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Description: The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) is a national membership association dedicated to educational equity and excellence for children and youth experiencing homelessness. NAEHCY’s vision is that every child and youth experiencing homelessness is successful in school, from early childhood through higher education.
Description: In over 30 years of clinical practice, Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have worked with thousands of children who struggle at home and in school. At the center of their struggles are weak executive skills, and through our writing and now this website, we spotlight these skills that are critical for school and life success. ESQ-R: A self-report assessment instrument that students complete to help them (and their teachers or coaches) understand their executive skill strengths and challenges....
Description: The Customized Employment 101 webinar will assist special education teachers, transition coordinators and employment specialists of middle and high students in considering person-directed employment beyond the confines of traditional job development. The outcome of customized employment planning is paid, community-based employment for students with complex lives. (VCU Center on Transition Innovations)
Description: The Process of Discovery surrounds a person-centered approach to gathering information about the prospective worker to guide the development of customized employment and work experience. Discovery answers the question "who is this student?", "what contributions can he/she make? and "where and when are they at their best?" This process uses portfolios, visual resumes, interviews and observations to uncover the unique contributions, skills and interests that each person can bring to the job. (VCU...
Description: BEP provides currency readers, free of charge, to all eligible blind and visually impaired U.S. citizens and national residents. The device is small, compact, and runs on a triple-A battery, which is included. To use the currency reader, simply insert a U.S. bill into the reader and press the button. The device will tell the note’s denomination.
Description: In this article written for Colorín Colorado, Bright Ideas author Kristina Robertson offers an overview of WIDA's new Essential Actions handbook and shares a step-by-step process for using this tool as part of a professional learning community focused on meeting ELLs' academic language needs. (ELL = English Language Learner)
Description: Life-Changing Apps for People with Brain Injury - Almost every day, we hear of new apps developed for just about everything — from staying organized to finding pharmacies or restaurants while on the road. It’s hard to keep up. Some of these apps have proven to be especially helpful for people with brain injury. The phone can be used to remind you of an upcoming appointment or to take medication, or it can be used like a traditional paper notebook to keep all your addresses, telephone...
Description: ReadWorks is a nonprofit with the mission to support the growth of successful, joyful readers. As a FREE supplemental resource, we provide K-12 and adult educators with the largest, highest-quality library of curated nonfiction and fiction passages in the country, along with interactive vocabulary supports, text-dependent question sets, teacher guidance, and more!
Description: Early Childhood Mental Health Virginia (ECMHVA) is a statewide initiative focused on the development, implementation and sustainability of a comprehensive early childhood system of care for infant and early childhood mental health. The Early Childhood Mental initiative collaborates with early childhood agencies and representation across the Commonwealth to identify opportunities to increase access to resources and services by researching and securing funding for a continuum of quality in...
Description: People First Language is an objective and respectful way to speak about people with disabilities by emphasizing the person first, rather than the disability. It acknowledges what a person has, and recognizes that a person is not the disability. In putting the person before the disability, People First Language highlights a person's value, individuality and capabilities.
Description: Disability Scoop is the nation’s premier source for developmental disability news. With daily coverage of autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and more, it offers timely and comprehensive information about issues that matter to the developmental disability community.
Description: How long a list of “who’s who” would you like? There are quite a few experts in the early intervention field! In the interests of efficiency, we will give you the semi-short but to-the-point list to get you started (we apologize to all those organizations we haven’t listed here). This starter list will definitely lead you into the wider network and keep you informed in the ongoing work in early intervention.
Description: If you’re concerned about the development of an infant or toddler, or you suspect that a little one has a disability, this page will summarize one terrific source of help—the early intervention system in your state. Early intervention services can help infants and toddlers with disabilities or delays to learn many key skills and catch up in their development.
Description: This article describes how the IEP meeting is scheduled, who comes, and the special factors that team members must consider when writing an IEP. IEP teams are made up of individuals who bring different perspectives and expertise to the table. Pooling their knowledge, team members set out to craft an individualized response to a specific child’s needs, taking into account that same child’s strengths and talents. There’s a lot of information shared at IEP meetings, and a lot of...
Description: The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education regularly provides guidance to the field on the nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “Guidance” can take several forms: OSEP’s correspondence in response to questions received from the field; policy documents and letters on priority issues; State determination letters; and non-regulatory guidance. All are intended to clarify elements of...
Description: Are you looking for information on a health condition or perhaps trying to find health services? There are lots of medical sites out there that explain conditions in terms you don’t need to be a doctor to understand. And there are sites that can help you locate healthcare services in your community.
