                            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.
         
