NICHCY News Digest Directory of Organizations Volume 3, Number 3 September 1993 _________________________________________________________________ National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities P.O. Box 1492 Washington, DC 20013 (202) 416-0300 (Voice/TT) _________________________________________________________________ This Directory of Organizations lists many organizations that provide information, services, and/or referral to individuals in the disability field -- to parents, special educators and regular educators, early interventionists, administrators, related services personnel, persons with disabilities, and others. This directory is not a comprehensive listing of organizations. We have selected those that operate on a national level, many of whom will be able to put callers in contact with regional or local resources. A short description of each organization's activities is provided to help readers identify which resources are best suited to their needs and concerns. The organizations are grouped according to their primary emphasis, as follows: general disability information; information and services for parents; legal rights and information; early intervention; special education; transition; financial assistance and information; and organizations addressing minority and other concerns. Of course, many organizations have more than one purpose, making it difficult to classify them into one category. Therefore, readers will see the words "See Also:" within a particular section; this refers them to organizations listed in other sections of the Directory. The Index at the end of this document lists the name of each organization described in this document and the page number where it is described. This directory is similar in format and intent to the directory that the HEATH Resource Center (the clearinghouse on postsecondary education for persons with disabilities) disseminates. We have purposefully not included some disability areas (e.g., accessibility, technology) in our directory, to avoid duplicating HEATH's work. Therefore, readers may find it useful to contact HEATH (listed under "Transition") and request a copy of the HEATH Resource Directory. Due to limited space, this directory does not include the names and addresses of the many organizations that provide information and referral on specific disabilities (e.g., Spina Bifida Association of America, National Down Syndrome Congress, and so on). If you are interested in identifying and/or contacting such an organization, please call NICHCY and we will be pleased to refer you to those organizations dealing with the disability area of concern. We also offer a List of National Toll-Free Numbers and fact sheets or briefing papers on the following disabilities: attention deficit disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, deafness, Down syndrome, emotional disturbance, epilepsy, learning disabilities, mental retardation, severe and/or multiple disabilities, speech and language impairments, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairments. Many disability-specific organizations are listed on these materials. Addresses and telephone numbers of organizations are highly subject to change. If you have difficulty locating an organization listed herein, please contact NICHCY. __________________________________________________ In keeping with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the organizations listed in this guide must be accessible to individuals who are deaf or who have hearing impairments. For organizations that have a telephone line dedicated to receiving calls via a Text Telephone (TT), you will see the TT number specifically listed. If a TT is not listed, individuals who are deaf or who have hearing impairments will need to contact the organization by using the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). For more information on how to use this important service and to obtain a listing of TRS numbers by state, contact Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc., 9719 Colesville Road, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 589-3786 (Voice); (301) 589-3006 (TT). ____________________________________________________ Table of Contents Section 1: General Disability Information Section 2: Organizations For Families Section 3: Legal Rights and Information Section 4: Early Intervention Section 5: Special Education Section 6: Transition Section 7: Financial Information and Assistance Section 8: Organizations Addressing Minority Concerns Index Section 1: General Disability Information ARCH National Resource Center for Crisis Nurseries and Respite Care Services Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Project 800 Eastowne Drive, Suite 105 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (800) 473-1727 (Voice, toll-free) (919) 490-5577 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Crisis nurseries and respite care providers, parents, advocates, caregivers The mission of the Access to Respite Care and Help (ARCH) National Resource Center is to provide support to service providers through training, technical assistance, evaluation, and research. The Center provides a central contact point for the identification and dissemination of relevant materials to crisis nursery and respite care programs. Numerous fact sheets and general resource sheets (including state contact sheets) are available about respite care and crisis nursery care. Accreditation Council on Services for People with Disabilities 8100 Professional Place, Suite 204 Landover, MD 20785 (301) 459-3191 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Agencies serving individuals with disabilities As the national, independent, voluntary, accrediting body for agencies serving persons with disabilities, the Accreditation Council develops standards for services; assesses, on request, the compliance of agencies with the standards; and awards accreditation to agencies found to be in substantial compliance with the standards. It also offers workshops and consultation to help agencies implement accreditation standards and prepare for accreditation surveys, and to assist both service consumers and service providers in using the accreditation process to help to improve services. The "Standards for Services for People with Developmental Disabilities" (1990 edition) may be purchased from the Council, as may the "Survey Questionnaire" which is used with the Standards. These documents can be used by agencies in evaluating their own services. The Council also publishes several Quality Enhancement Guides. Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disability Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health University of Minnesota 420 Delaware Street Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 626-4032 (Voice) (612) 624-3939 (TT) Resource Useful To: Families; health, education, and social services professionals; advocates The Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disability is dedicated to the study and promotion of psychological and social well-being of children with chronic illness and disabilities and their families. The Center: (1) conducts research to better understand resilience and social competence across the childhood life span; (2) provides training for health, education, and social service professionals on resiliency and competency in children with disabilities; legal and policy issues; financing and insurance concerns for children and their families; and the special needs of children of color and their families; and (3) disseminates accessible translations of the most current research available. The Center has three publications: Children's Health Issues, which details the most current thinking on resilience, ethnicity, and caregiving of children at risk in our society; Children's Health Briefs, which publishes single articles that define the environment, raise questions, identify strategies, or provide clarification of issues critical to providing care for children and their families; and Springboard, which is the Center's newsletter. Center for Human disAbilities George Mason University Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 993-3670 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful to: Special educators, related services providers, special education administrators, parents, policymakers The Center for Human disAbilities (CHd), a part of the Graduate School of Education of George Mason University, is an interdisciplinary campus-based organization that focuses on externally-funded activities related to improving the lives and productivity of persons with disabilities. The Center engages in technology-related and other projects, including: policy analysis for local, state, and national needs; research and development; technical assistance to professionals and parents. Major areas of emphasis include assistive and instructional technology, early childhood education, and severe disabilities. Child and Adolescent Service System Program Technical Assistance Center Georgetown University 2233 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Suite 215 Washington, DC 20007 (202) 338-1831 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Mental health service providers, families The Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) seeks to demonstrate improved state and local systems of care for children and adolescents with (or at risk for developing) severe mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders. CASSP assists states and communities through a Federal CASSP grant program; research and training activities; and technical assistance through the CASSP Technical Assistance (TA) Center. The CASSP TA Center emphasizes the development of systems of care for children and their families, community-based service approaches, cultural competence, services for special populations of high-risk youth, and strategies for financing services. Service providers and families interested in finding out about services in their state for children and adolescents who have serious emotional disturbances can contact the Center. They will be put in touch with the CASSP Coordinator for their state or with someone who can inform them about state or local services for children and adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance. Clearinghouse on Disability Information Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Room 3132, Switzer Building 330 C Street S.W. Washington, DC 20202-2524 (202) 205-8241 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Individuals with disabilities, families, agencies, information providers, and others The Clearinghouse on Disability Information responds to inquiries on a wide range of topics, particularly in the areas of Federal funding for programs serving people with disabilities, Federal legislation affecting the disability community, and Federal programs benefiting people with disabilities. The Clearinghouse refers inquirers to appropriate sources of information. The Clearinghouse also distributes a quarterly newsletter, OSERS News in Print, and other publications such as Pocket Guide to Federal Help for Individuals with Disabilities, Summary of Existing Legislation Affecting Persons with Disabilities, and InfoPac (an employment guide for people with disabilities). All services of the Clearinghouse are provided free of charge. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 1920 Association Drive Reston, VA 22091-1589 (703) 620-3660 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Teachers, administrators, students, parents, related services personnel, and others working with individuals with disabilities and those who are gifted The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization committed to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. To this end, CEC provides continuous opportunities to advance professional growth and to share new knowledge and skills through an annual convention, topical conferences, symposia, academies, and workshops. CEC's 17 divisions provide additional focus to a wide variety of aspects of special education. Each division develops professional programs and publications geared to respond to areas of particular need and specialization. The CEC Information Center responds to thousands of requests for information on disability and giftedness each month. As a major publisher of special education literature, CEC also makes a comprehensive publications catalogue available semiannually. Membership journals such as TEACHING Exceptional Children and Exceptional Children provide a wealth of information on the latest teaching strategies, research, resource, and special education news. For membership and renewal information, call (800) 845-6232. Disability Statistics Program Information Services Institute for Health and Aging University of California, San Francisco N 631Y, Box 0612 San Francisco, CA 94143-0612 (415) 788-8916 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Families, students, researchers The Disability Statistics Program Information Service provides statistical information on a wide variety of topics concerning disability in the United States. The Disability Statistics Program Information Service has the most recent published sources of statistical data on disability including such products as Disability Statistics Reports and Disability Statistics Abstracts. Data cover: demography; epidemiology; health services use, costs, and coverage; employment and earnings; and social services and benefits. Data are also available on the following national programs: vocational rehabilitation; Medicaid and Medicare; veterans programs; Social Security (SSDI and SSI); and special education. ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 1920 Association Drive Reston, VA 22091 (703) 264-9474 (Voice) (703) 620-3660 (TT) Resource Useful To: Teachers, administrators, policymakers, parents, researchers, students Housed at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education gathers and disseminates educational information on all disabilities and on giftedness across all age levels. As part of the ERIC network, the clearinghouse acquires, selects, abstracts, and indexes the professional literature on disabilities and giftedness for the ERIC database. The clearinghouse also develops publications, including digests, research syntheses, and bibliographies; provides information users with references and referrals; and runs custom computer searches of the ERIC and Exceptional Child Education Resources (ECER) databases. National Clearinghouse on Family Support and Children's Mental Health Portland State University P.O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 (800) 628-1696 (toll-free) (503) 725-4040 (local) (503) 725-4165 (TT) Resource Useful To: Professionals, families whose children have behavioral or emotional disorders This research and training center clearinghouse provides information and referral for parents, professionals, and policymakers. The main focus of the clearinghouse is on addressing children's mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Available resources include a series of free fact sheets and state resource files. Numerous publications are available as well, including National Directory of Organizations Serving Children and Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. A publication list is available upon request. National Council on Disability (NCD) 1331 F Street N.W. Washington, DC 20004-1107 (202) 267-3846 (Voice) (202) 267-3232 (TT) Resource Useful to: Policymakers, individuals with disabilities The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency led by 15 members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The overall purpose of the National Council is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity to all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society. National Easter Seal Society 230 West Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 726-6200 (Voice) (312) 726-4258 (TT) Resource Useful To: Organizations, Easter Seal affiliates, individuals The National Easter Seal Society provides services that include comprehensive medical or vocational rehabilitation, technological assistance, recreation, equipment loans, public education, advocacy, and programs for the prevention and treatment of disabling conditions. The Society, acting as headquarters for the federation of 160 local and state organizations, conducts national public awareness campaigns, disseminates information, and advocates on behalf of people with disabilities. To find out about Easter Seal programs and services, you can either consult your local telephone directory for the location of an Easter Seal affiliate near you, or call the national headquarters, which will refer you to your local affiliate. National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) P.O. Box 1492 Washington, DC 20013 (202) 416-0300 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Parents, educators, service providers, individuals with disabilities NICHCY can provide parents, professionals, and others with information and referral on issues of concern to children and youth with disabilities and their families. This includes information on specific disabilities, early intervention, special education, related services, transition planning, and a host of other disability issues. Numerous free publications are available, including Disability Fact Sheets, State Resource Sheets (useful for identifying resources within each state), Transition Summary and News Digest issue briefs, and Parent Guides. NICHCY also has many publications in Spanish. A publications list is available upon request. National Information Clearinghouse (NIC) for Infants with Disabilities and Life-Threatening Conditions Center for Developmental Disabilities University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 (800) 922-9234, ext. 201 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Families, service providers The primary goal of the NIC is to provide useful information to support families in the care of their infants with disabilities. Information specialists at the NIC respond to individual requests and assist families in accessing services such as parent support and training, advocacy, health care, financial resources, early intervention, child protective services, and legal and other information resources. The NIC produces and disseminates materials including bibliographies, fact sheets, and articles on topics related to the care of, and services available to, infants with disabilities and their families. Information materials are available in English, Spanish, and alternative formats. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) 330 C Street S.W. Washington, DC 20202 (202) 205-9151 (Voice) (202) 205-9136 (TT) Resource Useful To: Professionals, administrators, rehabilitation specialists Part of the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, NIDRR provides leadership and support for a national and international program of comprehensive and coordinated research on the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. NIDRR's mission also encompasses the dissemination of information concerning developments in rehabilitation procedures, including methods and devices which can improve the lives of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities, especially those with severe disabilities. One of the most important aspects of research supported by NIDRR is that it helps to assure the integration of persons with disabilities into independent and semi-independent community life. NIDRR funds the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) and ABLEDATA (a database on assistive devices) and publishes Rehab Brief, a digest of research information on various topics. National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 600 McLean, VA 22102 (703) 821-8955, extension 254 or 265 Resource Useful To: Professionals, educators, policy makers, legislators, families The clearinghouse distributes current publications on maternal and child health and human genetic issues. Publications cover such topics as pregnancy, nutrition, special health needs, chronic illness and disabilities. A Publications Catalog is available from the clearinghouse. Many items are free; for others, there is a charge. This information is specified in the catalog. While most of the publications are written for a professional audience, the clearinghouse welcomes calls from the general public and can provide referral to other organizations and sources of assistance. National Organization on Rare Disorders (NORD) 100 Rt. 37 P.O. Box 8923 New Farfield, CT 06812-1783 (800) 999-6673 (Voice, toll-free) (203) 746-6518 (Voice, local) (203) 746-6927 (TT) Resource Useful To: Parents, professionals NORD acts as a clearinghouse, providing callers with information about thousands of rare disorders and bringing families with similar disorders together for mutual support. NORD also promotes research, accumulates and disseminates information about orphan drugs and devices, provides technical assistance to newly organized support groups, and educates the general public and medical professions about diagnosis and treatment of rare disorders. NORD's "Rare Disease Database" is accessible via a computer with modem on CompuServe. Single written copies of disease information are available through a literature order form. Office of Special Populations National Center for Research in Vocational Education University of Illinois Site 345 Education Building 1310 South 6th Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 333-0807 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Vocational and special educators; administrators The Office of Special Populations (formerly Technical Assistance for Special Populations Program, TASPP) works nationally to increase vocational program accessibility, quality, and availability for youth and adults from special populations. The Office of Special Populations conducts the following services and activities: (1) publication and production of papers and monographs, and presentations at conferences; (2) resource and referral service; (3) initiation and support of networks and professionals; (4) promotion of exemplary programs and adoption of model practices; and (5) collaborative activities with state and national organizations. These activities target all special populations in vocational education, including individuals with disabilities. A list of publications is available upon request. _____________________________________________________ See Also: Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH), in Section 2 Beach Center on Families and Disability, in Section 2 CAPP National Parent Resource Center, in Section 2 DIRECT LINK for the Disabled, in Section 2 Federation for Children with Special Needs, in Section 2 Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, in Section 2 National Center for Youth with Disabilities, in Section 6 Parent Care, in Section 2 Parents Helping Parents, in Section 2 _________________________________________________________________ Section 2: Organizations for Families Accent on Information (AOI) Gillum Road and High Drive P.O. Box 700 Bloomington, IL 61702 (309) 378-2961 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Individuals with disabilities, families, professionals, service providers ACCENT on Information is a computerized retrieval system containing information on products and devices which assist persons with physical disabilities. Also available is other how-to information on such topics as: eating, bathing, grooming, clothing, furniture, home management, toilet care, sexuality, mobility, and communication. For a nominal charge, a search of AOI's database is made on the caller's topic of interest. Callers then receive up to 50 of the most recent citations for each search. AOI has two sister services: (1) ACCENT on Living Magazine, and (2) ACCENT Special Publications, which publishes and distributes a variety of books of interest to persons with disabilities, along with a Buyer's Guide that lists equipment devices to assist persons with disabilities in daily living activities. Access/Abilities P.O. Box 458 Mill Valley, CA 94942 (415) 388-3250 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Families, individuals with disabilities, professionals, service providers Access/Abilities is a consulting, problem-solving firm dedicated to finding resources for a better life beyond functionality and independence. Local as well as national and international resources are available. This organization can provide information about accessible travel opportunities, aids and appliances, sports and recreation programs, good-looking clothing that really fits, shopping, and other customized services. It also offers consulting services concerning architectural barriers and accessibility. Association for the Care of Children's Health 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 654-6549 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Health professionals, parents, educators The Association for the Care of Children's Health (ACCH) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the ways in which the health care community responds to the unique emotional and developmental needs of children. ACCH sponsors an annual conference for health care providers and consumers, as well as a Parent Network Meeting. Resources available from ACCH include books for adults; bibliographies and directories; patient and family education brochures; films and videotapes; and resources for children. ACCH also publishes: (1) Children's Health Care, a quarterly research journal; (2) Family-Centered Care Network, a tri-annual newsletter for parents and professionals about family-centered care; (3) ACCH News, a bimonthly newsletter for members; (4) the ACCH Advocate, a biannual magazine-style journal with special features articles and case studies; and an annual Membership and Resource Directory. Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) 11201 Greenwood Avenue North Seattle, WA 98113 (206) 361-8870 (Voice) (206) 361-0113 (TT) Resource Useful to: Parents, advocates, educators, other professionals The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) is concerned about all services to individuals with severe and profound disabilities. TASH advocates for comprehensive, high- quality, inclusive education and habilitative services; disseminates research findings and practical applications for education and habilitation; encourages effective use and sharing of experience and expertise; and supports those actively involved in making the promise of quality education and services a reality. TASH publishes a monthly Newsletter and the quarterly Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (JASH). A bibliography of special interest to parents of children with severe disabilities is available from TASH and includes reference materials on advocacy, recreation, and self-help skills development. Requests for information and referral are answered by TASH's Information Department, and a publications and price list can be requested. TASH also maintains a parent-to-parent network for putting inquirers in touch with parents with similar concerns, and maintains a register of professional contact people for assistance on specific problems. TASH sponsors an annual conference. Beach Center on Families and Disability University of Kansas 3111 Haworth Hall Lawrence, KS 66045 (913) 864-7600 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Families, individuals with disabilities, service providers, professionals The Beach Center on Families and Disability engages in research, training, and dissemination of information relevant to families who have members with developmental disabilities or serious emotional disturbances. The Beach Center's Families and Disability Newsletter is published three times a year. A descriptive brochure, the newsletter, and a catalog listing many of the Center's publications are available free of charge upon request. CAPP National Parent Resource Center Federation for Children with Special Needs 95 Berkeley Street, Suite 104 Boston, MA 02116 (617) 482-2915 (Voice/TT) (800) 331-0688 (Toll-free in MA) Resource Useful To: Parents, health agencies/ departments, other agencies The CAPP National Parent Resource Center (NPRC) is a parent-run resource system designed to further the goals of family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, and coordinated systems of health care for children with special needs and their families. The NPRC (1) supports and develops effective parent/professional liaison and collaboration at all levels of health care: individual child, program, and policy at State, regional, and national levels; (2) identifies parent priorities and provides technical assistance and training to parents and parent leaders to enhance their leadership capabilities; (3) prepares written materials, training packages, workshops, and presentations for parents and professionals on health care financing, special education, parent-professional collaboration, and other topics; and (4) provides technical assistance to Parent Training and Information (PTI) projects, health agencies, and other parent projects. Courage Center 3915 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55422 (612) 588-0811 (Voice) (612) 520-0520 (Voice) (612) 520-0401 (TT) Resource Useful To: Persons with disabilities; parents Courage Center is a nonprofit organization providing rehabilitation and independent living services for children and adults with physical disabilities and speech, hearing, and vision impairments. Many of the 70 programs are offered throughout MN, WI, ND, SD, and IA; others are available nationally, including ham radio and the transitional living program called Courage Residence. Services are offered in the following broad areas: (1) medical rehabilitation and education; (2) camping at the two residential camps in Minnesota; (3) vocational services; (4) sports and recreation; and (5) transitional rehabilitation at Courage Residence and others. Literature describing Courage Center's programs is available at no charge. Courage Center publishes a newsletter called Meeting Ground (principally for parents of children with disabilities). Subscriptions are free. DIRECT LINK for the Disabled, Inc. P.O. Box 1036 Solvang, CA 93464 (805) 688-1603 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Families, individuals with disabilities, service providers DIRECT LINK is a public benefit organization that provides information and resources for any disability-related question. Responses are given over the phone or with a printed report. Special care is taken to find the closest local organization that meets the individual's specific needs. The LINKUP database contains over 11,000 organizations, including independent living centers, employment programs, support groups, device assessment centers, financial assistance programs, government offices, local affiliates of national organizations, community information centers, and agencies offering direct services to persons with disabilities and their families. Family Resource Center on Disabilities 20 East Jackson Boulevard, Room 900 Chicago, IL 60604 (800) 952-4199 (Voice, toll-free) (312) 939-3513 (Voice, local) (312) 939-3519 (TT) Resource Useful To: Parents, professionals The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (formerly the Coordinating Council for Handicapped Children) is a coalition of parent and professional organizations that educates and trains parents and professionals on special education rights. Its information and referral service responds to mail and telephone requests for assistance, information, training, and support services. FRCD publishes manuals (such as How to Organize an Effective Parent/Advocacy Group and Move Bureaucracies; How to Get Services by Being Assertive; and Special Education Manual), pamphlets (such as Does Your Child Have Special Education Needs? and How to Participate Effectively in Your Child's IEP Meeting), factsheets, and a monthly newsletter. Federation for Children with Special Needs 95 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02116 (617) 482-2915 (Voice/TT) (800) 331-0688 (Toll-free in MA) Resource Useful To: Parents, professionals The Federation provides a number of services to families of children with special needs. Included in these services are information and referral, training, and education and support groups. The Federation is also the headquarters for TAPP (Technical Assistance for Parent Programs) and CAPP (Collaboration Among Parents and Health Professionals). Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health 1021 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314-2971 (703) 684-7710 (Voice) Resource Useful to: Parents, professionals The Federation is a national parent-run organization focused on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders and their families. Among the Federation's chief goals are to provide information about and engage in advocacy regarding research, prevention, early intervention, family support, education, transition services, and other services needed by these children and youth and their families. Publications, including All Systems Failure, are available. National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE) 1201 16th Street N.W., Room 810 Washington, DC 20036 (800) 999-5599 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Educational organizations, professionals NCPIE is a membership coalition dedicated to the development of family/school partnerships in schools through the United States. It serves as an advocacy coalition for parent involvement issues and provides a forum for national organizations to share information regarding parent involvement in education. Because NCPIE membership includes the major education associations and advocacy groups in the country, it is able to present information about a broad range of training, publications, and other services that are available to promote community involvement, family education, family support, and school/ family partnerships. NCPIE has published A Guide to Parent Involvement Resources (available through the National Council for Citizens in Education, see description below), which is designed for parents, teachers, school administrators, and parent and community groups to identify a wealth of resources and services available from NCPIE member organizations. National Coalition of Title I Chapter I Parents Edmonds School Building 9th & D Street N.E. Washington, DC 20002 (202) 547-9286 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Parents This coalition is a "grassroots" organization committed to making the needs of educationally disadvantaged children a part of the national agenda. The coalition was formed in response to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Title I (Public Law 89-10). The organization provides a bimonthly newsletter, national and regional inservice training conferences, and on-site technical assistance workshops. It also provides a variety of information and training services designed to link parents with national and community resources devoted to children. National Committee for Citizens in Education Helpline/Clearinghouse 900 2nd Street N.E., Suite #8 Washington, DC 20002-3557 (800) NET-WORK (Voice, toll-free) (202) 408-0447 (Voice, local) (800) LEA-YUDA (Spanish helpline) Resource Useful To: Parents, educators, administrators, community members, others NCCE is a parent/professional advocacy organization involved in improving the quality of public schools through increased public involvement. It operates a computerized clearinghouse of school-related information and publications and provides information, guidance, and support to families on their rights and responsibilities in the public schools. The toll-free helpline is available 10:00-5:00 (EST). English and Spanish counselors are available. National Information System (NIS) for Vietnam Veterans and Their Families Center for Developmental Disabilities Columbia, SC 29208 (800) 922-9234, ext. 401 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Vietnam Veterans and their families The National Information System for Vietnam Veterans and Their Families (NIS) is a national information and referral system. Responding to each request are information specialists trained to assist families of Vietnam Veterans who have children with disabilities or special health care needs. NIS helps families to identify, understand, and access services available to them. The NIS also produces and disseminates factsheets about disabilities and health conditions common to the children of Vietnam Veterans and advocacy-oriented "How to" issues. The NIS is funded by the Agent Orange Class Assistance Program. National Parent Network on Disabilities 1600 Prince Street #115 Alexandria, VA 22314-2836 (703) 684-6763 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Parents, parent groups, educators, other professionals The National Parent Network on Disabilities (NPND) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and adults with disabilities and their families. NPND is the first national level umbrella organization designed to unite individual parents, family members, grassroots parents' groups, statewide parent centers, and coalitions from across the nation. NPND's goals focus on consolidating, coordinating, communicating, disseminating, mediating, and advocating on behalf of the needs of people with disabilities and their families. It also serves as a national information, referral, and resource center and fosters the growth of parents through sharing the experience, strength, and hope of other parents who have worked through the system. Among some of the services that NPND currently provides are: legislative representation, reference and referral, national conferences, outreach to parents, materials development and distribution, and a database to link parents to local, state, regional, national, and/or international services. Parent Care 9041 Colgate Street Indianapolis, IN 46268-1210 (317) 872-9913 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Parents, perinatal professionals, advocates Parent Care (formerly Parents of Premature and High-Risk Infants, Inc.) was established in 1982 by a group of parents and professionals to provide a national focal point for information, referral, and support for families of infants who require special care at birth. The goals are to support families with critically ill newborns, to encourage communication between parents and perinatal professionals, to initiate and support parent support groups, to facilitate networking between parent support groups and health care agencies, and to enhance public awareness of the special needs of families of premature and high-risk infants. Parent Care publishes a quarterly newsletter, News Brief, which is a benefit of membership. It also publishes a resource directory which lists support groups throughout the country, and reviews books and other materials in this field. There is a small charge for some materials. Parents Helping Parents: The Parent-Directed Family Resource Center for Children with Special Needs 535 Race Street, Suite 140 San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 288-5010 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Parents, professionals, self-help support groups serving children with special needs Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a comprehensive family resource center and Parent Training Information Center. By strengthening families and professionals, the Center endeavors to help children with special needs receive the love, hope, respect, and services they need to achieve their full potential. PHP runs the National Center on Parent-Directed Family Resource Centers with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. PHP provides information, such as a library, newsletter, resources, and referrals; support, including parent-to-parent matches, sibling fun days, and over 20 specialty groups; and training on individual education programs (IEPs), supplemental security income (SSI), and more! Specific projects include developing manuals and program packets, conducting regional conferences and workshops on a national level, and providing technical assistance to emerging Family Resource Centers. Individuals interested in starting a family resource center can contact the National Center on Parent Directed Family Resource Centers at (800) 397-9827 (toll- free). All other callers would use the telephone number listed above. Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers Resource Useful To: Parents and families Parent Training and Information (PTI) centers exist in each state to assist parents of infants, children, and youth with disabilities. Although the activities of the PTIs vary from state to state, typically parents receive training individually and in groups to understand their rights under federal and state law and to develop skills to enable them to be effective members of the team in planning an appropriate educational program for their child. Speakers and workshops are often scheduled to address parents' rights and responsibilities in special education, communication skills, transition from school to independent living, integration of students with disabilities, networking, advocacy, and parent/ professional partnerships. Many PTIs have lending libraries, publish newsletters, and make other materials available to families. To find out about the PTI for your state, you can either call NICHCY at 1-800-999-5599, or contact the Technical Assistance to Parent Programs (TAPP) at (617) 482-2915. TAPP is described below. Technical Assistance for Parent Programs (TAPP) Federation for Children with Special Needs 95 Berkeley Street, Suite 104 Boston, MA 02116 (617) 482-2915 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers, parent groups, parents The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law, establishes a grant program to support organized parent-to-parent efforts. The purpose of these programs, known as Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers (see previous description), is to enable parents to participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children with disabilities. The TAPP Project represents an important initiative in our nation's efforts to fulfill the promise of the IDEA and fundamental principles about the rights and potential of children with disabilities and their families. The TAPP Project's primary responsibility is to serve the PTIs who are currently funded under IDEA. Grassroots groups in urban and rural settings are served through the developing Experimental PTI Project Initiative. PTIs seeking specialized help in the areas of Transition and Supported Employment are served through the SEPTA/TA Project. Parent organizations and groups meeting specific criteria set forth in IDEA wishing to establish a program under this grant authority may also receive assistance through TAPP. _________________________________________________________________ See Also: Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disability, in Section 1 Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP), in Section 1 Head Start, in Section 4 National Center for Youth with Disabilities, in Section 6 National Clearinghouse on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, in Section 1 National Easter Seal Society, in Section 1 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), in Section 1 National Organization on Rare Disorders, in Section 1 Rural Institute on Disabilities, in Section 5 Scottish Rite Centers, in Section 4 Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, in Section 7 University Affiliated Programs, in Section 7 _________________________________________________________________ Section 3: Legal Rights and Information Center for Law and Education 955 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 876-6611 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Advocates (working with low-income students and families) The Center for Law and Education provides support services on education issues to advocates working on behalf of low-income students and parents. Its mission is to take a leadership role in improving the quality of public education for low-income students throughout the nation and to enable low-income communities to address their own public education problems effectively. The Center is part of a nationwide network of support centers funded by the Legal Services Corporation to provide specialized legal assistance to legal services program staff members and members of pro bono panels who represent eligible clients. Center activities include: advice and collaboration on cases, publications, training, litigation, and assisting parent and student involvement in education. Publications include a quarterly newsletter that reports on legal developments in the field and several resources for special education advocates, such as Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities: A Primer for Advocates. Children's Defense Fund (CDF) 25 E Street N.W. Washington, DC 20001 (202) 628-8787 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Individuals and organizations concerned with the welfare of children The Children's Defense Fund exists to provide a strong and effective voice for all children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. Particular attention is paid to the needs of poor or minority children and those who have disabilities. The goal of CDF is to educate the nation about the needs of children and to encourage preventive investment in children before they get sick, drop out of school, suffer family breakdown, or get into trouble. CDF is a national organization with roots in communities all across America. The main office is in Washington, DC, with state offices in MN, OH, and TX, and local projects in Marboro County, SC, the District of Columbia, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, OH, and in New York City. CDF has developed collaborative projects with groups and volunteers in many states as well. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) 2212 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 644-2555 (Voice) (510) 644-2629 (TT) Resource Useful To: Lawyers, parents, advocates, and others interested in legal information on disabilities and the ADA DREDF is a national nonprofit organization run primarily by persons with disabilities to achieve the goals of the disability rights movement. It monitors legislative and educational efforts and conducts training and research programs. DREDF has been very active in the training of persons with disabilities and their families in the application of their rights under laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. DREDF offers concise and up-to-date information on the civil rights of persons with disabilities to attorneys, Federal agencies, and legislators and their staffs. The Disability Rights Review, the organization's free quarterly newsletter, reports on legislative and judicial activities affecting disability rights. Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law 1101 15th Street N.W., Suite 1212 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5730 (Voice) (202) 467-4232 (TT) Resource Useful To: Lawyers, advocates, policymakers, parent groups The Bazelon Center (formerly the Mental Health Law Project) is a nonprofit public-interest organization formed in 1972 to establish the legal rights of children and adults with mental and developmental disabilities and to generate services to meet their needs. It uses a coordinated strategy of precedent-setting litigation, federal and state policy advocacy and informational support for advocates (technical assistance, training, and publications). Key areas are housing, employment, health care, income, and services that can improve prospects for children. A periodically updated list of publications from the Center is available. The Center's advocacy programs for children include: (1) Coordination of LINKS (Linking Networks for Kids), a national consortium promoting comprehensive services and supports for developmentally vulnerable young children and their families, and publication of LINKSLetter, a newsletter. (2) A children's advocacy program to reform state systems for meeting the mental health care needs of children in state custody and to promote community-based programs to enable children to remain in families; the program has organized a Legal Technical Assistance Clearinghouse for Children (LTACC) and produced a bibliography of children's advocacy materials. (3) The Children's SSI campaign, which coordinates state-level activities to expand the number of children eligible for SSI through implementation of the Social Security Administration's new children's mental impairment standards. This project has published The Advocate's Guide to SSI for Children and offers training to state groups of advocates and providers. National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS) 900 Second Street N.E., Suite 211 Washington, DC 20002 (202) 408-9514 (Voice) (202) 408-9521 (TT) Resource Useful To: Individuals with disabilities who need services of the protection and advocacy (P&A) program or the client assistance program (CAP) The National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. (NAPAS) is a voluntary membership organization of state programs advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities. The membership has four major components: (1) Protection and Advocacy for People with Developmental Disabilities (PADD); (2) Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illnesses (PAIMI); (3) the Client Assistance Program (CAP), advocating for people seeking vocational rehabilitation services; and (4) Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR), helping people with disabilities who are not eligible for other P&A services, but who need legal representation or related assistance. NAPAS can refer callers to their local P&A or CAP program. NAPAS produces a quarterly newsletter as well as other publications. National Health Law Program 1815 H Street N.W., Suite 705 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 887-5310 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Professionals Since 1969, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) has served as a Legal Services National Support Center specializing in health issues for low-income people, minorities, people with disabilities, and the elderly. NHeLP services include: advocacy, referral, research, litigation, and training. NHelp also publishes a quarterly newsletter, Health Advocate. _________________________________________________ See Also: Americans with Disabilities Act, Regional Disability and Business Accommodation Centers, in Section 6 Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disability, in Section 1 Clearinghouse on Disability Information, in Section 1 Family Resource Center on Disabilities, in Section 2 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, in Section 1 National Information Clearinghouse for Infants with Disabilities and Life-Threatening Conditions, in Section 1 Parents Helping Parents, in Section 2 Parent Training and Information Centers, in Section 2 _______________________________________________________________ Section 4: Early Intervention Activating Children Through Technology (ACTT) 27 Harrabin Hall Western Illinois University Macomb, IL 61455 (309) 298-1014 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Families, early childhood teachers, therapists, administrators Activating Children Through Technology (ACTT) serves as a national distribution point for information on microcomputer technology designed for early childhood programs addressing all types of disabilities. Requests for information on microcomputer hardware, adaptive devices, and curriculum software are responded to verbally or with printed materials. Information and training services are available to professionals and families nationwide. Videotapes and software are available, as are a software catalogue and switch book and other written materials, including a curriculum called Building ACTTive Futures. Family Enablement Project 300 Enola Road Morganton, NC 28655 (704) 433-2877 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Help-givers working with young children and their families, including early interventionists, Head Start programs, school systems, and parent/infant preschool programs This project provides technical assistance, consultation, and training to early intervention practitioners to enhance their ability to implement family-centered assessment and intervention services. Topics covered include the following: family-centered principles and practices, effective help-giving relationships, parent/professional partnerships, family strengths, family needs/concerns, formal and informal sources of support and the resources these provide to families, and the Individualized Family Service Plan in the empowerment process. A publication list, a quarterly newsletter, and a reference guide are available upon request. Head Start Consult local telephone directory. Resource Useful To: Low-income families Head Start is a national program providing comprehensive services primarily to low-income children, ages three to five, and their families. To help the children achieve their full potential, the program provides services designed to address their emotional, social, health, and psychological needs. Parent participation plays a vital role in the development, conduct, and direction of local Head Start programs. Parents receive training and education to foster their understanding of and involvement in the development of their children. Ten percent of the children enrolled in Head Start are children with disabilities. As the largest provider of services for preschool children with disabilities in a mainstream setting in the nation, Head Start represents one valuable preschool option for low-income families who have a child with a disability. To find out whether a Head Start program exists in your area, contact your local school system, your county/district education office, or a child care referral agency in your community (often provided through a local government agency). Head Start may also be listed in the telephone directory (yellow pages) under a variety of names (e.g., Head Start, preschool programs, early childhood, etc.). Linking Networks for Kids (LINKS) Bazelon Center for Mental Health 1101 Fifteenth Street N.W. Washington, DC 20005 (202) 467-5730 (Voice) (202) 467-4332 (TT) Resource Useful To: Parents, advocates, service providers, academics, policymakers LINKS (Linking Networks for Kids) is a consortium formed to unite organizations that are key players in early childhood care and education, health, development, and disability fields. LINKS is coordinated by the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law (formerly the Mental Health Law Project, see description in Section 3), with support from the Ford Danforth and Mailman Foundations. The goals of LINKS include: (1) building a commitment throughout the early childhood community to serving and supporting young, developmentally vulnerable children and their families; (2) increasing knowledge, awareness, and access to relevant programs and resources among families, service providers, and others who work with young children and families; (3) identifying and disseminating successful strategies for utilizing those programs and resources; and (4) informing government administrators, planners, and policymakers and promoting changes at federal, state, and community levels. LINKS also publishes a quarterly newsletter called LINKSLetter. Each issue has a technical assistance insert providing indepth information on a particular subject. The insert is intended for duplication by readers. