Resource Library

The resources below are listed by disability or topic in alphabetical order. These are for informational purposes only and are not endorsed or recommended by NSPAC.  We make no explicit or implied claims of value, accuracy, quality or benefit.    

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Executive Function Skills 

ADHD Essentials - Brendan Maher

Beyond Book Smart - Michael Delman

Dr. Ed Hallowell - Hallowell Centers

Dr. Sharon Saline 

CHADD of Rhode Island 

Speech and Language Specialties - Jessica Padula (offers Exec Function groups)

ADOPTION SUPPORT

Adoptive Families Together  

APRAXIA

Apraxia Kids

ARTHRITIS  

Arthritis Foundation

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) and ACC

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)  Augumentative & Alternative Communication (ACC) information

MassMatch Massachusetts Initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology in Consumer's Hands.   Mission is to enhance independence of people with disabilities by use of assistive technology.

Center for Communication Enhancement A clinic at  Boston Children's Hospital in Waltham providing evaluation, consultative, and therapeutic services to a wide range of patients who experience communication disorders.

Lit2Go Free online collection of stories and poems in audiobook format. Over 4500 files of K-12 literature with print resources and activities.

ASTHMA AND ALLERGY

Asthma and Allergy Foundation

 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

AFAM Advocates for Autism in Massachusetts

Asperger/Autism Network - AANE

Autism Alliance of Metrowest 

Autism Behavioral Center

HMEA's Autism Resource Central

Autism Services - Northeast Arc 

Doug Floutie Jr. Foundation for Autism  Helps families get access to services, lead active lifestyles, grow towards adult independence.

National Autism Association 

The Arc of Massachusetts  Advocacy of supports and services based in the community; great list of resources in the area. 

The Help Group  Autism, AHD and Learning Disabilities

Library Science Information on how Libraries can accommodate patrons with autism

CHILD BIRTH INJURY

Birth Injury

CARDIAC CONDITIONS

Little Hearts of Massachusetts Parent Support Group  

CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Cebrebral Palsy Group

Cerebral Palsy Guide

CROHN’S DISEASE AND COLITIS

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

DENTISTRY/ORAL HEALTH ADVICE

New Mouth

DEPRESSION/ANXIETY

Families for Depression Awareness

DIABETES

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

EdLaw project

Quick Guide: How to Fill Out an Online DESE PRS Complaint

Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) 

Engaging Parents in Productive Partnerships, 2023

POLICY/GUIDANCE

IEP StandardsIRIS Center discussion of the Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, 2017

US DOE: Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, Updated November 2023

2023 SPP/APR and State Determination Letters – part B/Massachusetts: OSEP Letter to DESE – June 23, 2023

DOWN SYNDROME

Down Syndrome Program - Boston Children's Hospital

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

National Down Syndrome Society

Support for Students with Down Syndrome - College Programs, Support Services and Resources for Postsecondary Success

DYSLEXIA/SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY-Reading

Decoding Dyslexia - MA   Grassroots movement driven by parents, educators and professional concerned with the limited access to research based interventions for dyslexia.

Dyslexia Help - University of Michigan

Dyslexia MA  MA branch for International Dyslexia Organization

International Dyslexia Association 

LD On-line - Multisensory Structured Language Programs:  Content and Principles of Instruction (Info)

Learning Ally  A non-profit dedicated to helping blind, visually impaired and dyslexic students succeed in education. Offers the world's largest collection of human-narrated audio textbooks and literature as well as solutions, support and community for parents, teachers and students.

Lexia Learning Using technology for learning

Wilson Language Training Evidence based, multisensory, structured reading and spelling curricula. Instructor certification can be verified by contacting Wilson Language.

Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity                                        

EARLY INTERVENTION

Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project - State of MA

EATING DISORDERS

MEDA Support Group  Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association

EPILEPSY AND SEIZURE DISORDERS

Epilespy Foundation

Epilepsy Foundation New England

Epilepsy Center - Boston Children's Hospital

Epilepsy Program - Pediatrics at Mass General Hopsital

Epilepsy & Learning Disabilities - LDA (Learning Disability Association of America)

Exceptional Lives -  Special education resource for families to gain better access to services and supports

FRAGILE X SYNDROME

National Fragile X Syndrome Foundation

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of MA

LEARNING DISABILITIES

LD Info online 

Landmark School Outreach programs offering courses to parents and teachers about language based learning disabilities.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

The Help Group  Autism, AHD and Learning Disabilities

LEGAL ADVOCACY - DISABILITY ISSUES

Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates

Disability Info - INDEX

Federation of Children with Special Needs

Mass Legal Services - Disability Law Center

MA Protection & Advocacy - Disability Law Center Inc.

CADRE - Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education

Parent's Rights Overview (MA)

Special Needs Advocacy Network Inc.

Wrightslaw Special Education laws, rights, services

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts

Quick Reference Guide on Special Education

Quick Reference on CRA (Child Receiving Assistance)

Quick Reference Guide on School Discipline

Special Education in Massachusetts with sample letters

Understanding Special Education website 

Special Education Terms and Definitions

National Special Education Advocacy institute (NSEAI)

18 parts of an IEP – Part I

18 part of an IEP – Part II

Massachusetts Tools for Schools

LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA

Leukemia/Lymphoma Society

LIMB DEFICIENCY

Helping Hands Foundation

MENTAL HEALTH

National Alliance on Mental Illness - State of MA 

National Alliance on Mental Ilness - Metrowest

MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE

Mitochondrial Program - Boston Children's Hospital

Mitochondrial Myopathy Information

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Muscular Dystrophy Association

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

RettSyndrome.org

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (OCF) / Greater Boston

PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT

MA Family Voices

Parents Helping Parents of MA

Wayside Youth & Family Support Services 

The Whole Child Inc.

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER

SPD Parent Share

Step by Step Guide for SPD Parents

Understanding Sensory Processing Issues

SENSORY INTEGRATION

Occupational Therapy Associates 

SERVICE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCES

Barrett Family Wellness Center provides pediatric occupation/speech therapy to address developmental problems including autism, sensory processing, ADHD.  Educational programs. 

Family TIES of  MA.  Link to 2017 Directory of community based resources and state agencies that support families of children/youth with special needs.

Wings for Autism - Logan Airport

Museums:     Discovery Museum - Especially for Me Event Series (24/year, Acton, MA)

                      Boston Children's Museum - Morningstar Access special visiting hours, Boston, MA

SOCIAL PRAGMATICS

Academy MetroWest - Camps and social groups (Sudbury)

Child Therapy Boston (Westborough)

Diamond is the Sky - affordable resources and social opportunities to people of all ages with special needs

Peter Pan Center  - social skills programs and camp (Boxborough, MA)

Thrive - local resource for recreation, respite, and other activities (Marlborough, MA)

SPINA BIFIDA

Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England

TRANSITION EDUCATION 

Exceptional Lives Massachusetts

Family Guide to Transition Services in MA

TWINS, TRIPLETS, AND MORE

Multiples of America

Metrowest Parents of Multiples

VISION IMPAIRMENT

Lighthouse Guild

American Foundation for the Blind

Vision Center

Parent's Guide to Special Education (joint publication by the Federation of Children with Special Needs and the MA  Dept. of Education.)

LOCAL PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILS 

Federation of Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

Grafton SEPAC

Hopkinton SEPAC

Shrewsbury SEPAC

Westborough SEPAC