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The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 is a federal legislation which ensures appropriate services and support for individuals with a disability. IDEA provides free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment (LRE). IDEA part B focuses on special education for children aged 3-21 years old. To be eligible, a child must have 1 of the 13 qualifying disabilities and need special education support to progress in school. Part C focuses on infants and toddlers with disabilities, from birth to 3 years old. Under IDEA part C, any infant or toddler is eligible for services if they at risk of a developmental delay if early intervention services are not provided.

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An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is provided to a child who is eligible for early intervention services under IDEA part C. An ISFP is provided for infants and toddlers who are at risk for developmental delays. They focus on the child’s needs and desired outcome for the child, determined by their families. The plan will document services which can help improve delays and aid families with appropriate resources. A IFSP team, including the parents/guardians will work together to create a specific plan based on the child’s best interests.

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An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is provided to a child who is eligible for special education services under IDEA part B. An IEP is created to set goals and objectives of a child with a disability for the school year. IEPs outlines instruction, goals, and services needed to support the child’s success in school. Through collaboration teachers, specialist, and parents work together to create a unique plan for each child based on their needs. Through monitoring and evaluations, the IEP team can determine if goals are being met or if adjustments should be made to better support the student.

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504 plans are provided under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A 504 plan is created for a child with a disability, who is not eligible for services under IDEA. They ensure access and support children in general education settings. 504 plans often offer accommodations based on the specific challenges the student needs help overcoming. They can also provide modifications which will alter what is taught or expected of the student. Though less structured than IEPs, 504 plans are another option to help children with disabilities succeed in school.

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Pencil grips are considered a low-tech assistive technology tool. They are put on pencils help children hold their pencil correctly. This can be an essential tool for a student who has dysgraphia or a fine motor skill delay. Because these are low tech tools, pencil grips are very accessible. They can be purchased online or in stores like Staples, Walmart, various school supply stores, or special needs/education focused stores. Pencil grips come in an array of styles, sizes, and colors.

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Hearing aids are used for individuals with hearing loss. They amplify sounds in the environment into the ear of an individual. Hearing aids allow children to be apart of their classroom environment and interact with peers, which without the assistive technology, would be hard. Receiving a hearing aid starts with testing and an audiologist who will help select the appropriate hearing aid for the child, as well as get the device molded/fitted to the ear. Children should be able to receive assistive technology through IEPs and 504 Plans under FAPE. The cost of hearing aids can also be covered by insurance, hearing aid programs, Medicaid programs, or state health departments.

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Assistive Technology 3: Communication Boards

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Assistive Technology 3: Communication Boards

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Communication Boards help children with speech delays and limited language abilities communicate with people around them. Children with autism often use communication boards. Communication boards are a type of AAC and vary in complexity. Some have simple illustrations, while more complex boards can be computerized and even speak. The child will point to or press the button of the picture or symbol they want to express on their board. Communication boards can be handmade with drawings or printed illustrations or provided through IEPs and 504 Plans under FAPE. Low tech communication boards can easily be purchased online.

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1. Diabetes: The Children Diabetes Foundation

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1. Diabetes: The Children Diabetes Foundation

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The Children Diabetes Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1977. The organization was created to support diabetes research and provide educational and clinical programs for individuals living with diabetes. It raises funds for the Barbra Davis Center for Diabetes. The Barbra Davis Center for Diabetes provides services for children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes. The foundation also participates in clinical scientific research trials for the prevention and cure of diabetes.

Website: Childrendiabetesfoundation.org

Location: Aurora, CO 80014

Contact: Telephone: 303-863-1200, Email: cdfcares.childrendiabetesfoundation.org

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2. Intellectual: National Association for Down Syndrome

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2. Intellectual: National Association for Down Syndrome

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The National Association for Down Syndrome was founded in Chicago in 1961. It was initially for parents who wanted to raise their child with Down Syndrome at home. The association offers many services including parental support, conferences/seminars, and resource referrals. They even host the "More Than Down Syndrome Retreat" twice a year.  NADS offers direct services to the people of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. One of their main goals is to educate the public about Down Syndrome and address any social issues the community faces.

