Special Education Toolkit: Resources

In This Section



Notes from the Backpack Podcast

Join PTA For Your Child


Tools for Families

Autism Key: The Autism Friend Finder Program is a unique system that will allow visitors to submit basic contact information through a web-based portal. The data is then shared with anyone residing within a 35-mile radius of their postal zip code. The information will allow individuals facing similar challenges to connect with others in their community.

ASL ResourcesCheck out these resources to improve inclusion for deaf and hard of hearing students. 

College Resources for Students with Disabilities Guide: Reviews several technologies and advocate groups available to students who face various disabilities and includes tips and resources to help students transition from college to career.

College Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: A guide offering key strategies, resources, scholarships & more for deaf and hard of hearing students entering higher education.

International Dyslexia Association: The IDA Dyslexia Handbook offers valuable information throughout a child’s life, through to adulthood, about dyslexia and provides information on assessments effective teaching approaches, self-advocacy ideas, and a vast array of resources.

How Myths About Learning Disabilities Rob Many of Their Potential to Succeed and Contribute in School and in the Workplace: This white paper details how learning disabilities rob many of their potential to succeed and contribute in school and in the workplace.

How Safe is the Schoolhouse?:Provides an analysis of state seclusion and restraint laws and policies.

IDEA Early Childhood Policy and Practices Guide: This booklet assists early childhood general educators, early childhood special educators, related service providers, parents, administrators and others in understanding what IDEA now requires for young children with disabilities ages birth through five years old and their families. 

National Library Service Talking Books: A free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page.

Understanding the Every Student Succeeds Act: This guide aims to help parents understand the flexibility provided in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and advocate for better education for their children.

Response to Intervention (RTI): A Primer for Parents: The National Association for School Psychologists has prepared this helpful guide for parents wanting to know more about RTI.

Special Connections: Connecting teachers to strategies that help students with special needs successfully access the general education curriculum.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP): Provides extensive information on IDEA.

U.S. Department of Education, Restraint and Seclusion Resource Document: Provides information to consider when developing policies on the use of restraint and seclusion.

Wrightslaw: Provides accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Parent's Guide to Toilet Training Special Needs Children: Special needs children can face challenges when it comes to toilet training and the role parents play in the process is invaluable. This guide provides great tips for families.

Locating Special Education Services in Your State

The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR): Provides parents with information about special education resources and disabilities, including links to helpful resources.

Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs): PTIs and CPRCs help parents of children with disabilities to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be advocates for their children. The link will help you locate one in your state.

National Organizations

American Arbitration Association for Dispute Resolution Services
American Psychological Association
The Arc of the United States
Autism Speaks
Brain Injury Association of NYS
Braille Works
Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
Council of Chief State School Officers
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
Mental Health America
National Association of the Deaf
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
National Parent Information Network (NPIN)
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
PACER Center
Parent Education Resources
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
Source America
Special Education Network
Special Olympics
TASH
US Department of Education
(DOE)
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)