:  sns@u.washington.edu

STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY RESOURCES

WASHINGTON STATE DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (DDD)
A child, adolescent, or adult is eligible for services through  DDD if they have a disability which originates before age 18.  The disability must be expected to continue indefinitely, constitute a significant handicap, and be attributable to mental retardation (intelligence quotient of 69 or below), cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another neurological or other condition closely related to mental retardation. Eligibility of services is determined through local DDD offices.

Available services may include: Case Management, Medicaid Personal Care, Employment, Community Access, Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program, Family Support, Foster Care, Community Supports, Residential Service, residential Habilitation Centers (RHC), and Dental Program.  Eligibility of services is determined through local DDD offices.  Resources are limited and needed services may not always be available.

The telephone number for the Developmental Disabilities' Office in the Seattle area is 206-568-5700.  To find the telephone number for their office in your area, look for the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the "BLUE" pages of the telephone directory under Washington State or call 1-360-902-8455.

SIMILAR PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES, CHECK YOUR TELEPHONE DIRECTORY FOR LOCATION.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for children and adolescents is an important part of the federal government's social benefits program for children with special needs.  The SSI program is a nationwide program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly payments based on family income, qualifies the child for Medicaid health care services, and assures referral into the state Title V Children with Special Health Care Needs program's system of care.  Their telephone number is 1-800-772-1213     1-800-325-0778   TTY

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS (CSHCN)
Children with Special Health Care Needs is a Federally and State funded program to assist children with special health care needs.  Eligibility for the Children with Special Health Care Needs program depends on the nature of the child's condition and the family's financial resources.   This program assists with the cost of medical care not covered by Medicaid or private insurance. Case Management/Family Resource Coordination is available regardless of financial resources.  Call 1-800-322-2588 to find your local CSHCN coordinator.  The telephone number for the Seattle-King County area is 206-296-4610.

EARLY INTERVENTION/SPECIAL EDUCATION

PROGRAMS FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH DISABILITIES
In Washington State, children, birth to three-years-old, are eligible for the Infant Toddler Program if they demonstrate a 1.5 standard deviation or twenty-five percent of chronological age delay in one or more developmental areas as measured by qualified personnel.  These areas are physical (including vision and hearing), cognitive, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive.  A child, birth to three-years-old, may also be eligible if he or she has a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay.  The telephone number for Early Intervention Services is 360-901-8488 or 1-800-322-2588

OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION - WASHINGTON STATE
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), children with developmental disabilities are guaranteed a free appropriate public education.  Special Education and related services are provided to students who meet Washington State eligibility criteria under one of the following disability categories: Preschool Developmental Disability, Serious Behavioral Disability, Communication Disorders, Orthopedic Impairment, Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Retardation, Multiple Disabilities, Deafness, Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Deaf-Blindness, Autism, and Traumatic Brain Injury.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS AND RELATED RESOURCES
A number of publications relevant to special education issues can be downloaded from this site or you can call the Section Information Department at 360-586-0247 and request they be mailed to you.  Recommended publications include:

• Adaptations are Essential - The Middle Years
• Discipline Procedures Under IDEA Regulations (TAP # 2)
• The Educational Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Family/Educator Guide available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Russian.
• Guide to Functional and Vocational Evaluation
• Secondary Transition
• Special Education and the Law: A Legal Guide for Families and Educators--What Parents and Educators Should Know About the Laws and Court Decisions That Affect the Education of Students with Disabilities in Washington State.
• Directory of Secondary Transition Services Model Sites in Washington State
• Transition Guide
• WAC 392-172 Special Education  Regulations (updated 11/29/01)

IEP POP-UP
Feeling disenfranchised? Tired of showing up at your child's IEP and leaving dazed, confused, and frustrated? Or feeling like every time you make a suggestion you hit a brick wall? Click on the boxes on this website to find responses you can use to common "hurdle talk" - words and attitudes that keep the IEP meeting from being successful - as you are advocating for your child's needs. Become empowered, learn the laws and understand your rights to advocate for a communication driven education for your child!

