Local/State/National Resources For Parents

These resources are being provided to help you understand more about your child’s disability and places to seek assistance in understanding special education. You should feel free to contact your child’s classroom/special education teacher, building principal, or Director of Pupil Services (860-258-7705) for assistance in resolving any issues pertaining to your child. There are also social service organizations affiliated with state and national advocacy groups which can also be of assistance.

Parent Information/Advocacy

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
CPAC is a statewide non-profit organization that offers information and support to parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them. The staff primarily consists of parents of children with disabilities who assist other parents in understanding how to participate more effectively in their children’s education.

Connecticut State Department of Education
The Connecticut State Department of Education can be an important source of information concerning clarification of your rights as they pertain to your individual situation. They will also intervene on your behalf if you feel your rights have been violated. All requests for intervention must be done in writing. If you decide to pursue a due process, your attorney must file with this agency.

State Education Resource Center (SERC) 
From the Connecticut State Department of Education. Request a free resource package for parents of children with special needs, including CT Special Education Statutes and commentary; plus a newsletter with new materials in the SERC library and upcoming workshops.

Disabilities

Autism Society of America

Cerebral Palsy 
United Cerebral Palsy is the leading source of information on Cerebral Palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. An additional resource is http://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/

Cerebral Palsy Group - https://cerebralpalsygroup.com/

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
CHADD is an active, effective advocacy organization for those with Attention Deficit Disorders. The CHADD website includes substantial amounts of information. Check for regional support groups.

International Dyslexia Association      
The IDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to research and advocacy for individuals with dyslexia, a reading (or language learning) disability. Both regional and national groups offer conferences, a variety of publications and information.

Arc of Connecticut
Arc of Connecticut is an advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities and to promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in the life of their community.

www.schwablearning.org
Includes subject indexes to learning disabilities resources, offers e-mail responses to individual questions.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities 
This national non-profit organization publishes a newsletter for parents of children with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders offering current, authoritative information from experts; encouragement and practical guidance from parents; and inspiration via profiles of people who overcome learning disabilities on the way to outstanding achievement. 

Speech and Hearing 
CT Speech-Language-Hearing Association website

Federal

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services Links to other resources for teachers and parents.

Council for Exceptional Children

Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI) is a collection of internet resources for those interested in special education. Includes general disability information, parent and teacher resources, etc.

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders

Federation for Children with Special Needs

Office for Civil Rights  home page. Information on Section 504 and other topics