Web Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/freematerials.html

The CDC website has much helpful information relating to children with special needs, in particular autism spectrum disorder. The Free Materials site includes developmental checklists, growth charts, condition-specific fact sheets, flyers, and a tip sheet for talking to parents when their child’s development is not typical. These materials are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Somali.

Council for Exceptional Children, www.cec.sped.org

This is an organization focused on meeting the needs of exceptional children and their families. Check out their publications and products page for downloadable information on advocacy, as well as books to purchase on issues of diversity in special education.

The Center on Technology and Disability, funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, http://www.ctdinstitute.org/

This resource is designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. The site includes free Family Information Guides to Assistive Technology as well as a series of fact sheets and a parent glossary for terms associated with assistive technology (in Spanish and English).

National Association for Gifted Children, www.nagc.org

This site offers information for families and teachers on how to support the needs of high-potential learners. The site includes numerous resources for teachers on hot topics and offers sample lesson plans and ideas on how to challenge gifted learners.

Wrightslaw, http://www.wrightslaw.com/

This site offers a wealth of information relating to special education laws and advocacy for children with disabilities. It has a long list of topics relating to special education and updates on IDEA 2004, with links to free flyers, publications, and free subscription to The Special Ed Advocate newsletter.