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  • Gluten Free/Casein Free

    Gluten free/casein free (GFCF) diet has been developed for individuals who have allergies or a toxic response to gluten (found in wheat, oats, rye and barley among others) and casein (found in dairy products). Some indications of allergy or a toxic response to gluten and casein are diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity, red face or ears, breaking wind frequently, pale skin. (However, it is important to note that these symptoms can be an indication of other problems.) Basically, peptides that are derived from an incomplete breakdown of certain types of food are affecting neurotransmission within the central nervous system.

    This type of treatment, though constraining in terms of diet, is not harmful and it may be worth removing your child from gluten and casein to see if it has an effect on his behavior. However, there are urine and blood tests which can give information as to the level of peptides your child has, which would be a helpful indicator of before and after trials to see if the diet is helping.

     

    For more information, visit: GFCF diet website: www.gfcfdiet.com

     

    Celiac disease and gluten-free diet on-line resource centre: www.celiac.com

     

    Autism Network for Dietary Intervention (ANDI): www.autismndi.com

  • Tell your Autism story help others!

    Do you have a great Autism story or tip you would like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Your story could be somebody’s inspiration!Please fill in your responses to the questions below. When you complete it press SUBMIT.

    Your tips and stories will be printed out in either a future newsletter or in addition may be published in one of our future books with your abbreviated name city and state.

    By submitting this form, you agree to allow us to reprint your tips or store in our future publications. All stories should be the original publish work of the author.

    In addition you agree to hold ADHDNews.com harmless from and to indemnify them for any and all damages and costs relating to copyright infringement or plagiarism.

    Thank you!

    Ernest

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    7. Your story here. Tell us about the first time you were diagnosed, choices for treatment, any hardships and what successes and any humor in your experience. Remember your story could help someone else.

     

  • Resources for Adults with Disabilities

    While there are many other organizations available that provide information or referral,they primarily do so to parents, schools, or service providers; we have chosen the organizations listed here because they can respond to the questions, concerns, and needs of individuals with disabilities themselves. A brief description of each organization’s activities is included to help you choose those organizations that seem appropriate to your needs.

    We have prepared this listing of resources for adults to help you get started. Look over this list, and you will find organizations that provide information, referral, and/or direct services. From National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities


    ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES TO CONTACT FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE
    Listed below are selected agencies concerned with the well-being of people with disabilities. These organizations are grouped by the main focus of their activities, as follows: employment issues, postsecondary education, recreation, independent living, assistive technology, and other.
    Select a document:
    Emoloyment
    Difficulty on the job
    Adult education and literacy-related activities
    Recreation activities
    Resources on independent living
    Assistive technology
    Other organization on disability
    Resource booklets and written info.

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    ________________________________________________________________

    EMPLOYMENT
    Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
    Consult your local telephone directory for the office in your vicinity.

    Vocational Rehabilitation is a nationwide federal-state program for assisting eligible people with disabilities to define a suitable employment goal and become employed. Each state capital has a central VR agency, and there are local offices in most states. VR provides medical, therapeutic, counseling, education, training, and other services needed to prepare people with disabilities for work. VR is an excellent place for a youth or adult with a disability to begin exploring available training and support service options.

    Americans with Disabilities Act Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs)

    For information on legislation, rights, and resources, call:             (800) 949-4232       (Voice/TTY). Callers are automatically routed to the DBTAC in their region. The DBTACs provide information, referral, technical assistance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, state and local governments, and persons with disabilities to facilitate employment for individuals with disabilities and accessibility in public accommodations and government services. The DBTACs also conduct training and promote public awareness on the ADA.

    Accessible Community Transportation in Our
    Nation (Project ACTION)
    700 Thirteenth, St., N.W.
    Washington, DC 20005
                (800) 659-6428       (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: projaction@aol.com
    URL: http://www.projectaction.org

    Project ACTION is a national program that supports innovation and cooperation in solving transit accessibility problems. Project ACTION provides various direct forms of technical assistance and training, and maintains a library of information and materials addressing accessible transportation for people with disabilities. Project ACTION disseminates its newsletter Project ACTION Update, training curricula, surveys, technical materials, and reports.

    NISH
    2235 Cedar Lane
    Vienna, VA 22182-5200
                (703) 560-6800       (Voice)
                (703) 560-6512       (TTY)
    URL: http://www.nish.org

    NISH (formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped) is the national nonprofit agency that assists community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) nationwide in expanding job opportunities for people with severe disabilities. NISH provides technical assistance to CRPs and helps them obtain federal funding contracts through the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Program. Information is available to the public.

    Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries, Inc.
    2200 South Dakota Avenue, N.E.
    Washington, DC 20018
                (202) 636-4225       (Voice)

    Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries provides voca-tional evaluation, training, employment, and job placement services for persons with disabilities. An information packet describing Goodwill’s services is available upon request.

    President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (PCEPD)
    1331 F Street N.W., Suite 300
    Washington, D.C. 20004-1107
                (202) 376-6200       (Voice)
                (202) 376-6205       (TTY)
    E-mail: info@pcepd.gov
    URL: http://www.pcepd.gov

    PCEPD provides information, training, and technical assistance to America’s business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and other service providers, advocacy organizations, families, and individuals with disabilities. The Committee’s mission is to facilitate the communication, coordination, and promotion of public and private efforts to empower Americans with disabilities through employment. The President’s Committee also serves as an advisor to the President of the United States on public policy issues affecting employment of people with disabilities.

    Project with Industry (PWI)
    Electronics Industries Foundation (EIF)
    2500 Wilson Blvd., Suite 210
    Arlington, VA 22201-3834
                (703) 907-7400       (Voice)
                (703) 907-7422       (TTY)
    URL: http://www.eia.org/eif

    The Electronics Industries Foundation’s Project With Industry brings together representatives from businesses, industry, and agencies to help qualified individuals with disabilities succeed in the competitive job market. EIF’s PWI continually updates a centralized registry of local employers with specific job openings to match their needs with job seekers with appropriate skills. It provides job-seeking skills training, life skills training, and related services for job candidates with disabilities. It also provides support services to employers and job seekers before, during, and after placement to help ensure a successful match. EIF’s PWI also provides awareness training and ADA workshops to employers and supervisors and recommends resources on assistive technologies for the workplace.
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    If you are employed and are experiencing difficulty on the job due to your disability, you might consider contacting the following organizations.

    Architectural and Transportation Barriers
    Compliance Board (Access Board)
    1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 1000
    Washington, D.C. 20004-1111
                (202) 272-5434       (Voice);             (202) 272-5449       (TTY)
                (800) 872-2253       (Voice);             (800) 993-2822       (TTY)
    E-mail: info@access-board.gov
    URL: http://www.access-board.gov

    The Access Board enforces the Architectual Barriers Act (ABA), ensuring accessibility in facilities built, altered, or leased using certain Federal funds. It develops the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), which are minimum accessibility guidelines for places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, state and local government facilities, and transporation vehicles and facilities. The Access Board is also charged with developing accessibility guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment. The Access Board offers training, technical assistance, and publications to individuals and organizations throughout the country on removing architectual, transportation, and communication barriers.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
    1400 L Street, N.W., 2nd Floor
    Washington, D.C. 20005
                (800) 669-4000       (Voice, outside Washington, DC)
                (202) 275-7377       (Voice, in the DC area)
                (800) 800-3302       (TTY)
    URL: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/gils/gils.html

    The EEOC is a government agency that handles discrimination complaints about employment based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and disability. The 800 number will connect callers with their local EEOC office, which can discuss complaints.

    Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
    West Virginia University
    P.O. Box 6080
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
                (304) 293-7186       (Voice/TTY)
                (800) 526-7234       (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: jan@jan.icdi.wvu.edu
    URL: http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu

    The Job Accommodation Network, a service of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, brings together information from many sources about practical steps employers can take to make accommodations for the functional limitations of employees and applicants with disabilities. JAN consultants provide technical details and assistance with accommodations and the implementation of products and procedures in the workplace. Callers should be prepared to explain the specific problem and job circumstances. Brochures, printed materials, and a newsletter are available free of charge.
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    POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

    Clearinghouse on Adult Education and Literacy
    U.S. Department of Education
    Office of Vocational and Adult Education
    600 Independence Avenue, S.W.
    Washington, DC 20202-7240
                (202) 205-9996       (Voice)
    E-mail: Tammy_Fortune@ed.gov
    URL: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE

    The Clearinghouse on Adult Learning and Literacy provides referral services and disseminates publications of state and national significance and other reference materials on adult education and literacy-related activities. Resource publications include information on English as a second language, adult basic education, family literacy, workplace literacy, adults with disabilities, technology, volunteers, and the homeless.

    Foundation for Science and Disability
    236 Grand Street
    Morgantown, WV 26505-7509
                (304) 293-5201      , ext. 2513
    E-mail: U0072@wvnvm.evnet.edu
    URL: http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/org

    The Foundation seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of the educational system for individuals with disabilities, specifically in the various areas of science. The Foundation acts as a clearinghouse for information on science, education, technology, and science careers for persons with disabilities. The Foundation also makes several awards a year to graduate students who have disabilities and are studying in the science field.

    HEATH Resource Center
    American Council on Education
    One Dupont Circle, Suite 800
    Washington, D.C. 20036-1193
                (202) 939-9320       (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: heath@ace.nche.edu
    URL: http://ace-info-server.nche.edu/Programs/HEATH/home.html

    The HEATH Resource Center, the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities, collects and disseminates information nationally about disability issues in postsecondary education. The clearinghouse provides information on educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, transition, and oppourtunities at American campuses, vocational-training schools, adult education programs, independent living centers, and other training entities after high school for individuals with disabilities. Numerous publications are available upon request.
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    RECREATION
    Department of the Interior
    Office on Accessibility
    National Park Service
    P.O. Box 37127 (MS 7253)
    Washington, DC 20013
                (202) 565-1240       (Voice)

    There are 370 parks and 7 regional offices under the National Park Service. The National Park Service accepts inquiries on all of its national park activities and facilities. Information on accessibility of park programs, facilities, and services is best acquired directly from the park or area you plan to visit. For general information on park areas and activities and a listing of park phone numbers, call the number listed above.

    Disabled Sports USA
    451 Hungerford Drive, #100
    Rockville, MD 20850
                (301) 217-0960       (Voice)
                (301) 217-0963       (TTY)
    E-mail: dsusa@dsusa.org
    URL: http://www.dsusa.org/~dsusa/dsusa.html

    Disabled Sports USA is the nation’s largest organization providing year-round sports and recreation activities to children and adults with physical disabilities. In conjunction with its nationwide network of chapters serving people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Disabled Sports USA offers such activities as snow skiing, water skiing, bicycling, white water rafting, horseback riding, mountain climbing, sailing, camping, and track and field. Contact Disabled Sports USA for the telephone number of a local chapter near you.

    Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
    P.O. Box 10767
    Eugene, OR 97440
                (541) 343-1284       (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: miusa@igc.apc.org

    MIUSA is a nonprofit membership organization for persons with disabilities and other interested people. It works to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities to be involved in international educational exchange programs and travel. MIUSA members receive information and referral services in the areas of travel and placement in international work camps and educational exchange programs. MISUA also conducts international leadership training for persons with disabilities. Many publications are also available.

    National Institute of Art and Disabilities (NIAD)
    551 23rd Street
    Richmond, CA 94804
                (510) 620-0290       (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: niadektz@thecity.sfsu.edu
    URL: http://thecity.sfsu.edu/~niadektz or
    http://thecity.sfsu.edu/~artdis

    NIAD operates a creative visual arts center for adults with disabilities and serves as a model for other centers who wish to provide individuals with disabilities with enriching experiences in the visual arts. NIAD has published The Freedom to Create, which is widely used to help teachers teach art to students of all ages. It has also published The Creative Spirit, a collection of works by NIAD artists, and Art & Disabilities, a directory of art centers for people with disabilities. NIAD can respond to requests for information about and referral to local programs. NIAD’s Research and Training Center in Art and Disabilities is a national and international resource in art and disabilities.

    National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
    Library of Congress
    1291 Taylor Street, N.W.
    Washington, DC 20542
                (202) 707-5100       (Voice)
                (202) 707-0744       (TTY)
    E-mail: NLS@loc.gov
    URL: http://www.loc.gov/nls

    A free national library program of braille and recorded materials for persons with visual and physical disabilities is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. With the cooperation of authors and publishers who grant permission to use copyrighted works, NLS selects and produces full-length books and magazines in braille and on recorded disc and cassette. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating network of regional and local libraries where they are circulated to eligible borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail.

    Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)
    The Anne T. Macdonald Center
    20 Roszel Road
    Princeton, NJ 08540
                (609) 452-0606       (Voice)
                (800) 221-4792       (Customer Service)
    URL: http://www.rfbd.org

    RFB&D is a national nonprofit service organization that provides educational and professional books in accessible format to people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, and other physical disabilities that prevent them from reading printed material. This includes individuals who are no longer in school but who are using educational books to pursue careers or personal interests. RFB&D also accepts requests to record books that are not already contained in its 75,000-title Master Tape Library. To become an individual member of RFB&D, you must complete an application form (which contains “disability verification” and “certification” sections) and include a $50 registration fee and a $25 annual membership fee. Application forms are available from RFB&D’s Customer Services Department at             1-800-221-4792      .
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    INDEPENDENT LIVING
    Accent on Information (AOI)
    Gillum Road and High Drive
    P.O. Box 700
    Bloomington, IL 61702
                (800) 787-8444      ;             (309) 378-2961       (Voice)
    E-mail: acntlvng@aol.com
    URL: http://www.blvd.com/accent

    ACCENT on Information is a computerized retrieval system containing information on products and devices which assist persons with physical disabilities. Also available is other how-to information on such topics as: eating, bathing, grooming, clothing, furniture, home management, toilet care, sexuality, mobility, and communication. For a nominal charge, a search of AOI’s database is made on the caller’s topic of interest. Callers will then receive up to 50 of the most recent citations for each search. AOI has two sister services: (1) ACCENT on Living Magazine, and (2) ACCENT Books and Products, which publishes and distributes a variety of books of interest to persons with disabilities, along with a buyer’s guide that lists equipment devices to assist persons with disabilities in daily living activities.

    Access/Abilities
    P.O. Box 458
    Mill Valley, CA 94942
                (415) 388-3250       (Voice)

    Access/Abilities is a consulting, problem-solving firm dedicated to finding resources for a better life beyond functionality and independence. Local, national, as well as international resources are available. This organization can provide information about accessible travel opportunities, aids and appliances, sports and recreation programs, clothing that really fits, shopping, and other customized services. It also offers consulting services concerning architectural barriers and accessibility.

    National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
    2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 405
    Arlington, VA 22201
                (703) 525-3406      
                (703) 525-3407       (TTY)
    E-mail: ncil@tsbbs02.tnet.com

    National Council on Independent Living is a national membership association of local nonprofit corporations known as Centers for Independent Living (CIL). NCIL is the only cross-disability grassroots national organization run by and for people with disabilities. NCIL provides technical assistance, training, and leadership to independent living (IL) centers in many areas of concern to the disability community, including IL philosophy, center operations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through the NCIL/ILRU IL Network Project and ADA Training Project. NCIL also provides information and referral services.

    Research and Training Center on Independent Living
    University of Kansas
    4089 Dole Building
    Lawrence, KS 66045-2930
                (913) 864-4095       (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: rtcil@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
    URL: http://www.lsi.ukans.edu/rtcil/catalog.htm

    The Center’s goal is to develop and disseminate practical techniques that enable people with severe disabilities to live more independently. This includes service delivery systems, skill training methods, and effective techniques to improve human services and community support for people with disabilities. The Center provides training and technical assistance to individuals and organizations throughout the U.S.

    Social Security Administration (SSA)
    Department of Health and Human Services
    Baltimore, MD 21235
                (800) 772-1213       (Voice)
                (800) 325-0778       (TTY)
    URL: http://www.ssa.gov

    The Social Security Administration provides cash benefits (SSI and/or SSDI) to persons with a physical or mental disability which prevents them from working and which is expected to last at least a year or be terminal. Eligibility for SSI or SSDI may mean eligibility for other services, such as Medicaid, food stamps, or other social services. The amount of money and services received varies in each state. The program also includes work incentives that make it possible for individuals to work without an immediate loss of benefits. For details, contact either the above 800 number or your local SSA office.
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    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
    Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
    2175 East Francisco Boulevard, Suite L
    San Rafael, CA 94901
                (415) 455-4575      
    E-mail: atainfo@ataccess.org
    URL: http://www.ataccess.org

    The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a growing coalition of technology resource centers across the country that provide information, awareness, and training in the use of technology to aid children and adults with disabilities. Services range from hands-on workshops to training for professionals, from guided problem-solving to technical assistance to families, individuals with disabilities, employers, and agencies seeking access to technology. Also offered are lending libraries of computer software, assistive devices, print resources, training films, and adapted toys. Callers are referred to the technology resource center nearest them.

    Apple Computer, Inc. Worldwide Disability Solutions Group
    Mail Stop 38DS
    1 Infinite Loop
    Cupertino, CA 95014
                (408) 974-7910       (Voice)
                (800) 600-7808       (Voice)
                (800) 755-0601       (TTY)
    URL: http://www2.apple.com/disability/disability_home.html

    Apple’s Worldwide Disability Solutions Group has developed a wide variety of materials in print, video, and electronic form to describe how personal computers can constructively influence the experience of having a disability. Energies are directed toward ensuring that the power and promise of the microcomputer are available to individuals with a disability. The database Macintosh Disability Resources lists adaptive devices and specialized software available to individuals with disabilities affecting physical mobility, cognition, speech, hearing, vision, and learning. The publication Independence Day describes strategies and solutions for tailoring personal computers to individual needs and objectives.

    IBM Corps. Special Needs Systems
    11400 Burnet Road
    Internal Zip 9448
    Austin, TX 78758
                (800) 426-4832       (Voice)
                (800) 426-4833       (TTY)
    URL: http://austin.ibm.com/pspinfo/snshome.html

    IBM’s Special Needs Systems serves to help health care leaders, agency directors, employers, educators, and individuals learn how computers can enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the home, school, and workplace. While the Center is unable to prescribe an assistive device or software, it does provide information on what technology is available. Information for persons with disabilities affecting learning, hearing, speech and language, mobility, and vision is provided, including vendor and support group names, addresses, and descriptions.

    RESNA
    1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540
    Arlington, VA 22209-1903
                (703) 524-6686       (Voice);             (703) 524-6639       (TTY)
                (703)-524-6686      , ext. 313 (TAP)
    E-mail: natloffice@resna.org
    E-mail for TAP: resnata@resna.org
    URL: http://www.resna.org/resna/reshome.htm

    An interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies, RESNA is an organization for rehabilitation professionals. It is concerned with transferring science, engineering, and technology to the needs of persons with disabilities. RESNA is currently operating a Technical Assistance Project, which can help callers identify the program in their state that is responsible for providing information, training, and technical assistance on assistive technology to individuals with disabilities.

    Technical Aids and Assistance for the Disabled Center (TAAD)
    1950 West Roosevelt Road
    Chicago, IL 60608
                (312) 421-3373       (Voice)
                (800) 346-2939       (Voice/Il. only)
    E-mail: taad@interaccess.com
    URL: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~taad

    TAAD is an organization created by the Committee on Personal Computers and the Handicapped (COPH-2) to provide options in using personal computer technology to persons wtih disabilities. The TAAD Center provides advocacy and services with an emphasis on selection and application of microcomputers and assistive technologies. The center’s approach allows users to make informed decisions as to which system or devices best meet their needs. Other services include equipment loans, workshops and product demonstrations, and advocacy before manufacturers. TAAD can also refer callers to their local resource center of the Alliance for Technology Access.

    Trace Research and Development Center
    S-151 Waisman Center
    1500 Highland Avenue
    Madison, WI 53705
                (608) 262-6966       (Voice)
                (608) 263-5408       (TTY)
    E-mail: info@trace.wisc.edu
    URL: http://trace.wisc.edu

    The Trace Center was formed in 1971 to address the communication problems faced by nonvocal children and adults with severe disabilities. The Center is primarily concerned with research and development in the areas of universal design of electronic and next generation technologies, in order to make accessible computers at the manufacturers’ level. The Center does not manufacture or distribute equipment, but will make referrals to specific sources of information regarding equipment, software, service centers, related professionals, and other information networks. Publications include the Trace Resource Book, a reference volume listing and describing currently available products for communication, control, and computer access for persons with disabilities. All information is available in alternative formats for individuals unable to read or handle print materials.
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    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

    National Organization on Disability (NOD)
    910 16th Street, N.W., Suite 600
    Washington, D.C. 20006
                (202) 293-5960       (Voice)
                (202) 293-5968       (TTY)
    URL: http://www.nod.org

    NOD promotes the full participation of Americans with disabilities in all aspects of community life. Its primary program is the Community Partnership Program, a network of 4500 towns, cities, and counties nationwide. NOD’s Community Partnerships undertake many different activities to improve attitudes toward people with disabilities; to expand educational and employment opportunities; to eliminate physical barriers; and to expand participation in religious, cultural, and recreational activities. The quarterly newsletter, Report, is available upon request.

