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The mission of NC Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI), Exceptional Children Division is to assure that students with disabilities develop mentally, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized education in the least restrictive environment. On this website you will find links to the Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities as well as the Handbook on Parent’s Rights. This website also has information on behavioral support and related programs as well as instructional support and related services. Be sure to explore the tabs on the left hand side of the website. For more information, visit http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec

Learn Your ABCs with the NC Dept. of Public Instruction's (NC DPI) Acronym List: In education, as in most specialized professions, educators use terms that may be unfamiliar to the general public. A list of commonly used acronyms or abbreviations and their meanings is available at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/acronyms/ . This list provides a valuable tool in assisting stakeholders to communicate more effectively with parents and community members.

Dispute Resolution: Any person who has a concern about the education of a student with a disability can raise the issue in one of several ways. For example, it is always appropriate to discuss the matter with the student's teacher or principal at the local school, or it is also helpful to contact the Director of Exceptional Children Program in the central office of the school system. The Exceptional Children Division's consultants for dispute resolution and consultants for instructional support and related services are also able to offer consultation to assist parents, advocates, or school system, charter school, or state operated programs personnel who request help with problem-solving. For more information, visit http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/policy/dispute/.

Testing Students with Disabilities: The NC Department of Public Instruction publishes information on their website regarding policy and procedure as well as testing accommodation options for testing students with disabilities. For more information visit, http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/parents/tswd.

The Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) Special Education Services website located at http://www.wcpss.net/special-education/. This website has links to the 2010-11 Student/Parent Handbook Supplement published by WCPSS as well as links to NC DPI’s publications Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities and the Handbook on Parent’s Rights. The site also has links to program locations within WCPSS as well as a special education staff directory and organizational chart.

Project Enlightenment is an early childhood education and intervention program of the Wake County Public School System, serving teachers and parents of young children, ages birth through kindergarten. For more information, visit http://projectenlightenment.wcpss.net/

Wake County Advisory Committee for Programs and Services for Children with Special Needs Awards Nomination Form: This is a chance to publicly recognize an employee of WCPSS who goes above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis. Let them know you appreciate them and what they do! Fill out the form at the back of the Parent Handbook (http://www.wcpss.net/special-education/ and click the link to the 2010-11 Student/Parent Handbook Supplement on the right hand side of the screen) below and send it in with your letter today! The deadline for submitting nominations is the first Friday in April. Criteria:

Friend of an Exceptional Student:

> Wake County Public School System Employee   > Works or interacts with exceptional students on a regular basis   >Goes above and beyond the normal responsibilities for the benefit of the student and family     Examples of who this could be: Special Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant, Principal, Assistant Principal.

Inclusive Program or People Award:

> Wake County Public School System Employee   >Works or interacts with exceptional children in an inclusive setting   >Is an exemplary role model to others in how to include exceptional students along with typically developing students   > Has shown an innovative approach or idea to include exceptional students along with typically developing students     Examples of who this could be: Regular/General Education Teacher, Librarian, Principal, Gym Teacher. Note: Examples are not an inclusive list.

Action for Children is a statewide, independent, non-partisan, non-profit child advocacy organization, dedicated to educating and engaging all people across the state to ensure that our children are healthy, safe, well-educated and have every opportunity for success. For more information, visit www.ncchild.org.

Disability Rights North Carolina is a private non-profit organization designated by the Governor in 2007 to ensure the rights of all state citizens with disabilities through individual advocacy and system change, Disability Rights NC is part of a national system of federally mandated independent disability agencies. Disability Rights North Carolina helps people across North Carolina gain access to services and opportunity through its legally based advocacy. For more information, visit http://disabilityrightsnc.org/.

Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to people managing disabilities and mental health challenges. For more information, visit http://nc.eastersealsucp.com/.

The Epilepsy Foundation leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. For more information, visit http://www.epilepsync.org/.

The Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) is a private non-profit parent organization committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children through a special emphasis on children with disabilities. ECAC affirms the right of all individuals, from all backgrounds and cultures, with or without disabilities, to an appropriate education and other needed services. ECAC seeks to make that right a reality by providing information, education, outreach, and support to and for families with children across the state of North Carolina. The ECAC's three major programs are the NC Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), the NC Parent Information and Resource Center (NC PIRC) and the Family to Family Health Information Project. The ECAC also has a wonderful lending library as well as training and events offered across the state. To join their email listserv or for more information on the ECAC, please visit www.ecac-parentcenter.org.

Family Support Network (FSN) of Wake County is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and informing families of children with prematurity, developmental disabilities, chronic illness and other special needs. FSN offers one-to-one matching of parents with trained support parents, support groups and social gatherings, educational courses and workshops, information about specific disabilities and information about national, state, and local resources. Some of their more popular events include Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, Writing Effective IEPs workshop and sibshops programs. You can join their discussion and information listserv by sending an email to fsnwake-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To access their newsletter or calendar (both full of helpful information) or for more information on the Family Support Network, please visit www.familysupportonline.org.

Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) is a national, grassroots project created by youth with disabilities for youth. We are leaders in our communities, and we help spread helpful, positive information among our peers to increase knowledge around various issues. We also help health care professionals, policymakers and other adults in our communities understand what it is like to live our lives and we participate in discussions about how to help each other succeed. For more information, visit http://fvkasa.org/index.php.

Life's Plan Inc. manages special needs trusts in a pooled investment for meeting the supplemental service needs of people with disabilities and the elderly without jeopardizing state and federal benefits. The goal of each trust is to enhance the quality of life for the beneficiary by providing a financial mechanism (a Pooled Trust). The grantor of the trust creates a Life Care Plan with the Pooled Trust to direct how the funds are to be used for the long term care needs of their family member with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.lifesplaninc.org/index.htm.

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) is the center that provides information to the nation on disabilities in children and youth; programs and services for infants, children, and youth with disabilities; IDEA, the nation’s special education law; and research-based information on effective practices for children with disabilities. Our special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22). Anyone can use our services—families, educators, administrators, journalists, students.

Here, on our Web site, you’ll find an abundance of information on specific disabilities; early intervention services for infants and toddlers; special education and related services for children in school; research on effective education practices; resources and connection in every state; individualized education programs (IEPs); parent materials; disability organizations; professional associations; education rights and what the law requires; transition to adult life; …and much, much more! We are very pleased to offer a toll-free number, bilingual services, and a team of research and information specialists who are available to talk with you and address your individual questions and concerns in English or in Spanish; a website in English and in Spanish; a monthly eNewsletter called News You Can Use (and you can!); and last but not least… the Research Center where you can find out what research has to say about effective educational practices for children with disabilities. Oh, and by the way—feel free to share our materials with others. Everything we offer on our site is copyright-free and intended to be shared far and wide. We hope that you will. We’ve included lots of social media tools to make sharing easy. For more information, please visit http://nichcy.org/.

 

The Special Education and Inclusion Committee of the Wake County PTA Council’s mission is to create a network of parents, educators, and administrators who will work cooperatively and constructively to meet the needs of all students receiving special education services in the most integrated environment, with appropriate supports in place, to insure that the students will learn and be valued members of their school community. For more information (including a listing of local and national resources), visit http://www.wake-seic.org/. To join their email distribution, send an email to wake-seic+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

"Stop Bullying Now" is a parent, teacher and student free resource at http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/site-map.aspx. The parent page has information on cyberbullying, "Why should adults care", and tips. The "What Kids Can Do" page has webisodes, tips, games like "Spot the Difference" where kids CAN make a difference. There's teacher page and even an administrator's page to start a campaign with tool kits, activities and even a webpage button to put on your school/PTA website. Please share the message "Stop Bullying Now" and this resource.

The Arc of Wake County. The Arc of Wake County partners with people with developmental disabilities and their families to help them achieve their life goals. The Arc of Wake County provides advocacy, information & referral, public awareness and community education services. For more information on the Arc of Wake County, please visit their website at www.arcwake.org. Be sure to explore the tabs on the left hand side of the website.