Website: nads.org
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: Telephone: 630-325-9112, Email: info.nads.org

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Autism Speaks is an organization for the advancement of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It was founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright in honor of their grandchild with ASD. They are known for creating the widely-known puzzle piece associated with Autism awareness. The goal of the organization is to increase understanding and acceptance of the disorder and advance research breakthroughs. Through research, they aim to advance understanding of causes, better treatments and interventions. The organization invests in funding for ASD, provides a database for nationwide services, provides direct assistance for individuals needing help, and constantly supports the Autism-awareness community. They also host the Autism Speaks Walk to fundraise for the disorder.

Website: autismseaks.org
Location: Princeton, NJ
Contact: Telephone: 888-288-4762. Email: help@autismspeaks.org

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4. ADHD: Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities

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4. ADHD: Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities

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Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities was created for children with learning disabilities and ADHD. It was founded by Jane B. Ross who was inspired by her 10-year old son. The organization's purpose is to educate and help parents learn how to help their children reach their full potential. SKLD empowers parents with information to support their child's unique strengths and interests, while addressing their challenges. They also educate parents on their child's legal rights so the can be effective advocates. They offer events and programs which can be accessed online.

Website: https://www.smartkidswithld.org/
Location: Westport, Connecticut
Contact: Telephone: #203-226-6831, Email: info @smartkidswithld.org

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5. Low vision/Blind: Center for the Visually Impaired 

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5. Low vision/Blind: Center for the Visually Impaired 

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The Center for the Visually Impaired was founded 50 years ago to provide rehabilitation services for people with vision loss. Currently, they are Georgia's largest accredited private facility for the blind and visually impaired. Their mission is to help those with visual impairments live independent fulfilled lives. Through donations, the center is able to provide services for individuals of all ages. Each year more than 4,000 individuals visit the center for services.

Website: cviga.org
Location: Atlanta, GA
Contact: Telephone: 404-875-9011

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6. Hearing: Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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6. Hearing: Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a non profit membership organization. They offer a support network and resource center for pediatric hearing loss. The organizations mission is to ensure individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can hear and talk. They focus on helping families be informed and supported. They offer a resource to network with professionals who are appropriately qualified in hearing loss. They created a community that empowers individuals with hearing loss to succeed.

Website: agbell.org
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contact: 202-337-5220

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7. Giftedness: National Organization for Gifted Children

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7. Giftedness: National Organization for Gifted Children

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The National Organization for Gifted Children is an organization that supports the growth and development of gifted and talented children. They aim to help parents and education professionals nurture the children so they can reach their highest potential. Through donations, the organization offers scholarships to teachers, counselors, and gifted students. Their website provides parents and teachers with resources, information, and publications focused on gifted children. They also offer professional learning opportunities through conventions and e-learning webinars for educators.

Website: nagc.org
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contact:  Telephone: 202-785-4268, Email: nagc@nagc.org

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United Cerebral Palsy is an organization that provides resources for the families of individuals with Cerebral Palsy. The organization's local service providers offer support and services to individuals with CP. Services the affiliates provide include assistive technology training, family support, therapy, housing, referrals and more. The organization pushes for opportunity and protections for individuals with CP. They focus on public policy and inclusive conditions. They also host an annual conference for the CP community and aid in research programs for CP.

Website: ucp.org
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contact: Telephone: 202-776-0406, Email: info@ucp.org

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The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project is an organization that aims to help families of children with rare disease adapt in the world. The acronym stands for: Making Opportunities Reality Granting Assistance Nationwide and is also the name of the founders son born with a genetic disorder. The organization serves families both locally and nationwide through a variety of quality of life programs. They also offer a gift program which provides adaptive equipment for children in need. Their online resource database provides parents and caregivers with support and information on caring with children with rare disorders.

Website: themorganproject.org
Location: Melbourne, FL
Contact: Telephone: 321-506-2707

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Parent to Parent USA offers support for parents of children with disabilities and special needs. The organization's goal is to ensure quality emotional support for parents. To help support them, the organization pairs parents with experienced and trained support parents that they can talk to at no service cost. This pairing can help parents cope with the stress of their lives as caregivers and connects them with a community of peers who understand what they are going through. They also offer programs for training and technical assistance, hands-on support, and tools and resources.

Website: p2pusa.org
Location: State College, PA
Contact: Telephone: 484-272-768