Helpful special education websites.
Anyone who is taking care of a special education child probably has experienced the difficulty of trying to find accurate, helpful, and straightforward information about how to best care for their kid. There are a tremendous number of websites covering this topic. However, many of these resources are either technical or don’t provide enough practical information.
The good news is that there are a number of parent-friendly resources available online. To make your search for helpful information easier, here are some highly recommended special education websites:
The government’s official education website offers a tremendous range of resources for parents with children of all ages and situations. Unlike many other .gov websites, this website is clear and very easy to use. It’s organized by age range to help you find the information that you are seeking, and it includes a handy search function.
The website also has a separate special needs section. The special needs section includes a FAQ that covers a wide range of topics. The Department of Education is also a platform to other resources.
2. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
The LDA acts as a hub for a wide variety of resources that include advocacy groups, legal counseling, state-by-state information, and educational handouts on various learning styles. Parents who want to receive updates on the latest legislation regarding special education can sign up for the LDA’s mailing list.
You can take part in their annual conference and network with special education professionals and advocates. Their calendar of events lists their full schedule.
3. The National Center for Learning Disabilities
This website has in-depth and clear explanations of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.
The site compares both options so that one has a clear picture. This resource breaks down who is eligible for a plan, how it’s created, what it covers, and what costs are involved. It also explains your rights and options for dispute resolution.
4. Do2Learn.com
Whether you’re a parent of a child with special educational needs or a teacher, you’ll likely find some valuable resources at Do2Learn.com. This website includes a huge number of free, downloadable and printable resources that are appropriate for children from pre-k through 12th grade.
This includes characteristics of various learning styles and strategies. Activities include building verbal, written, and math skills as well as broader concerns. These range from supporting emotional development to group games that build social skills, and behavior strategies. Finally, the website has a large number of printable picture cards and daily schedules.