General Disability Information
This page provides information and resources to help you more fully understand the characteristics of specific disabilities.
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Description: The Clerc Center, a federally funded national deaf education center, ensures that the diverse population of deaf and hard of hearing students (birth through age 21) in the nation are educated and empowered and have the linguistic competence to maximize their potential as productive and contributing members of society. This is accomplished through early access to and acquisition of language, excellence in teaching, family involvement, research, identification and implementation of best practices,...
Description: The Disability History Museum hosts a Library of virtual artifacts, Education curricula, and Museum exhibits. These programs are designed to foster research and study about the historical experiences of people with disabilities and their communities. The Disability History Museum is a virtual project, it has no bricks or mortar. It aims to provide all site visitors, people with and without disabilities, researchers, teachers and students, with a wide array of tools to help deepen their...
Description: If you have just recently found out about your child’s hearing loss or know of a child who has been recently diagnosed with a hearing loss you are on the right track to finding more information for Virginia residents. Knowledge is power! Being informed in the area of deafness/hearing impairment and teaching your child or children with hearing losses to be independent is important. On the Center for Family Involvement website, go to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing: 1-3-6 Family Educator Page and...
Description: PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. A child may be diagnosed with PANDAS when: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders suddenly appear following a strep infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever); or The symptoms of OCD or tic symptoms suddenly become worse following a strep infection. The symptoms are usually dramatic, happen “overnight and out of the blue,” and can include motor and/or...
Description: The Brain Injury Strategies App is intended to provide ideas for supporting an individual who is returning to learning. It addresses various areas of concern that can happen after a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury. The end product is a summary of selected strategies that can be implemented by an educator for an individual student. (Note: To preview Brain Injury Strategies App, use 1234 as student ID.)
Description: Improving the Communication Abilities of all Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder We have developed Communication Guidelines and Resources to support educational team members in enhancing the communication abilities of students with ASD and to create lifelong learners. The Communication Guidelines and Resources are designed to: Enhance understanding of what communication is, Enhance understanding of why communication is important, and Advance expectations, knowledge, and skills related to...
Description: Who We Are - The National Federation of Families: Bringing Lived Experience to Family Support is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. It was conceived in Arlington, Virginia in February, 1989 by a group of 18 people determined to make a difference in the way the system works. Where We Come From Members of the National...
Description: Dyslexia and dysgraphia are both learning issues. Dyslexia primarily affects reading. Dysgraphia mainly affects writing. While they’re different issues, the two are easy to confuse. They share symptoms and often occur together. This article provides a simple table can help you tell them apart. It gives information about What is it?, Signs you may notice, possible emotional and social impact, What can help, and Accommodations. If your child is struggling with reading or writing, it can be...
Description: Wellness is a rapidly growing area of focus for people across the U.S. The popularity of health advice segments on TV news and talk shows, of high tech fitness tracking devices and apparel, and of stress management and meditation workshops are a few of the indicators of a growing interest in whole-person well-being. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the benefits of attending to wellness are at least as great as those experienced by the rest of the population. But...
Description: Helping Students Recover from a Concussion: Classroom Tips for Teachers - How can I help students who are recovering from a concussion? As a teacher, you play an important role in helping students recover from a concussion as they return to school. Making short-term changes to your students' school work load and schedule- and giving them time to help their brain heal- can help them get back to their regular school routine. As they begin to feel better, you can slowly remove these changes....
Description: Meet Josh, a sixth-grader with executive functioning issues . This doesn’t mean he isn’t smart. It means his brain’s self-management system has trouble getting organized and getting things done. Executive functions are an important set of mental skills. To see how trouble with these skills affects kids in school and outside of it too, take a look at a typical day in Josh’s life.
Description: The Virginia Family Special Education Connection Website provides Local Disability Services information for all of the Counties/Cities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These services include: Arc (The Arc) Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources Brain Injury Services Care Connection for Children (Health Department Program) Centers for Independent Living Child Development Services Program - Clinics Child Find Community Services Board (CSB) Department for Aging and...
Description: ATN/AIR-P Puberty and Adolescent Resource - Puberty can be a time of mixed feelings for parents and pre-teens. All parents eventually face the challenge of teaching their children about the natural changes of puberty. However, parents of pre-teens with autism may need the help of additional strategies to ease the transition. Our aim in developing this tool is to provide guidance on puberty that can be directly applied to pre-teens with autism. In doing so, we hope to increase families'...
Description: Traveling with kids can be tough no matter what. But sensory processing issues can add some unique challenges. These troubleshooting tips can help you anticipate your child’s needs and avoid vacation meltdowns. 1 of 10 Bring a "sensory travel kit."If your child has visual sensitivities or is sensitive to sounds, textures, or smells, you might have already found tools that help. Fill a small backpack with the items such as sunglasses, earplugs, and fidgets . Keep it within reach in the car...
Description: For many families, food plays a central role in holiday celebrations. That can be tough for kids who are sensitive to the tastes, smells, and textures of foods. Kids with food sensitivities may not be able to tolerate the dishes everyone else at home looks forward to. They may reject holiday foods other people prepare. These food struggles can create difficult and uncomfortable situations. But there are things you can do to help your child manage the challenges and avoid clashes over holiday...