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 1509 16th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20036-1426 (800) 424-2460 (Voice, toll-free) (202) 232-8777 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Early childhood educators As the largest professional association of early childhood educators, with more than 88,000 members, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is committed to improving early childhood program quality through professional development as well as through the development of public policies conducive to good programs. A division of NAEYC, the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, administers the only national, voluntary, professionally-sponsored accreditation system for preschools, child care centers, and school-age child care programs. Another division of NAEYC, the Information Service, provides a national, centralized source of information about issues related to the provision of high-quality early childhood programs. A new division, the National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, provides resources and services to improve professional preparation and development of early childhood educators. National Center for Children in Poverty Columbia University 154 Haven Avenue New York, NY 10032 (212) 927-8793 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Policymakers, administrators, practitioners, researchers The Center's goal is to strengthen programs and policies and to heighten awareness of opportunities that will improve the quality of life and future prospects of poor families and their young children. Efforts are focused on early intervention programs for children through age 5 in areas of maternal and child health, service integration for low-income families with young children, and early childhood education and development. The Center can supply statistical and factual information, descriptions of successful programs, and bibliographies on issues related to children and poverty. Numerous publications are available or forthcoming on topics such as: early education/preschool programs, child care for low-income families, service integration strategies, the impact of poverty on child health and development, and child welfare reform. National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System (NEC*TAS) Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center 500 NationsBank Plaza 137 E. Franklin Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 962-2001 (Voice) Resource Useful To: State education agencies, EEPCD projects, other professionals NEC*TAS assists states and others in developing multidisciplinary, coordinated, and comprehensive services for children with special needs (birth through 8 years old) and their families. Although the main focus of NEC*TAS is support to states, technical assistance is also available to projects in the Early Education Program for Children with Disabilities (EEPCD). Services to clients include: needs assessments, individualized technical assistance, print materials, meetings, and information referral. Services to other entities include: print materials, referral to EEPCD projects having particular features; and coordination of the Early Childhood Bulletin Board on SpecialNet. Scottish Rite Centers 1733 Sixteenth Street N.W. Washington, DC 20009-3199 (202) 232-3579 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Children with childhood language disorders and their families The Scottish Rite Centers for Childhood Language Disorders provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of childhood language disorders and associated learning disabilities. These services are available to preschool children and those in early grades who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word. There are more than 100 centers located throughout the USA, making services available to children regardless of race or creed or the family's ability to pay. Parents who are concerned about their child's language or learning ability can call 1-800-SR- MASON to locate the nearest Scottish Rite Center, or contact appropriate organizations at the local or state level. Zero to Three/National Center for Clinical Infant Programs 2000 N. 14th Street, Suite 380 Arlington, VA 22201-2500 (703) 528-4300 (Voice) (703) 528-0419 (TT) (800) 544-0155 (for publications) Resource Useful To: Early childhood educators, families, service providers ZERO TO THREE/National Center for Clinical Infant Programs is dedicated to improving the chances for healthy physical, cognitive, and social development of infants, toddlers, and their families. This organization is committed to developing and communicating a national vision of the importance of the first three years of life and the importance of early intervention and prevention to healthy growth and development. Zero to Three also seeks to promote a broader understanding of how services for infants and toddlers and their families are best provided, and promotes training in keeping with that understanding. ______________________________________________________________ See Also: Association for the Care of Children's Health, in Section 2 Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disability, in Section 1 Center for Human Disabilities, in Section 1 Council for Exceptional Children, in Section 1 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), in Section 1 National Information Clearinghouse (NIC) for Infants with Disabilities and Life-Threatening Conditions, in Section 1 Regional Resource Centers, in Section 5 _________________________________________________________________ Section 5: Special Education Access Unlimited 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 102 Houston, TX 77042 (800) 848-0311 (Voice, toll-free) (713) 781-7441 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Professionals, service providers, parents, individuals with disabilities Access Unlimited is a Houston-based non-profit organization whose mission is to provide specialized computer resources to help youth with disabilities reach their full potential. To carry out this mission, the organization provides technical assistance to schools, organizations, and individuals that help children and adolescents with disabilities overcome barriers to learning through the use of computers. Access Unlimited also serves as a clearinghouse for information and training about adaptive computer technology to special education professionals, speech and occupational therapists, vocational and rehabilitation personnel, and families with youth who can benefit from this approach. American Council on Rural Special Education Dept. of Special Education University of Utah 221 Milton Bennion Hall Salt Lake City, UT 84112 (801) 585-5659 (Voice) (801) 581-5020 (TT) Resource Useful To: Special educators, service providers, administrators, teacher trainers working in rural areas The American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) is a membership organization of individuals and organizations interested in improving services for students with disabilities living in rural areas. A brochure on ACRES is available upon request. Members receive a newsletter, RuraLink, published every 6 weeks; the Rural Special Education Quarterly, which reports on practices, trends, and issues in rural special education delivery; and discounts on other ACRES publications. Through special interest groups, members can interact with individuals who share common interests and concerns. ACRES' Rural and Small Schools Library represents a collection of reports, monographs, teaching modules, and resource materials. Council of Administrators of Special Education 615 16th Street, NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (505) 243-7622 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Administrators The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is a professional organization and support group serving special education administrators throughout the United States and Canada. A division of the Council for Exceptional Children, CASE is organized to promote professional leadership, provide opportunity for study of problems common to its members, and to communicate through discussion and publications information that will develop improved services for exceptional children. CASE provides support by providing one International Conference on Public Policy in Special Education and one Institute each year. Members receive five newsletters and two issues of the journal, CASE in POINT, annually. CASE also maintains an electronic bulletin board on SpecialNet called CASE.NEWS; provides members with a catalogue of books and videos of interest to administrators; and publishes an additional fifty titles through its Research and development Committee. National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children (NAPSEC) 1522 K Street N.W., Suite 1032 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 408-3338 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Private schools, parents, educators, counselors, and others NAPSEC is a nonprofit association whose mission is to promote excellence in educational opportunities for children with disabilities by enhancing the role of private special education as a vital component of the nation's educational system. NAPSEC represents over 200 schools that provide special education for both privately and publicly placed children. The organization serves as the national voice in Washington for its membership of educators regarding policies that affect children and youth with disabilities. Membership services include: a free referral service to the public, Governmental affairs seminars and educational conferences, a quarterly newsletter, and a monthly National Issues Service covering legislative initiatives, regulatory actions, educational issues, and judicial decisions. NAPSEC provides a free referral service for parents, educators, counselors, and others seeking placement options for students with disabilities. Callers contacting NAPSEC about placement will be provided with a list of current NAPSEC member schools that may be appropriate placements for the student. The individual requesting the information can then contact the schools directly for more information. National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 320 Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 519-3800 (Voice) (703) 519-7008 (TT) Resource Useful To: Directors of special education, special educators Since 1938, NASDSE has served as the focal point for the professionals who have statewide responsibility for the education of exceptional children. NASDSE operates for the purpose of providing services to state agencies to facilitate their efforts to maximize educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities. To this end, NASDSE considers and acts upon current problems and issues related to special education, and assists local, state, and national communities in promoting and enhancing special education. NASDSE has developed numerous products which are geared to education administrators and which cover such areas as management, training, legislation, and implementation of legislation. In addition, NASDSE offers SpecialNet, an electronic mailbox service available to anyone who has access to a computer terminal or microcomputer. NASDSE also publishes Counterpoint, a newspaper dedicated to promoting special education and to informing special educators. National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education Council for Exceptional Children 1920 Association Drive Reston, VA 22314 (703) 264-9474 (Voice) (703) 620-3660 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Administrators, special educators, paraprofessionals, those interested in a career in special education The Clearinghouse is concerned with the supply, demand, recruitment, and retention of qualified special education personnel. To this end, the Clearinghouse provides information and services to promote an adequate supply of professionals to provide early intervention, special education, and related services to infants, children, and youth with disabilities. Staff collect, analyze, and disseminate information on current and future needs in special education and related services professionals. Information about career opportunities in the disability field is available, as is information about personnel preparation programs and sources of financial aid. A publications list is available upon request. National Diffusion Network Office of Educational Research and Improvement 555 New Jersey Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20208-5645 (202) 219-2134 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Professionals, special educators, administrators, parents The National Diffusion Network (NDN) is a 19-year-old program of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) in the U.S. Department of Education. Its mission is to collect and make available information about exemplary educational programs. A wealth of information is available about practices that work: (a) for specific student populations (students with learning disabilities, at-risk students, etc.); (b) in specific subject matter areas (math, science, etc.); (c) for instructional approaches (cooperative learning, simulations, etc.); and (d) for administrative issues such as what works at a specific school level (e.g., middle school). NDN funds a state facilitator in each state; this person serves as the link between schools within the state and exemplary programs nationwide. The name of the facilitator for your state is available by contacting NDN. National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals in Education and Related Human Services (NRC) 25 West 43rd Street, Room 620N New York, NY 10036 (212) 642-2948 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Paraprofessionals, personnel developers, administrators, employers, program managers The mission of the NRC is to promote an increase in the use of trained paraprofessionals in education and related services. The NRC disseminates information for the use of employers, program managers, personnel developers, and paraprofessionals on such issues as skills and competencies needed by paraprofessionals, credentialing, new roles, career mobility, and funding sources. The Center also has information on pre- and in-service training models and training materials in use by state and local education agencies and by institutions of higher education. Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) MS 3512-MIB 18th and C Streets N.W. Washington, DC 20245 (202) 208-6175 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Anyone interested in Indian Education It is the mission of the Branch of Exceptional Education to assure that Indian children with disabilities, who are between the ages of 5 and 22 and who are enrolled in Bureau-funded schools, have available to them a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment in accordance with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This mission includes: monitoring to assure the rights of the children with disabilities and their parents or guardians are protected; providing technical assistance to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assessing the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Regional Resource Centers (RRC) Resource Useful To: State education agencies There are six federally funded Regional Resource Centers (RRCs) in the United States; the names, addresses, and telephone numbers are listed below. These centers provide technical assistance to the State Education Agencies (SEAs) throughout the nation in order to assist each SEA in building its capacity to improve programs for children with disabilities. Through its respective RRC, each state has timely access to a wide range of current information on research, policies, procedures, and practices concerning the education of children and youth with disabilities. It is up to your state's SEA or Department of Education to request training or technical assistance from your area's RRC. Northeast Regional Resource Center (NERRC) Trinity College of Vermont 208 Colchester Avenue Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 658-5036 (Voice) (802) 860-1428 (TT) States served: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center (MPRRC-UTAH) 1780 N. Research Parkway, Suite 112 Logan, UT 84321 (801) 752-0238 (Voice) (801) 753-9750 (TT) Service area includes: UT, WY, MT, SD, ND, MO, NE, KS, IA, CO, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Great Lakes Area Regional Resource Center (GLARRC) Ohio State University 700 Ackerman Road, Suite 440 Columbus, OH 43202 (614) 447-0844 (Voice) (614) 447-9186 (TT) States served include IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, PA, WI South Atlantic Regional Resource Center Florida Atlantic University 1236 University Drive North Plantation, FL 33322 (305) 473-6106 (Voice) States served include GA, FL, LA, MS, AR, AL, OK, TX, NM, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) Clinical Services Building University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1215 (503) 346-5641 (Voice/TT) Service area includes AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Mid-South Regional Resource Center (MSRRC) Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute 115 Mineral Industries Building Lexington, KY 40506-0051 (606) 257-4921 (Voice) States served include: DC, DE, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, WV, VA. Resources in Special Education (RiSE) 650 Howe Avenue, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 641-5925 (Voice) (800) 894-9799 (Voice, toll-free in CA) Resource Useful To: Parents, educators Resources in Special Education (RiSE) is a special project of California State University, Sacramento, with the California Department of Education, Division of Special Education. RiSE develops and disseminates information and resources to professionals and parents involved in the education of children with disabilities. Over 95 specialized materials and media on special education topics from early childhood, restructuring, curriculum reform, to transition are available for purchase. A catalogue is available upon request. RiSE publishes a bimonthly newsletter, The Special Edge. In addition, RiSE also manages an extensive library of special education materials and provides information and resource listings through databases and bulletin boards on the California Access Network on Special Net. Rural Institute on Disabilities 52 Corbin Hall The University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 (406) 243-5467 (Voice/TT) (800) 732-0323 (toll-free, for Information Service) Resource Useful To: Persons with disabilities, families, service providers, researchers, policy- makers, and other professionals in rural areas The Montana University Affiliated Rural Institute on Disabilities is an interdisciplinary university-sponsored organization that promotes the full participation in rural life by individuals of all ages with disabilities. The Rural Institute promotes this goal by developing and disseminating innovations in teaching, research, community services, and policy advocacy. Through a number of special projects, the Rural Institute works to: provide information about rural areas; help individuals with disabilities who live in rural areas to access quality social and educational services and health care; and develop state-of-the-art approaches to meeting the challenges of living with a disability in rural areas. The Institute's projects publish a variety of materials, including books, annotated bibliographies, proceedings of rural conferences, newsletters, and resource directories. A publications list is available upon request. _________________________________________________________________ See Also: Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, in Section 2 CAPP National Parent Resource Center, in Section 2 Center for Law and Education, in Section 3 Council for Exceptional Children, in Section 1 Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, in Section 3 ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, in Section 1 Family Resource Center on Disabilities, in Section 2 National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, in Section 2 National Committee for Citizens in Education, in Section 2 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), in Section 1 Parents Helping Parents, in Section 2 Parent Training and Information Centers, in Section 2 _________________________________________________________________ Section 6: Transition Americans with Disabilities Act Regional Disability and Business Accommodation Centers Resource Useful To: Employers, persons with disabilities, others The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990, is an important piece of federal legislation prohibiting discrimination against qualified applicants or employees on the basis of their disability. It also requires most public accommodations, buildings, and transportation systems to be accessible to persons with disabilities. For information on legislation, legal rights, and resources, call: (800) 949-4232 (Voice/TT). Callers are referred to the regional office for their state. The regional offices provide information and technical assistance to employers and to persons with disabilities to facilitate the appropriate implementation of the ADA, successful employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, and greater accessibility in public accommodations. Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) P.O. Box 21192 Columbus, OH 43221 (800) 247-7752 (Voice, toll-free) (614) 488-4972 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Professional disability support personnel, college-bound students with disabilities AHEAD provides a vehicle to strengthen the professionalism, expertise, and competence of personnel working with postsecondary students who have disabilities. The Association has members throughout the U.S. and Canada representing residential and nonresidential campuses, and 2-year and 4-year institutions. AHEAD sponsors an annual conference and offers a number of publications, including a newsletter called the ALERT; a quarterly bulletin (Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability); an annotated bibliography of information sources; proceedings of its national conferences; and guides such as Reflections Through the Looking Glass (on giving quality support to students with disabilities in higher education), Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (written for service providers), Peer Mentoring (how to create support groups for college students with disabilities), and How to Choose a College (for students with disabilities). An employment exchange in the field of disability support services is also available. Center on Education and Training for Employment 1900 Kenny Road Columbus, OH 43210-1090 (614) 292-4353 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Administrators, educators, school personnel, counselors, and others involved in assisting youth with disabilities in making the transition from school to work The mission of the Center on Education and Training for Employment is to facilitate the career and occupational preparation and advancement of youth and adults. The Center fulfills its mission by conducting applied research and using the full range of resources of The Ohio State University in evaluation studies. It also provides leadership development, technical assistance, and information services that pertain to education and training for work. Many publications are available related to preparing individuals with disabilities for training and employment. HEATH Resource Center American Council on Education One Dupont Circle, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036-1193 (202) 939-9320 (Voice/TT) (800) 544-3284 (Voice/TT, toll-free outside DC) Resource Useful To: Individuals with disabilities, parents, professionals The HEATH Resource Center operates the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Support from the United States Department of Education enables the Center, a program of the American Council on Education, to serve as an information exchange about educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, and opportunities on American campuses, vocational-technical schools, adult education programs, independent living centers, transition, and other training entities after high school. The Center collects and disseminates this information so that people with disabilities can, if they choose, develop their full potential through postsecondary education and training. HEATH publishes a newsletter, Information from HEATH, three times a year; several topical directories; and a number of resource papers that focus on specific aspects of education after high school for individuals with disabilities. Topics include accessibility, career development, classroom and laboratory accommodations, counseling, financial aid, functional limitations (vision, hearing, mobility, information processing), transition, vocational education, and vocational rehabilitation. Subscription to the newsletter and single copies of each publication are free by request. HEATH publications are also available by request in alternate format (cassette or computer disk) for those unable to read conventional print. In addition, HEATH staff are available to respond to inquiries by mail and telephone. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) West Virginia University 918 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 1 P.O. Box 6080 Morgantown, WV 26506-6080 (800) 526-7234 (Voice/TT, toll-free in U.S.) (800) 526-2262 (Voice/TT, toll-free in Canada) (304) 293-7186 (Voice/TT, local) Resource Useful To: Employers, professionals, individuals with disabilities, families The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) brings together information from many sources about practical steps employers can take to make accommodations for the functional limitations of employees and applicants with disabilities. JAN has a database containing specific information about how individual tasks can be performed by persons with disabilities. JAN consultants provide technical details and assistance with accommodations and the implementation of products and procedures in the workplace. Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, as it pertains to employment, is also available from JAN at (800) 232-9675 (Voice/TT). Information is available in English, French, and Spanish, as well as in braille and large print, and on tape and disk. There is no charge for JAN services. National Center for Youth with Disabilities (NCYD) University of Minnesota Box 721 420 Delaware St. