resources

framingham resources

Description of Special Education Services offered in Framingham - http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/sped.cfm

Framingham Extended School Year Programs http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/sped_programs_extended.cfm

Framingham Public Schools District Curriculum Accommodation Plan - http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/curriculum/DCAP%20February%202010.pdf

massachusetts state agencies and organizations

Department of Mental Health - 617-626-8000 - www.mass.gov/dmh

Department of Developmental Services - 617-727-5608 - www.mass.gov/dds

Department of Public Health - 617-624-5969 - 800-905-8437 (Early Intervention Programs) - www.mass.gov/dph

Department of Social Services -( DSS ) 617-748-2000 -800-792-5200 www.mass.gov/dss

Disability.gov - Connecting the disability community to information and resources - http://www.disability.gov

Mass Access - www.massaccesshousingregistry.org - the accessible housing registry - Metrowest area call 508-875-7853 V/TTY

Massachusetts Advocacy Center for Children (MAC 100 Boylston Street, Suite 200 Boston MA 02116 617-357-8431

Massachusetts ARC 217 South Street Waltham, MA 02453 www.arcmass.org 781-891-6270 email: arcmass@arcmass.org

Massachusetts Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired - www.mapvi.org

Massachusetts Autism Resources - http://www.arcmass.org/CommunityServices/AutismResources/tabid/293/Default.aspx

Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association - www.dyslexia-ma.org

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind - 800-392-6450 - 617-626-7650 (TTY) -www.mass.gov/mcb

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - 617-740-1600; (617-740-1700 (TTY) - www.mass.gov/mcdhh

Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE)/ Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - 350 Main Street Malden, MA 02148-5023 781-388-3300 www.doe.mass.edu

Massachusetts Department of Education Bureau of Special Education Appeals - www.doe.mass.edu/bsea

Massachusetts Department of Education Program Quality Assurance - www.doe.mass.edu/pqa

Massachusetts Department of Education Info for Parents about Special Education - www.doe. mass.edu/ sped/parents. html

Massachusetts Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC) - www.pplace.org - 877-471-0980 - PIRC is a place where parents learn about their rights and options under both state and federal education laws so they can make the best choice for their children.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission - www.state.ma.us/mrc

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council - 617-770-7676 - www.mass.gov/mddc/

Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change - www.mfofc.org

Massachusetts Family Ties - www.massfamilyties.org – A statewide information and referral network for families of children with special needs

Massachusetts Family Voices - www.massfamilyvoices.org –Information and referral network for families of children with special needs in Mass.

Massachusetts Music Therapy Alliance - www.massmusictherapy.com

Massachusetts Office on Disability - www.mass.gov/mod/ - 617-727-7440

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission - 617-204 3600; 800-245-6543 (in MA only) - www.mass.gov/mrc

MassMATCH - www.massmatch.org - MassMATCH is the Commonwealth’s initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology (AT) in Consumer’s Hands.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL) 800-866-815-8122; 617-542-7860 www.ppal.net\

Social Security and Disability Resource Center - http://ssdrc.com

Special Olympics, Massachusetts MetroWest Area -ww.specialolympicsma.org– 508-616-6663

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Public Information Line - 800-882-1435

other resources, organizations, and associations

A Parents’ Guide to Special Education - fcsn.org/parentguide/pgintro.html

Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts - http://www.afamaction.org/

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) - www.musictherapy.org

Asperger’s Association of New England - 617-393-3824 - www.aane.org

Assistive Technology Exchange of New England - www.getATstuff.com

Assistive Technology Guide to Special Education for Massachusetts Schools - http://www.doe.mass.edu/edtech/assistive/ATguide.pdf

Autism Alliance of Metrowest - www.autismalliance.org – 508-652-9900

Autism Consortium - www.autismconsortium.org

RESOURCES DATABASE - https://www.autismconsortium.org/familyresources/ - Contains information on local programs and services for ASD.

