ETIPS

Educational Theory into Practice Software



Real-World Curriculum


ETIPS - Make Thinking Visible

Added Value

Technology use provides added value to teaching and learning. Educational technology does not possess inherent value but rather it offers immense potential when intentionally coupled with grounded planning and solid teaching. Technology should not be used as filler for lesson plans or as down time for the teacher but rather to enhance student learning on a particular topic. This resource area explores specific options for adding value to classroom through technology but is by no means an exhaustive list.

Added Value with Technology for Special Education
Accessing

Technology makes possible the instant exchange of information between classrooms as well as individual students; it allows instant access to databases and online information services, and provides multimedia technical resources such as interactive audio and video.

Gathering  information by using technology to :

  • Allow access to a wide array of information regarding a variety of disabilities
  • Provide current research and educational strategies for instructional interventions
  • Allow access to professional organizations, support groups and programming for educators and families dealing with children with disabilities
  • Create a sense of acceptance and appreciation for diversity

Collaborating by using technology to :

  • Identify new strategies for teaching and learning opportunities
  • Allow for the exchange of ideas and information with other professionals in the field
  • Increase the opportunity to learn from others
  • Provide for ongoing staff development availability

Assist accessing of information by using technology to :

  • Allow students to actively participate in the regular education classroom through the use of technology
  • Expand the possibilities of educational interventions for students with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
  • Provide better access to existing models and materials used in education
Processing

It is not what equipment is used in the classroom, but how that equipment is used that will make the difference. Technology must be thought of as an integral component of the curriculum, a tool that can be used with almost any content. Technology also allows for the re-purposing of existing educational materials across media formats: print, still and digital photographs, digital audio, still and motion video/film, animations, computer graphics, and hypermedia can all be accessed and combined in novel ways. Thus, allowing the student to process information from a new and more meaningful arena.

Organizing information by using technology to :

  • Engage the learner in the process as well as the outcome
  • Assist in the meaningful classification of material
  • Allow the student to arrange information in a useful, easily retrievable manner

Individualizing Instruction by using technology to :

  • Assist in the drill and practice of a variety of skills
  • Allow for the construction of lessons that meets individual needs
  • Provide for continuous feedback of student progress
  • Set high and challenging standards and accesses the learner and the learning process, as well as the outcome assessment

Scaffolding Curricula by using technology to :

  • Increase the capacity of transforming information from one medium to another
  • Allow for multiple representations of material
  • Establish connections between learning in order to add meaning and understanding
  • Elicit learning that occurs as a function of prior experience
Communicating

Technology can contribute to individual growth and development against personalized learning goals that derive from shared visions for learning in the larger learning community and society. The focus of technology should be one that explores how to enhance its benefits by matching them to the learners needs combined with information on how learning best occurs.

Clarifying  information by using technology to :

  • Facilitate learning that allows for differences in the learners linguistic, cultural, and social background
  • Allow for multiple representations of meaning
  • Intentionally provide for processing of constructed meaning from information and experience

Motivating by using technology to :

  • Influence what and how much is learned by tapping into individual interests and goals
  • Increase creativity and higher order thinking skills
  • Allow for the acquisition of complex knowledge and skills through extended learner effort and guided practice of skills

Presenting  information by using technology to :

  • Increase the  capacity of transforming information from one medium to another
  • Assist in both the creation and representation of knowledge
  • Influence social interactions, interpersonal relations, and communication with others

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Classroom Use Examples for Special Education

It's My World!
By taking pictures of words in their "real world" setting and creating word photos, students are able to read those words in context.  This allows the student to improve reading skills in order to function more independently in the community and school environment.

Concept Mapping
Concept mapping is a technique for representing knowledge in graphs. Knowledge graphs are networks of concepts. Networks consist of nodes (points/vertices) and links (arcs/edges). Nodes represent concepts and links represent the relations between concepts.

Talking Books
Children with physical, cognitive, or visual disabilities often have difficulty reading or participating in some class activities because they cannot turn book pages or see text.  Print-based information is inaccessible to these students, making it difficult for them to become fully active class participants.  Talking books use a simple page-by-page structure and allows for the easy import of graphics, text and sound, making the books usable for students.  It can also be access through a single switch (a device that allows someone who cannot use a keyboard or a mouse to operate a computer).

