Helpful Websites

U.S. Department of Education: Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 
http://idea.ed.gov/
Resources related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] and regulations.

IDEA Partnership
http://www.ideapartnership.org/
Administrators, Policy Makers, Parents, and Service Providers under the direction of the Office of Special Education Programs work together to deliver training, information and a common message about the recent amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
www.cec.sped.org
CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 
www.ada.gov/
Information and technical assistance on the American’s with Disabilities Act

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
http://fcsn.org/
The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. FSCN is committed to listening to and learning from families, and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.

Massachusetts Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs)
http://fcsn.org/masspac/
MassPAC at the Federation for Children with Special Needs is the statewide organization providing information, training, and networking opportunities to Massachusetts special education parent advisory councils (SEPACs) and the professionals who collaborate with them. 

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL) 
http://ppal.net/

The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is a statewide family organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well being of children, youth and families through education, advocacy and partnership.

ARC of Massachusetts (ARC)
www.arcmass.org

The Arc of Massachusetts provides advocacy of supports and services based in the community to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Autism Society of America (ASA)
www.autism-society.org
The Autism Society works to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues about people across the autism spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals of every age, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
www.chadd.org
CHADD is a national non-profit organization working to improve the lives of people affected by AD/HD through education, advocacy and support.

Asperger’s Association of New England (AANE)
www.aane.org
The AANE works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives.

LD Online
www.ldonline.org

LD Online seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
http://www.doe.mass.edu/
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) is committed to preparing all students for success in the world that awaits them after high school. ESE’s website provides a wealth of information, tools, best practices, research reports, laws and regulations, data displays, and numerous other resources. 

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
www.mass.gov/dmr/
DDS is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members. DDS provides supports and services to eligible individuals and families in areas of service coordination, housing, community day programs, employment, and respite.

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH)
www.mass.gov/dmh/
DMH, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. Working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers and communities, DMH establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery, sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research. 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) 
www.mass.gov/mrc/
MRC promotes equality, empowerment and independence of individuals with disabilities through provision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Living Services, and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefits programs. 

Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
www.mass.gov/dss/

DCF is responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect and strengthening families. 

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)
www.mass.gov/mcb/
MCB provides services such as vocational rehabilitation, independent living and social services, orientation and mobility training, and rehabilitation teaching, to individuals who are blind or visually impaired to facilitate independence and full community participation.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) 
www.mass.gov/mcdhh/
MCDHH serves as the principal agency in the state on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing people. MCDHH provides or ensures provision of direct specialized services including but not limited to case management, interpreter services, technology services including telecommunication and assistive listening devices, independent living services, information services, and such other services as it determines are needed in order to provide accessible communication, education and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are Deaf and hard of hearing.

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/department-of-early-education-and-care/
EEC provides the foundation that supports all children in their development as lifelong learners and contributing members of the community, and supports families in their essential work as parents and caregivers.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 
www.asha.org/public/
ASHA is the national professional association for speech and language pathologists. AHSA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. Here you will find resources to help you understand communication and communication disorders.

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth.aspx 
AOTA is the national professional association for occupational therapy practitioners. AOTA is committed to advancing the quality, availability, use, and support of occupational therapy through standard-setting, advocacy, education, and research on behalf of its members and the public. Here you can find current research, occupational therapy news, and consumer information. 

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
https://www.nasponline.org/
NASP is an international professional association that represents school psychologists and related professionals. NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health so that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout life. NASP empowers school psychologists by advancing effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health.

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
https://www.apta.org/
APTA is the national professional association for physical therapy practitioners. Here you can find current research, physical therapy news, and consumer information. APTA seeks to improve the health and quality of life of individuals in society by advancing physical therapist practice, education, and research, and by increasing the awareness and understanding of physical therapy’s role.