Description: There are times when parents and schools simply do not agree on some issue affecting a child’s education. They may try informal approaches to resolving the conflict, such as reviewing and revising the child’s IEP or holding a facilitated IEP meeting (an approach emerging in the field). When these don’t result in agreement on what represents an appropriate education for a child, the law (IDEA) provides several approaches that parents and schools can use to help resolve the...
Description: Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal condition associated with intellectual disabilities. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality: for some unknown reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain. In most cases, the diagnosis of Down syndrome is made according to results from a chromosome test administered shortly after birth. Just as in the...
Description: Since the 1960s, there has been a virtual avalanche of federal legislation that relates directly or indirectly to individuals with disabilities, particularly children and youth. These form the core of current protection against discrimination and current guarantees of equal educational opportunity that individuals with disabilities have in our nation.
Description: If you’re looking for information about disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, you’ve come to the right place! The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) offers information and connections to the full spectrum of disabilities in children, including developmental delays and rare disorders. Use the links below to learn about typical developmental milestones in childhood, specific disabilities and disorders, and the...
Description: Oh, the world of work! For many youth with disabilities looking ahead to life after high school, employment will be an immediate and serious consideration. And the time to consider it well and thoroughly is during the high school years, during transition planning, and through transition services that are carefully matched to the goal of employment. In the article Transition Goals in the IEP, we looked in some detail at how IEP teams might approach that task, with subsections specific to the...
Description: Welcome to the alphabet soup of special education! The disability community is full of acronyms that people constantly use in writing and in conversation, and it’s important to know what those acronyms stand for. Acronyms are used in order to abbreviate names or phrases. The CPIR is pleased to provide this list of special education and disability-related acronyms, and hope it helps our readers quickly connect with the meaning of pivotal acronyms in the field.
Description: Many different individuals come together to help the student plan for transition. Typically, transition planning is handled by members of the IEP team, with other individuals becoming involved as needed. It’s important to involve a variety of people, for they will bring their unique perspectives to the planning table. The team draws upon the expertise of the different members and pools their information to make decisions or recommendations for the student. In addition to the regular...
Description: Building effective communication skills is a critical component of the education of all students with ASD. It requires a systematic plan that ensures communication instruction is individualized to fit the short term and long term needs of the student. This involves individualized communication instruction, team collaboration, a system of communication that allows for effective and efficient communication, and implementation of evidence-based strategies and supports.
Description: All children are able to learn, just not in the same way. Autism is an information-processing difference that affects: communication, social interaction, sensory response, and learning and thinking. In part 1, we discussed academic strategies for the classroom. This presentation will address strategies for the unstructured time within the school day, environmental supports, social supports, and communication supports. Dr. Webb will also discuss strategies for managing behavioral challenges.
Description: If you have a child with a disability, the need to plan for your future, as well as your child’s, is important and the time to plan is now! The reality is that something could happen at any moment to leave you or your child at risk. It could be your death, or a chronic or debilitating illness or catastrophic injury that impairs your ability to care for yourself and your child. These events cause emotional and often financial hardship, so why not create a plan now while you can be...
Description: In order to implement any strategy to help students on the autism spectrum, we first need to understand the reasons behind some of their challenging behaviors and understand the feelings those behaviors provoke in their caretakers. This session helps caregivers manage their own emotions so they can help manage those of their children or clients.
Description: All of us can have meltdowns when we lose control and seem immune to reasoning. Having consistent rules and consequences for such behavior is important, yet there are times when such traditional discipline seems ineffective. When consistent discipline is not enough, we need to understand why these difficult moments continue. This presentation is designed to (1) learn ways to de-escalate a meltdown in the moment, (2) understand 7 common triggers to repeat problems and (3) create effective...
Description: Our goal in education must be to create a rich educational setting for all children. Special Education was originally designed as a "resource" to educational programs, not as a separate placement. Research indicates that removing children from their typical peers, undermines their capacity to learn the skills that will enable them to belong. Statistics from the CDC show a dramatic rise in Autism; therefore we must prepare our inclusive classrooms to create the educational setting to address the...
Description: Helps parents and teachers recognize common reactions children of different age groups (preschool and early childhood to adolescence) experience after a disaster or traumatic event. Offers tips for how to respond in a helpful way and when to seek support. (SAMHSA- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)
Description: From translating research into practice to providing online professional development, the Vaughn Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts (VGC) emphasizes scientifically based research and is dedicated to improving instruction for all students, especially struggling readers, English language learners, and special education students.
Description: A connection to the world and to the people around us is life sustaining. But for some individuals with complex learning needs, that connection can be limited. More than 20 years ago, when speech-language pathologist Jacquie Clark discovered that students with autism and other unique learning needs lacked accessible materials connecting them to current events, she created the symbol-supported newspaper, News2you. Today, this online weekly newspaper, differentiated to four levels, is...