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (800) 333-6293 (Voice, toll-free) (612) 626-2825 (Voice, local) (612) 624-3939 (TT) Resource Useful To: Parents, professionals, health care providers, social workers, advocates NCYD was established as an information and resource center focusing on adolescents with chronic illness and disabilities and the issues surrounding their transition to adult life. NCYD's mission is to raise awareness of the needs of youth with disabilities and to foster coordination and collaboration among agencies, professionals, and youth in planning and providing services. Information specialists can conduct searches of the NCYD's National Resource Library database and can provide information about programs, training/education, and technical assistance. NCYD publishes a newsletter, Connections, a series of topical annotated bibliographies, CYDLINE Reviews, and fact sheets, FYI Bulletins. National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)/ABLEDATA 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3319 (800) 227-0216 (Voice/TT, toll-free) (301) 588-9284 (Voice/TT, local) Resource Useful To: Professionals, service providers, researchers, individuals with disabilities, families The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) is a library and information center on disability and rehabilitation. NARIC collects and disseminates the results of federally-funded research projects. The collection also includes commercially published books, journal articles, and audiovisual materials. The NARIC bibliographic database, REHABDATA, covers all aspects of the rehabilitation field and includes citations and abstracts of the materials in the Center's collection. NARIC performs customized searches of REHABDATA for a nominal charge. The NARIC database is also available publicly through ABLE INFORM BBS (data number (301) 589-3563). Copies of documents cited in the database may be obtained for a photocopying fee. In addition to providing bibliographic searches and document delivery, NARIC's information specialists provide quick reference and referral services, helping inquirers locate names, addresses, statistics, and other factual information. NARIC publishes a free newsletter, NARIC Quarterly. Other free publications include brochures and resource guides. The Center also publishes the NIDRR Program Directory, the NARIC Guide to Disability and Rehabilitation Periodicals, Directory of Librarians and Information Specialists in Disability and Rehabilitation, and the REHABDATA Thesaurus. President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (PCEPD) 1331 F Street N.W. Washington, DC 20004-1107 (202) 376-6200 (Voice) (202) 376-6205 (TT) Resource Useful To: Business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and service providers, advocacy organizations, families, and individuals with disabilities The President's Committee is an independent federal agency. The Committee's mission is to facilitate the communication, coordination, and promotion of public and private efforts to empower Americans with disabilities through employment. The Committee provides information, training, and technical assistance to the audience listed above. The Committee's information programs include publications dealing with the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment issues, job accommodation, and data relating to people with disabilities. In addition to conducting a national conference on issues related to employment and empowerment of people with disabilities, the Committee also sponsors the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free service that provides information and consulting on accommodating people with disabilities in the workplace (see description of JAN in this section). Transition Research Institute at Illinois 113 Children's Research Center 51 Gerty Drive Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 333-2325 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Transition specialists, professionals, special educators, administrators, families, individuals with disabilities The ongoing mission of the Transition Research Institute is to define effective practices that will promote the successful transition of youths with disabilities from school to adult life. The Institute is designed to address both the theoretical and practical problems of transition, and to organize and conduct a complementary set of activities including research, evaluation, and evaluation technical assistance. Many publications focusing on transition are available. Vocational Rehabilitation agencies Consult your local telephone directory for the office in your vicinity Resource Useful To: Youth and adults with disabilities Vocational Rehabilitation is a nationwide federal-state program for assisting eligible people with disabilities to define a suitable employment goal and become employed. The state office will provide callers with the address of the nearest rehabilitation office where persons with a disability can discuss issues of eligibility and services with a counselor. VR provides medical, therapeutic, counseling, education, training, and other services needed to prepare people with disabilities for work. The VR is an excellent place for a youth or adult with a disability to begin exploring available training and support service options. ____________________________________________________________ See Also: DIRECT LINK for the Disabled, in Section 2 Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, in Section 3 Funding Partnership for People with Disabilities, in Section 7 National Council on Disability, in Section 1 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), in Section 1 Office of Special Populations, in Section 1 _______________________________________________________________ Section 7: Financial Assistance and Information Corporate Angel Network (CAN) Westchester County Airport Building One White Plains, NY 10604 (914) 328-1313 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Families, nurses, social workers, others The Corporate Angel Network (CAN) is a nationwide service offered to cancer patients travelling to and from recognized treatment. CAN provides free plane transportation by using the empty seats on corporate aircraft. Patients must be able to walk and travel with no life support systems. Financial need is not a requirement. Both parents may accompany a child patient. Anyone can contact CAN for a referral, but CAN must talk with direct parents before booking flights. Foundation Center 79 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10003 (212) 620-4230 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Nonprofit organizations This is a national service organization providing information on grants, loans and funding from foundation programs available to nonprofit organizations. The Center has offices in San Francisco, Washington, and Cleveland. Through its Library Services (which includes the national collections at the field offices and a network of over 180 cooperating libraries throughout the United States), grant-seekers have free access to core Center publications, plus a wide range of books, periodicals, and research documents relating to foundations and philantrophy. The Center publishes extensively (a catalogue is available upon request), including many guides to available grants, such as Grants for Health Programs for Children and Youth and Grants for the Physically and Mentally Disabled. Funding Partnership for People with Disabilities c/o Dole Foundation P.O. Box 701 Merrifield, VA 22116-0701 (800) ADA-3885 (Voice, toll-free) (202) 457-0318 (Voice/TT, local) Resource Useful To: Community coalitions and others concerned with employment and independence of individuals with disabilities The Funding Partnership for People with Disabilities is a consortium of private grantmakers that have joined together to foster the integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of American life. Funds are awarded to help community coalitions that have the potential for significant impact on the employment and independence of people with disabilities. Criteria for coalitions vary according to specific Requests for Proposals (RFPs) released by the Partnership. As a general rule, coalitions must represent at least two of the following sectors: consumers; businesses; service providers; civic, professional, religious, and trade groups; unions; media; educational and job training institutions; independent living centers; and government. Coalitions may also include universities and independent research organizations working to improve useful knowledge about the effectiveness and efficiency of policies, programs, and strategies that foster the integration and independence of all persons with disabilities. Coalitions should request an RFP before submitting formal application. Hear Now 9745 East Hampden Avenue, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80231 (800) 648-HEAR (Voice/TT, toll-free) (303) 695-7797 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Individuals with hearing impairments Hear Now is a national, nonprofit organization serving children and adults with hearing impairments throughout the United States. Hear Now, in partnership with hearing health careproviders, provides hearing aids and cochlear implants to people with limited financial resources. Applications for assistance may be obtained by calling 1-800-648-HEAR. Lifeline Pilots 913 Harrington Dr. Champaign, IL 61821-6614 (708) 524-8937 (Voice) (217) 373-4195 (answering service) Resource Useful To: Those in need of emergency airlift to treatment centers Lifeline Pilots is an emergency volunteer organization of private pilots. Pilots, at their own expense, provide transportation for patients awaiting transplants, as well as other life-threatening conditions. Criteria for eligibility include: medical reasons; time element; logistical difficulties with ground transportation or commercial flights; or financial need. Lifeline Pilots operates under an umbrella organization called Air Care Alliance. States served by Lifeline include: IA, IL, IN, KY (western part), MI, OH, OK, MO, TN, and WI. To be referred to the pilot group serving other locations in the country, call Air Care Alliance at 1-800-296-1217 (Voice). National Foundation for Consumer Credit 8611 Second Avenue, Suite 100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (800) 388-CCCS (Voice, toll-free) (301) 589-5600 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Families with financial problems The National Foundation for Consumer Credit provides debt counseling services to families and individuals with serious financial problems. It is not a lending institution or a charity organization. Its activities are supported by funds donated by banks, consumer finance companies, credit unions, merchants, and other community-minded firms and individuals. Nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Services throughout the country operate under the sponsorship of the Foundation and provide assistance by helping families to manage their money better (e.g., setting up a realistic budget and planning for expenditures) and by helping families to prevent debt problems. Counseling is usually provided free or at nominal cost. To contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service near you, call 1-800-338-2227. Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607 (800) 237-5055 (Voice, toll-free) (813) 281-0300 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Children with orthopedic impairments and children with burns and their families There are now 19 orthopedic hospitals and three burn institutes serving children under the age of 18 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Diagnosis and treatment are offered solely on the basis of medical and financial need, at no charge to the patient's family. The burn institutes accept children who need immediate care or those needing plastic surgery and rehabilitation (healed burns). Research on the causes of crippling and scarring and on methods of treatment is conducted at 17 of the Shrine Hospitals. Eligibility for treatment is determined on the basis of applications completed by parents or guardians, the referring physician, and a local Shrine sponsor. Social Security Administration (SSA) Department of Health and Human Services Baltimore, MD 21235 (800) 772-1213 (Voice) (800) 325-0778 (TT) Check for a local office in your area. Resource Useful To: Individuals with disabilities The Social Security Administration provides cash benefits (SSI and/or SSDI) to persons with a physical or mental disability which prevents them from working and which is expected to last at least a year or result in death. The amount of money received varies in each state. Eligibility for SSI or SSDI may mean eligibility for other services, such as Medicaid, food stamps, or other social services. Again, this varies from state to state. The program also includes work incentives that make it possible for individuals to work without an immediate loss of benefits. For details, contact either the above 800 number or your local SSA office. University Affiliated Programs A national network of programs affiliated with universities and teaching hospitals, UAPs provide interdisciplinary training for professionals and paraprofessionals and offer programs and services for children with disabilities and their families. Some UAPs provide direct services for children and families. Individual UAPs have staff with expertise in a variety of areas and can provide information, technical assistance, and inservice training to agencies service providers, parent groups, and others. A listing of all UAPs is available by contacting the Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse (see description in Section 1). Additional information about UAPs may be obtained by contacting: American Association of University Affilitated Programs for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 410, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 588-8252 (Voice). _______________________________________________________ See Also: CAPP National Parent Resource Center, in Section 2 DIRECT LINK for the Disabled, in Section 2 National Information Clearinghouse for Infants