The Wake County Autism Society (WCAS). WCAS offers support and events for Wake County families and individuals affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For instant support and information on any variety of Autism topics, join the WCAS Yahoo-E-Group. With a network of over 500+ families, you will be instantly plugged into the WCAS community. For more information on WCAS, please visit their website at http://www.wakecountyautismsociety.org/ or for the NC chapter, visit www.autismsociety.org.

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we've been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead. For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Beginnings For Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc. offers emotional support and technical support to families with deaf or hard of hearing children and deaf parents with hearing children and professionals serving those families. BEGINNINGS is the place to start when you have questions about the hearing of your child ages birth to 21. Anyone can call BEGINNINGS directly to ask for information or assistance. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.ncbegin.com/.

The Mission of the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC) is to offer Help, Hope and a Voice for people with Brain Injury and their Families. For more information, please visit http://www.bianc.net/.

The Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) provides not only direct services to individuals with hearing loss and the agencies and businesses that serve them but also the resources and linkages to programs and services all across North Carolina. For more information and helpful brochures, visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dsdhh/.

The EyeSmart™ public awareness campaign, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is your trusted source for accurate, timely and relevant eye health information. EyeSmart empowers Americans to take charge of their eye health. We urge everyone to know their risk factors for eye diseases, infections and injuries, and to understand how ophthalmologists can help prevent, diagnose and treat eye conditions. For more information, visit www.geteyesmart.org.

The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.fctd.info/

The Governor Morehead School for the Blind will educate, advocate, and provide resources for all North Carolina students with visual impairment, their families, and the professionals who serve them. For more information, visit http://www.governormorehead.net.

The International Dyslexia Association is the only nonprofit scientific and educational international organization exclusively dedicated to the study, prevention and treatment of the problems of the specific language disability known as dyslexia. We encourage you to join us along with over 10,000 others, who want individuals with dyslexia to realize their fullest potential. For more information, visit http://www.nc-ida.org/3001.html.

The Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina (LDANC) promotes awareness of the multifaceted nature of learning disabilities. LDANC’s services include advocacy and support, education and Annual Conference, scholarship, resources and the benefits of Membership. For more information, please visit their website at http://ldanc.org/home.

Muscular Dystrophy Association For more information, visit http://www.mda.org.

NAMI-NC (National Alliance of Mental Illness). The mission of NAMI North Carolina is to promote recovery and optimize the quality of life for those living with mental illness. Membership in the nearly forty affiliates in North Carolina consists of family members of people who live with mental illness, individuals who live with mental illness, friends, and professionals. Affiliates typically have monthly support meetings/or educational and business meetings. Support groups can provide an opportunity to talk with other people who have “been there” and who understand what you are facing. General meetings have speakers on issues important to members. For more information on NAMI-NC, please visit their website at www.naminc.org.

The National Association of Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI) is a national organization that enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.spedex.com/napvi/index.html

The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of the blind in America. Founded in 1940, the Federation has grown to include over 50,000 members. The ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic, and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. For more information (including the free white cane program), visit www.nfb.org.

The NC Council on Developmental Disabilities has a mission to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services and supports, as well as other assistance and opportunities, which promote inclusive communities. For more information, visit http://www.nc-ddc.org/.

Prevent Blindness North Carolina was organized in 1967 as a nonprofit health agency. An independent affiliate of Prevent Blindness America (established in 1908), PBNC delivers direct service programs designed to preserve sight through screening, publications, safety, education, information and referral through volunteer efforts. PBNC's mission is to reach people before blindness strikes. For more information (including a list of organizations that provide financial resources for vision care in the state of North Carolina), visit http://www.preventblindness.org/nc/.