PARENT INFORMATION PACKET - http://www.autismconsortium.org/empowering-families/parent-information-packet.html - Provides community resources, Lists grants and funding sources, Explains current treatments, in Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Haitian-Creole

Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts - www.autismresourcecentral.org - 508-835-4278

Autism Society of America - www.autism-society.org

Autism Speaks - www.autismspeaks.org

BPChildren.com - Guidance for children with Bipolar Disorder and other illnesses. www.BPChildren.com

Boston Center for Independent Living - promoting independence for people with disabilities - www.bostoncil.org- 617-338-6665 - 617-357-6815 TTY

Boston Public Schools (BPS) Access Technology - http://www.boston.k12.ma.us/teach/technology/emmanuel.asp - (617) 635-8882 ext.411

Cape Cod Disability Access Directory - www.capecoddisability.org

Children & Adults w/ADD - www.add.org

Child Anxiety Network - www.childanxiety.net

Children’s Mental Health www.bostonbar.org/prs/order_cmhg.htm – A guide written by the Boston Bar Association and Children’s Hospital

Concord SEPAC web site - http://concordspedpac.org - A great resource for private, collaborate schools, other SEPACs in Massachusetts, and many other resources of interest to parents of special needs children.

Disability Resources - www.disabilityresources.org - is a virtual library of information about web sites serving the disability community.

Downs Syndrome Resource Group - Western Massachusetts www.dsresource.org - 800-337-7791 or 413-586-8196.

Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project - www.eiplp.prg - 877-35-EI-PLP

Easter Seals Massachusetts - www.ma.easterseals.com - (800) 922-8290 Their services include AT (assistive technology) Demonstration and Loan Regional Center, AT Loan Program, Camp, Disability Resource Information, Great Hires, Job Training and Employment , Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Youth Leadership

Embracing the Spirit of the Child - Inspiration for parents, caregivers and faith communities involved with children with special needs and challenges. - www.embracingchildspirit.org

Family Connect - For parents of children with visual impairments - www.familyconnect.org brought to you by the American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org) and National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (www.napvi.org)

The Family Village - A global community that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities, their families, and those that provide them services and supports. - www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/

Fathers Network - www.FathersNetwork.org is to celebrate and support fathers and families raising children with special health care needs and developmental disabilities.

Federation for Children with Special Needs - 617-236-7210 - 800-331-0688 (in Mass) - www.fcsn.org

Going to College - www.Going-To-College.org - Resources for teens with disabilities.

Hearing Loss Association of America - 301-657-2248 or 301 657-2249 TTY www.hearingloss.org

Hoagies Gifted Education Pages - Articles about gifted children with special needs - www.hoagiesgifted.org/special_needs.htm

The Home Modification Loan Program - A program from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in collaboration with the Community Economic development Assistance Corporation. Metrowest contact- South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc. Kassia Pereira kassiap@smoc.org 508-620-2682, TTY/TDD 508-872-4853

Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities- www.ldonline.org

International Dyslexia Association - www.interdys.org - 800-ABCD-123

Internet Resources for Special Children - www.irsc.org - Web site links to numerous organizations and web site for special needs.

Jewish Community Resources for People with Disabilities.pdf, http://jewishboston.com/279-jewishboston-com/blogs/1445-jewish-community-resources-for-people-with-disabilities

Kids on Wheels a community of young wheelchair users with section for parents and kids. There is a kid to kid advise section and examples of 'roll' models They have a magazine that comes out four times per year www.kidsonwheels.cc

Learning Disabilities Association of America - www.ldanatl.org

Learning Disabilities Worldwide - 781-890-5399 - www.ldworldwide.org

Lots of Helping Hands - www.lotsahelpinghands.com - Create a free of charge, private, web-based community to organize family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues – a family’s ‘circles of community’ - during times of need. Easily coordinate activities and manage volunteers with our intuitive group calendar. Communicate and share information using announcements, messages boards, and photos.

Mass Advocates for Children - www.massadvocates.org - a private non-profit organization dedicated to being an independent and effective voice for children who face significant barriers to equal educational and life opportunities.

