We understand the unique challenges parents and caregivers face and the vital role they play in their children's education and development. As parents ourselves, we know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the complexities of special education, healthcare, and support services. By providing access to information, tools, and community connections, we empower parents and caregivers to advocate effectively for their children, make informed decisions and ensure their children receive the support they need to thrive.
Bookshare is an accessible online library for people with print disabilities. It offers over a million e-books in formats like audio, braille, and large print, making it easier for students with reading challenges to access literature and textbooks.
π National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
The AEM Center provides guidance and resources for creating and acquiring educational materials that are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. They offer tools, best practices, and training to support educators and administrators.
Learning Ally offers an extensive library of audiobooks and resources specifically designed for students with reading disabilities like dyslexia. They provide tools and strategies to support reading comprehension and academic success.
Understood offers a wealth of resources for parents and educators of children with learning and attention issues. Their assistive technology section includes articles, guides, and tools to help choose the right AT solutions for individual students.
π MA Resource Insurance Center at UMASS Medical
Assistance with MassHealth primary or secondary application process for people with disabilities.
π ARICA (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism)
Law requiring private health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
π DDS Children's Autism Waiver Service Program
The Children's Autism Waiver Program at the Department of Developmental Services Autism Division serves children, birth through age 9, with an autism spectrum disorder who meet the eligibility criteria.Β
π Assistive Technology Act Programs
Every U.S. state has a federally funded AT program that provides services such as device demonstrations, loans, and financial assistance. You can find your stateβs program here.
π Adaptive Swimming with Swim Angelfish
North Shore
SwimAngelfish specializes in working with individuals who have autism, anxiety, sensory needs, motor challenges, or those who learn differently.
π Adaptive Swimming
Peabody, MA
Individualized lessons designed to meet the need of anybody looking to improve and be more comfortable in and around the water. Their adaptive swim instructor specializes in meeting each client where they are at with their personal swim journey
π InclYOUsion Sports
Danvers MA
A supportive community designed to welcome young athletes of all abilities ages 2-10 onto fields and courts in a spirit of fun, teamwork and personal growth.
π FlipsR4Kids - Specialty Classes
Reading, MA
Designed for children with unique abilities, who are in need of that little extra attention. The curriculum focuses on hand/eye coordination, development of fine and gross motor skills, and improvement of balance and strength.
π Special Olympics Massachusetts
Headquarters in Marlborough, MA, but programs available statewide, including the North Shore areas
Special Olympics offers a variety of sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, including soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field. They host events and practices across the North Shore, allowing athletes of all ages and abilities to participate.
π TOPSoccer (Danvers Youth Soccer Association)
Danvers, MA
A community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl with a mental or physical disability.
π Adaptive Sports New England
Boston, MA (serving Greater Boston area, including North Shore)
This organization offers adaptive sports programs for youth and adults with physical disabilities and visual impairments. They provide opportunities to participate in sports like track and field, swimming, and rowing, with events and activities in the Greater Boston area.Β
π MA Behavioral Health Partnership
Available to MassHealth members through primary or secondary coverage.
π Danvers Cares
DanversCARES is a program of the Town of Danvers, MA sponsored by the Danvers Public School Department and is funded by state and federal grants, local donations, and the Danvers Public Schools.Β
π Justice Resource Institute: Children's Friend and Family Services of Salem
JRI is a leader in social justice, with over 100 diverse programs meeting the needs of underserved individuals, families and communities. We are committed to excellence, delivering targeted services that support the dignity of each person.Β
π Findhelp.org
Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
The toolkit offers guidance on addressing common nutritional challenges for individuals with autism, including tips on creating healthy meal plans.
π Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Β They offer guidance on creating special diets for children with developmental disabilities and other special needs.
π National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD)
NCHPAD provides resources and information on physical activity, fitness, and nutrition for people with disabilities, including those in special education.
π Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
FARE offers resources for managing food allergies, which can be particularly important in special education settings.Β
Danvers, MA
The Northeast Arc offers a variety of social skills groups for children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. These groups focus on improving communication, building friendships, and enhancing social interactions in a supportive environment.