The ECU Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders and Dyslexia Program specializes in providing diagnostic evaluations to children and adolescents who are suspected of having or who have been diagnosed as having a language-based learning disability (i.e. problems with pre-reading skills, reading, writing, understanding speech, and/or expressing themselves orally). For more information, visit http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/csd/scottish.cfm

TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped CHildren) is an evidence-based service, training, and research program for individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders. The TEACCH mission is to enable individuals with autism to function as meaningfully and as independently as possible in the community; to provide exemplary services throughout North Carolina to individuals with autism and their families and those who serve and support them; and as a member of the University community, to generate knowledge; to integrate clinical services with relevant theory and research; and to disseminate information about theory, practice, and research on autism through training and publications locally, nationally and internationally. For more information, visit http://teacch.com/.

The national Tourette Syndrome Association is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field.  Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome.  We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS.  We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS.  Our membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field. For more information, visit http://www.tsa-usa.org/index.html

The Triangle Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). CHADD provides education, advocacy and support for children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Their services are free of charge to the community. For more information on CHADD, please visit their website at www.trianglechadd.com.

The Triangle Down Syndrome Network (TDSN). TDSN exists to support and connect families of children with Down syndrome by organizing and promoting activities. TDSN is striving to make a presence in the community. We want to ensure all people with Down syndrome have happy and productive lives. Located in central North Carolina, serving families in Wake, Durham and Orange and surrounding counties. For more information on TDSN, please visit their website at http://www.triangledownsyndrome.org/.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides counseling, training, education, transportation, job placement, assistive technology and other support services. These services are provided to people with physical, psychiatric or intellectual disabilities to assist them with living independently and with finding a job and staying on the job. For more information, visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/.

Life Experiences, Inc. is a non-profit organization that offers a choice of satisfying work experiences for adults with varying disabilities, and at the same time allows those adults the self-esteem of earning a wage for their work. Life Experiences operates five small businesses (bakery, janitorial, laundry, sub-contracting & vending) which offer employment to adults with developmental disabilities while at the same time providing valuable services and products to the community. The Bakery Business was the first business operated by Life Experiences. Their main focus is preparing foods for special orders for meetings and special events. The bakery was initially designed to bake breads, but brownies and cookies have become the most requested items. To view the bakery menu for your next event, please visit http://www.lifeexperiences.org/Bakery%20Menu%202008.pdf. To learn more about Life Experiences, visit their website at www.lifeexperiences.org.

Bookshare’s® goal is to make the world of print accessible to people with disabilities. With a dynamic leadership team, dedicated Members and capable partners, Bookshare is making this goal a reality. ·  Bookshare® is free for all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities, thanks to an award from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). For more information, visit http://www.bookshare.org/

The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center’s (ECAC) combined libraries have thousands of titles in a variety of formats available to lend to parents, families, young children, students, educators and other professionals.  Some of our titles are brand new, some are "oldies but goodies", and we add titles throughout the year. The ECAC Lending Library system is also home to the statewide Early Learning Library, supported through the NC Office of Early Learning.  This library has numerous titles for professional development, curriculum, and assessment tools. Borrowing is easy and free!  Just email or call the ECAC Librarian, Shandra Umazar at sumazar@ecacmail.org or 1-800-962-6817, ext. 313 or check http://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/Lending-Library.aspx?sid=79&pid=0&red=yes. This page can also be accessed by going to the ECAC home page at www.ecac-parentcenter.org and selecting >Parent Training & Info Center >Newsletters & Lending Library.  If you don't see something you are looking for, please ask and we will try to get it for you.

The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.The FCTD web site (www.fctd.info) provides thousands of assistive and instructional technology resources of interest to families of children with disabilities. The website offers access to fact sheets, Power Point presentations, monthly newsletters, online discussion and summer institute transcripts, a database of more than 3,500 organizations, a resource review database with hundreds of reviews of AT resources and more. Through the site users can also access FCTD Family Information Guides as well as resources in Spanish. We invite you to contact us at fctd@fhi360.org. We welcome feedback, new members and all who contribute to our growing knowledge base. For more information, please visit www.fctd.info.

Generations-Tadpole lends and delivers low-tech assistive technology devices and toys FREE to families and professionals all across North Carolina. Anyone working with an individual with a disability is eligible to borrow items and to receive free shipping. For more information, visit http://www.tadpole.org/.

Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic®) serves more than 300,000 K-12, college and graduate students, veterans and lifelong learners – all of whom cannot read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. Learning Ally’s collection of more than 65,000 digitally recorded textbooks and literature titles – downloadable and accessible on mainstream as well as specialized assistive technology devices – is the largest of its kind in the world. More than 6,000 volunteers across the U.S. help to record and process the educational materials, which students rely on to achieve academic and professional success. For more information, visit http://www.learningally.org

The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is a state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities. Assistive Technology (AT) is any type of equipment that helps people with disabilities or older individuals be more independent at home, school, work, leisure time, or in community life. For more information, visit http://www.ncatp.org/

Wake County Public Library has a selection of large print, audio and eBooks for lending. For audio and eBooks, visit the digital library at http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/about/digital/default.htm.

Carolina Parent Special Edition Resource Guide is for a special group of families in the Triangle: those with children who have disabilities. Whether they are physical, mental or emotional disabilities; developmental delays; or chronic or life-threatening illnesses, you'll find local resources along with personal stories and advice. For more information, visit http://www.carolinaparent.com/publications/specialedition/index.php

Adapted Physical Education Resource: http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncodh/pdfs/adaptedphyed.pdf

The Miracle League of the Triangle creates positive life experiences for children with special needs and their families through baseball. For more information, visit http://www.miracleleagueofthetriangle.com/.

The Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department welcomes the participation of all individuals, including those with disabilities or special needs. We are committed to compliance with the ADA and will provide reasonable accommodations to facilitate program participation. For participants with special circumstances who wish to participate in any typical program, some accommodations may be available to provide inclusive experiences. Contact 807-5428 for more information or for questions about these services. You can also reference the Leisure Ledger (search Specialized Recreation Services) for more information at http://www.raleighnc.gov/home/content/Departments/Articles/ParksandRecreationMainPage.html.

The Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. For more information, visit http://www.sonc.net/

College Foundation of NC (CFNC) - Log into your CFNC account then visit https://www1.cfnc.org/Plan/For_College/Explore_Postsecondary_Schools/School_Finder/School_Finder.aspx. On this page, scroll down the menu on the left side until you see: Campus Life & Services. This will display the following options: Extracurricular Activities; Student Housing; Housing Policies and Services; Health and Family Services; Learning Assistance Services; Physically Disabled Services; and Computer Facilities. Clicking on Learning Assistance Services, etc allows you to select the key programs your student needs. You can also add any of the other criteria on the menu such tuition ranges, etc. The system will then give you a list of applicable colleges. This search allows you to define services your student might need.

The East Carolina University (ECU) Department for Disability Support Services (DSS) is responsible for ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations and services.  Registration with DSS is required if the individual wishes to access reasonable accommodations. For more information, visit http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/dss/

North Carolina State University (NCSU) - Disability Services Office’s (DSO) mission is to support the ongoing development of an accessible university/workplace that embraces and celebrates diversity. We pursue this mission by facilitating effective reasonable accommodations for students, faculty, and staff; by educating the campus community; and by promoting equal access and opportunity. We also attempt to understand the issues of accessibility for all campus constituency groups, and where feasible, attempt to create a climate of cooperation. For more information, visit http://www.ncsu.edu/dso/

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Department of Disability Services (DDS), a part of the Division of Student Affairs, works with departments throughout the University to assure that the programs and facilities of the University are accessible to every student in the University community. Additionally, DDS provides reasonable accommodations, so students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified may, as independently as possible meet the demands of University life. For more information, visit http://disabilityservices.unc.edu/about-us/welcome.html

Wake Technical Community College – Disability Services (DSS) supports students with documented disabilities. DSS is a Student Services office under the supervision of the Dean of Students. Our mission is to adapt the college’s general services to the specialized, individual needs of otherwise qualified students with disabilities, provide equal access to Wake Tech programs, facilities and activities, and serve students with disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Subpart E), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the NC Persons with Disabilities Protection Act. For more information, visit http://disabilityservices.waketech.edu/