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Other Resources in the Community 
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There are many different ways to find help and services in the community. A good place to start is to contact national organizations that operate chapters at the state and local level.

 

State Agencies Addressing Disabilities

 
  • The state disability world---as NICHCY knows it.
    www.nichcy.org/states.htm

    Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa...NICHCY offers a state resource sheet for each state and U.S. territory. Use your state's resource sheet to connect with state agencies serving children and youth with disabilities, state chapters of disability organizations and parent groups, your governor and senators, your state's parent training and information (PTI) project(s)...and more. These, in turn, can connect you with the groups in or near your community.

  • Do you have an infant or toddler with special needs? Get in touch with the early intervention system in your state.
    www.nectac.org/search/confinder.asp
    Courtesy of the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center.
    Your early intervention contacts include the Part C coordinators, the Section 619 coordinators (that's pre-school), and the ICC (Interagency Coordinating Council) contacts for the state. If you'd like to know the OSEP-funded early childhood projects in your state, visit the Projects Finder, at: www.nectac.org/search/projfinder.asp

  • Health care insurance for uninsured children.
    www.insurekidsnow.gov/index.htm
    Did you know that each state has a health insurance program for children? Children who don't have health insurance right now are very often eligible for state medical coverage. The insurance is available to children in working families, including families that include individuals with a variety of immigration status. To find out what your state's policies are, what's covered, and how to apply, call 1.877.543.7669 or find your state at: www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.htm

  • State resources for youth with special health care needs.
    www.hrtw.org/index.html
    The Healthy and Ready to Work (HRTW) project provides information and connections to health and transition expertise nationwide for youth with special health care needs. Use the "site search" on the home page to find a wealth of information, including what resources are available in your state. Find out about innovate programs in your state at: www.hrtw.org/systems/prgstate.html

  • Need a place to stay while your child is in the hospital?
    www.nahhh.org/members/search.php
    Visit the Website of the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, which can help patients and their families find lodging and other supportive services when confronted with medical emergencies.

  • Having trouble with reading? Find a literacy program in your community.
    www.nifl.gov/nifl/index.html
    NIFL is the National Institute for Literacy, and its site overflows with resources. NIFL maintains a database of literacy programs that you can search to find one in your neck of the woods.

  • Looking for a private special education facility?
    www.napsec.org/network.html
    The National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) can help you! Use their Networking Directory to identify a center with the services you need.

  • And young people with disabilities? Where to turn for transition help in your state.
    www.ncset.org/stateresources/default.asp
    Visit NCSET (National Center on Secondary Education and Transition) to find contact information for the following education-related offices for all states and territories in the United States: state transition coordinator, RRC office contact, state director of special education, monitoring and state improvement planning Part B contacts, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) transition contact, and state director of vocational rehabilitation.

  • Is there a community-based transition program for your young adult?
    www.transitioncoalition.org/
    Courtesy of the Transition Coalition at the University of Kansas.
    The 18-21 Programs: Community-Based Special Education Programs database contains descriptions of over 100 community-based transition programs throughout the United States. From the Web page, select "18-21 Programs."

  • Don't forget about vocational rehabilitation services.
    www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.htm
    By contacting your local vocational rehabilitation office, you can tap into a wealth of resources related to employment options for people with disabilities. VR is a state-supported division of services designed to assist individuals with disabilities who are pursuing meaningful careers.

  • And then there's independent living.
    www.ncil.org
    The link above will take you to the National Council on Independent Living, which maintains a national directory of independent living centers.

Parent Groups

  • Your PTI and CPRC
    PTI stands for Parent Training and Information. Each state has at least one PTI program. If you're looking for resources in your state and community, or need information about disabilities, the educational rights of your child, or strategies for being an effective advocate for your child, call your state’s PTI. Some states also have what's known as a CPRC---Community Parent Resource Center, which is funded to serve a particular high-need area or audience. Find out more at:

    • www.nichcy.org/basicpar.asp#bp3
      NICHCY's Parent Basic on PTIs and CPRCs will give you a clear view into what these centers do---and what they can do for you and your family.


    • www.nichcy.org
      Arizona, Arkansas, California... we mentioned our state sheets above. (If you didn't read that part, NICHCY offers a state resource sheet for each state and U.S. territory.) Your PTI and CPRC (if you have one) are listed on your state's sheet. Use the link above and jump to your state. Within that resource sheet, click on "Organizations Especially for Parents" in the Table of Contents. You'll jump forward immediately to the PTI and CPRC listings for your state. And remember---often, they have local offices. So even if not located nearby, they may have a satellite office in your area.