Mass Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (MASSPAC) www.masspac.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - www.nami.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Mass. – 508-875-1544 – www.namimass.org

National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education - www.napcse.org

National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments - (www.napvi.org)

National Braille Press - www.nbp.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities - www.ncld.org

National Council on Disability - www.ncd.gov - 202-272-2004

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) - 800-695-0285 (V/TTY) www.nichcy.org

National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NETAC) - 919-962-2001 (V) or 919-843-3269(TTY) www.nectac.org

National Federation for the Blind - www.nfb.org

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities – www.nichcy.org - NICHCY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. Its special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 800-241-1044 or 800-241-1055 (TTY) www.nidcd.nih.gov

National Organization of Rare Disorders, Inc. - www.rarediseases.org - 800-999-NORD or 203-744-0100

National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented - www.gifted.uconn.edu - 860-486-4676

New England INDEX Information on Disabilities Exchange - www.disabilityinfo.org

Outside the Box – www.adhd.kids.tripod.com

Parents Learning About Children's Education - www.pplace.org

Parent Professional Advocacy League (PAL) - http://www.ppal.net/default/ - PAL provides support, education, and advocacy.

Parents Stress Line - 800-632-8188 - www.masskids.org

Parlerai - www.parlerai.com - Harnessing the power of the internet for Children with special needs, adaptable to assistive technology devices.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Boston - www.pyd.org - 617-556-4075 - Adult mentors for children and young adults with disabilities, including learning disabilities.

Sibling Support Project - www.siblingsupport.org - The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.

Social Smart Kids - Socialsmartkids.com - online support to kids who are challenged by social interactions.

SPED Child and Teen - Listing special needs workshops and resources in greater Massachusetts www.spedchildmass.com

TILL Autism Services - (781) 302-4600 - www.tillinc.org

Uniquely Gifted - Resources for Gifted Children with Special Needs (ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities (LD), Asperger Syndrome, etc.) www.uniquelygifted.org/

Worry WIse Kids - www.WorryWiseKids.org - Great information for children with anxiety, OCD, etc.

If you know of any other groups that should be listed here, please email the information to info@f-sepac.org

or contact the one of the F-SEPAC Co-Secretaries.

lists of private schools and collaboratives

www.spedschools.com for a list of private sped schools. Under 'placement' they have a helpful check list to use when you visit the schools, information about private day and residential schools approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education under c. 766. (781) 245-1220 or info@maaps.org.

http://moecnet.org/directory - lists collaborative schools. Accept Collaborative is for the town of Framingham.

Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) 17 Lakeside Office Park Wakefield, MA 01880 781-245-1220 www.spedschools.com/sped.html

Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools - www.maaps.org

Information from the DESE on providing special education services to children attending private school - http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/07_2.html

laws

Massachusetts Special Education Regulations - www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr28.html

State Law - www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-71B-toc.htm

Federal Law - www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA/the_law.html

IDEA Law – http://idea.ed.gov/

Wrights Law - www.wrightslaw.com - A great resource for learning about special education law and advocacy.

IDEA 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act - http://idea.ed.gov/download/finalregulations.html

Mass Special Education Law (Chapter 766) - www.doe.mass.edu/sped/

Transition Planning Form - www.doe.mass.edu/sped/28MR/28m9.pdf

Chapter 688 referral - www.doe.mass.edu/sped/688/brochure.pdf

SpedEx - http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/spedx/ - SpedEx is a dispute resolution pilot project that will be available in certain cases after an IEP has been rejected or a hearing request has been filed.

Disability Rights Laws in Massachusetts - http://www.mass.gov/Eoaf/docs/mod/DisabilityLaws2010withCover.pdf

Massachusetts Advocates for Children - www.massadvocates.org - 617-357-8431 (ext 224 for Helpline)

Implications and Implementation of Mass General Law Chapter 171

Information on Chapter 171 - Family Supports - www.mfofc.org/legislation/index.html

Program Quality Assurance Services - www.doe.mass.edu/pqa – Part of the DOE that oversee the quality of Massachusetts Schools

Rosie D. Decision - www.rosied.org - Rosie D. Decision enables children with psychiatric disabilities to receive appropriate home-based services so they can grow up in their own homes and attend local schools.

Legal Rights of Children with Epilepsy in School & Child Care: An Advocate's Manual - www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsylegal/upload/ChildrensRights.pdf

Collaborative Problem Solving and Dispute Resolution in Special Education: Training Manual Table of Contents - http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/contents.cfm

Communication Tips - http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/pdf/Communication_Tips_English.pdf

The National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education - Negotiation Traps - http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/spoelstra.cfm

Disability Law Center of MA - www.dlc-ma.org - 617-723-8455 - Referrals, advocacy, and free legal service, particularly for immigrants and low income residents.

