Resources and support for parents to help their children unlock strengths. Offers access to experts, practical tips, and technology

Research, advocacy, events, and trainings to promote disability rights for people with autism of all ages and their family-members, educators, and community members.

Autism Speaks staff are specially trained to connect families with information, resources and advocacy. Staff members are available to answer calls and emails from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For resources specific to Virginia, go to: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide and select “Virginia” from the drop-down box.

Phone: 888-288-4762

Spanish phone line 888-772-9050

Resources to help families and their children with special healthcare needs.  There is no charge to access this team that includes Registered Nurses, Social Work Case Managers, Education Consultants, Parent Coordinators, and Financial/Eligibility Coordinators.

Resources and programs for families with children who have speech and hearing delays and the professionals that work with them.  This includes early intervention, sign language classes, information, training, and technical assistance.

301‍-338‍-6380  TTY: 301-810-3182

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the nation’s premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. They serve Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened people in the United States. Resources for families with children who have speech and hearing delays. The resources include educational advocates, national ASL directory and more.  Additionally, they provide information on civil rights laws, Early intervention, education, employment, housing, health care and mental health services and so much more.

The Northern Virginia Cued Speech Association (NVCSA) provides advocacy, education, and support for families and professionals who choose to use Cued Speech with deaf or hard of hearing children. They provide an E-Newsletter, training videos and Cue Camp.

703-352-9055  TTY: 703-352-9056

The Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons aims to

to empower deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families through education, advocacy, and community involvement. This includes fact sheets, ASL workshops and interpreting services.

703-533-9420

Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, and Inclusive Living programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Virginia & Washington, D.C.

410-358-6400

Provides community services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring disabilities. Services emphasize choice, diversity of opportunities and full community participation for all ages.

A central hub of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities.

703-324-7720

Resources for parents and caregivers of children. Staff can help with parenting advice, support, and tips to help navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Language support is available. The support line is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

1-800-422-4453

Resources to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected, and at-risk children. They offer treatment programs, group homes for children already affected by child abuse, and prevention programs.  The Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline has crisis counselors available 24/7.

703-539-2904

Formed Families Forward’s mission is to improve developmental, educational, social, emotional, and post-secondary outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and other special needs through provision of information, training and support to adoptive and foster parents, and kinship caregivers.  Supports includes consultations, support groups, resources, and trainings.

This directory provides information about programs and services offered in Northern Virginia to support families formed by adoption, foster care and kinship care who are raising children and youth with disabilities and other special needs.

866-252-7772

Provides resources, services, and support for foster care, adoption, post-adoption, crisis, and family preservation, on behalf of Fairfax County.

One-stop access to U.S. government mental health information and resources on special mental health needs.  Resources for parents and caregivers include recognizing mental health problems in children, how they are affected, and what you can do, how to navigate diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems and talking to children and youth after a disaster or traumatic event.

571-458-7310

Offers a variety of support groups open to all family members and friends of individuals living with mental illness. Also offers information on how to support those impacted by mental health disorders and a helpline.

240-403-1901

Online support and resources dealing with implementation of policies, legislation, funding and service systems that utilize strengths of families to support children with mental health needs.

1-866-615-6464

Part of the National Institutes of Health, this section deals with understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research.  There are fact sheets, clinical trials, and resources to help find professional support.

1-888-496-0252

Offering free, accessible materials for Virginia’s K-12 students with a print-based disability to include students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are unable to access traditional print.

800-223-1839

Resources including accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and low vision.

703-324-8380

This service offers library services to people with disabilities. These include screen reader software, screen magnification software, text-to-speech reading equipment, a refreshable Braille display, and talking books. Home delivery is also available to residents of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church through the free Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

703-603-2100

This program creates jobs and training opportunities for people who are blind or have severe disabilities.

202-467-5081

The American Council of the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired through advocacy.

1-800-232-5463

Resources, ideas for experiences, support, and videos for parents of children with visual impairments.  This includes articles by age or topic on every aspect of raising a child with blindness or low vision, from family relationships and social activities to education issues for blind and low vision students, assistive technology, parenting a child with multiple disabilities, and more.  It also includes a comprehensive directory of services for families of children with blindness or low vision to find hands-on help and professional services in your area.

410-659-9314

Support network for parents to share information and resources. They coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities. 

https://www.lifewithcancer.org

703-206-5433

They offer free services to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing evidence-based education, support, wellness programs and integrative therapies.

