Special Needs
Find support for parents of children with special needs. Learn how to advocate for your child, raise funds for needed equipment and find helpful organizations.
Filter by: Advocacy, Assistive Technology, Autism, Schools for the Blind, Support, Visual Impairment
Education, Special Needs
What Is an LEA? Local Educational Agencies Explained
Ever heard of an LEA and wondered what they do? Read on to learn everything you need to know about local educational agencies and how they affect your child.
Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Support, Visual Impairment
Coping with a Diagnosis: Emotional Support for Families with Visually Impaired Children
Families with emotional support are more resilient. Learn how to establish emotional support with peers, professionals, and the community to help your family thrive.
Special Needs
Green Thumbs Up: Inclusive Spring Gardening for Families with Special Needs Children
Looking for ways to explore nature this spring? Learn how to create sensory-rich, accessible gardening spaces while fostering growth and learning.
Education, Special Needs
Smoothing the Transition to Special Needs Preschool
Sending your child to special needs preschool for the first time can be daunting, but knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother for you and your child.
Education, Special Needs
What Is an IFSP? Individualized Family Service Plans Explained
Wondering what an IFSP is and if your child qualifies for one? To find out, read our guide to individualized family service plans and how they work.
Sensory Activities, Special Needs
Springtime Sensory Play: Outdoor Activities for Children with Sensory Processing Disorders
The natural world is the perfect setting for sensory exploration. Children with sensory processing disorders can engage with nature during outdoor sensory play.
Autism, Behavior
Autism Headphone Decals
Many kids with autism wear noise-canceling headphones to help them deal with loud noises. These decals adhere to the headphones and let others know what they are for!
Special Needs, Visual Impairment
Why Early Intervention Is Critical for Blind Children
Children diagnosed with visual processing disorders, low vision, or blindness need specialized treatment. Early intervention programs can help.
Special Needs
Balancing Act: Creating Quality Time for Siblings of Special Needs Children
It’s not easy for a mom or dad to balance the needs of all their children when a sibling has a disability. But when they can manage it, everyone benefits.
Special Needs
Revitalizing Parental Energy: Coping with Fatigue as a Caregiver
Learn strategies for revitalizing parental energy while coping with caregiver fatigue to continue providing your child the best support.
Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs
Accessible Saint Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids Who are Blind
If you’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day as a family, you’ll love these accessible Saint Patrick's Day crafts to try with your visually impaired child.
Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment
Anophthalmia: Navigating the Path from Diagnosis to Adaptation for Parents and Their Children
Anophthalmia is a rare disorder that results in childhood blindness. Early intervention services are important to help your baby maximize their potential.
Special Needs
Weathering the Storm: Preparing Your Special Needs Family for Winter Weather Emergencies
People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to winter emergencies, so planning ahead is crucial to keep your family safe during a severe weather emergency.
Education, Special Needs
Navigating the Path to a Least Restrictive Environment
Least restrictive environment means different things for each child, but one thing is certain—all children with disabilities have a right to an inclusive education.
Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs
5 Accessible Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids Who Are Blind
Everyone can get crafty this February with these creative, fun, and accessible Valentine’s Day crafts for children who are blind.
Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs
Adapting Easter Egg Hunts for Kids With Disabilities
There’s no reason why children with disabilities need to miss out on Easter egg hunts. Throwing an accessible Easter egg hunt is the perfect way to celebrate.
Education, Special Needs
Expanded Core Curriculum Checklist for Visually Impaired Students
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) ensures visually impaired students can access the same education as their peers. This checklist explains how the ECC works in practice.
Special Needs
Nurturing the Caregiver: Self-Care for Parents of Special Needs Kids
Looking for practical tips to balance self-care and caregiving? Discover why self-care for parents with special needs kids is so important here!
Special Needs
Is It OK To Say “Special Needs?”
There are several alternative, respectful phrases instead of “special needs” you can use to address a person with disabilities.
Education, Special Needs
Understanding the Free Appropriate Public Education Mandate
FAPE ensures all eligible students with disabilities are given a quality education and offered the same opportunities as their classmates.
Autism
5 Controversial Treatments for Autism and What You Need To Know
As autism research expands, treatment options do, too. Discover alternative treatments for autism, their risks and benefits, and learn what experts say here!
Eye Conditions and Syndromes, Visual Impairment
What is Visual Sensory Stimulation?
Age-appropriate strategies to develop a person’s visual processing abilities are an important part of meeting the body’s sensory needs.
Holiday Crafts and Ideas, Special Needs
8 Tips For a Successful Sensory-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party
Parties can be tricky if you have sensory processing issues. A sensory-friendly New Year’s Eve Party allows everybody to celebrate and have fun together.
Education, Special Needs
Should Therapy Dogs Be Allowed in Schools?
Therapy dogs offer support and companionship while creating a therapeutic setting. Understand the benefits and challenges of allowing therapy dogs in schools.