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The page focuses on general resources and support organizations not specific to the education process or any one disability. If you find we've missed something, please let us know and we'll add them to this list.
Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs - "The Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health works with families, providers, and others to support children and youth with special health needs ages birth to 22 and their families.." They provide a community support line that can help connect families with services and other families and answer questions around a variety of topics.
Community Support Line: 1-800-882-1435
Family TIES of Massachusetts - Is a program under the The Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs. They "provide information and training for families of children with special health needs or disability and their professional partners. We are a primary source for information about Early Intervention (EI) and maintain a complete listing of EI programs in MA. Driven and staffed by parents of children with special needs, we offer a unique type of emotional and practical support to families with similar life experiences. " They offer a program for connecting families of children with special needs and information and referral services with emphasis on early intervention.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League - describe themselves as "a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families." They offer a variety of informational materials as well as training services and support groups.
Sibling Support Project - "Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to recognizing, promoting and addressing the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of siblings of people with developmental, health, and mental health concerns." They offer a variety of resources including a facebook group for teen siblings of children with special needs to connect.
The Arc of Massachusetts - States their mission "is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. We fulfill this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society." They offer a variety of resources and programs aimed at families.
Parents Helping Parents - From their website, "Parenting isn't easy. We connect parents with parents in both virtual and community support groups to share challenges, express frustrations, and ask questions. Find the support and feedback you need to help yourself and your children." Parents Helping Parents provides a parent stress line that can be helpful along with access to support groups, some of which are focused on parents with special needs.
Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188
MassFamilies - Is a grassroots coalition of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and their families. Provides information, leadership training and support to families, and also has regional meetings for families and individuals. MassFamilies focuses on legislative advocacy and training individuals to become advocates for high quality, individualized community support and service options, including family support, for people with disabilities and their families.
Please note that we at Reading SEPAC cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented on any third-party website listed on this site, nor do we endorse any informational content appearing on third-party websites of any of the providers listed. We endeavor only to provide a listing of potentially helpful organizations available. Its up to you, as a consumer, to do your own diligence and research.
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