    National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
    8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
                (301) 588-9284       (Voice);             (301) 495-5626       (TTY)
                (800) 346-2742       (Voice)
    URL: http://www.naric.com/naric

    NARIC is a library and information center on disabilities and rehabilitation. NARIC collects and disseminates the results of federally funded research projects. NARIC’s collection includes commercially published books, journal articles, and audiovisual materials. Information specialists provide quick reference and referral services, searches of NARIC’s database, REHABDATA, and photocopies of documents for a small fee.

    World Institute on Disability (WID)
    510 Sixteenth Street, Suite 100
    Oakland, CA 94612-1500
                (510) 763-4100       (Voice);             (510) 208-9493       (TTY)
    E-mail: wid@wid.org
    URL: http://www.igc.org/wid

    The World Institute on Disability (WID) is a public policy, research, and training center dedicated to independence for all people with disabilities. WID’s projects include: informing and training public officials, community leaders, and corporations, among others, about the empowerment of people with disabilities; working to design more effective personal assistance services for people with disabilities; and operating the Research and Training Center on Public Policy in Independent Living. Information about WID, its publications, and its projects is available upon request.
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    PRINT RESOURCES


    General
    Assistive Technology
    Employment
    Postsecondary education
    Recreation
    Independent living
    Magazines and Newsletters
    Sample logsheet
    GENERAL

    Communications and Information Services. (1993). Pocket guide to federal help for individuals with disabilities. Washington, DC: Author. [Available from the Clearinghouse on Disability Information, Department of Education, Rm 3132, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2524. Telephone:             (202) 205-8241      ;             (202) 205-8723      .]

    MacKenzie, L. (Ed.). (1996-97). The complete directory for people with disabilities: Products, resources, books, and services. Lakeville, CT: Grey House. (Available from Grey House Publishing, Pocket Knife Square, Lakeville, CT 06039. Telephone:             1-800-562-2139      ;             (860) 435-0868      .)

    National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. (1995). Directory of national information sources on disabilities: 1994-95 (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. [Available from NARIC, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone:             1-800-346-2742       (V/TTY).]

    Nisbet, J. (Ed.). (1992). Natural supports in school, at work, and in the community for people with severe disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624. Telephone:             1-800-638-3775      .)


    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGYAlliance for Technology Access. (1996). Computer resources for people with disabilities:
    A guide to exploring today’s assistive technology (2nd ed.). Alameda, CA: Hunter House. [Available from Alliance for Technology Access, 2175 East Francisco Boulevard, Suite L, San Rafael, CA 94901. Telephone:             (415) 455-4575      ;             (415) 455-0491       (TTY).]

    Assistive Technology–RESNA Press, 1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209. Telephone:             (703) 524-6686      ;             (703) 524-6639       (TTY). This is an applied, scientific publication in the field of technology. The journal’s purpose is to foster communication among individuals working in
    all aspects of the assistive technology arena, including researchers, developers, clinicians, educators, and consumers.

    Hecker, H. (1996). Computer resource for the disabled. Vancouver, WA: Twin Peaks Press. (Available from Twin Peaks Press, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666-0129. Telephone:            (360) 694-2462      .)

    Scherer, M.J. (1996). Living in a state of stuck: How technology impacts the lives of people with disabilities (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Brookline. (Available from Brookline
    Books, P.O. Box 1047, Cambridge, MA 02238. Telephone:             1-800-666-2665      .)


    EMPLOYMENTBolles, R.N. (1992). Job-hunting tips for the so-called handicapped or people with disabilities: A Supplement to What color is your parachute? Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.ISBN: 0-89815-471-5. (Available from Ten Speed Press, P.O. Box 7123, Berkeley,
    CA 94707. Telephone:             1-800-841-2665      .)

    Bolles, R.N. (1997). What color is your parachute?: A practical manual for job-hunters
    and career-changers (26th ed.). Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. (Available from Ten Speed Press, see above for address.)

    Goldberg, D., & Goldberg, M. (1994). Americans with Disabilities Act: A guide for people with disabilities, their families, and advocates. Minneapolis, MN: PACER Center. (Available from PACER Center, 4826 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417. Telephone:             (612) 827-2966      .)

    Lobb, N. (1994). 150 ways to keep your job. Portland, ME: J. Weston Walch Publisher. (Available from J. Weston Walch Publisher, P.O. Box 658, 321 Valley Street, Portland, ME 04104. Telephone:             (207) 772-2846      .)

    Mueller, J. (1990). The workspace workbook: An illustrated guide to job accommodation and assistive technology. Chicago, IL: National Easter Seal Society. [Available from Publications Department, National Easter Seal Society, 230 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Telephone:             (312) 726-6200       (Voice);             (312) 726-4258       (TTY).]

    Witt, M.A. (1992). Job stategies for people with disabilities: Enable yourself for today’s job market. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s Guides. (Available from Peterson’s Guides, Department 5710, 202 Carnegie Center, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543. Telephone:             (800) EDU-DATA      .)


    POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONBarr, V.M. (Ed.). (1996). The HEATH national resource directory on postsecondary education and disability. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available from HEATH, One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-1193. Telephone:             (202) 939-9320      .)

    Leider, R., & Leider, A. (1997-98). Don’t miss out: The ambitious student’s guide to financial aid (21st ed.). Alexandria, VA: Octameron. (Available from Octameron Associates,
    P.O. Box 2748, Alexandria, VA 22301. Telephone:             (703) 836-5480      .)

    Gardner D., & Hartman, R. (Eds.). (1997). Financial aid for students with disabilities. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available from HEATH Resource Center, at
    address and telephone number above.)

    Schlachter, G.A., & Weber, R.D. (1996). Financial aid for the disabled and their families: 1996-98. Redwood City, CA: Reference Service. (Available from Reference Service Press, 5000 Windplay Dr., Suite 4, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Telephone:             (916) 939-9620      .)

    Spiers, E. (compiler), & Samberg, L. (Ed.). (1992). Transition resource guide. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available from HEATH at the address and telephone number
    listed above.)

    Unger, H.G. (1992). But what if I don’t go to college? A guide to success through alternative education. New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc. (Available from Facts on File,
    Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001-2006. Telephone:             (212) 967-8800      .)


    RECREATIONAdil, J. (1994). Accessible gardening for people with disabilities: A guide to methods, tools, and plants. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (Available from Woodbine House, 6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817. Telephone:             1-800-843-7323      .)

    Crowder, R. (1993, February). The travelin’ talk directory. Clarksville, TN: Travelin’ Talk. (Available from Travelin’ Talk, P.O. Box 3534, Clarksville, TN 37043-3534. Telephone:            (615) 552-6670      .)

    Roth, W., & Tompane, M. (1992). Easy access to national parks: The Sierra Club guide
    for persons with disabilities. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books. (Available from Sierra Club Books, 85 Second St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Telephone:             1-800-935-1056      .)


    INDEPENDENT LIVINGRichards, L. (Ed.). (1995). ILRU directory of independent living programs. Houston, TX: Independent Living Research Utilization Project. [Available from ILRU, Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, 2323 S. Shepard, Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77019. Telephone:             (713) 520-0232       (V);             (713) 520-5136       (TTY).]

    Haseltin, F.P., Cole, S.S., & Gray, D.B. (Eds.). (1993). Reproductive issues for persons with physical disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624. Telephone:             1-800-638-3775      .)

    Kroll, K., & Klein, E.L. (1995). Enabling romance: A guide to love, sex and relationships for the disabled (and the people who care about them). Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (Available at Woodbine House at the address and telephone number above.)

    Mendelsohn, S.B. (1996). Tax options and strategies for people with disabilities. New York, NY: Demos Publishing. (Available from Demos Publications, 386 Park Ave., South, Suite 201, New York, NY 10016. Telephone:             1-800-532-8663      .)

    Racino, J.A., Walker, P., O’Connor, S., & Taylor, S.J. (1993). Housing, support, and community: Choices and strategies for adults with disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company at the address and telephone number above.)


    MAGAZINES AND NEWSLETTERSAbility–P.O. Box 370788, Miami, FL 33137. Telephone:             (305) 751-2525      . This quarterly publication includes articles on living, working, playing, new products, travel, sports, and entertainment.

    Able–P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. Telephone:             (516) 939-2253      . This monthly magazine is subtitled “The Newspaper For, By, and About the Disabled.” It focuses on resources, independent living, and daily life.

    Accent on Living–Cheever Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 700, Bloomington, IL 61702. Telephone:             (309) 378-2961      . This quarterly magazine serves as a guide to services and information on daily living and equipment for persons with disabilities. Articles focus on personal experiences of persons with disabilities, ideas for making the activities of daily living easier, and new products and services.

    Careers & the Disabled–Equal Opportunity Publications, 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 200, Huntington, NY 11743. Telephone:             (516) 421-9421      . This magazine, published three times a year, provides employment and career-oriented information for college graduates and young professionals, with a primary focus on those with physical disabilities.

    Kaleidoscope: International Magazine of Literature, Fine Arts, and Disability–United Disability Services, 326 Locust Street, Akron, OH 44302. Telephone:             (330) 762-9755      . This bi-annual magazine examines the experience of disability through fine arts. This publication expresses the experience of disability from the perspective of individuals, families, health care professionals, and society as a whole.

    Mainstream–2973 Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92102. Telephone:             (619) 234-3138      . Published 10 times a year, this national magazine for people with disabilities features new products, technology, education, employment, housing, transportation, stories about people living independently, politics and advocacy, and travel and recreation.

    The Ragged Edge–Box 145, Louisville, KY 40201. Telephone:             (502) 894-9492      . Published six times a year, this magazine of politics, news, and opinion (formerly called The Disability Rag & Resources) features articles on disability issues and reader correspondence. Also available on cassette tape.


