Information About Disabilitites for Parents

Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), is a national non-profit, tax-exempt (Section 501 (c) (3) ) organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD.

National Down Syndrome Congress is the country’s oldest national organization for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them. We provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome, and work to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.

LD OnLine.org is the world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals each month. LD OnLine seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD. The site features hundreds of helpful articles, multimedia, monthly columns by noted experts, first person essays, children’s writing and artwork, a comprehensive resource guide, very active forums, and a Yellow Pages referral directory of professionals, schools, and products.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.

Support and Resources for Parents

Bank Street College Center for Children’s Literature’s mission is to create, identify, and advocate for the highest quality literature for all children from infancy through adolescence. We ensure that such literature is readily accessible to every child, and to foster in parents, educators, and policy makers a commitment to the principle that good literature is fundamental to literacy. The Center will provide workshops, guides and content for learning and social-emotional/ aesthetic development at all levels of childhood education.

CHADD and SHEMESH work together to offer a monthly support group for parents of children with Attention Issues or Poor Executive Functioning.  Parents meet in a facilitated meeting on the first Tuesday of the month in the CHAI Building Conference Room 5809 Park Heights Avenue from 7:30 –  9:00 pm.

MDSNAP (Special Needs Advocacy Program) through the Center for Jewish Education, provides free educational advocacy services for Jewish children with special needs, from birth to age 21.

Menucha supports Jewish children with special needs and their families in a culturally sensitive manner.
The Friendship Circle unites teen volunteers with children and teens who have special needs. Through a wide range of innovative activities and social programs, they share fun and love, building a friendship that deeply enriches their lives.

The Dyslexia Tutoring Program teaches low-income children and adults with dyslexia or a language-based learning difference to read. This is accomplished through a professional screening assessment and tutoring by volunteers whom we have trained in the Orton-Gillingham method of reading, writing, and spelling.

Reading Rockets is a national multimedia literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.