with Disabilities and Life-Threatening Conditions, in Section 1 Office of Minority Health Resource Center, in Section 8 _________________________________________________________ Section 8: Organizations Addressing Minority Concerns Center for Minority Special Education (CMSE) 114 Phenix Hall Hampton University Hampton, VA 23668 (800) 241-1441 (Voice, toll-free) (804) 727-5100 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Colleges and universities with at least 25% minority enrollment The Center for Minority Special Education (CMSE) was developed to respond directly to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandate to "provide outreach services to minority entities and underrepresented populations to assist them in participating more fully in the discretionary programs under the Act." The Center provides an array of outreach services to minority entitites -- defined as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions of higher education serving at least 25 per cent minority students (OMIs). The mission of the Center is to assist, support, and enable HBCUs and OMIs to: (1) increase their capacity to contribute to the advancement of a professional knowledge base; and (2) increase each institution's capacity to participate in federal, state, and local initiatives. Clearinghouse for Immigrant Education (CHIME) 100 Boylston Street, Suite 737 Boston, MA 02116 (800) 441-7192 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Educators, advocates, school administrators, parents The Clearinghouse for Immigrant Education (CHIME) is a resource center to facilitate access to materials, organizations, and people concerned with the effective education of immigrant students. CHIME staff can provide specific information about relevant literature, descriptions of effective programs, names of organizations and experts, as well as more general advice and support. Information and referral are also available regarding the educational needs of immigrants with disabilities. A newsletter called New Voices is available. National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education (NCBE) 1118 22nd Street N.W. Washington, DC 20037 (800) 321-6233 (Voice, toll-free) (202) 467-0867 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Administrators, parents, educators working with bilingual or limited English proficient students, others NCBE is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs (OBEMLA) for the purpose of providing practitioners with information on the education of limited English proficient (LEP) students. NCBE information services are available to individuals or organizations responsible for or interested in the education of these students. Information about the needs of bilingual or LEP students with disabilities is also available, including the publication Using Interpreters and Translators to Meet the Needs of Handicapped Language Minority Students and Their Families. A publication list is available upon request. National Clearinghouse on Literacy Education (NCLE) 1118 22nd Street N.W. Washington, DC 20037 (202) 429-9292, extension 200 (Voice) Resource Useful To: Families, educators working with limited English proficient adults and out-of-school youth NCLE is the only national clearinghouse for adult English as a second language (ESL) and literacy information. NCLE collects, analyzes, and abstracts documents for the ERIC database on literacy education for adults and out-of-school youth with limited English proficiency (LEP). Included in ERIC are research reports, instructional and assessment materials, program descriptions and evaluations, and teacher/tutor training guides. Educators can contact NCLE for free publications about working with LEP adults and out-of-school youth with literacy problems. NCLE publishes a newsletter and maintains a resource center that includes a database of over 700 literacy programs for LEP adults, families, and out-of-school youth. While no specific publications are available concerning working with LEP individuals who have a disability, many of NCLE's materials will be useful with this population. National Council of La Raza (NCLR) 810 First Street N.E. Washington, DC 20001 (202) 289-1380 (Voice/TT) Resource Useful To: Hispanic community-based organizations, and organizations and individuals interested in issues of importance to Hispanics NCLR provides technical assistance and support to an affiliate network of more than 160 Hispanic community-based organizations (CBOs) serving more than two million Hispanics annually in 37 states. NCLR also works with Hispanic CBOs that are not formally affiliated with NCLR, as well as non-Hispanic organizations, elected/appointed officials, academicians and researchers, and other individuals interested in issues important to Hispanics. NCLR serves as a "think tank" on public policy issues, generating information for public- and private-sector policymakers, the Hispanic community, and the media on such issues as: education, poverty, health, civil rights enforcement, immigration, employment and training, the elderly, and housing and community development. Office of Minority Health Resource Center Office of Minority Health, Public Health Service U.S. Department of Health and Human Services P.O. Box 37337 Washington, DC 20013-7337 (800) 444-6472 (Voice, toll-free) (301) 587-1938 (Voice, local) Resource Useful To: Professionals, the general public The Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMH-RC) assists health professionals and the general public in identifying free and low-cost health-related information resources that target minority audiences (Asian/Pacific Islanders, blacks, Hispanics/Latinos, and Native Americans). The center focuses on HIV/AIDS, cancer, nutrition, men's health, homicide/suicide, infant mortality, and unintentional injuries. The center maintains a computerized database of minority health-related materials, organizations, programs, and a network of active professionals who provide technical assistance to minority-based community organizations, volunteer groups, and individuals. The center has produced a series of fact sheets entitled Closing the Gap, which highlights current minority health issues and carries news about the center. Single copies are available for free, and camera-ready copy is also available upon request. OHM-RC also publishes a newsletter for health professionals. In addition, free single copies of research articles are provided. The center provides services in Spanish and Asian languages. _________________________________________ See Also: Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disabilities, in Section 1 Council for Exceptional Children, in Section 1 National Committee for Citizens in Education, in Section 2 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), in Section 1 Office of Indian Education Programs, in Section 5 _____________________________________________ Index of Organizations Accent on Information, in Section 2 Access/Abilities, in Section 2 Access Unlimited, in Section 5 Accreditation Council on Services for People with Disabilities, in Section 1 Activating Children through Technology (ACTT), in Section 4 American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES), in Section 5 Americans with Disabilities Act - Regional Disability and Business Accommodation Centers, in Section 6 ARCH National Resource Center for Crisis Nurseries and Respite Care Services, in Section 1 Association for the Care of Children's Health, in Section 2 Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH), in Section 2 Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), in Section 6 Beach Center on Families and Disability, in Section 2 CAPP National Parent Resource Center, in Section 2 Center for Children with Chronic Illness and Disability, in Section 1 Center for Human disAbilities, in Section 1 Center for Law and Education, in Section 3 Center for Minority Special Education, in Section 8 Center on Education and Training for Employment, in Section 6 Child and Adolescent Service System Program, in Section 1 Children's Defense Fund, in Section 3 Clearinghouse for Immigrant Education (CHIME), in Section 8 Clearinghouse on Disability Information, in Section 1 Corporate Angel Network, in Section 7 Council for Exceptional Children, in Section 1 Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), in Section 5 Courage Center, in Section 2 DIRECT LINK for the Disabled, Inc., in Section 2 Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), in Section 3 Disability Statistics Program Information Services, in Section 1 ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, in Section 1 Family Enablement Project, in Section 4 Family Resource Center on Disabilities, in Section 2 Federation for Children with Special Needs, in Section 2 Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, in Section 2 Foundation Center, in Section 7 Funding Partnership for People with Disabilities, in Section 7 Head Start, in Section 4 Hear Now, in Section 7 HEATH Resource Center, in Section 6 Job Accommodation Network (JAN), in Section 6 Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, in Section 3 Lifeline Pilots, in Section 7 Linking Networks for Kids (LINKS), in Section 4 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), in Section 4 National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children, in Section 5 National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS), in Section 3 National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), in Section 5 National Center for Children in Poverty, in Section 4 National Center for Youth with Disabilities, in Section 6 National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education (NCBE), in Section 8 National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education, in Section 5 National Clearinghouse on Family Support and Children's Mental Health, in Section 1 National Clearinghouse on Literacy Education (NCLE), in Section 8 National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE), in Section 2 National Coalition of Title I Chapter I Parents, in Section 2 National Committee for Citizens in Education, in Section 2 National Council of La Raza, in Section 8 National Council on Disability, in Section 1 National Diffusion Network, in Section 5 National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System (NEC*TAS), in Section 4 National Easter Seal Society, in Section 1 National Foundation for Consumer Credit, in Section 7 National Health Law Program, in Section 3 National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY), in Section 1 National Information Clearinghouse for Infants with Disabilities and Life-Threatening Conditions, in Section 1 National Information System for Vietnam Veterans and Their Families, in Section 2 National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), in Section 1 National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse, in Section 1 National Organization on Rare Disorders, in Section 1 National Parent Network on Disabilities, in Section 2 National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC/ABLEDATA), in Section 6 National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals in Education and Related Human Services, in Section 5 Office of Indian Education Programs, in Section 5 Office of Minority Health Resource Center, in Section 8 Office of Special Populations, in Section 1 Parent Care, in Section 2 Parents Helping Parents: The Parent-Directed Family Resource Center for Children with Special Needs, in Section 2 Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers, in Section 2 President's Commmittee on Employment of People with Disabilities, in Section 6 Regional Resource Centers (RRCs), in Section 5 Resources in Special Education, in Section 5 Rural Institute on Disabilities, in Section 5 Scottish Rite Centers, in Section 4 Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, in Section 7 Social Security Administration, in Section 7 Technical Assistance for Parent Programs (TAPP) Project, in Section 2 Transition Research Institute, in Section 6 University Affiliated Programs, in Section 7 Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, in Section 6 Zero to Three/National Center for Clinical Infant Programs, in Section 4 News Digest is published three times a year. Individual subscriptions in the United States are free. In addition, NICHCY disseminates other materials and can respond to individual requests. Single copies of NICHCY materials and information services are provided free of charge. For further information and assistance, or to receive a NICHCY Publications List, contact NICHCY, P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013, or call (202) 416-0300 (Voice/TT). NICHCY thanks our Project Officer, Dr. Sara Conlon, at the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, for her time in reading and reviewing this document. NICHCY also thanks all the helpful individuals who provided and verified the information about the various organizations mentioned in this directory. Finally, the Editor would like to thank Kelley O'Bryan, Information Specialist at NICHCY, for her thoroughness and dedication in obtaining this information. PROJECT STAFF Project Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Elting Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lisa K pper This document is made possible through Cooperative Agreement #H030A30003 between the Academy for Educational Development and the Office of Special Education Programs of the United States Department of Education. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This information is in the public domain unless otherwise indicated. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY). Your comments and suggestions for News Digest are welcomed. Please share your ideas and feedback with our staff by writing to the Editor.