    SAMPLE TELEPHONE AND CONTACT LOGThis telephone logsheet can help you keep track of the organizations and agencies you contact for information or assistance and the results of those interactions. In the beginning of a search for information, it’s fairly easy to remember who you’ve called and what they said, but as time goes by and you contact more organizations, remembering the “who” and “what” can become much more difficult! Use this logsheet to make the remembering easy.
    Name of agency you contacted:

    _____________________________________________________________

    Person to whom you spoke:

    _____________________________________________________

    Telephone #: _________________________________

    Date you called: ___________________________
    Topic/Problem/Concern:

    ____________________________________________________

    ____________________________________________________
    Results of Discussion:

    _____________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________

    ______________________________________________________

    ______________________________________________________
    Actions taken (if any):

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________
    Person not helpful on this topic, but may be helpful regarding (list topics/areas/issues):

    _________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________

    Back to Top

     

     

     

  • Autism Financial Aid Resources

    Scholarships specifically designated for students with disabilities
    are extremely limited. Students are urged to  pursue the scholarships available for qualities other than disability. Listed below are organizations which offer the few disability specific scholarships.
    For more info go to:
                       Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities


    Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf
    3417 Volta Place, N.W.
    Washington, DC 20007
    (202) 337-5220 (voice/TT)

    American Council of the Blind
    1155 15th Street, N.W., Suite 720
    Washington, DC 20005
    (800) 424-8666 (3:00P5:30) or (202) 467-5081

    American Foundation for the Blind
    15 West 16th Street
    New York, NY 10011
    (800) 232-5463 or (212) 620-2000

     

    Bridge Endowment Fund
    Scholarship Office
    National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Center
    P.O. Box 15160
    Alexandria, VA 22309-0160
    (703) 360-3600

    Blinded Veterans Association
    477 H St., N.W.
    Washington, DC 20001-2694
    (202) 371-8880
    (for children and spouses of blinded veterans)

    Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
    Office of Student Programs (Internships)
    P.O. Box 1925
    Department T Room 220
    Washington, DC 20013
    (703) 281-8365

    Christian Record Braille Foundation
    4444 South 52nd Street
    Lincoln, NE 68506
    (402) 488-0981

    Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLV)
    5707 Brockton Drive-No. 302
    Indianapolis, IN 46220
    (317) 254-0185 or (800) 733-2258

    Electronic Industries Foundation (EIF)
    919 18th Street, N.W.
    Suite 900
    Washington, DC 20006
    (202) 955-5814 (TDD 955-5836)
    Contact Marcie Vorac
    (technical or scientific field)

    Foundation for Exceptional Children
    1920 Association Drive
    Reston, VA 22091
    (703) 264-3507

    Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc.
    Rebecca F. Smith
    115 S. Brainard Avenue
    La Grange, IL 60525
    (for science students with a disability studying for a Masters Degree)

    The Geoffrey Foundation
    P.O. Box 1112
    Ocean Avenue
    Kennebunkport, ME 04046
    (207) 967-5798
    (offered to hearing impaired auditory-verbal children and students)

    Graduate Fellowship Fund
    Gallaudet University Alumni Association
    Alumni Office
    Gallaudet University
    800 Florida Avenue, NE
    Washington, DC 20002
    (202) 651-5060 (Voice/TT)
    (limited to Ph.D. students who are hearing impaired)

    Immune Deficiency Foundation
    3566 Ellicott Mills Drive
    Unit B2
    Ellicott City, MD 21043
    (limited to those with
    primary genetic immune
    deficiency)

    Jewish Braille Institute of America
    110 E. 30th Street
    New York, NY 10016
    (offered to students who wish to become rabbis, cantors or Jewish educators)

    La Sertoma International
    1912 E. Meyer Boulevard
    Kansas City, MO 64312
    (816) 333-3116
    (limited to graduate students who are preparing to assist people who are blind)
    Lighthouse, Inc.
    800 2nd Avenue
    New York, NY 10017
    (legally blind students)

    National Association of the Deaf
    Stokoe Scholarship (supports research related to sign language or deafness)
    814 Thayer Avenue
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    (301) 587-1788 (voice)
    (301) 587-1789 (TT)

    National Captioning Institute, Inc.
    Dr. Malcolm J. Norwood Memorial Award Panel
    5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1500
    Falls Church, VA 22041
    (703) 998-2400 (Voice/TT)
    (limited to students studying for careers in communication and/or media technology)

    National Federation of the Blind
    1800 Johnson Street
    Baltimore, MD 21230
    (410) 659-9314

    National Federation of Music Clubs
    Music for the Blind Department
    55 Janssen Place
    Kansas City, MO 64109

    National Hemophilia Foundation
    110 Greene Street
    New York, NY 10012
    (800) 42-HANDI

    National 4-H Council
    7100 Connecticut Avenue
    Chevy Chase, MD 20815
    (301) 961-2800

    Opportunities for the Blind
    P.O. Box 510
    Leonardtown, MD 20650

    The PresidentUs Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
    1331 F Street, NW,
    Washington, DC 20004
    (202) 376-6200

    Recording for the Blind
    20 Rozelle Road
    Princeton, NJ 08540
    (609) 452-0606

    Spina Bifida Association of America
    4590 MacArthur Boulevard, NW
    Suite 250
    Washington, DC 20007
    (800) 621-3141 or (202) 944-3285

    Trapshooting Hall of Fame College Scholarship Fund Chairshooters
    RDocS and Alicia Keim
    161 Fort Washington Avenue
    New York, NY 10032
    (212) 305-5559
    Contact: Hugo A. Keim, M.D.

    Venture Clubs Student Aid Award and Venture Clubs
    JJJ of Americas
    Handicapped Student Scholarship
    1616 Walnut Street, Suite 700
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    (215) 732-0512

    Very Special Arts Education Office
    John F. Kennedy Center for  the Performing Arts
    Washington, DC 20566
    (limited to students age 10-21 studying selected musical instruments) .

  • Autism Legal Resources for Children and Adults

    FAQ about Autism Education and IEP

    This is an important list of questions and answers to help you deal with special education issues at your school.

    ACT Amendments
    The disabilities act had some major upgrades that may apply to you. Read about the IDEA changes.

    Advocacy Lawyers to Help You
    Browse our state directory of non-profit legal organizations that can help you with your autism legal problems. All advocacy organizations are organized by state and country.

    US Legal Assistance
    Browse the our directory of legal resources and organizations such as the Disability Rights Advocates. Get the help you need.

    Estate Planning

    Planning your Estate to care for an autistic child is an important part of any financial plan. The first step is planning a will and setting up a special needs trust. Learn more about SSI issues and learn from other autism organizations.

     

    Advocacy Lawyers to Help You
    Browse our state directory of non-profit legal organizations that can help you with your autism legal problems. All advocacy organizations are organized by state and country.

     

    US Legal Assistance
    Browse the our directory of legal resources and organizations such as the Disability Rights Advocates. Get the help you need.

     

    More information on this site
    Financial Resources Disability Resources Autism Resources by State Autism Tips
  • Disability Resources for Autism

    While there are many other organizations available that provide information or referral, they primarily do so to parents, schools, or service providers; we have chosen the organizations listed here because they can respond to the questions, concerns, and needs of individuals with disabilities themselves.

    A brief description of each organization’s activities is included to help you choose those organizations that seem appropriate to your needs.We have prepared  this listing of resources for adults to help you get started. Look over this list, and you will find organizations that provide information, referral, and/or direct services.

    On this site: Related Services for those with disabilities

    Other Helpful Disability Resources


     

    ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES TO CONTACT FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE

    Listed below are selected agencies concerned with the well-being of people with disabilities.  These organizations are grouped by the main focus of their activities, as follows: employment issues, postsecondary education, recreation, independent living, assistive technology, and other.
    __________________________________________________________________________

    Back Home
    ________________________________________________________________

    EMPLOYMENT
    Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
    Consult your local telephone directory for the office in your vicinity.

    Vocational Rehabilitation is a nationwide federal-state program for assisting eligible people with disabilities to define a suitable employment goal and become employed. Each state capital has a central VR agency, and there are local offices in most states. VR provides medical, therapeutic, counseling, education, training, and other services needed to prepare people with disabilities for work. VR is an excellent place for a youth or adult with a disability to begin exploring available training and support service options.

    Americans with Disabilities Act Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs)

    For information on legislation, rights, and resources, call: (800) 949-4232 (Voice/TTY). Callers are automatically routed to the DBTAC in their region. The DBTACs provide information, referral, technical assistance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, state and local governments, and persons with disabilities to facilitate employment for individuals with disabilities and accessibility in public accommodations and government services. The DBTACs also conduct training and promote public awareness on the ADA.

    Accessible Community Transportation in Our
    Nation (Project ACTION)
    700 Thirteenth, St., N.W.
    Washington, DC 20005
    (800) 659-6428 (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: projaction@aol.com
    URL: http://www.projectaction.org

    Project ACTION is a national program that supports innovation and cooperation in solving transit accessibility problems. Project ACTION provides various direct forms of technical assistance and training, and maintains a library of information and materials addressing accessible transportation for people with disabilities. Project ACTION disseminates its newsletter Project ACTION Update, training curricula, surveys, technical materials, and reports.

    NISH
    2235 Cedar Lane
    Vienna, VA 22182-5200
    (703) 560-6800 (Voice)
    (703) 560-6512 (TTY)
    URL: http://www.nish.org

    NISH (formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped) is the national nonprofit agency that assists community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) nationwide in expanding job opportunities for people with severe disabilities. NISH provides technical assistance to CRPs and helps them obtain federal funding contracts through the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Program. Information is available to the public.

    Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries, Inc.
    2200 South Dakota Avenue, N.E.
    Washington, DC 20018
    (202) 636-4225 (Voice)

    Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries provides voca-tional evaluation, training, employment, and job placement services for persons with disabilities. An information packet describing Goodwill’s services is available upon request.

    President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (PCEPD)
    1331 F Street N.W., Suite 300
    Washington, D.C. 20004-1107
    (202) 376-6200 (Voice)
    (202) 376-6205 (TTY)
    E-mail: info@pcepd.gov
    URL: http://www.pcepd.gov

    PCEPD provides information, training, and technical assistance to America’s business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and other service providers, advocacy organizations, families, and individuals with disabilities. The Committee’s mission is to facilitate the communication, coordination, and promotion of public and private efforts to empower Americans with disabilities through employment. The President’s Committee also serves as an advisor to the President of the United States on public policy issues affecting employment of people with disabilities.

    Project with Industry (PWI)
    Electronics Industries Foundation (EIF)
    2500 Wilson Blvd., Suite 210
    Arlington, VA 22201-3834
    (703) 907-7400 (Voice)
    (703) 907-7422 (TTY)
    URL: http://www.eia.org/eif

    The Electronics Industries Foundation’s Project With Industry brings together representatives from businesses, industry, and agencies to help qualified individuals with disabilities succeed in the competitive job market. EIF’s PWI continually updates a centralized registry of local employers with specific job openings to match their needs with job seekers with appropriate skills. It provides job-seeking skills training, life skills training, and related services for job candidates with disabilities. It also provides support services to employers and job seekers before, during, and after placement to help ensure a successful match. EIF’s PWI also provides awareness training and ADA workshops to employers and supervisors and recommends resources on assistive technologies for the workplace.

    Back to Selections


    If you are employed and are experiencing difficulty on the job due to your disability, you might consider contacting the following organizations.