866-333-1213

SuperSibs is dedicated to comforting, encouraging and empowering siblings of children with cancer through a Comfort and Care mailing program that sends age-appropriate mailings over a two-year period that include coping skills and encouragement for siblings as their brother or sister fights cancer.

202-269-1500

They share resources on child development and topics that are unique to Cerebral Palsy to support parents in navigating their journey.  They also offer programs and services for adults with cerebral palsy.

1-800-342-2383

Support understanding diabetes, treatment, technology and more through online chat, community programs, and family links.

Website for kids with diabetes where, through the Kids’ Voices page, they can set up individual pages and meet other children with diabetes from around the world. Forums, workshops, art projects and community events for children and their parents.

301-459-3700

Connects people to treatment, support and resources and educate the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid.

703-845-1500

The Inova Epilepsy Center specialized care team will work with you as a whole person to help you have a better path to health and life with full access to all that is available to offer in epilepsy diagnosis and treatment

202-785-4585

Resources, education, and advocacy for those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.  They recognize the wide range of needs within this community and seek to create safe spaces and support for both children, adults, and family members.

888-884-2327

Resources, information, programs, and blogs on different health topics.  This is one of the leading hospital systems in the area and offers a variety of specialty services that can help with diagnosing and treating children.

harsh.v.thakkar@medstar.net

They offer services to help empower and improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Services include, but are not limited to, monthly peer support groups, resource directories, and disability publications.

They offer support, resources, and information to all members of the stuttering community –families, kids, teens, and support team members. They also serve as a referral organization for speech therapy resources.

1-888-486-8738

Offers support groups, tools, and referrals for families, children, teens, and professionals.  You can reach out to them directly for help finding specific resources and strategies that meet your specific need.

301-762-2414

Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center (ASDEC) is a training and advocacy center dedicated to preventing academic failure through evidence-based multisensory reading and math instruction. It provides trainings and referrals to dyslexia specialists. Additionally, they offer community support groups through membership.

decodingdyslexiava@gmail.com

Decoding Dyslexia Virginia is focused on linking families to resources, support, and educational interventions for dyslexia.   This includes advocating for teacher/staff training on dyslexia, its warning signs and appropriate intervention strategies, early screening tests for dyslexia to include parental notification, evidenced-based dyslexia remediation programs, and access to appropriate “assistive technologies” in the public-school setting for students with dyslexia.

410-296-0232

Resources, information, and support for individuals with dyslexia and their families.  This includes fact sheets, conferences, a handbook, and support for professionals.

Virginia branch of the International Dyslexia Association http://va.dyslexiaida.org/

Comprehensive resource guide, referral directory of professionals and products, active parent forums, helpful articles and more. Parents and teachers of children with learning disabilities will find supportive and authoritative guidance on attention deficit disorder, ADD / ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, reading difficulties, speech, and related disorders.

301-966-2234

Resources for family members and educators supporting children and adults with learning disabilities. Resources include scholarships and awards, questions to ask pediatricians, questions to ask educators, and other resources.

1-800-370-2943

The latest research and resources regarding all forms of learning disabilities. This includes information on the learning disability, the diagnosis process, treatment options, and opportunities to participate in research studies.

Newsletter with information to support parents of children with learning disabilities.

This includes information about evaluations and tech tools, advice for handling
your child’s academic, social, and emotional issues, and the opportunity to connect to others.

They provide research, Research, advocacy, and resources about best practices for adults and children with dyslexia. Some resources include evaluations for Dyslexia, information about accommodations in school, and specific interventions for Dyslexia.

804-371-3140

This department offers a wide array of specialized services and programs for

Virginia residents of all ages who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind.  This includes helping them achieve their desired levels of employment, education, and personal independence.

Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs as well as educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Child Find services are provided for children ages 20 months through five years by the FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) program.

Virginia’s system of early intervention supports and services for infants and toddlers from birth through age two who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay normal development. Includes a wide range of family-centered services, resources and supports.

Classes, virtual cafés (support groups), videos, and articles to build parenting skills from Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Parent Cafés include groups in English and Spanish, and groups specifically for African American parents and fathers.

Classes, camps, social clubs, and activities adapted for people of all ages with disabilities. Also provides support for people who want to participate in general recreation activities.