FAMILY SUPPORT, ADVOCACY, INFORMATION

THE ARC of King County
The ARC of King County and the ARC of Washington State provide an array of resources for children with developmental disabilities and their families.  Their Parent to Parent Program provides support and advocacy for parents who have a child with a disability.   For information visit their Web Site or call  206-364-6337  

THE AUTISM OUTREACH PROJECT
Autism Outreach Project, a State-Needs Project through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in collaboration with the Department of Social and Health Services and Northwest ESD 189.

AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA
This agency provides advocacy, public awareness, education, and  research related to Autism.  You can visit their Web Site for information and to locate a chapter in your area.  Their telephone number is
1-800-328-8476

AUTISM SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
1-888-279-4968

CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER  (CHADD)
This organization works to improve the lives of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder through education advocacy and support.      1-800-233-4050 

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
This Site contains useful resources for parents, children and families.  It also provides links to additional sites.

THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The Center for Children with Special Needs at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center focuses on improving systems of care for children with special needs through education, research and evaluation. Our work impacts policy, quality of care, education and family partnerships in health care.

FAMILY RESOURCE COORDINATORS
A Family Resource Coordinator can assist you in finding resources for infants and toddlers in your area throughout the State of Washington.  You can also call the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 and ask for the telephone number of the Family Resource Coordinator in your area.

FAMILIES FOR EARLY AUTISM TREATMENT
FEAT of Washington State is dedicated to ensuring that all children with autism spectrum disorders have the opportunity to reach their full potential through effective behavioral intervention programs. 206-763-3373

GRAND PARENT AGAIN - WASHINGTON STATE
This Web Site lists the Support Groups for Grandparents in Washington State.

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Offers information and guidance, referrals to evaluators, therapy, tutoring, and other professional resources, advocacy for people with learning disabilities.  1-860-570-0217

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON
The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Washington promotes and provides services and support to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by learning and attentional disabilities.

THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES
A national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals.  This site provides State resource information for all States.

NONVERBAL LEARNING DISABILITIES
The NLDline has been developed in hopes of increasing the awareness among parents and professionals about NLD. This website provides information on all aspects of a nonverbal learning disability.  NLD Hotline (831) 624 3542.

SIBLING SUPPORT PROJECT
Sibshops.  The Sibling Support Project is a friendly place for brothers and sisters of children with special needs.  This Site includes locations of Sibshop support groups in your area.

WASHINGTON PAVE
Offers advocacy for parents of children with handicapping conditions, information on laws and access, parent training, parent resource coordinators who will go to meetings with parents, many services are free or low cost with state grants.   1-800-572-7368

WASHINGTON STATE FATHERS NETWORK
A statewide organization that advocates for and provides support and resources for all men and their families who have children with special needs.

TRANSITION AND FUTURE PLANNING

NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES (NICHCY)
This site has a publication on Estate Planning  and Transition Issues.  You can call 1-800-695-0285 and request a copy or download it from their Web Site.

A FAMILY HANDBOOK ON FUTURE PLANNING
A Family Handbook on Future Planning is a guide to help families develop a future plan for their sons or daughters with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities that provides personal, financial and legal protections for these individuals after the parents either die or can no longer provide care or support.

"Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with a Disability after Your Death" by M. Mark Russell, L. Mark Russell, et al. is an excellent book.   You can request this book from your library, purchase it at your favorite bookstore or purchase it on line at either Amazon.Com or Barnes and Noble.com

RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Camp Easter Seal provides camping experiences for children (age 8 and older) with special needs and their siblings.   For information call 1-800-678-5708.

The Special Olympics provides recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities.  For information call 1-800-752-7559

Skiforall offers many outdoor activities for children and adults with disabilities.  For information call 425-462-0978.

E-Mail comments and questions to sns@u.washington.edu