Description: Young children don't need highly specialized or expensive equipment to learn how to explore the natural world scientifically. They do need, as Rachel Carson mused in The Sense of Wonder, “the companionship of at least one adult who can share it.” Simple toys and tools can engage children as they explore natural phenomena in ways that will support their later science learning. Adults who allow children to play and work through small difficulties by themselves support children as they...
Description: 1. Value your child's questions. 2. Explore and find the answers together. 3. Give children time and space to explore. 4. Acceot that explorations are often messy. And more...
Description: A National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) article focused on early science inquiry learning.
Description: Parenting is hard work! But it can also be fun and rewarding. There are many things you can do to help build a safe, stable, and nurturing relationship with your child. This website will help you handle some common parenting challenges, so you can be a more confident parent and enjoy helping your child grow. Topics covered include: Overview of Essentials Communicating with Your Child, Creating Structure and Rules, Giving Directions, Using Consequences, Using Time-Out, Videos, Practice Skills...
Description: The Cyberbullying Research Center is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents. Cyberbullying can be defined as “Willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.” It is also known as “cyber bullying,” “electronic bullying,” “e-bullying,” “sms bullying,” “mobile bullying,”...
Description: When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.
Description: Bullying is a serious problem with horrible consequences if left unchecked. The good news is that you can do lots to stop it. We hope that the resources listed in this article are useful to you in that effort. Facts about bullying: The federal government has a website dedicated to preventing bullying and informing parents, schools, and communities about how to recognize and treat bullying behavior. This page on the site provides definitions, statistics, targeted groups, and laws. What you...
Description: It’s important to know what to expect as your baby grows, because hearing problems can delay the development of voice, speech, and language skills. The checklist below presents the average age by which most babies accomplish a variety of early speech and language skills. Typically, a child may not accomplish all the items in an age category until he or she reaches the upper age in the age range.
Description: In this webcast, Tori illustrates her struggles, triumphs, and tools used to survive each day. This allows for an opportunity to walk a mile in her shoes as she journeys through life from childhood to adulthood. Tori's message will leave you curious, motivated, and with a heightened awareness of ASD. Just when you think you know all about ASD, Tori's story may surprise you! (VCU Autism Center for Excellence- ACE)
Description: If your child has been diagnosed with a learning disability, there are many things you can do to support him. Here are 10 ideas to get you started! What you can do 1. Learn as much as you can about your child's disability The more you know about your child's, the more you can help your child. Start with your school and your child's teacher, and continue your research on the web and with other professionals. 2. Learn about your rights The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act...
Description: Speech, language, or hearing problems can lead to trouble making friends and doing well in school. Give your child success—get help early. Find your child's age below and learn about her speech, language, and hearing development. Birth to One Year One to Two Years Two to Three Years Three to Four Years Four to Five Years Children develop at their own rate. These charts tell you when most children who speak only one language will reach each milestone. Your child should master the skills...
Description: Vision loss means that a person’s eyesight is not corrected to a “normal” level. Vision loss can vary greatly among children and can be caused by many things.
Description: Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting some 1,500 babies each year. Spina bifida happens during the first month or so of pregnancy and means that the baby’s spine did not close completely. Damage to the nerves and the spinal cord may result. In general, there are three types of spina bifida. These are: Spina bifida occulta: In this mildest form of spina bifida, there’s a small defect or gap in one or more of the vertebrae (bones) of the...
Description: The first 3 years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, is the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills. These skills develop best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights, and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others. There appear to be critical periods for speech and language development in infants and young children when the brain is best able to absorb language. If these critical periods are allowed to pass without exposure to language,...
Description: YouTube Presentation - Concussion 101, a Primer for Kids and Parents - This is a visual lecture called Concussions 101. The symptoms of a concussion can be tough to recognize, for kids in particular. Watch this video to learn the basics you need to know to make sure you take care of that awesome brain of yours, as much as you take care of the rest of your body.
Description: Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills. The earlier children with hearing loss start getting services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. If you are a parent and you suspect your child has hearing loss, trust your instincts and speak with your child’s doctor. Don’t wait!
Description: Deciding if a child has ADHD is a several-step process. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms.
Description: The term multiple disabilities is general and broad. From the term, you can’t tell: how many disabilities a child has; which disabilities are involved; or how severe each disability is. Many combinations of disabilities are possible. For example, one child with multiple disabilities may have an intellectual disability and deafness. Another child may have cerebral palsy and autism.