    Architectural and Transportation Barriers
    Compliance Board (Access Board)
    1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 1000
    Washington, D.C. 20004-1111
    (202) 272-5434 (Voice); (202) 272-5449 (TTY)
    (800) 872-2253 (Voice); (800) 993-2822 (TTY)
    E-mail: info@access-board.gov
    URL: http://www.access-board.gov

    The Access Board enforces the Architectual Barriers Act (ABA), ensuring accessibility in facilities built, altered, or leased using certain Federal funds. It develops the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), which are minimum accessibility guidelines for places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, state and local government facilities, and transporation vehicles and facilities. The Access Board is also charged with developing accessibility guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment. The Access Board offers training, technical assistance, and publications to individuals and organizations throughout the country on removing architectual, transportation, and communication barriers.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
    1400 L Street, N.W., 2nd Floor
    Washington, D.C. 20005
    (800) 669-4000 (Voice, outside Washington, DC)
    (202) 275-7377 (Voice, in the DC area)
    (800) 800-3302 (TTY)
    URL: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/gils/gils.html

    The EEOC is a government agency that handles discrimination complaints about employment based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and disability. The 800 number will connect callers with their local EEOC office, which can discuss complaints.

    Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
    West Virginia University
    P.O. Box 6080
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
    (304) 293-7186 (Voice/TTY)
    (800) 526-7234 (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: jan@jan.icdi.wvu.edu
    URL: http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu

    The Job Accommodation Network, a service of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, brings together information from many sources about practical steps employers can take to make accommodations for the functional limitations of employees and applicants with disabilities. JAN consultants provide technical details and assistance with accommodations and the implementation of products and procedures in the workplace. Callers should be prepared to explain the specific problem and job circumstances. Brochures, printed materials, and a newsletter are available free of charge.
    Back to Selections


    POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

    Clearinghouse on Adult Education and Literacy
    U.S. Department of Education
    Office of Vocational and Adult Education
    600 Independence Avenue, S.W.
    Washington, DC 20202-7240
    (202) 205-9996 (Voice)
    E-mail: Tammy_Fortune@ed.gov
    URL: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE

    The Clearinghouse on Adult Learning and Literacy provides referral services and disseminates publications of state and national significance and other reference materials on adult education and literacy-related activities. Resource publications include information on English as a second language, adult basic education, family literacy, workplace literacy, adults with disabilities, technology, volunteers, and the homeless.

    Foundation for Science and Disability
    236 Grand Street
    Morgantown, WV 26505-7509
    (304) 293-5201, ext. 2513
    E-mail: U0072@wvnvm.evnet.edu
    URL: http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/org

    The Foundation seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of the educational system for individuals with disabilities, specifically in the various areas of science. The Foundation acts as a clearinghouse for information on science, education, technology, and science careers for persons with disabilities. The Foundation also makes several awards a year to graduate students who have disabilities and are studying in the science field.

    HEATH Resource Center
    American Council on Education
    One Dupont Circle, Suite 800
    Washington, D.C. 20036-1193
    (202) 939-9320 (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: heath@ace.nche.edu
    URL: http://ace-info-server.nche.edu/Programs/HEATH/home.html

    The HEATH Resource Center, the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities, collects and disseminates information nationally about disability issues in postsecondary education. The clearinghouse provides information on educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, transition, and oppourtunities at American campuses, vocational-training schools, adult education programs, independent living centers, and other training entities after high school for individuals with disabilities. Numerous publications are available upon request.
    Back to Selections


    RECREATION
    Department of the Interior
    Office on Accessibility
    National Park Service
    P.O. Box 37127 (MS 7253)
    Washington, DC 20013
    (202) 565-1240 (Voice)

    There are 370 parks and 7 regional offices under the National Park Service. The National Park Service accepts inquiries on all of its national park activities and facilities. Information on accessibility of park programs, facilities, and services is best acquired directly from the park or area you plan to visit. For general information on park areas and activities and a listing of park phone numbers, call the number listed above.

    Disabled Sports USA
    451 Hungerford Drive, #100
    Rockville, MD 20850
    (301) 217-0960 (Voice)
    (301) 217-0963 (TTY)
    E-mail: dsusa@dsusa.org
    URL: http://www.dsusa.org/~dsusa/dsusa.html

    Disabled Sports USA is the nation’s largest organization providing year-round sports and recreation activities to children and adults with physical disabilities. In conjunction with its nationwide network of chapters serving people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Disabled Sports USA offers such activities as snow skiing, water skiing, bicycling, white water rafting, horseback riding, mountain climbing, sailing, camping, and track and field. Contact Disabled Sports USA for the telephone number of a local chapter near you.

    Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
    P.O. Box 10767
    Eugene, OR 97440
    (541) 343-1284 (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: miusa@igc.apc.org

    MIUSA is a nonprofit membership organization for persons with disabilities and other interested people. It works to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities to be involved in international educational exchange programs and travel. MIUSA members receive information and referral services in the areas of travel and placement in international work camps and educational exchange programs. MISUA also conducts international leadership training for persons with disabilities. Many publications are also available.

    National Institute of Art and Disabilities (NIAD)
    551 23rd Street
    Richmond, CA 94804
    (510) 620-0290 (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: niadektz@thecity.sfsu.edu
    URL: http://thecity.sfsu.edu/~niadektz or
    http://thecity.sfsu.edu/~artdis

    NIAD operates a creative visual arts center for adults with disabilities and serves as a model for other centers who wish to provide individuals with disabilities with enriching experiences in the visual arts. NIAD has published The Freedom to Create, which is widely used to help teachers teach art to students of all ages. It has also published The Creative Spirit, a collection of works by NIAD artists, and Art & Disabilities, a directory of art centers for people with disabilities. NIAD can respond to requests for information about and referral to local programs. NIAD’s Research and Training Center in Art and Disabilities is a national and international resource in art and disabilities.

    National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
    Library of Congress
    1291 Taylor Street, N.W.
    Washington, DC 20542
    (202) 707-5100 (Voice)
    (202) 707-0744 (TTY)
    E-mail: NLS@loc.gov
    URL: http://www.loc.gov/nls

    A free national library program of braille and recorded materials for persons with visual and physical disabilities is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. With the cooperation of authors and publishers who grant permission to use copyrighted works, NLS selects and produces full-length books and magazines in braille and on recorded disc and cassette. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating network of regional and local libraries where they are circulated to eligible borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail.

    Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)
    The Anne T. Macdonald Center
    20 Roszel Road
    Princeton, NJ 08540
    (609) 452-0606 (Voice)
    (800) 221-4792 (Customer Service)
    URL: http://www.rfbd.org

    RFB&D is a national nonprofit service organization that provides educational and professional books in accessible format to people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, and other physical disabilities that prevent them from reading printed material. This includes individuals who are no longer in school but who are using educational books to pursue careers or personal interests. RFB&D also accepts requests to record books that are not already contained in its 75,000-title Master Tape Library. To become an individual member of RFB&D, you must complete an application form (which contains “disability verification” and “certification” sections) and include a $50 registration fee and a $25 annual membership fee. Application forms are available from RFB&D’s Customer Services Department at 1-800-221-4792.
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    INDEPENDENT LIVING
    Accent on Information (AOI)
    Gillum Road and High Drive
    P.O. Box 700
    Bloomington, IL 61702
    (800) 787-8444; (309) 378-2961 (Voice)
    E-mail: acntlvng@aol.com
    URL: http://www.blvd.com/accent

    ACCENT on Information is a computerized retrieval system containing information on products and devices which assist persons with physical disabilities. Also available is other how-to information on such topics as: eating, bathing, grooming, clothing, furniture, home management, toilet care, sexuality, mobility, and communication. For a nominal charge, a search of AOI’s database is made on the caller’s topic of interest. Callers will then receive up to 50 of the most recent citations for each search. AOI has two sister services: (1) ACCENT on Living Magazine, and (2) ACCENT Books and Products, which publishes and distributes a variety of books of interest to persons with disabilities, along with a buyer’s guide that lists equipment devices to assist persons with disabilities in daily living activities.

    Access/Abilities
    P.O. Box 458
    Mill Valley, CA 94942
    (415) 388-3250 (Voice)

    Access/Abilities is a consulting, problem-solving firm dedicated to finding resources for a better life beyond functionality and independence. Local, national, as well as international resources are available. This organization can provide information about accessible travel opportunities, aids and appliances, sports and recreation programs, clothing that really fits, shopping, and other customized services. It also offers consulting services concerning architectural barriers and accessibility.

    National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
    2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 405
    Arlington, VA 22201
    (703) 525-3406
    (703) 525-3407 (TTY)
    E-mail: ncil@tsbbs02.tnet.com

    National Council on Independent Living is a national membership association of local nonprofit corporations known as Centers for Independent Living (CIL). NCIL is the only cross-disability grassroots national organization run by and for people with disabilities. NCIL provides technical assistance, training, and leadership to independent living (IL) centers in many areas of concern to the disability community, including IL philosophy, center operations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through the NCIL/ILRU IL Network Project and ADA Training Project. NCIL also provides information and referral services.

    Research and Training Center on Independent Living
    University of Kansas
    4089 Dole Building
    Lawrence, KS 66045-2930
    (913) 864-4095 (Voice/TTY)
    E-mail: rtcil@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
    URL: http://www.lsi.ukans.edu/rtcil/catalog.htm

    The Center’s goal is to develop and disseminate practical techniques that enable people with severe disabilities to live more independently. This includes service delivery systems, skill training methods, and effective techniques to improve human services and community support for people with disabilities. The Center provides training and technical assistance to individuals and organizations throughout the U.S.

    Social Security Administration (SSA)
    Department of Health and Human Services
    Baltimore, MD 21235
    (800) 772-1213 (Voice)
    (800) 325-0778 (TTY)
    URL: http://www.ssa.gov

    The Social Security Administration provides cash benefits (SSI and/or SSDI) to persons with a physical or mental disability which prevents them from working and which is expected to last at least a year or be terminal. Eligibility for SSI or SSDI may mean eligibility for other services, such as Medicaid, food stamps, or other social services. The amount of money and services received varies in each state. The program also includes work incentives that make it possible for individuals to work without an immediate loss of benefits. For details, contact either the above 800 number or your local SSA office.
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    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
    Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
    2175 East Francisco Boulevard, Suite L
    San Rafael, CA 94901
    (415) 455-4575
    E-mail: atainfo@ataccess.org
    URL: http://www.ataccess.org

    The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a growing coalition of technology resource centers across the country that provide information, awareness, and training in the use of technology to aid children and adults with disabilities. Services range from hands-on workshops to training for professionals, from guided problem-solving to technical assistance to families, individuals with disabilities, employers, and agencies seeking access to technology. Also offered are lending libraries of computer software, assistive devices, print resources, training films, and adapted toys. Callers are referred to the technology resource center nearest them.