  • If you would like to talk to another parent...
    Ever wish you could talk to another parent whose child has the same disability as yours? The Parent to Parent Program may be for you, then. It matches parents in one-on-one relationships for sharing information, experiences, and emotional and practical support. Find out more at:

    • www.nichcy.org/basicpar.asp#bp2
      This Parent Basic will tell you about the Parent to Parent Program, including how to get in touch with the one in your state. Available in Spanish, too.

    • www.nichcy.org/
      Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware... twice now, we've mentioned our state sheets. (If you still haven't read about them above, NICHCY offers a state resource sheet for each state and U.S. territory.) The Parent to Parent program for your state is listed on your state's sheet. Use the link above and jump to your state. Within that resource sheet, click on "Organizations Especially for Parents" in the Table of Contents. You'll jump forward immediately to the section where you'll find the P-to-P listing for your state. They can put you in touch with a parent whose situation is similar to your own.


  • Parent groups on specific disabilities
    There are many, many parent groups that focus on issues and concerns related to a particular disability. For example, local parents whose children have a learning disability may group together to talk about how to handle their child's education, find a local dentist or pediatrician, and put their heads together to troubleshoot any number of common concerns. How do you find such a group in your area? We'd suggest trying any of the resources below. They'll start you at the national or state level, where you can find a group (if one exists) in or near your community.

National Disability Groups

 Above, we told you how to find state-level groups by connecting with the national level organizations that maintain state and local chapters. Rather than repeat all that information, we'd suggest you look at the tips above, including: We also offer the following pages, which you can use to connect with all kinds of resources, ones you never dreamed existed:
  • Toll-free numbers?
    www.nichcy.org/pubs/genresc/gr5.htm
    Need help, who ya gonna call? Organized by topic and disability, here’s a list of toll free numbers that will connect you to a wide range of disability organizations.


  • NICHCY's A-Z connections to the Disability Community.
    www.nichcy.org/resources/disability1.htm
    Everything but the kitchen sink.


  • Info Galore.
    www.nichcy.org/resources/galore.asp
    Disability-related databases you'll love, on topics from specific disabilities, technical assistance centers, and general ed and special ed info, to health-related resources and working and community living.


  • Other A-Z pages.
    www.nichcy.org/resources/default.asp
    Autism, PDD, addressing behavior concerns, learning disabilities...these stand-alone pages on disabilities will connect you to a wealth of info out there.

Mental Health Resources

 

If it's a crisis...

First things first, regardless of how frightening a note this is to begin on.
  • Call 1.800.784.2433.
    www.hopeline.com/
    The National Hopeline Network connects callers automatically to a certified Crisis Center near their location. Crisis Center calls are answered by trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event that the nearest Crisis Center is at maximum volume, the call is seamlessly rerouted to the next closest center. Callers should never encounter a busy signal or voice mail. For easy recall, remember this: 1.800.SUICIDE.

  • There's also 1.800.273.8255, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
    Another excellent resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which also provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For easy recall, think 1.800.273.TALK.

  • American Association of Suicidology (AAS).
    www.suicidology.org
    AAC is dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide. For those seeking info and perspective on this difficult subject, including the warning signs and guidance on what to do, the association offers many publications that can help.

  • American Association of Children's Residential Centers (AACRC).
    www.aacrc-dc.org
    The American Association of Children's Residential Centers "brings professionals together to advance the frontiers of knowledge pertaining to the spectrum of therapeutic living environments for children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders." Its Member Directory provides a detailed listing of its agency and individual members. Agency members are listed by state and are profiled. Profiles include information such as patient populations, number of annual admissions, licensure/accreditation information, fees and the program philosophy. Consumers can take a look to see what types of residential centers are available to help children who need this sort of residence. Cost? $25 for non-members, complimentary to members.


NICHCY's Quick Connections
  • Start with NICHCY's 4-page fact sheet on Emotional Disturbance. 
    www.nichcy.org/Disabilities/Specific/Pages/
    EmotionalDisturbance.aspx
    If you're looking for an intro to emotional problems and the mental health field, this is a good place to start. Our fact sheet will hook you up with ORGANIZATIONS that can help, online and print resources of more information, and an overview look at disabilities that cause mental health concerns.