Description: The Faces and Facts of Disability - Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey, touching the lives of nearly every American, often during times of personal hardship, transition, and uncertainty. Our programs serve as vital financial protection for working men and women, children, the disabled, and the elderly. For over 60 years, our disability program has remained true to its original purpose of delivering economic security against the risk of a severe disability that prevents...
Description: Special Needs Parent Tool Kit Birth to 18 - The Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs is pleased to provide the Department of Defense Special Needs Parent Tool Kit — Birth to 18. This tool kit provides information and resources that will help you improve your quality of life and teaches you how to advocate for your child with special needs. Each of the six modules addresses issues you are likely to encounter throughout your child’s life. Whether your...
Description: Here are Mary’s Top 10 Tips on communicating with someone who has a disability. This video engages the viewer while educating them on the proper disability etiquette. This video is part of a series on disability awareness and inclusion in sports and physical education.
Description: Prader-Willi Syndrome is a complex genetic disorder of the 15th chromosome; the most common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children. PWSA | USA supports individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, their families, and care providers with critical information and resources. We educate medical providers, educators, and professional care givers about PWS and how to best support individuals with the syndrome. PWSA | USA seeks to support research projects with the potential...
Description: 100 Day Kit for School Age Children The days after an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children between the ages of five and 13 make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis. This kit will help you learn more about autism and how to access the services that your child needs. It contains information and advice collected from trusted experts on autism and parents like you. What is autism? Core signs and...
Description: Medical visits can be stressful for anyone. Individuals with autism often face extra challenges during procedures like physical examinations and blood draws due to difficulty communicating about the symptoms they are experiencing and sensory issues that can occur in the clinical setting. The fear and anxiety felt during medical procedures by those with autism can also be stressful for caregivers and medical professionals administering treatment. These brief presentations aim to facilitatte...
Description: Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence - Executive function and self-regulation (EF/SR) skills provide critical supports for learning and development, and while we aren’t born with these skills, we are born with the potential to develop them through interactions and practice. This 16-page guide (available for download, below), describes a variety of activities and games that represent age-appropriate ways for adults to...
Description: Since 2014, Understood has served millions of families of kids who learn and think differently. In 2012, our Workplace program was created and has helped thousands of people with all types of disabilities find meaningful employment at inclusive companies. Our programs for Families, Educators, and Young Adults focus on empowering people who learn and think differently and those who support them, offering customized, accessible resources and a compassionate community. Our Workplace program helps...
Description: Living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - The MSKTC works closely with researchers in the 16 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model Systems to develop resources for people living with traumatic brain injuries and their supporters. These evidence-based materials are available in a variety of platforms such as printable PDF documents, videos, and slideshows. Topics include: Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Alcohol & TBI Balance Problems & TBI Being a Parent With a Traumatic Brain Injury Changes...
Description: The Virginia Autism Council is a group comprised of self-advocates, professionals and family members. This Council works to advance knowledge and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by defining skill competencies needed to effectively support a person with ASD and to advance higher education, training and educational opportunities for personnel and caregivers who provide support. The VAC website is Virginia’s clearinghouse on education and training opportunities taking place...
Description: On this website, you can learn about Virginia’s Medicaid, FAMIS programs for children, pregnant women, and adults. You can also get information about health insurance choices through the Federal Marketplace.
Description: Our mission is to educate, guide and inspire parents of children with learning disabilities or ADHD. Our aim is to help parents realize their children’s significant gifts and talents, and to show that with their love, guidance, and the right support, their children can live happy and productive lives.
Description: This graduate certificate is ideal for educators, interventionists, psychologists, pathologists, behavior analysts, or family members who want to enhance their preparation for working with children and adults affected with autism spectrum disorders.
Description: Charlie and the Cardboard Box - A young boy named Charlie is in a wheel-chair but asks the reader not to feel sad or bad for him because he is quite "Handi-Capable". The story progresses with Charlie getting a large refrigerator box and letting his imagination run wild! From a race car driver to kid astronaut and from a submarine to a deep dark cave, Charlie and his imagination have a blast with just a cardboard box. As Charlie says, "Remember...you are only limited by your own...
Description: Dental Tool Kit - Visits to the dentist and oral care at home can be difficult for people with autism. Autism Speaks partnered with Colgate and Philips-Sonicare to create a dental guide and video for families of children with autism and dental professionals. These tools are designed to: help families and caregivers find the right dentist teach families and caregivers how to effectively prepare for a visit to the dentist decrease anxiety about going to the dentist provide information for...
Description: Traumatic Brain Injury Factsheets Factsheet topics include: Alcohol Use After Traumatic Brain Injury Balance Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury Being a Parent With Traumatic Brain Injury Changes in Emotion After Traumatic Brain Injury Cognitive Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury Concussion Recovery Depression Traumatic Brain Injury Driving After Traumatic Brain Injury And many more topics
Description: We are pleased to provide English speakers with quick access to the wealth of information in Spanish on this website. For those of you who don’t speak Spanish, use this page to easily find and share important information with the Spanish speakers you serve in their own language. Use the alphabetical jumps below to search the list for topics in English. Each item starts with the topic/title in English and a link to information in English on that topic. This is followed by the...
