Where Do I Start? Who Do I Call?
Resources for Parents of Children and Adults with Disabilities or Special Health Care Needs
Between the alphabet soup of disability labels, laws and regulations--CP, DS, IEP, ADA, IDEA, 504--and all the different agencies that serve families with sons and daughters with disabilities--P2P, PEAK, PEP, CDE, ARC, CCB--well, it can get a little confusing! Here is a quick guide to some major resources and what they provide.
| P2P: Parent to Parent of Colorado · One to one parent matching · Up-to-date information and referral · Listserv linking parents throughout the state · Quarterly newsletter · Resource packed website including support groups throughout the state and Parent Wisdom files | 1-877-472-7201 p2p-co.org |
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| The Advocacy Coalition: EMPOWER Colorado · Support, education and advocacy for families of children and youth with mental health issues · Support groups throughout the state; statewide listserv connecting families · Educational classes for families and professionals Family Voices · Advocacy for children with special health care needs · Assists families in navigating health systems including Medicaid, Medicaid waivers and private insurance · Training, information, referral, policy, parent friendly website resources Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health · Promotes mental health for all children, youth and families | 1-800-881-8272 empowercolorado.com familyvoicesco.org coloradofederation.org |
| The Arcs in Colorado · If you are looking for an advocate, start with your local Arc · The Arc of Colorado has a list of statewide Arcs on their website | 1-800-333-7690 thearcofco.org |
| Assistive Technology Project · Assistive technology device exchange program · Database of potential funding resources for AT devices, equipment, programs · Make and Take directions on various low-cost AT adaptations and devices · Community based demonstrations · Annual Collaborative Assistive Technology Conference of the Rockies | 1-800-255-3477 uchsc.edu/atp |
| CCDC: Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition · Information and assistance on disability rights issues for youth and adults · Advances legislation and public policy impacting the disability community | 303-839-1775 ccdconline.org |
| CDE - ESLU: Colorado Department of Education -Exceptional Student Leadership Unit · Website resources on special education law, school/district programs, etc. · FAST FACTS on a variety of topics · Information on educational specialists, parent-professional partnerships | 303-866-6694 cde.state.co.us/ cdesped/index.asp |
| DDD: Division for Developmental Disabilities and CCBs: Community Centered Boards · Provides various services to individuals with developmental disabilities · Administers children and family programs, adult programs · Information on CCBs (designated as the single entry point into long-term service and support for persons with developmental disabilities) | 303-866-7450 www.cdhs.state. co.us/ddd |
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| ECC: Early Childhood Connections · If you have a child under three needing services, this number will connect you with your local ECC | 1-888-777-4041 earlychildhood connections.org |
| El Grupo VIDA · Information, referrals and support groups for Spanish speaking parents · Free annual fall conference in Denver | 303-904-6073 elgrupovida.org |
| HCP: Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs · Information and referral to services and supports including Medical Home, screening, clinics, financial assistance · Regional offices throughout Colorado | 303-692-2370 hcpcolorado.org |
| PEAK: Colorado's Parent Training and Information Center · Parent advisors who provide information about special education process and parent’s rights · Trainings on a variety of topics including Understanding IEP’s · Inclusion resources and annual conference for parents and school personnel · Online calendar of events throughout the state; SPEAKout newsletter | 1-800-284-0251 peakparent.org |
| PEP: Parents Encouraging Parents · Free conference, lodging and meals included, held twice per year at various statewide locations (apply early as waiting lists occur frequently) · Brings together parents and professionals for education on supporting your child in school and community | 303-866-6846 cde.state.co.us/ cdesped/PEP.asp |
| The Legal Center for People with Disabilities & Older People · Advice on the legal rights of people with disabilities · Publishes Everyday Guide to Special Education Law | 1-800-288-1376 thelegalcenter.org |
| Wrightslaw · Information for parents about special education process and law, advocacy · P2P recommends their book, From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide | wrightslaw.com |
Included here are a sampling of several disability specific organizations. Call or visit our website for additional resources.
Autism Society of Colorado: 720-214-0794 (Denver) or 1-866-733-0794, autismcolorado.org Brain Injury Association: 303-355-9969 , biacolorado.org Hands and Voices: 303-492-6283, handsandvoices.org/chapters/colo.htm Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program (ISOP): 1-866-417-4873, infantilescoliosis.org International Dyslexia Association/Rocky Mountain Branch: 303-721-9425 Mile High Down Syndrome Association: 303-797-1699, mhdsa.org
So where do you start, who do you call?
Still confused? First of all, don't give up. Let us help you get pointed in the right direction. Give us a call. We are all in this together.