Teaching with Boardmaker
Boardmaker is a computer software program used to make communication boards, picture schedules, instruction sheets and more.  Boardmaker contains over 3,000 Picture Communication Symbols in it's picture libraries.  These symbols can easily and quickly be used by children and adults whose speech is not readily understood by other or who are non verbal.

 

 

 

It's My World!

Added Value with Technology:

  • Engages the learner in the process as well as the outcome
  • Allows for the capacity of transforming information from one medium to another
  • Increases creativity and higher order thinking skills
     

Grade Level (Disability):

Resources:

  • Any disability depending on the amount of support available and adaptations made
  • Elementary

Introduction: 

By taking pictures of words in their "real world" setting and creating word photos, students are able to read those words in context.  This allows the student to improve reading skills in order to function more independently in the community and school environment.
 

Learning Outcomes:

  • the use of associated language
  • encouragement of response
  • allows for picture/word association
     

Instruction:

1.      Take digital pictures of common functional words (such as exit, stop, school, hospital, media center, office, nurse, police,etc)

2.      Mount these picture with the corresponding words

3.      Practice the word photos with students through a variety of methods

a.       play concentration with word/photo association

b.      play Bingo with word photo cards

c.       use as supplements to daily individual readings

Assessment Tasks:

  • Improvement in student's ability to function in actual situations
  • Increases student's reading ability to real-life applications
     

 Sample of Student Assignment:


Concept Mapping

Added Value with Technology:

  • designing a complex structure
  • communicating complex ideas visually
  • to aid learning by explicitly integrating new and old knowledge;
  • assessing understanding or diagnose misunderstanding through a visual medium
     

Grade Level (Disability):

Resources:

  • Any disability depending on the amount of support available and adaptations made
     

Introduction: 
Concept mapping is a technique for representing knowledge in graphs. Knowledge graphs are networks of concepts. Networks consist of nodes (points/vertices) and links (arcs/edges). Nodes represent concepts and links represent the relations between concepts.
 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Clearly defining the central idea, by positioning it in the center of the page.
  • Indicates clearly the relative importance of each idea
  • Allows viewing of all basic information on one page
  • Assists in recall and review
  • Allows for information to be seen in different ways
  • Encourages discovery and creativity.
     

Instruction:

The K-W-L-H teaching technique is a good method to help students activate prior knowledge.  It is a group instruction activity developed by Donna Ogle (1986) that serves as a model for active thinking during reading.

K stands for helping student recall what the KNOW about the subject

W stands for helping students determine what they WANT to learn

L stands for helping students identify what they LEARN as they read

H stands for HOW we can learn more (other sources for additional information on the topic)

  1. Ask students to first discuss what they already know about the topic – make a list
  2. Next, develop a list of questions about what they would like to learn about the topic
  3. Read the selection
  4. Discuss with the students what information they learned as they read.  Make a list of things that were learned through the reading.
  5. Talk with students about where they could find out more information or answers to the questions that they had that were not answered in the reading.
  6. Help students put this information into a graphic map.

Applicable Standards

  • Read, Listen and View: reading, listening, and viewing of nonfiction and fiction selections to identify main ideas and support details, retell main events or ideas in sequence.
  • Writing and Speaking: writing a report to describe and give information about a person, an object, or a situation
 

Assessment Tasks:

  • Improvement in student's ability to function in actual situations
  • Increases student's reading ability to real-life applications
     

Sample of Student Assignment:

KWLH Chart for Dinosaurs 

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Talking Books

Added Value with Technology:

  • Access text, sound and graphics on the computer through single switch use
  • See and hear words from a story read to them without the assistance of adult support
     

Grade Level (Disability):

Resources:

  • Physically, Visually or Cognitively Impaired

Introduction: 

Children with physical, cognitive, or visual disabilities often have difficulty reading or participating in some class activities because they cannot turn book pages or see text.  Print-based information is inaccessible to these students, making it difficult for them to become fully active class participants.  Talking books use a simple page-by-page structure and allows for the easy import of graphics, text and sound, making the books usable for students.  It can also be access through a single switch (a device that allows someone who cannot use a keyboard or a mouse to operate a computer).

