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
massachusetts state agencies and organizations
Department of Mental Health - 617-626-8000 - www.mass.gov/dmh
Department of Mental Retardation - 617-727-5608 - www.mass.gov/dmr
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
Disabilities Law Center ( DLC ) 11 Beacon Street - Suite 925 Boston, MA 02108 617-723-8455 www.dlc-ma.org
Disability.gov - Connecting the disability community to information and resources - http://www.disability.gov
DLC Western Massachusetts Office: (413) 584-6337 Voice (413) 582-6919 TTY (800) 222-5619 Voice www.dlc-ma.org
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 Association of 766 Approved Private Schools - www.maaps.org
Exceptional Schools for Exceptional Children - www.spedschools.com - information about private day and residential schools approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education under c. 766. (781) 245-1220 or info@maaps.org.
Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) 781-245-1220 www.spedschools.com/sped.html
Massachusetts Autism Resources - http://www.arcmass.org/CommunityServices/AutismResources/tabid/293/Default.aspx
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
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 Resource Center of Central Massachusetts - www.arccm.org - 508-835-4278
Autism Society of America - www.autism-society.org
Autism Society of America (MA Chapter) c/o Autism Services Association (781) 237-0272 x17 www.geocities.com/asamasschapter
Autism Speaks - www.autismspeaks.org
Autism Support Center (Danvers) - 978-777-9135 - http://www2.shore.net/~nsarc/
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
Bullying - Internet Resources - www.stopbullyingnow.com, www.bullying.org, www.bullybeware.com, http://school.discovery.com/schooladventures/health/cruelschools/, http://ericcsaa.uncg.edu/virtuallib/bullying/bullyingbook.html, www.bullypolice.org, www.thefamilycorner.com/archives/growingpains/8.shtml
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.
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.
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
laws
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
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.
Massachusetts Advocates for Children - www.massadvocates.org - 617-357-8431 (ext 224 for Helpline)
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
Schwab Learning - www.schwablearning.org
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.
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.
Legal Rights of Children with Epilepsy in School & Child Care: An Advocate's Manual - www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsylegal/upload/ChildrensRights.pdf
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.
Special Needs Planning Resources and Newsletter from a Massachusetts law firm - http://72.52.132.248/legal_resources.php
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates - A national voice for special education rights and advocacy. - www.copaa.org
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
Get AT Stuff - www.getatstuff.com - The goal of the Assistive Technology Exchange in New England is to put AT equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it.
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
Sensory Toys - www.4thekidstoystore.com/special-needs.html
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
Woodbine House - www.woodbinehouse.com - Resource for books on disabilities.
Yellow Pages for Kids - www.yellowpagesforkids.com
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
Speech-Language Pathology - Laura B. Becker, Ph.D., CCC-SLP - 120 Wells Avenue Suite 402, Newton, MA 02459, (617) 630-4976, Cell: (617) 957-5437
Therapeutic Yoga for People with Special Needs - www.stretchwhatmatters.com
Music Therapist - Michael Bertolami, MA, MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified) - (617)584-6862
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.html
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
NOTE: F-SEPAC is providing the information above for educational purposes as a public service. References to any treatment, program, or professional are not endorsements.