  • Find mental health resources and experts in your state. 
    www.nichcy.org/Pages/StateSpecificInfo.aspx
    Visit our state sheet page and select your state. Once inside the state sheet, there are multiple places to find mental health connections.
    • First section, State Agencies and Organizations, for the listings headed "State Mental Health Agency" and "State Mental Health Representative for Children and Youth." These are the state-level offices charged with providing assistance to individuals who have mental health concerns. They should be a good place to connect with the state mental health network and find out what's what and who's who in your state at the agency level.


    • Second section of the State Sheet, Disability-Specific Organizations. Find the heading labeled "Mental Health." Beneath are listed the state chapters of such associations as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and National Mental Health Association (NMHA). These can connect you with local chapters, if there are any, and a wealth of info, including in-state resources. Often, these chapters operate as parent groups as well, offering parents opportunities to talk with other parents, an excellent source of emotional support and practical advice.


    • Third section of the State Sheet, Organizations Especially for Parents . If you're a parent looking for mental health connections for your child, try calling the organization listed under "Parent Training and Information Center" (PTI). The PTI can also tell you all about educational services for your child, special education, and working with your child's school to make sure your child's needs are addressed. Through the organization listed under "Parent to Parent" you can connect one-on-one with another parent in the state who also has a child with mental health concerns.


    • Fourth section of the State Sheet, Other Organizations . On some state sheets, this section may list additional organizations that address mental health concerns. Glance over the section to see if that's true for your state's resource sheet.



Be Sure To Come Here

There are numerous sources of incredible information, support, and guidance on mental illness---across the gamut. We've listed a few starter links below where you can find out more about the range of specific mental disorders, interventions, family life, coping strategies, and much more.
  • NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
    www.nami.org
    NAMI calls itself the "Nation's Voice on Mental Illness" and is an invaluable source of information on the subject. In addition to the mountain of info you'll find on NAMI's site, you can also connect with state and local NAMI chapters.

  • National Mental Health Association (NMHA).
    www.nmha.org
    NMHA addresses all aspects of mental health and mental illness. Delve into their online resources about mental issues and identify NMHA affiliates in your area.

  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
    www.aacap.org
    AACAP provides information to aid in the "understanding and treatment of the developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders that affect an estimated 7 to 12 million children and adolescents at any given time in the United States." At the link above, you canl find information on child and adolescent psychiatry, fact sheets for parents and caregivers, current research, practice guidelines, and managed care information, among other things.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
    www.aap.org
    Behavioral and Mental Health are among the many topics AAP addresses through easy-to-read fact sheets and other resources. Check out such areas as AAP's "Children's Health Topics," "The Parenting Corner," and "Professional Education and Resources," to name a few, and you'll find a wealth of info on mental health topics.

  • Internet Mental Health.
    www.mentalhealth.com/
    Internet Mental Health is a free encyclopedia of mental health information.

  • Mental Help Net.
    http://mentalhelp.net
    A vast amount of info here on specific mental disorders, mental health, wellness, and family and relationship issues and concerns.

  • Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
    www.pbis.org



  • Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.
    www.ffcmh.org/
    The masthead on the Federation's Web site says that the Federation, a family-run organization, is the "National Family Voice for Children’s Mental Health."

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
    www.mentalhealth.org/
    A very rich resource. Some of the topics explored are:
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
    www.nimh.nih.gov/
    Another very rich resource. Some of the areas you can investigate at NIMH are:

Finding Mental Health Services

Mental Health in Schools
  • Mental health in schools.
    Starting in 1995, two national training and technical assistance centers were established to improve how schools address barriers to learning and enhance healthy development. Each of these centers is a source of information and technical assistance regarding mental health in schools. Take advantage of each of their databases, materials, and expertise:
    • Center for Mental Health in Schools, UCLA
      http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu
      Under "Search and Quick Find" in the main menu, you can search the Center's resources for just about everything but the kitchen sink related to mental health in schools.

    • Center for School Mental Health Assistance, University of Maryland
      http://csmh.umaryland.edu/
      This center maintains a library of resource materials including reprints, articles, and publications specific to school-based mental health. It also offers a comprehensive directory of school mental health programs around the world. At the moment, they're working to upgrade their Web site, which is limiting what's available via the Internet, but hopefully soon we'll be able to access their resource collection online.