    Apple Computer, Inc. Worldwide Disability Solutions Group
    Mail Stop 38DS
    1 Infinite Loop
    Cupertino, CA 95014
    (408) 974-7910 (Voice)
    (800) 600-7808 (Voice)
    (800) 755-0601 (TTY)
    URL: http://www2.apple.com/disability/disability_home.html

    Apple’s Worldwide Disability Solutions Group has developed a wide variety of materials in print, video, and electronic form to describe how personal computers can constructively influence the experience of having a disability. Energies are directed toward ensuring that the power and promise of the microcomputer are available to individuals with a disability. The database Macintosh Disability Resources lists adaptive devices and specialized software available to individuals with disabilities affecting physical mobility, cognition, speech, hearing, vision, and learning. The publication Independence Day describes strategies and solutions for tailoring personal computers to individual needs and objectives.

    IBM Corps. Special Needs Systems
    11400 Burnet Road
    Internal Zip 9448
    Austin, TX 78758
    (800) 426-4832 (Voice)
    (800) 426-4833 (TTY)
    URL: http://austin.ibm.com/pspinfo/snshome.html

    IBM’s Special Needs Systems serves to help health care leaders, agency directors, employers, educators, and individuals learn how computers can enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the home, school, and workplace. While the Center is unable to prescribe an assistive device or software, it does provide information on what technology is available. Information for persons with disabilities affecting learning, hearing, speech and language, mobility, and vision is provided, including vendor and support group names, addresses, and descriptions.

    RESNA
    1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540
    Arlington, VA 22209-1903
    (703) 524-6686 (Voice); (703) 524-6639 (TTY)
    (703)-524-6686, ext. 313 (TAP)
    E-mail: natloffice@resna.org
    E-mail for TAP: resnata@resna.org
    URL: http://www.resna.org/resna/reshome.htm

    An interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive technologies, RESNA is an organization for rehabilitation professionals. It is concerned with transferring science, engineering, and technology to the needs of persons with disabilities. RESNA is currently operating a Technical Assistance Project, which can help callers identify the program in their state that is responsible for providing information, training, and technical assistance on assistive technology to individuals with disabilities.

    Technical Aids and Assistance for the Disabled Center (TAAD)
    1950 West Roosevelt Road
    Chicago, IL 60608
    (312) 421-3373 (Voice)
    (800) 346-2939 (Voice/Il. only)
    E-mail: taad@interaccess.com
    URL: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~taad

    TAAD is an organization created by the Committee on Personal Computers and the Handicapped (COPH-2) to provide options in using personal computer technology to persons wtih disabilities. The TAAD Center provides advocacy and services with an emphasis on selection and application of microcomputers and assistive technologies. The center’s approach allows users to make informed decisions as to which system or devices best meet their needs. Other services include equipment loans, workshops and product demonstrations, and advocacy before manufacturers. TAAD can also refer callers to their local resource center of the Alliance for Technology Access.

    Trace Research and Development Center
    S-151 Waisman Center
    1500 Highland Avenue
    Madison, WI 53705
    (608) 262-6966 (Voice)
    (608) 263-5408 (TTY)
    E-mail: info@trace.wisc.edu
    URL: http://trace.wisc.edu

    The Trace Center was formed in 1971 to address the communication problems faced by nonvocal children and adults with severe disabilities. The Center is primarily concerned with research and development in the areas of universal design of electronic and next generation technologies, in order to make accessible computers at the manufacturers’ level. The Center does not manufacture or distribute equipment, but will make referrals to specific sources of information regarding equipment, software, service centers, related professionals, and other information networks. Publications include the Trace Resource Book, a reference volume listing and describing currently available products for communication, control, and computer access for persons with disabilities. All information is available in alternative formats for individuals unable to read or handle print materials.
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    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

    National Organization on Disability (NOD)
    910 16th Street, N.W., Suite 600
    Washington, D.C. 20006
    (202) 293-5960 (Voice)
    (202) 293-5968 (TTY)
    URL: http://www.nod.org

    NOD promotes the full participation of Americans with disabilities in all aspects of community life. Its primary program is the Community Partnership Program, a network of 4500 towns, cities, and counties nationwide. NOD’s Community Partnerships undertake many different activities to improve attitudes toward people with disabilities; to expand educational and employment opportunities; to eliminate physical barriers; and to expand participation in religious, cultural, and recreational activities. The quarterly newsletter, Report, is available upon request.

    National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
    8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    (301) 588-9284 (Voice); (301) 495-5626 (TTY)
    (800) 346-2742 (Voice)
    URL: http://www.naric.com/naric

    NARIC is a library and information center on disabilities and rehabilitation. NARIC collects and disseminates the results of federally funded research projects. NARIC’s collection includes commercially published books, journal articles, and audiovisual materials. Information specialists provide quick reference and referral services, searches of NARIC’s database, REHABDATA, and photocopies of documents for a small fee.

    World Institute on Disability (WID)
    510 Sixteenth Street, Suite 100
    Oakland, CA 94612-1500
    (510) 763-4100 (Voice); (510) 208-9493 (TTY)
    E-mail: wid@wid.org
    URL: http://www.igc.org/wid

    The World Institute on Disability (WID) is a public policy, research, and training center dedicated to independence for all people with disabilities. WID’s projects include: informing and training public officials, community leaders, and corporations, among others, about the empowerment of people with disabilities; working to design more effective personal assistance services for people with disabilities; and operating the Research and Training Center on Public Policy in Independent Living. Information about WID, its publications, and its projects is available upon request.
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    PRINT RESOURCES


    General
    Assistive Technology
    Employment
    Postsecondary education
    Recreation
    Independent living
    Magazines and Newsletters
    Sample logsheet
    GENERAL

    Communications and Information Services. (1993). Pocket guide to federal help for individuals with disabilities. Washington, DC: Author. [Available from the Clearinghouse on Disability Information, Department of Education, Rm 3132, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2524. Telephone: (202) 205-8241; (202) 205-8723.]

    MacKenzie, L. (Ed.). (1996-97). The complete directory for people with disabilities: Products, resources, books, and services. Lakeville, CT: Grey House. (Available from Grey House Publishing, Pocket Knife Square, Lakeville, CT 06039. Telephone: 1-800-562-2139; (860) 435-0868.)

    National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. (1995). Directory of national information sources on disabilities: 1994-95 (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. [Available from NARIC, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: 1-800-346-2742 (V/TTY).]

    Nisbet, J. (Ed.). (1992). Natural supports in school, at work, and in the community for people with severe disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624. Telephone: 1-800-638-3775.)


    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

    Alliance for Technology Access. (1996). Computer resources for people with disabilities:
    A guide to exploring today’s assistive technology (2nd ed.). Alameda, CA: Hunter House. [Available from Alliance for Technology Access, 2175 East Francisco Boulevard, Suite L, San Rafael, CA 94901. Telephone: (415) 455-4575; (415) 455-0491 (TTY).]

    Assistive Technology–RESNA Press, 1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209. Telephone: (703) 524-6686; (703) 524-6639 (TTY). This is an applied, scientific publication in the field of technology. The journal’s purpose is to foster communication among individuals working in
    all aspects of the assistive technology arena, including researchers, developers, clinicians, educators, and consumers.

    Hecker, H. (1996). Computer resource for the disabled. Vancouver, WA: Twin Peaks Press. (Available from Twin Peaks Press, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666-0129. Telephone: (360) 694-2462.)

    Scherer, M.J. (1996). Living in a state of stuck: How technology impacts the lives of people with disabilities (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Brookline. (Available from Brookline
    Books, P.O. Box 1047, Cambridge, MA 02238. Telephone: 1-800-666-2665.)


    EMPLOYMENT

    Bolles, R.N. (1992). Job-hunting tips for the so-called handicapped or people with disabilities: A Supplement to What color is your parachute? Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.ISBN: 0-89815-471-5. (Available from Ten Speed Press, P.O. Box 7123, Berkeley,
    CA 94707. Telephone: 1-800-841-2665.)

    Bolles, R.N. (1997). What color is your parachute?: A practical manual for job-hunters
    and career-changers (26th ed.). Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. (Available from Ten Speed Press, see above for address.)

    Goldberg, D., & Goldberg, M. (1994). Americans with Disabilities Act: A guide for people with disabilities, their families, and advocates. Minneapolis, MN: PACER Center. (Available from PACER Center, 4826 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417. Telephone: (612) 827-2966.)

    Lobb, N. (1994). 150 ways to keep your job. Portland, ME: J. Weston Walch Publisher. (Available from J. Weston Walch Publisher, P.O. Box 658, 321 Valley Street, Portland, ME 04104. Telephone: (207) 772-2846.)

    Mueller, J. (1990). The workspace workbook: An illustrated guide to job accommodation and assistive technology. Chicago, IL: National Easter Seal Society. [Available from Publications Department, National Easter Seal Society, 230 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Telephone: (312) 726-6200 (Voice); (312) 726-4258 (TTY).]

    Witt, M.A. (1992). Job stategies for people with disabilities: Enable yourself for today’s job market. Princeton, NJ: Peterson’s Guides. (Available from Peterson’s Guides, Department 5710, 202 Carnegie Center, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543. Telephone: (800) EDU-DATA.)


    POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

    Barr, V.M. (Ed.). (1996). The HEATH national resource directory on postsecondary education and disability. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available from HEATH, One Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-1193. Telephone: (202) 939-9320.)

    Leider, R., & Leider, A. (1997-98). Don’t miss out: The ambitious student’s guide to financial aid (21st ed.). Alexandria, VA: Octameron. (Available from Octameron Associates,
    P.O. Box 2748, Alexandria, VA 22301. Telephone: (703) 836-5480.)

    Gardner D., & Hartman, R. (Eds.). (1997). Financial aid for students with disabilities. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available from HEATH Resource Center, at
    address and telephone number above.)

    Schlachter, G.A., & Weber, R.D. (1996). Financial aid for the disabled and their families: 1996-98. Redwood City, CA: Reference Service. (Available from Reference Service Press, 5000 Windplay Dr., Suite 4, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Telephone: (916) 939-9620.)

    Spiers, E. (compiler), & Samberg, L. (Ed.). (1992). Transition resource guide. Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available from HEATH at the address and telephone number
    listed above.)

    Unger, H.G. (1992). But what if I don’t go to college? A guide to success through alternative education. New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc. (Available from Facts on File,
    Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001-2006. Telephone: (212) 967-8800.)


    RECREATION

    Adil, J. (1994). Accessible gardening for people with disabilities: A guide to methods, tools, and plants. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (Available from Woodbine House, 6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817. Telephone: 1-800-843-7323.)

    Crowder, R. (1993, February). The travelin’ talk directory. Clarksville, TN: Travelin’ Talk. (Available from Travelin’ Talk, P.O. Box 3534, Clarksville, TN 37043-3534. Telephone: (615) 552-6670.)

    Roth, W., & Tompane, M. (1992). Easy access to national parks: The Sierra Club guide
    for persons with disabilities. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books. (Available from Sierra Club Books, 85 Second St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Telephone: 1-800-935-1056.)