Description: Información en español en este sitio, Nos complacemos en facilitar su acceso rápido a nuestra información en español a través de esta lista alfabética organizada por Tema de Discapacidad.
Description: Students on the autism spectrum (and a lot of other students, too) frequently have challenges or behavior difficulties because they don’t understand their world very well. Because they are easily frustrated and regularly misunderstood, their behavior is often not like other students. Sometimes they do not understand how to do what other students do. Sometimes they try to control the world using behaviors and strategies other students don’t usually need to use. When trying to sort...
Description: Products or treatments claiming to cure autism are deceptive and misleading, because there is no cure for autism. The same is true of many products claiming to “treat” autism or autism-related symptoms. Some may carry significant health risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays an important role in warning companies against making improper claims about their products’ intended use as a treatment or cure for autism or autism-related symptoms.
Description: If you have a family member, child or adult, with Autism Spectrum Disorder and you’ve been longing for a Family Vacation, then you’ve arrived at the right place.
Description: The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. They provide advocacy, research, education, direct tools, thoughtful awareness and hope.
Description: Family Voices is a national family-led organization promoting quality health care for all children and youth with special health care needs. Working with family leaders and professional partners at the local, state, regional, and national levels since 1992, Family Voices has brought a respected family perspective to improving health care programs and policies and ensuring that health care systems include, listen to, and honor the voices of families.
Description: Life-Changing Apps for People with Brain Injury - Almost every day, we hear of new apps developed for just about everything — from staying organized to finding pharmacies or restaurants while on the road. It’s hard to keep up. Some of these apps have proven to be especially helpful for people with brain injury. The phone can be used to remind you of an upcoming appointment or to take medication, or it can be used like a traditional paper notebook to keep all your addresses, telephone...
Description: People First Language- Everyone deserves dignity and respect. Yet historically, our words have contributed to negative attitudes and misrepresentations about the value of people with disabilities in our society. To end discrimination — at work, at school, and in our communities — it’s important to stop using language that denies a person's value, individuality, and capability. As its name implies, People-First Language puts the individual first and the disability second. It's...
Description: Disability Scoop is the nation’s premier source for developmental disability news. With daily coverage of autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and more, it offers timely and comprehensive information about issues that matter to the developmental disability community.
Description: Are you looking for information on a health condition or perhaps trying to find health services? There are lots of medical sites out there that explain conditions in terms you don’t need to be a doctor to understand. And there are sites that can help you locate healthcare services in your community.
Description: Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal condition associated with intellectual disabilities. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality: for some unknown reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain. In most cases, the diagnosis of Down syndrome is made according to results from a chromosome test administered shortly after birth. Just as in the...
Description: If you’re looking for information about disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, you’ve come to the right place! The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) offers information and connections to the full spectrum of disabilities in children, including developmental delays and rare disorders. Use the links below to learn about typical developmental milestones in childhood, specific disabilities and disorders, and the...
Description: Welcome to the alphabet soup of special education! The disability community is full of acronyms that people constantly use in writing and in conversation, and it’s important to know what those acronyms stand for. Acronyms are used in order to abbreviate names or phrases. The CPIR is pleased to provide this list of special education and disability-related acronyms, and hope it helps our readers quickly connect with the meaning of pivotal acronyms in the field.
Description: Our goal in education must be to create a rich educational setting for all children. Special Education was originally designed as a "resource" to educational programs, not as a separate placement. Research indicates that removing children from their typical peers, undermines their capacity to learn the skills that will enable them to belong. Statistics from the CDC show a dramatic rise in Autism; therefore we must prepare our inclusive classrooms to create the educational setting to address the...
Description: It’s important to know what to expect as your baby grows, because hearing problems can delay the development of voice, speech, and language skills. The checklist below presents the average age by which most babies accomplish a variety of early speech and language skills. Typically, a child may not accomplish all the items in an age category until he or she reaches the upper age in the age range.
Description: Speech, language, or hearing problems can lead to trouble making friends and doing well in school. Give your child success—get help early. Find your child's age below and learn about her speech, language, and hearing development. Birth to One Year One to Two Years Two to Three Years Three to Four Years Four to Five Years Children develop at their own rate. These charts tell you when most children who speak only one language will reach each milestone. Your child should master the skills...
Description: Vision loss means that a person’s eyesight is not corrected to a “normal” level. Vision loss can vary greatly among children and can be caused by many things.
Description: Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting some 1,500 babies each year. Spina bifida happens during the first month or so of pregnancy and means that the baby’s spine did not close completely. Damage to the nerves and the spinal cord may result. In general, there are three types of spina bifida. These are: Spina bifida occulta: In this mildest form of spina bifida, there’s a small defect or gap in one or more of the vertebrae (bones) of the...