Special Education Resources
2012 IDEA Manua, the Manual for Parents and Students about Special Education Services in Texas.
(English & Spanish Available)
Access to the General Curriculum (AGC) Statewide Leadership -Region 20 Education Service Center provides statewide leadership for professional development and technical assistance that focuses on ensuring all students with disabilities will gain access to and show progress in the general curriculum through curricular/instructional adaptations in the least restrictive environment. Includes Standards-Based IEP Free Online Training Module.
Advocacy Inc.- Provides an overview of disability rights in the state of Texas.
The Arc of the United States Position Paper on Special Education- To prepare them to participate in our democratic society, students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities will receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that includes individualized supports and access to a general education curriculum in inclusive setting with peers of the same age.
Council of Parent Attorney & Advocates (COPAA)- The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, organization of attorneys, advocates and parents that advocates for high quality educational services for children with disabilities.
Disability is Natural - People First Language, Inclusive Education, Redefining Disability, Strategies for Success, children/Family Issues. Parents, teachers, and others have enormous opportunities—and responsibilities—to create happy and successful childhoods for children with disabilities. We hold the lives of children in our hands and they're counting on us, so we must not let them down!
Exceptional Parent Magazine- A magazine for families and professional that contains articles on special education and other related topics.
Family to Family Network- A Texas resource network that provides training and information for parents of children with disabilites.
I am Norm -an initiative designed by young people to promote the acceptance, respect, and full inclusion of youth with disabilities in schools and communities.
www.Idea.ed.gov- This site was created to provide a "one-stop shop" for resources related to IDEA and its implementing regulations.
Including Samuel - Dan Habib's award-winning documentary film Including Samuel examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities.
Inclusion Press - Inclusion Press self-described as “a small independent press striving to produce readable, accessible, user-friendly books and resources about full inclusion in school, work and community.” The site includes books, videos, web links, newsletter highlights, and workshops
Internet Special Education Resources- A nationwide directory that helps parents locate special education professionals and resources to help with assessment of learning disabilities and attention defecit disorder, therapy, advocacy, and other special needs.
Kids Together, Inc. - Kids Together, Inc. promotes inclusive communities where all people belong. It includes information and web links on inclusive education, supported employment, obtaining assistive technology, legislation, people first language, and more. It also contains some light-hearted cartoons and “top ten lists” that many parents can relate to.
National Center on Inclusive Education- Promoting the inclusion of all students within general education classrooms and school communities. The National Center on Inclusive Education at the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Institute on Disability (IOD) is helping to lead the development of schools where students of all abilities can learn successfully.
National Inclusive Education Initiative - For Students with Autism and Related Disabilities is focused on improving educational services and outcomes for students with autism and related disabilities through efforts in the areas of leadership development, personnel preparation, professional development, model demonstration, clinical evaluation services, and research and policy
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities- This website provides information regarding disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals.
Office of Special Education Programs- The Office of Special Education Programs is one of the components of the US Department of Education. OSEP's focus is on free and appropriate public education of children and youth with disabilities from birth though age 21.
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights Center- This is the web site for the Prent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights Center whose mission is "to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and thier families, based on the concept of parents helping parents."
Partners Resource Network- The programs and services of PRN are based on the concept of parents helping parents. Our mission is to empower parents of children and youth with disabilities in their roles as parents, decision makers, and advocates for their children and to promote partnerships among parents and professionals.
Paula Kluth - website is dedicated to promoting inclusive schooling and exploring positive ways of supporting students with autism and other disabilities.
Project Participate - Project Participate providing “practical solutions to enhance learning, teaching, and the full inclusion of students with disabilities in the classroom. Project Participate facilitates team collaboration and the appropriate use of technology in the classroom.
Region 20 ESC- Access to the General Curriculum goal is to offer specific trainings and support to assist teachers and administrators with strategies and methods to ensure students with disabilities are not only provided access to the general curriculum, but are making academic progress.
Resource Guide on Higher Education for People with Disabilities Resources on preparing for higher education, education alternatives, employment, accommodations and technology. Also includes a list of colleges for students with disabilities nationwide.
TASH ideals for realistic methods for achieving the short and long range goals necessary to support lives of quality and integrity for people with severe disabilities
Texas Education Agency
The goal of this site is to provide timely, useful information to the Texas Special Education community.
Texas Project First- This website is a project of the Texas Education Agency and is committed to providing accurate and consistent information to parents and families with students with disabilities.
Texas Parent to Parent- A nonprofit organization created by parents to provide support and information to families of children with disabilities, chronic illness and special health care needs.
Wrightslaw- A website for parents, attorneys, educators and others that need up-to-date information on special education law and advocacy.