    INDEPENDENT LIVING

    Richards, L. (Ed.). (1995). ILRU directory of independent living programs. Houston, TX: Independent Living Research Utilization Project. [Available from ILRU, Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, 2323 S. Shepard, Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77019. Telephone: (713) 520-0232 (V); (713) 520-5136 (TTY).]

    Haseltin, F.P., Cole, S.S., & Gray, D.B. (Eds.). (1993). Reproductive issues for persons with physical disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624. Telephone: 1-800-638-3775.)

    Kroll, K., & Klein, E.L. (1995). Enabling romance: A guide to love, sex and relationships for the disabled (and the people who care about them). Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (Available at Woodbine House at the address and telephone number above.)

    Mendelsohn, S.B. (1996). Tax options and strategies for people with disabilities. New York, NY: Demos Publishing. (Available from Demos Publications, 386 Park Ave., South, Suite 201, New York, NY 10016. Telephone: 1-800-532-8663.)

    Racino, J.A., Walker, P., O’Connor, S., & Taylor, S.J. (1993). Housing, support, and community: Choices and strategies for adults with disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available from Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company at the address and telephone number above.)


    MAGAZINES AND NEWSLETTERS

    Ability–P.O. Box 370788, Miami, FL 33137. Telephone: (305) 751-2525. This quarterly publication includes articles on living, working, playing, new products, travel, sports, and entertainment.

    Able–P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. Telephone: (516) 939-2253. This monthly magazine is subtitled “The Newspaper For, By, and About the Disabled.” It focuses on resources, independent living, and daily life.

    Accent on Living–Cheever Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 700, Bloomington, IL 61702. Telephone: (309) 378-2961. This quarterly magazine serves as a guide to services and information on daily living and equipment for persons with disabilities. Articles focus on personal experiences of persons with disabilities, ideas for making the activities of daily living easier, and new products and services.

    Careers & the Disabled–Equal Opportunity Publications, 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 200, Huntington, NY 11743. Telephone: (516) 421-9421. This magazine, published three times a year, provides employment and career-oriented information for college graduates and young professionals, with a primary focus on those with physical disabilities.

    Kaleidoscope: International Magazine of Literature, Fine Arts, and Disability–United Disability Services, 326 Locust Street, Akron, OH 44302. Telephone: (330) 762-9755. This bi-annual magazine examines the experience of disability through fine arts. This publication expresses the experience of disability from the perspective of individuals, families, health care professionals, and society as a whole.

    Mainstream–2973 Beech Street, San Diego, CA 92102. Telephone: (619) 234-3138. Published 10 times a year, this national magazine for people with disabilities features new products, technology, education, employment, housing, transportation, stories about people living independently, politics and advocacy, and travel and recreation.

    The Ragged Edge–Box 145, Louisville, KY 40201. Telephone: (502) 894-9492. Published six times a year, this magazine of politics, news, and opinion (formerly called The Disability Rag & Resources) features articles on disability issues and reader correspondence. Also available on cassette tape.


    SAMPLE TELEPHONE AND CONTACT LOG

    This telephone logsheet can help you keep track of the organizations and agencies you contact for information or assistance and the results of those interactions. In the beginning of a search for information, it’s fairly easy to remember who you’ve called and what they said, but as time goes by and you contact more organizations, remembering the “who” and “what” can become much more difficult! Use this logsheet to make the remembering easy.
    Name of agency you contacted:

    _____________________________________________________________

    Person to whom you spoke:

    _____________________________________________________

    Telephone #: _________________________________

    Date you called: ___________________________
    Topic/Problem/Concern:

    ____________________________________________________

    ____________________________________________________
    Results of Discussion:

    _____________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________

    ______________________________________________________

    ______________________________________________________
    Actions taken (if any):

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________
    Person not helpful on this topic, but may be helpful regarding (list topics/areas/issues):

    _________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________

    __________________________________________________________

    Autism-PDD Resources Network


    Back to Top

    Visit these pages for more information
    Disability Resources by State FAQ for Individuals with Disabilities Support and Assistance for Independent LivingMedicaidCornocopia of Disability Information Job Accommodation Network Accessible Space: Housing for those with Disabilities Autism Jobs Hud homes for disabilities Social Security Benefits for those with Disabilities Social Security Department Specialized Housing National Resources for Adults with Learning Disabilities Complete listing of disability information

     

  • Special Autism Training for Educators

    WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO SPECIAL EDUCATORS RECEIVE?

     

    Special education teachers have, on the average, fewer years of teaching experience than general education teachers. Twelve percent of special education teachers have less than four years of teaching experience, while only 10% of general education teachers have less than four years.


    Almost 700 colleges and universities in the United States have programs to prepare students to become special education teachers. Most of these are at the bachelor’s level. These programs typically require course work the school deems appropriate for teacher preparation; they also involve students in numerous experiences with children with disabilities. As such, the programs are designed to give students the course work and field work necessary to meet their state’s
    licensure requirements. This means that a graduate of a state accredited program in Nebraska will meet the requirements for an entry-level teaching license in that state.Since there is a great variety in state licensure requirements, there can also be a great deal of variety in the way colleges arrange their curricula. Most states require special education teachers to complete a bachelor’s degree program, although some states require a master’s for special education licensure.Other states require licensure in general education first, then additional course work in special education.

    Colleges and universities are not only accredited by their states, but the teacher education programs at these institutions may also choose to seek accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE is the national accrediting body for teacher preparation programs. Schools accredited by NCATE have met rigorous standards established by working professionals in the teacher education field. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the professional organization representing special education teachers, administrators, and other professionals who work with children with disabilities, has developed guidelines for special education teacher preparation programs that have been adopted and are used by NCATE.

    Most states require that students have some kind of field experience with exceptional students prior to student teaching. All states require that those studying to become special education teachers perform student teaching as part of their training. The length of this practicum varies by state but is usually at least 8 to 10 weeks of full-time teaching.

    STATE LICENSURE AND ITS ROLE IN THE EDUCATION AND PRACTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATORS

    Most colleges and universities prepare students to meet the requirements established by their state for a teaching license. Therefore, their curriculum will include and sometimes reflect the standards established by the state. State licensure requirements are set by standards boards. Most state standards boards have members who are appointed by the governor and who serve in an advisory capacity to the state department of education. However, some standards boards are independent of departments of education and are accountable to the state legislatures.

    There is a great deal of variation among the requirements and standards states use to license special education teachers. Some states have “categorical” licensure, which means that the state licenses a teacher to teach students in a particular disability category, such as those with hearing impairments, physical disabilities, or mental retardation. States that have “noncategorical” or a generic licensure give teachers a general license to teach any child with a disability.

    Most states have a blend of categorical or noncategorical licensure, giving licenses for some disabilities and blending several disabilities into one licensure category (such as mild disabilities). Some states have categories related to severity of the disability; for example, Arkansas’s licensure titles include “teacher of the mildly disabled” (all age groups), “teacher of the deaf or hard-of-hearing,” and “teacher of the seriously emotionally disturbed” (all age groups). Other states have titles related to the age of the child. For example, Maryland has titles for generic infant primary, generic elementary/middle, generic secondary/adult, as well as titles for teacher of those with hearing impairments, teacher of those with severe/profound disabilities, and teacher of those with visual impairments.

    Not only are there differences between categorical and noncategorical licensure, but there is
    also a wide variety of terminology used to describe disabilities or to describe categories. There are over 100 different titles used to describe disabilities among all the state requirements. For example, acoustically disabled, deaf/hard-of-hearing, hearing impaired, aurally disabled, and communications disabled are all titles different states use to describe licensure for teachers of children who have hearing impairments.

    This great variety among state special education teacher licensures becomes a particularly difficult issue when fully certified special education teachers move from state to state. A person who has a license to teach in New Mexico (which issues only a generic special education license for all children in grades K-12) may have a difficult time if he or she moves to Nevada, which has 12 different categorical titles. Most states have dealt with this issue by providing a teacher who is fully licensed in another state with an initial, temporary, or provisional license that allows the teacher to teach while he or she takes the university course work necessary to meet the new state’s requirements.

    National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), a national organization whose mission is to establish rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do, is in the process of developing standards for exemplary-level special education teachers (NBPTS, 1995). Just as a “board-certified” physician is a doctor who has mastered and demonstrated a high level of expertise (beyond entry level), a special education teacher who has met the high standards and received certification from the NBPTS can be considered a “master teacher.”


  • Autism Educational Resources

    resources.html Resources for Adults with Disabilities
    search.htm Disabilities State by State Guide
    search.html Disabilities State by State Guide
    answers.html Questions and Answers about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    il.html Support & Assistance

     

  • Estate Planning

    As a parent of an autistic child, planning your estate is important to make sure the future needs of your child are provided for. These are few topics we found helpful:

     

    Estate Planning

    Parents of autistic children face unique challenges in planning for their children’s social, medical and financial needs. Planning for the unthinkable allows you to take control of your child’s emotional and financial security. It will also give you peace of mind to know  that your child will be cared for in the way you intended.

    Many families believe that they have so few assets that an estate plan is not necessary. This is not true. We often have more assets than we realize, although some assets may become important only after our death. The most notable asset of this type is life insurance. Therefore, whether you consider yourselves a family of substantial means or with little or no assets, estate planning should be done.

     

    The primary factor will be whether or not your son or daughter receives (or may one day need to depend on) government benefits such as Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), subsidized housing, personal attendant care, or Medicaid. If,  he or she acquires too many assets through inheriting all or part of your estate, he or she may be ineligible for these benefits. Therefore, in order to protect your son or daughter’s eligibility for government benefits at some point in the future and to provide for his or her long-range needs, you may need to consider establishing a special estate plan.

    If your son or daughter’s disability affects his or her mental capability, the need to create a special estate plan is more clearcut. Mental illness and cognitive disabilities often impair a person’s ability to manage his or her own financial affairs, while simultaneously increasing financial need. As a result, you must take care to ensure that there are assets available after your death to help your son or daughter, while also providing that the assets are protected from his or her inability to manage them.


    Writing a WillIf at death you have no will, your property will be dispersed according to the law of the state in which you live at the time of your death. This law is called the state’s law of intestacy. Although laws of intestacy vary from state to state, in general they provide that some percent of assets of the decedent passes to the surviving spouse and the rest is distributed to the children in equal shares. Writing a will is highly recommended, since the laws of intestacy are rarely the most desirable way to pass property to one’s heirs.

     

    Although it is theoretically possible for any individual to write a will on his or her own, it is unwise to do so. Because of the technical nature of wills, it is highly advisable to have a lawyer prepare one. Parents of individuals with disabilities particularly need legal advice, because they often have special planning concerns. If you do not have a lawyer, you can call the local bar association, which will provide you with the name of an attorney in your vicinity. It is preferable, however, to contact a local disabilities group, which may be able to put you in contact with an attorney familiar with estate planning for parents of persons with disabilities. Not all lawyers are familiar with the special needs associated with caring and providing for individuals with disabilities.

