Parent and Caregiver Resources
Resources For Parents and Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) inspire us every day at Special Olympics Kansas. Our athletes are dedicated to reaching their full potential on and off the field. Our goal is to equip you with the information and support you need to help them. From education and advocacy to transition planning, schooling, and career resources, healthcare, and community involvement, our comprehensive collection aims to empower you in your caregiving journey. Below, explore our resources and discover valuable tools that will help you during this journey, while fostering their growth and maximizing their potential. We also provide health and fitness programming, as well as health screening through our Healthy Athletes program.
Parent Education and Advocacy Resources
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): The NDRN website offers advocacy resources and information on disability rights in legislation. It also provides a directory to locate the Disability Rights Office in your state.
Center for Parent Information and Resources: This organization offers resources and information for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Their website provides guidance on advocating for their children’s needs, better understanding needs in various settings, and a way to locate the local chapter.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Developmental Disabilities: The CDC website provides resources, information, and research on developmental disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers guidance on healthcare, early intervention, and promoting healthy development.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS): DDS provides a range of services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer case management, healthcare coordination, and access to community resources.
Transition, Schooling, and Career Resources
Johnson County Community College (JCCC)- CLEAR and CONNECT: JCCC offers supported education opportunities for adults with IDD. CLEAR provides non-credit continuing education classes that teach independent living skills and provide life-enhancing experiences. CONNECT is a two-year transition program that serves as a bridge into adulthood. It
allows students to be fully immersed in campus life and prepares them for the future with career and independent living skills.
Inclusion Connections/Pawsabilities: A local organization dedicated to promoting access and opportunities for people with disabilities. They
provide year-round programming to increase work skills, interpersonal relationships, and independence to develop a person’s full potential.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS): KDADS offers various services and programs for individuals with disabilities, including employment support, vocational rehabilitation, and day and residential services. They can provide guidance and connect you with local resources.
Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD): KUCDD is a resource center that provides training, research, and community services related to developmental disabilities. They offer programs for individuals with disabilities, including transition services and employment support.
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD): KCDD works to promote inclusion and advocate for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. They provide information and resources on education, employment, and community living. They also offer
grants to support initiatives related to developmental disabilities.
Healthcare
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): DREDF offers a variety of resources and tools to empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for their rights in healthcare settings. Their website includes guides, fact sheets, and legal information.
Patient Advocate Foundation: This organization provides assistance, resources, and educational materials for patients, including those with disabilities, to help them navigate the healthcare system and advocate for their needs.
HealthCare.gov – Disability: This section of HealthCare.gov provides information on healthcare coverage options, rights, and resources available for individuals with disabilities. It includes guides on navigating the healthcare system and advocating for necessary accommodations.
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: The OCR website provides information on the rights of individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in healthcare settings.
Family Voices: Family Voices provides resources and support for families of children and youth with special healthcare needs. Their website includes advocacy tools and guides for navigating healthcare systems and ensuring access to quality care.
KU Center for Child Health and Development: This center provides comprehensive healthcare services for children with developmental disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer diagnostic evaluations, specialty care, and family support.
IDD Community Involvement
The Arc: The Arc is a national organization that promotes and protects the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their website offers resources, guides, and a directory to find local chapters and services.
Cerebral Palsy Guidance: Cerebral Palsy Guidance was created to provide answers and assistance to parents of children with cerebral palsy. They cover cerebral palsy from all angles, from symptoms, causes, and treatment to daily living information, such as communication and transitioning to adulthood articles.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
(AAIDD): AAIDD provides resources, advocacy information, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Their website offers guides, research, and connections to local chapters.
Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): AANE is a MA based support group that offers resources and online connections for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. They also provide resources for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to connect virtually.
Department for Children and Families: The regional office provides information, support, and assistance to families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They can guide parents in
accessing healthcare services, disability benefits, and community resources.
STILL NEED HELP?
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