Learning Outcomes:

  • Increased literacy
  • Developing independence
     

Instruction:

Talking Books may be created using software presentation programs such as Hyperstudio, Power Point or Clicker 4.  The graphics are downloading and text is read using a text-to-speech program.  A forward and backward button can be placed on each page.  This allows the student to move around in the book by hitting a switch, which is connected to the mouse of the computer.

Applicable Standards

  • Read, Listen and View:
  • Writing and Speaking:
     

Assessment Tasks:

  • Improvement in student's ability to function in actual situations
  • Increases student's reading ability to real-life applications
     

Sample of Student Assignment:

This link provides free downloads telling how to create talking books in Hyperstudio 4, Power Point, and Clicker 4

http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/html/publications/publicat.html

 

Teaching with Boardmaker

Added Value with Technology:

  • Allows for the production of communication boards and device overlays quickly
  • Maximize classroom activities for students with limited vocabulary
  • Enhance interaction between students and others
     

Grade Level (Disability):

Resources:

  • Physically, Visually or Cognitively Impaired
     

Introduction: 

Boardmaker is a computer software program used to make communication boards, picture schedules, instruction sheets and more.  Boardmaker contains over 3,000 Picture Communication Symbols in it's picture libraries.  These symbols can easily and quickly be used by children and adults whose speech is not readily understood by other or who are non verbal.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Increased communication, vocabulary and literacy
  • Develop picture-word associations
  • Students learn to use familiar symbols in multiply areas
     

Instruction:

Boardmaker symbols can be used to help a student do everything from participating in a conversation to playing a game with the class to working on academics.  The teacher would make up the needed communication board for the individual student need and situation.  Below are examples of several ways that Boardmaker can be integrated into daily instructional needs for students with disabililties.

Sample of Student Assignment:

Simon Says

Boardmaker can be used to allow student to participate in games such as with this Simon Says overlay made for the AlphaTalker, built with Boardmaker.

Academic Worksheets
Boardmaker can be used to create an instructional sheet to help students count and write answers in the blanks.  They can be made to simulate actual real life situations.

Life Skills Instruction
Communication Boards that reflect life skills situations can be created to help students learn and demonstrate skills needed for independent living.

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Special Education Web Resources

 

ADD/ADHD Resources

Advocacy/Organization

URL: http://www.addinschool.com

DESCRIPTION: This site has collected interventions for ADD and ADHD students from a number of sources over the past 15 years. They come from professional educators, educational psychologists, and family therapists who patiently work to help students with Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD or ADHD.

Advocacy/Organization

The ADD Action Group

URL: http://www.addgroup.org

DESCRIPTION:  A non-profit web site that helps people finds alternative solutions for Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Differences, Dyslexia and Autism.  This site contains articles, book lists, resources and educational video and audiotape series.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Frank Lloyd Web Internet Architects

Information/Journals

URL: http://www.addresource.com

DISCRIPTION:  ADDResource.com covers the ""Who, When and Where"" of the ADD/LD community, and points visitors to qualified folks who can speak to the ""What, Why and How"" of attention and learning issues.  It is actually a search engine for ADD/LD information

 

Albinism Resources

Advocacy/Organization

URL: http://www.albinism.org/

DESCRIPTION:  This site exists to provide information about albinism and NOAH. It's a place where people with albinism, their families and those that work with them can ask questions and share their experiences

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation 

Business/Marketing

URL: http://www.healthanswers.com/library/medenc/enc/2308.asp

 DESCRIPTION:  No-nonsense look at albinism, its causes, prevention, symptoms, testing and treatments of this rare disability .

