Links - Reframing Ministries

Advocacy/Education & Family Life/Caregivers

Special Education Law Clearly Defined

Subjections of Special Education Law
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
idea.ed.gov/

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Introduction to Placement, Special Education for Students age 3–21
www.nichcy.org/EducateChildren/placement/Pages/overview.aspx

Links for Special Education Helps, Supports, and Services

Exceptionalities
This wiki.dot page offers comprehensive information regarding the 13 disability categories for special education:
exceptionalities13.wikidot.com/start

Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw was founded years ago and continues to lead the way as a progressive, thorough education advocacy site. Their resources are informative, accurate, and up to date. Any question you may have about special needs education is available through Wrightslaw.
www.wrightslaw.com

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
The NICHCY organization has an incredible amount of information about the special education process and additional resource links. Newly designed,, NICHCY’s Web site places their information into four categories:

Babies and Toddlers
Disabilities in Children
Children 3–22
Education and Disability Laws (including Section 504, ADA, and NCLB mandates for Special Education rules from the United States government)

www.nichcy.org

Additionally, NICHCY just published a revised, extraordinary 8 page document with information regarding advocacy, parenting, toolkits, “how to” guides; connecting people with new organizations and support helps.
Update from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

Support Networks for Parents, Churches, and Pastors

The following organizations’ Web sites provide valuable information for people involved with special needs programs.

The ARC
The ARC is the world’s largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
www.thearc.org

CHADD:
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of affected people through education, advocacy, and support.
www.chadd.org

National Resource Center on ADIHD:
A division of CHADD, this site is a resource center for information regarding Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
www.help4adhd.org

PACER Center:
Champions for Children with Disabilities: PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families.
www.pacer.org

Pacer Programs
www.pacer.org/pandr/proglist.asp

Pacer Workshops
www.pacer.org/workshops/index.asp

FAST: Pacer’s National Family Advocacy and Support Training Project
Decision making, family support, services for children and young adults with disabilities
www.fastfamilysupport.org/

Pastors/Church Ministry

The Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project is focused on brothers and sisters of people who have special needs, this nationally recognized organization offers parents, program leaders, and siblings various supports so they can better understand sibling challenges. To learn more, go to:
http://www.siblingsupport.org/about/about-the-sibling-support-project

Sibling Support Workshops
http://www.siblingsupport.org/our-workshops/our-workshops-and-training-on-the-sibshop-model

Sibling Support Project Near You
http://www.siblingsupport.org/sibshops/find-a-sibshop

Sibshops
http://www.siblingsupport.org/sibshops/index_html

Sibnet Listserve for Adult Siblings
http://www.siblingsupport.org/connect/the-sibnet-listserv

“We’re Special Too”—A Program for Siblings of Children with Special Needs, Chronic, and Terminal Illnesses
http://kidsarespecialtoo.org/info/index.html

The ARC—I Am a Sibling
http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2661

An Interactive Site for Parents and Sibling Challenges; Not Limited to Autism Discussions
http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/siblings-of-children-with-special-health.html

Recommended Organizations for Equipping for Pastors and Leaders

Joni and Friends: International Disability Center
Joni and Friends is a fantastic resource for pastors, church leaders, and congregations desiring to serve and grow a ministry for those in need. To learn more go to: joniandfriends.org

Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped (CCFH)
CCFH desires to effectively minister to and encourage people with disabilities as well as partner with individuals, churches, and assist with residential options, social interactions, and opportunities for spiritual growth. To learn more, go to http://www.ccfh.org.

Handi*Vangelism Ministries International
Handi*Vangelism Ministries International is purposed to share the love of Jesus Christ and equip the church in ministering to people with disabilities, medical or mental health challenges or to people living with a broken heart. The ministry has a wide variety of supports and resource materials. They offer Disability Training, Discipleship Ministry, Grief Seminars, Minds Renewed (for Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Health), and Twilight Senior Ministries. To learn more, visit the Handi*Vangelism Ministries International website.

Rest Ministries Chronic Illness Ministry
Rest Ministries is a Christian non-profit organization serving people and their families who live with chronic pain or illness. This organization provides practical, relational, emotional, and spiritual support through Bible studies, devotionals, on-line communities, and networks. To learn more, go to: http://www.restministries.org/