South Middlesex Legal Services - www.smlegal.org - provides free, civil legal representation to low-income people who live in MetroWest area. SMLS assists students and parents in their special education cases, addressing an unmet community health need.

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts - www.clcm.org - a private, non-profit, legal advocacy and resource center providing direct representation to low income children in Eastern Massachusetts, and technical assistance and training to lay and professional communities throughout New England on issues affecting children's education, civil rights, custody, health and welfare.

SPEDWatch, Inc. - www.spedwatch.org - SPEDWatch, Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit social change movement fighting to secure the educational rights of all Massachusetts schoolchildren with disabilities, ages 3-21.

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates - A national voice for special education rights and advocacy. - www.copaa.org

F-SEPAC library

other helpful links - Please note that the F-SEPAC does not endorse any of these products.

AblePlay - www.ableplay.org - is a web site with independent ratings and reviews of toys for children with special needs. They also give ideas on alternative ways of playing with certain toys.

Abilitations - www.abilitations.com Our special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy product mix focuses on movement, positioning, sensorimotor, education, communication, exercise, and play. 800-850-8602

Danmar Products www.danmarproducts.com/index.cfm - 800-783-1998 Sports gear, swim aids, cranial shaping helmets, etc for special children.

DisABILITIESBOOKS, INC. - www.disabilitiesbooks.com - sells a book called Legal Planning for Special Needs in Massachusetts (617) 879-0397- another web site to find the book is www.mfofc.org/legal-planning-for-special-needs-massachusetts.html

Equipment Shop www.equipmentshop.com/ Feeding and oral, seating and positioning equipment, trikes, foot pedal attachments 800-525-7681, 781-275-7681

Pass It On, Inc. - is a volunteer-based non-profit charitable organization. They recycle "used but good" medical equipment and provide it to disabled individuals and their families. They take/deliver equipment for children up to 22 years of age. They do not buy or sell equipment. They will pick up donated items for free. They will charge a nominal fee ($35.00) to deliver items. They are open 3 days a week. The equipment must be in good working condition. Pass It On loans and donates medical equipment to individuals and their families who:

- do not have insurance coverage for an item

- cannot afford insurance co-payment for an item

- do not have the funds to rent or purchase an item.

Pass it on works on the honor system. They do not require financial disclosures or personal information. They just ask that you be honest in your requests so that those who truly need their services the most are able to receive them. Inventory will vary. It they don't have it available there is an option to be put on a waiting list. Example of inventory items could be gait trainers, standers, wheel chairs, kid carts, ramps, seats, etc. Contact Info: Pass It On, Inc. , P.O. Box 2120, Mashpee, MA 02649, 508-477-6966 or 1-800-267-6768

The New England Assistive Technology Exchange (AKA GetATStuff.org) - www.getatstuff.org - It is a place for sellers/donors of assistive technology to list their items and for folks looking for such items to find them. In other words, it is like a Craigslist for

Assistive Technology.

MassMATCH - www.massmatch.org - MassMATCH is the Commonwealth’s initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology (AT) in Consumer’s Hands. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, MassMATCH is currently creating new AT programs and working to coordinate AT services throughout the Commonwealth.

New England Assistive Technology Marketplace - http://www.neatmarketplace.org/index.html - This is the place to come for equipment that makes life more accessible. At NEAT, you can try it, buy it, or donate it. They are located in Hartford, Connecticut and can ship items. (860) 243-2869 or 860-286-3113 TTY

Sammons Preston www.sammonspreston.com/ Rehab equipment and supplies. 800-323-5547

Theraproducts - www.Theraproducts.com - sells all kinds of therapeutic equipment and is located in downtown Framingham. 1-800-257- 5376

Toys r Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids - www.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled

Wheelchair Recycler - www.wheelchairrecycler.org - collects; refurbishes and re-issues used power wheelchairs at little or no expense to the new user. 508-460-6328 They are located in Ashland.

Woodbine House - www.woodbinehouse.com - Resource for books on disabilities.