  • Project REACH: Resources for Teachers.
    www.lehigh.edu/projectreach/teachers/teachers_reach.htm
    This Web site was created to provide teachers with interventions that will help to make their classrooms positive and productive environments for learning. The Project REACH staff has searched the research literature for interventions that are effective for improving the behavior and academic achievement of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. They then took the most effective interventions from the research and translated them into easy step-by-step directions for implementing them in your classroom.

  • Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice (CECP).
    http://cecp.air.org/default.asp
    CECP is dedicated to improving services for children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems. Here, you'll find resources on school violence prevention and intervention, including the action guides Early Warning, Timely Response - A Guide to Safe Schools and Safeguarding Our Children. For many of NICHCY's visitors, the resources CECP offers on schools and special education will be particularly useful. There, you'll find resources on conducting a functional behavioral assessment and creating positive behavioral intervention plans and supports, as well as prevention strategies that work.


Organizations on Specific Disorders

Looking for info and assistance related to a specific mental condition? In addition to what you'd find by visiting the organizations listed above under "Be Sure to Come Here," look over the quick alphabetical list below of organizations that focus on a specific mental disorder. They offer in-depth information, support groups, and guidance regarding that disability--perhaps the one of concern to you.
  • Anxiety Disorders.
    www.adaa.org
    Visit the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA).

  • Behavior Disorders.
    www.nichcy.org/Pages/behaviorsuite.aspx
    Visit NICHCY's Behavior suite for a detailed list of resources and organizations addressing behavior disorders and concerns.

  • Bipolar Disorders.
    If this is your area of concern, try these groups.

  • Dually Diagnosed: Mental Illness and Mental Retardation.
    www.thenadd.org
    The National Association for Dually Diagnosed (NADD) focuses upon the needs and issues of individuals who have both mental illness and cognitive impairments or intellectual disabilities, and the professionals and families who share concern for these individuals.

  • Eating Disorders.
    www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
    The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) works to prevent eating disorders and provide treatment referrals to those suffering from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder and those concerned with body image and weight issues.

  • OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
    www.ocfoundation.org/
    The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (OCF) is for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their families, friends, professionals and other concerned individuals.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
    www.ncptsd.org
    For more info and assistance on PTSD, you'll want to visit the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Resources within the Medical and Healthcare Community

 

Looking for Info on Health Conditions

The doctor says it's... but what is....?

Need more information? There are lots of medical sites out there that explain conditions in terms you don't need to be a doctor to understand. Here are a few.

  • To find a spectrum of health-related resources---try this government offering.
    www.healthfinder.gov/
    Healthfinder connects you with a range of health-related resources. The same service is available in Spanish, at: www.healthfinder.gov/espanol/


  • Medline connects you quickly to over 650 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness.
    http://medlineplus.gov
    This site is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and offers everything from an online medical encyclopedia to interactive tutorials for patients. Find the same in Spanish, at: http://medlineplus.gov/spanish


  • More information about health topics of all kinds.
    www.familydoctor.org
    The American Academy of Family Physicians provides this site of "health information for the whole family." Among the databases you'll find are: Search by Symptom, Find a Doctor, Dictionary of Common Medical Terms, Body Mass Index Calculator, and Drug Information Database (both prescription and over-the-counter). For Spanish, go to: www.familydoctor.org/spanish.xml


  • Combined health information database (CHID).
    http://chid.nih.gov/
    CHID is a bibliographic database produced by health-related agencies of the Federal Government. This database provides titles, abstracts, and availability information for health information and health education resources. At the moment, CHID covers the following 12 topics: AIDS, STD, and TB education; Alzheimer's; arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; complementary and alternative medicine; deafness and communication disorders; diabetes; digestive diseases; kidney and urologic diseases; maternal and child health; medical genetics and rare disorders; oral health; weight control.


  • A real info jackpot, courtesy of the government.
    www.health.gov/NHIC/
    The Federal Government operates many health clearinghouses and information centers that focus on specific topics. Their services include distributing publications, providing referrals, and answering inquiries. Many offer Web sites or toll-free numbers and can connect you with the more than 1,800 organizations and government offices that provide health information upon request. You can either search by keyword or topic, at the link above, or scroll through a list of the federal health info centers to see what's out there, at:
    www.health.gov/nhic/Pubs/clearinghouses.htm


  • Alternative medicine?
    http://nccam.nih.gov/
    Visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Information Clearinghouse, at the link above.