Beverly, MA
Aspire has multiple social skills groups that focus on basic skills, such as reciprocating conversation, to more complex skills, such as βperspective taking.βΒ
Woburn, MAΒ
The Boston Ability Center offers social skills groups for children and adolescents. These groups focus on developing communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and peer relationships through engaging activities and games.
Andover, MA
Melmark New England offers social skills groups and therapeutic programs for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. These groups are designed to enhance socialization, communication, and independent living skills.
π Federation for Children with Special Needs
Provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, helping them navigate special education, health care, and community services in Massachusetts.Β
π MA Advocates for Children
Advocates for the rights of children in Massachusetts, particularly those with disabilities, ensuring they receive equitable education and services through legal assistance, policy work, and community education.Β
π Special Needs Advocacy Network
A professional organization offering resources, training, and support for special education advocates and parents, focusing on enhancing advocacy skills and ensuring quality education for children with special needs.Β
π The ARC of MA
Dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The ARC of Massachusetts provides advocacy, support, and resources to promote inclusion and community participation.Β
π Search Comprehensive Directory of resources in MA by age, topic & disability
An extensive online directory that helps families and professionals find local resources and services for individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts, organized by age, topic, and specific needs.Β
π American Foundation for the Blind
A national nonprofit organization that supports individuals who are blind or visually impaired by providing resources, advocacy, and promoting accessibility and equality in education, employment, and daily life.Β
π American Society for Deaf Children
An organization dedicated to supporting and empowering families with deaf or hard of hearing children through resources, advocacy, and promoting language accessibility and educational opportunities.Β
π Association of Autism and Neurodiversity
Focuses on promoting understanding and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity, offering resources, advocacy, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, emphasizing inclusion and self-advocacy.Β
Part of the Cerebral Palsy Research Networkβs mission is providing health and wellbeing programming to our community of individuals with cerebral palsy. Staying active and reducing stress are vital components of maintaining health and wellness throughout oneβs life.Β
Danvers, MA
Northeast Arc offers a wide range of therapeutic services for individuals with disabilities, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral support services. They also provide early intervention services and specialized educational programs.
Andover, MA
Melmark New England provides educational and therapeutic services for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Their services include applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services.
π North Shore Childrenβs Therapies
Danvers, MA
This center offers a variety of therapeutic services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. They specialize in working with children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities.
π The Speech Therapy Center
Reading, MA
Provides specialized speech and occupational therapy services in their private clinic setting.Β
Peabody, MA
Bridgewell offers a variety of therapeutic and clinical services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral health services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism.
π North Shore Education Consortium
Beverly, MA
The North Shore Education Consortium offers specialized educational programs and therapeutic services for students with significant special needs. Their services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling.
π National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
NTACT:C provides evidence-based practices, resources, and toolkits to assist educators, families, and students in effective transition planning.
π Wrightslaw: Transition Planning
Wrightslaw offers comprehensive information on transition planning, including legal requirements, IEP development, and post-secondary options.
The Transition Coalition provides training, resources, and support for educators and families to improve transition outcomes for youth with disabilities.
π PACER Center: National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
PACER offers resources tailored to parents, students, and professionals to assist with transition planning, covering topics like education, employment, and independent living.
π Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR)
CPIR provides a wealth of resources on transition planning, including guides on developing a transition plan, understanding IDEA regulations, and exploring post-secondary options.
Got Transition focuses on healthcare transition, offering resources and tools for youth with special healthcare needs transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
Β This interactive website helps students with disabilities plan for their futures, offering information on various aspects of adulthood, including employment, independent living, and community involvement.
π National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
NCLD provides resources for students with learning disabilities and their families to navigate the transition to life after high school, including college and career readiness tools.
π Department of Education - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
OSERS offers guidance on transition services required under IDEA, helping educators and families understand their roles in the transition planning process.
π Think College!
Think College provides resources and information for students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in pursuing higher education, including a database of college programs and tools for planning.Β
The resources provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given regarding the content's correctness, reliability, or applicability to your specific circumstances. Caregivers are advised to consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to their individual needs. The provider of these resources assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any outcomes arising from the use of this information.Β