Yellow Pages for Kids - www.yellowpagesforkids.com

100 Web Tools for Learning with a Disability - www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/100_web_tools_for_learning_with_disability

Information on Durable Medical Equipment

list of doctors, therapists, other providers, and health information

While each of the following professionals comes recommended by at least three F-SEPAC members, we cannot in any way guarantee the result. It is important to check their references, review their credentials, and interview them to understand whether their skills and approach are a good fit for your child.

Mesmo que os seguintes profissionais venham recomendados por pelo menos três membros da F-SEPAC, não podemos de maneira nenhum garantir o resultado. È importante verificar suas referências, revisar suas credenciais, e entrevistá-los para entender se suas habilidades e aproximação são bons para seus filhos.

Aunque cada uno de los siguientes profesionales tienen la recomendación de al menos tres miembros de F-SEPAC, no podemos de ninguna manera garantizar el resultado. Es importante verificar sus referencias, revisar sus credenciales y entrevistarlos para entender si sus destrezas y enfoques corresponden a las necesidades de su hijo/a.

Dentist - Dr. Robin Eliasberg 326 Union Avenue, Framingham, 01702-6309 508-875-1234

Dentist - Dr. Mel Ehrlich -223 Walnut Street Suite 22 Framingham (508) 875-KIDS

Physical Therapist and Cranial Sacral Therapist - Alice Duddy - Framingham (774) 279-1243

Occupational Therapist - Phyllis Barrett Samara - 76 Otis Street #7, Westborough, MA 01545 (508) 898-2688 www.barrettfamilywellness.com

Therapeutic Yoga for People with Special Needs - www.stretchwhatmatters.com

Music Therapist - Michael Bertolami, MA, MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified) - (617)584-6862

Speech and Language - Speech & Language Specialties Shrewsbury MA, 01545 - 508.757.6981 - www.slspecial.com

Many other local doctors, therapists and other providers can be found at the Concord SpedPAC web site under "Professional Help". www.concordspedpac.org

Massachusetts Comprehensive School Health Manual - Divided into three major sections that include 16 chapters, the manual incorporates the most complete and up-to-date information on the policy and practice of school health in the Commonwealth. An electronic version of the updated and revised Massachusetts Comprehensive School Health Manual is at:http://www.maclearinghouse.com/schoolhealthmanu al.htm
For students requiring specialized health services, see Chapter 7: http://www.maclearinghouse.com/schoolhealthmanu al/PDF/Chapters/ Chapter07_ D.pdf
For mental health info see Chapter 11: http://www.maclearinghouse.com/schoolhealthmanu al/PDF/Chapters/ Chapter11_ D.pdf

For additional information on MA asthma & allergies http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=5&sub=105&cont=654
Asthma Action Plan" Form http://www.healthcaresouth.com/pages/asthmaacti on2002.pdf

Food Allergy Action Plan http://foodallergy.org/downloads/FAAP.pdf

Framingham School's Health Services http://www.framinghamschoolhealth. com/

Framingham School's Health Staff: http://www.framinghamschoolhealth.com/contacts. htm

Framingham School's Health Services include:
• A full time registered nurse in each school building
• Illness and injury assessment
• First Aid
• Medication administration during the school day
• Chronic condition management
• Hearing, vision, and postural screening and follow-up
• Cumulative health record, including immunizations
• Health evaluations for special education services
• Health/wellness education
• Collaboration with local, regional, and statewide health agencies and initiatives
• Assistance with health insurance for children and families
• Referrals and help to access medical care

advocates and ways to find them

"A Parent's Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts." - http://www.fcsn.org/pti/advocacy/advocacy_brochure.pdf

Massachusetts Advocates for Children - 617-357-8431 (ext 224 for Helpline) www.massadvocates.org

Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN) – www.spanmass.org – 508-655-7999 Network of educational advocates.

List of advocates from Concord SPED PAC - http://www.concordspedpac.org/Advocates.html

Another helpful link to advocates & other resources: http://www.masspac.org/advocacy/pdr.htm

Joan Toussaint 978-897-1622 edadvocate@aol.com

Garrett Colson 978-853-8811

Lynn Kreutz, 325 Maynard Rd, Sudbury 978-443-1378 lynnkreutz@comcast.net

Jayne Fischer, Worcester, 508-755-4557 s.jfisher@verizon.net

List of Advocates from Hudson SEPAC

NOTE: F-SEPAC is providing the information above for educational purposes as a public service.