    When making a will, however, remember that not all the assets you control are governed by a will. Joint property with right of survivorship, for example, passes independently of a will. Similarly, life insurance is paid out to the named beneficiary without regard to the will. The insurance is a contract between the owner and the insurance company, and the insurance company must pay the insurance to whomever the owner states. Many individuals have death benefits under an employer-provided pension plan. These, too, are not governed by the will but are paid to whomever the employee has designated. (Note: If you create a special estate plan to provide for your child with a disability,  in particular, if you set up a special needs trust, review any life insurance policies you have purchased, and be sure that you have not designated your child as a beneficiary.)

    Personal property, such as clothing, furniture, and household effects, should be distributed by the will independently of the often more valuable assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. Personal property is often of great sentimental importance, but may have little financial value. To avoid disharmony after the death of the last parent, it is generally a good idea to make an equal division of the personal property among the children.

    Remember, a will goes into effect only upon the death of the person who created it. Until death, the creator of the will can freely revoke, alter, or replace it.



    What to Consider When Planning Your Estate:
    First: Realistically assess your son or daughter’s disability and the prognosis for future development. If necessary, obtain a professional evaluation of your child’s prospects and capability to earn a living and to manage financial assets. If your child is younger, it may be more difficult to predict the future. In such cases, you should take a conservative view. It is better to anticipate all possibilities, good and bad, in such a way that you do not limit your loved one’s potential or set him or her up for unrealistic expectations. Remember, too, that you can change your estate plan as more information about your child becomes available.

    Second: Carefully inventory your financial affairs. Estimate the size of your estate (what you own) if you should die within the next year or the next ten years. Keep in mind that the will you write governs your affairs at the time of your death, and so it must be flexible enough to meet a variety of situations. Of course you can always write a new will, but you may never actually write it due to hectic schedules, procrastination, or oversight. Thus, the will you have written must have sufficient flexibility to meet life’s everchanging circumstances.

    Third: Consider the living arrangements of your son or daughter with a disability. The prospective living arrangements of your son or daughter will have a tremendous impact on how your estate should be distributed. If you conclude that a guardian or conservator is necessary, you should be prepared to recommend a potential guardian or conservator in your will.

    Fourth: Analyze the earning potential of your son or daughter. If your child is presently too young to be employed, you will have to project into the future. In many cases, even if your son or daughter is employed or expected to be employed at some point in the future, he or she will require additional financial assistance.

    Fifth: Consider what government benefits your son or daughter needs and is eligible to receive. Support for a person with a disability will usually come from state and federal benefits. These might be actual case grants, such as social security or supplemental security income, or they might be in-kind support programs, such as subsidized housing or sheltered workshop employment.

    Government benefits can be divided into three categories. First are those categories that are unaffected by the financial resources of the beneficiary. For example, social security disability insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receive their benefits without regard to financial need. Regardless of what the parents leave to a son or daughter with a disability, the social security payments will still be forthcoming once the person has qualified for them.

    Second, some government benefits, such as supplemental security income (SSI) and Medicaid, have financial eligibility requirements. If a person with a disability has too many assets or too much income, he or she is not eligible to receive any or all of these benefits. Someone who is eligible due to a lack of financial resources can become ineligible upon inheriting money, property, or other assets.Therefore, if your son or daughter is receiving government benefits that have financial eligibility requirements, it is important to arrange your estate in a manner that will minimize his or her loss of benefits, especially SSI or Medicaid.

    Finally, there are government programs available to individuals with disabilities where payment for services is determined according to the person’s ability to pay. Many states will charge the individual with a disability for programmatic benefits if he or she has sufficient assets or income.


    Possible Approaches in Establishing a Will:
    First, you can disinherit your son or daughter with the disability. No state requires parents to leave money to their children, disabled or not. If your assets are relatively modest and your son or daughter’s needs relatively great, the best advice may be to disinherit your child by name and have him or her rely upon federal and state supports after your death, particularly if you wish to help your other children.

    Second, you can leave your son or daughter with a disability an outright gift. If your child with a disability is not receiving (and is not expected in the future to need) government benefits, this may prove to be a desirable course of action. Your son or daughter, if mentally competent, can hire whatever assistance he or she needs to help with managing the gift. But if your son or daughter has a mental illness or cognitive disability, an outright gift is never a good idea, because this person may not be able to handle the financial responsibilities. If you want to leave a gift to support your child, the use of a trust is far preferable.

    Third, you can leave a morally obligated gift to another of your children. The danger of morally obligated gifts is, of course, that the morally obligated recipient, may ignore the wishes of the parents. Morally obligated gifts can be useful, however, especially when the parents have a modest amount of money and do not expect a lifetime of care for their son or daughter with a disability. Rather, they merely want their nondisabled sons or daughters to use some of the inherited money to assist their sibling with special needs.

    Fourth, you can establish a trust for your son or daughter with a disability. For many parents who have a child with disabilities, the use of a trust is the most effective way to help that individual. The point of a trust is to keep assets in a form that will be available to your son or daughter but that will not disqualify him or her for government benefits for which he or she might otherwise be eligible.


    Special Note: While we have endeavored to present useful and accurate information, you should be aware that laws and procedures are constantly changing and that this is not a substitute for seeking expert advice. To formulate a legally valid estate plan, you will need the services of a professional familiar with estate planning, preferably one who has expertise in planning for parents of persons with disabilities like autism.

     

  • Financial Resources for autism

    Scholarships specifically designated for students with disabilities are extremely limited. Students are urged to  pursue the scholarships available for qualities other than disability. Listed below are organizations which offer the few disability specific scholarships.

    Special Needs Trust

    Planning for the unthinkable allows you to take control of
    your child’s emotional and financial security. It will also give you peace of mind to know  that your child will be cared for in the way you intended.

    Health Care Insurance for Autistic Children

    Search for insurance for the special needs of an autistic child.

    Organizations offering Financial Assistance for those with disabilities.

     

    Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf
    3417 Volta Place, N.W.
    Washington, DC 20007
    (202) 337-5220 (voice/TT)
    American Council of the Blind
    1155 15th Street, N.W., Suite 720
    Washington, DC 20005
    (800) 424-8666 (3:00P5:30) or (202) 467-5081
    American Foundation for the Blind
    15 West 16th Street
    New York, NY 10011
    (800) 232-5463 or (212) 620-2000
    Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
    206 North Washington Street,
    Suite 320
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    (703) 548-1884
    Bridge Endowment Fund
    Scholarship Office
    National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Center
    P.O. Box 15160
    Alexandria, VA 22309-0160
    (703) 360-3600
    Blinded Veterans Association
    477 H St., N.W.
    Washington, DC 20001-2694
    (202) 371-8880
    (for children and spouses of blinded veterans)
    Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
    Office of Student Programs (Internships)
    P.O. Box 1925
    Department T Room 220
    Washington, DC 20013
    (703) 281-8365

    Christian Record Braille Foundation
    4444 South 52nd Street
    Lincoln, NE 68506
    (402) 488-0981
    Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLV)
    5707 Brockton Drive-No. 302
    Indianapolis, IN 46220
    (317) 254-0185 or (800) 733-2258
    Electronic Industries Foundation (EIF)
    919 18th Street, N.W.
    Suite 900
    Washington, DC 20006
    (202) 955-5814 (TDD 955-5836)
    Contact Marcie Vorac
    (technical or scientific field)

    Foundation for Exceptional Children
    1920 Association Drive
    Reston, VA 22091
    (703) 620-1054

    Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc.
    Rebecca F. Smith
    115 S. Brainard Avenue
    La Grange, IL 60525
    (for science students with a disability studying for a Masters Degree)

    The Geoffrey Foundation
    P.O. Box 1112
    Ocean Avenue
    Kennebunkport, ME 04046
    (207) 967-5798
    (offered to hearing impaired auditory-verbal children and students)

    Graduate Fellowship Fund
    Gallaudet University Alumni Association
    Alumni Office
    Gallaudet University
    800 Florida Avenue, NE
    Washington, DC 20002
    (202) 651-5060 (Voice/TT)
    (limited to Ph.D. students who are hearing impaired)
    Immune Deficiency Foundation
    3566 Ellicott Mills Drive
    Unit B2
    Ellicott City, MD 21043
    (limited to those with
    primary genetic immune
    deficiency)
    Jewish Braille Institute of America
    110 E. 30th Street
    New York, NY 10016
    (offered to students who wish to become rabbis, cantors or Jewish educators)
    La Sertoma International
    1912 E. Meyer Boulevard
    Kansas City, MO 64312
    (816) 333-3116
    (limited to graduate students who are preparing to assist people who are blind)
    Lighthouse, Inc.
    800 2nd Avenue
    New York, NY 10017
    (legally blind students)
    National Association of the Deaf
    Stokoe Scholarship (supports research related to sign language or deafness)
    814 Thayer Avenue
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    (301) 587-1788 (voice)
    (301) 587-1789 (TT)
    National Captioning Institute, Inc.
    Dr. Malcolm J. Norwood Memorial Award Panel
    5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1500
    Falls Church, VA 22041
    (703) 998-2400 (Voice/TT)
    (limited to students studying for careers in communication and/or media technology)
    National Federation of the Blind
    1800 Johnson Street
    Baltimore, MD 21230
    (410) 659-9314
    National Federation of Music Clubs
    Music for the Blind Department
    55 Janssen Place
    Kansas City, MO 64109
    National Hemophilia Foundation
    110 Greene Street
    New York, NY 10012
    (800) 42-HANDI
    National 4-H Council
    7100 Connecticut Avenue
    Chevy Chase, MD 20815
    (301) 961-2800
    Opportunities for the Blind
    P.O. Box 510
    Leonardtown, MD 20650
    The PresidentUs Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
    1331 F Street, NW,
    Washington, DC 20004
    (202) 376-6200
    Recording for the Blind
    20 Rozelle Road
    Princeton, NJ 08540
    (609) 452-0606
    Spina Bifida Association of America
    4590 MacArthur Boulevard, NW
    Suite 250
    Washington, DC 20007
    (800) 621-3141 or (202) 944-3285

    Trapshooting Hall of Fame College Scholarship Fund Chairshooters
    RDocS and Alicia Keim
    161 Fort Washington Avenue
    New York, NY 10032
    (212) 305-5559
    Contact: Hugo A. Keim, M.D.
    Venture Clubs Student Aid Award and Venture Clubs
    JJJof Americas
    Handicapped Student Scholarship
    1616 Walnut Street, Suite 700
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    (215) 732-0512
    Very Special Arts Education Office
    John F. Kennedy Center for  the Performing Arts
    Washington, DC 20566
    (limited to students age 10-21 studying selected musical instruments) .