Resource Guides: Disability Resources for Pediatrics: Education/School Issues and Transition

Early Intervention

Department of Developmental Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate as valued members of a community

Government Web Sites

A more comprehensive listing of Massachusetts State Agenices can be found under the 'Disability Related Websites' tab in this guide.

Massachusetts Department of Education
Programs for children with disabilities: Ages 3-5
Early learning services
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Massaschusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Special Education
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Early Childhood Unit, Division for Special Health Care Needs
Programs for infant and toddlers with disabilities:ages Birth to age three.
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Masstart
A Free Program Providing Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs and Who May Be Assisted by Medical Technology in the School Setting. DPH helps coordinate families & schools in dealing with children with complex care needs during their school day.
Parent Leadership Project
A source for information about the Massachusetts Early Intervention System.
Supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
U S Office of Education
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
The OSERS is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages.

Transition Services

Autism Consortium
Family Resources and Support Programs for families affected by autism and other neurological disorders
Transitioning from Early Intervention into Preschool Special Education
Best Practices in Early Childhood Transition
This guide is the result of a collaborative effort between the Departments of Early Education and Care, Public Health, and Elementary and Secondary Education.
Massachusetts Family Voices
Wright's Law
Information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Search articles, cases, and resources in the 'Advocacy Libraries' and 'Law Libraries' links

Support Groups

There are many support groups and advocacy agencies which help with school issues. Please refer to the 'Support Group' tab and 'Advocacy' tab for additional listings.

Federation for Children with Special Health Care Needs
"Informing, Educating, Empowering Families"
Some Pro-bono School Advocates, Parent Training, and Information Center
Choose a language to translate the web pages
Family Ties Directory
"Resources for Families of Children With Special Needs"
Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change
Advocacy and Family Support

Early Intervention Agencies

Community Healthlink, Inc.
"Together for Kids" provides consultation and training services for family and educators throughout Massachusetts.

Teacher's Corner

Council for Exceptional Children
Massachusetts Teacher's Association
National Education Association
Wrights Law
Accurate reliable information about Special Education Law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
MassMATCH (Massachusett's Initiative to Maximize Assitive Technology (AT) in Consumer's Hands)
Resosurces to help educators learn about and access assistive technology for students with disabilities.

Education Resources

Voices 4 Hope
"Voices 4 Hope" site contains informational resources regarding High School and College education options for those with mental health conditions

Talking Books

The National Library service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress offers a free program of talking books and other materials for individuals of all ages who have a disability that prevents them from reading regular print. There are eligibility requirements and an application process.