  • Interested in newly published health and medical information related to your child's disability or medical condition?
    www.caringparents.org
    CaringParents.org is for all parents who wish to keep on top of the large amount of newly published health and medical information regarding specific medical conditions or general health concerns. Use their comprehensive research service for locating articles critical to your child's health.



Finding Services
  • Find a doctor.
    http://dbapps.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm
    Many health insurance plans require their members to use doctors participating in the plan. If you have health insurance, you'll want to make sure what your plan requires of you as a member. But for those who have some latitude...AMA Physician Select is provided online by the American Medical Association. This database provides basic professional information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States, including more than 690,000 doctors of medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO).


  • Health care insurance for uninsured children.
    www.insurekidsnow.gov/index.htm
    Did you know that each state has a health insurance program for children? Children who don't have health insurance right now are very often eligible for state medical coverage. The insurance is available to children in working families, including families that include individuals with a variety of immigration status. To find out what your state's policies are, what's covered, and how to apply, call 1.877.543.7669 or find your state at: www.insurekidsnow.gov/states.htm


  • Find a community health center.
    www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc/
    Over 44 million people in the United States lack access to primary health care. HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) provides a nationwide network of community and migrant health centers and health care for the homeless programs. To identify a service site delivering primary care to underserved populations, visit the link above.


  • Resources for youth with special health care needs.
    www.hrtw.org/index.html
    The Healthy and Ready to Work (HRTW) project provides information and connections to health and transition expertise nationwide for youth with special health care needs. Use the "site search" on the home page to find a wealth of information.


  • State-level school health policies.
    Courtesy of NASBE (National Association of School Boards of Education.
    http://www.nasbe.org/HealthySchools/States/State_Policy.asp

  • Medicaid benefits.
    www.kff.org/medicaidbenefits/
    Search this online database to find information on Medicaid benefits in the 50 states, DC, and the U.S. territories, including medical benefits, populations and services covered, limits, co-payments, and reimbursement methodologies. The database is searchable by Medicaid benefit as well as by state.

  • The "Medicaid Clearinghouse."
    www.familiesusa.org/
    Families USA is working to achieve high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. For state-specific information on Medicare, Medicaid, children's health, and managed care, as well as state contacts, visit: www.familiesusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=States_States1.

  • Rehabilitation.
    http://www.naric.com/research/default.cfm
    Courtesy of NARIC, the National Rehabilitation Information Center.
    NARIC offers an online searchable database of more than 300 projects funded by NIDRR (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research), including their products. If you want to know about disability, rehabilitation, and promoting independence and employment for individuals with disabilities, NARIC is the place to visit.


  • Databases re: Native American health.
    http://hsc.unm.edu/library/nhd/
    The Native Health Databases contain bibliographic information and abstracts of health-related articles, reports, surveys, and other resource documents pertaining to the health and health care of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Canadian First Nations.


  • Databases re: Asian American health.
    http://asianamericanhealth.nlm.nih.gov/
    This Web resource on Asian American Health, sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, is designed to increase public awareness of the health concerns of Asian Americans in the United States. Links are provided to an assortment of documents, Web sites, databases, and other resources.


  • Problems? Complaints? Too many decisions to make?
    www.healthfinder.gov/healthcare/
    Healthfinder.gov has brought together information on the Web to help you make important choices for yourself and your family concerning doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, long term care, health insurance, and medical privacy. The link above offers links to resources on: complaints, dentists, doctors, finding a healthcare provider, first aid, fraud, health insurance, hospice, hospitals, long-term care, medical errors, Medicare and Medicaid, nursing homes, patient privacy, prescription drugs, public health clinics, quality of care, and support groups.


  • What clinical trials are being conducted?
    www.clinicaltrials.gov/
    Find out about federally and privately supported clinical research in human volunteers via clinicalTrials.gov, which gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.


  • Find a hospital hospitality house.
    http://www.nahhh.org/lodging.php
    The database online at the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses can help patients and their families find lodging and other supportive services when confronted with medical emergencies.


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NICHCY thanks our Project Officer, Dr. Judy L. Shanley, at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education.

Publication of this Web resource page is made possible through Cooperative Agreement #H326N030003 between the Academy for Educational Development and the Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S. 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.

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