202-966-7300

Resources for families about ADHD, treatment options, and a database of psychiatrists that work with children and teens with ADHD.

434-297-8178

Statewide resource database for individuals with autism and their families. Virtual

services/supports, connecting people with resources, and conducting groundbreaking autism research. Additionally, many in-service and professional development trainings for organizations within the state of Virginia.

Committed to providing support, encouragement and information to families who are raising children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.

703-246-2411 TTY 711

They help children and adults in Fairfax County communicate more clearly with speech, hearing and reading services.  Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, a stroke club and reading program for children.

703-208-1119

Offers support group list, resources, and information on many topics to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  These include transitioning, Medicaid waivers, guardianship resources, educational strategies, and special needs trusts.

Falls Church, Virginia.

1-800-359-3834

Provides community-based services to help families of children and adults (ages 5-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

703-324-4400 

Collaborative local government division provides services for people of all ages who have developmental disabilities.  Support includes case management, coordination of care, support with accessing services and funding where appropriate.

804-355-5748

They provide resources about home care and housing options, obtaining adaptive equipment for the home, or how to sign up for public benefits.

http://braininjurysvcs.org

703-451-8881

Community-based services, case management and day support programs for children, adults, veterans, and families who have been impacted by brain injury. They also offer short term counseling and help with resources.

A nonprofit organization focusing on education, advocacy, and the pathway to cures for Type 1 diabetes. Provides programs and resources that enhance the lives of those affected by diabetes. Also includes programs for those living with Type 2 diabetes.

1-800-638-8255

Resources to help understand communication and communication disorders.  Offers support for families to connect with professionals and optimize their treatment options.  They offer support in Spanish as well.

412-785-7072

Apraxia Kids seeks to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families, facilitating community engagement and outreach, and investing in the future through advocacy and research.

1-800-551-5480

Resources and information for families of children with speech and language delays from early intervention to specific areas of need and things that you can do at home to help your child.

703-246-2411 TTY 711

They help children and adults in Fairfax County communicate more clearly with speech, hearing and reading services.  Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, a stroke club and reading program for children.

443-923-2650

Staff members in the Speech and Language Department provide clinical services to pediatric patients and their families or to individuals with developmental delays or other special needs who have or are suspected of having communication, oral motor, feeding/swallowing, or hearing deficits. 

301-476-8525

Provides free post adoption guidance, resources, and support services to Virginia families.

703-218-8500

Provides behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and their families. These services include intensive inpatient and outpatient programs for Mental Health and/or substance abuse related disorders.

571-367-9951

Provides therapeutic services using music interventions rooted in the psychology and the science of music. Music therapy is appropriate for all areas of disabilities, trauma, PTSD and more.  Individual music therapy sessions, group music therapy, adapted music lessons, and traditional music lessons available.

571-748-2500

NVFS provides culturally competent, language-specific mental health services for all ages in various settings to ensure neighbors from all backgrounds have access to the support they need.

703-207-7100

This is a short-term hospital to provide intensive treatment to adults with acute mental health needs living in Northern Virginia. Family therapy services are provided as well.

UMFS Adoption Services

Information and resources about accredited colleges and schools that offer standout programs and benefits for students with disabilities.

202-285-4595 

Support for families and professional who care for children with visual impairments. They connect families to each other and to blind role models in the community.  They offer support and information about educational issues, Braille, technology, and scholarships.  They sponsor seminars and workshops for parents at the NFBV State Convention and provide access to free canes for kids.

Offers music therapy interventions that can be designed to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals: promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.

Northern Virginia-based center that provides services and support for families and professionals, particularly those with children with special needs. It provides research-based information and training, including resources in Spanish.

Information, advocacy, and training for family members, community members, and service providers related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Support for parents of children with Down syndrome, including support groups, social events, and financial, medical, and legal training.

Easter Seals provides comprehensive services to children and adults, no matter their disability, military status, income, race, or age. Their programs include child development centers, early intervention, Head Start, Level-up School Age Program and other resources.

F.E.A.S.T. is a global community focused on empowering parents as caregivers and advocates and promoting evidence-based treatment of eating disorders. They offer information about eating disorders, treatment options, advocacy, resources, and support.

C.A.T.S. accepts donations of gently used pediatric adaptive equipment, cleans and refurbishes it, and provides it to children with disabilities that need it at no cost.