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Health Answers.com

Information/Journals

International Albinism Center

URL: http://www.cbc.umn.edu/iac

DESCRIPTION:  The International Albinism Center is a team of dedicated research professionals interested in understanding the basis of albinism in humans. They are a multi-disciplinary group of researchers that include interests in clinical genetics, molecular biology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and biochemistry, all with a central theme of understanding the cause and effect of albinism and other forms of pigment loss in humans. They have published several papers on different aspects of albinism as a result of this collaborative effort.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: University of Minnesota

 

Anxiety Disorder Resources

Advocacy/Organization

National Mental Health Association

URL: http://www.nmha.org

DESCRIPTION:  The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.  NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Mental Health Association

Advocacy/Organization

Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology

URL: http://www.kluweronline.com/issn/0091-0627/contents

DESCRIPTION:  A searchable online journal with articles, catalogues and products.  This is a well-organized site for finding information on many topics.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Kluwer online

Business/Marketing

Anxiety Disorders - The Caregivers

URL: http://www.pacificcoast.net/~kstrong/

DESCRIPTION:  This site gives information and support regarding anxiety disorders including Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.  It includes The Anxiety Disorders bookshop to buy discounted books on the subject.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Anxiety Disorders Support Site

Information/Journals

Anxiety - Panic Internet Resource

URL: http://www.algy.com/anxiety/welcome.html

DESCRIPTION:  This Anxiety Panic Internet resource is one of the web's oldest sites.  It delivers free services and support to those who suffer from anxiety disorders and to their loved ones. APIR is a true grassroots project, unaffiliated with any business or organization and created and sustained by its users.

 

Apraxia Resources

Advocacy/Organization

Apraxia Kids Website

URL: http://www.apraxia-kids.org

DESCRIPTION:  Apraxia-Kids started in December 1996 as a Listserv (e-mail discussion group) for parents who have children with apraxia of speech (verbal dyspraxia) and the therapists who care about these same children. The Apraxia-Kids web site has become the Internet's most comprehensive site about childhood apraxia (dyspraxia) with tens of thousands of hits each month.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America 

Advocacy/ Organization

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association

URL: http://www.apraxia.org

DESCRIPTION:  This is a resource for parents of children diagnosed with Apraxia, listing programs and activities; also how to get help.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association  

Business/Marketing

Expressive Communication Help Organization

URL: http://apraxiaontario.homestead.com

DESCRIPTION:  This website was established in early November 2000, and has since been in touch with many families looking for help, ideas, and support.  Its mission is to educate and to promote funding for research into the cause and treatment of oral motor speech disorders in children

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Apraxia Support Group - Toronto, Ontario 

Information/Journals

Apraxia of Speech in Children's Resources

URL: http://www.pitt.edu/~uclid/apraxia.htm

DESCRIPTION:  This is an interesting article that describes the condition, its effect on language and vocabulary.  The site also contains general information for parents

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Center for Creative Play, and University of Pittsburgh

 

Aspergers Syndrome Resources

Advocacy/Organization

Asperger Syndrome Collation of the US

URL: http://www.asperger.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site represents a national nonprofit organization committed to providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on Asperger Syndrome and related conditions.  It contains various links, adult services, & support group information.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Asperger Syndrome Collation of the US

Advocacy/Organization

URL: http://www.aspennj.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides families and those individuals affected with Aspergers Syndrome, PDD-NOS, High Functioning Autism and related disorders with education, support and advocacy

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: New Jersey Department of Education

Information/Journals

Asperger's Disorder Homepage

URL: http://www.aspergers.com

DESCRIPTION:  Information about Aspergers, a directory of clinicians who evaluate and where clinicians are located in the United States.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Information/Journals

Asperger's Syndrome Fact Sheet

URL: http://www.healthieryou.com/asperger.html

DESCRIPTION:  This is a presents an overview of causes, symptoms and treatment.  The site includes contact information for those interested in gaining more information.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Mental Health Source

Information/Journals

Family Village: A Global Community of Disability Related Resources

URL: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/lib_aspe.htm

DESCRIPTION:  Information site for parents/ people with Aspergers

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

Information/Journals

OASIS Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support

URL: http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/messageboards.html

DESCRIPTION:  Developed by parents of children who are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, this site helps educators who teach children, professionals working with individuals, and individuals with Asperger Syndrome who are seeking support to have access to the most current information.  This site helps support by presenting information and available links

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: University of Delaware

Information/ Journals

P.K. Academy

URL: http://www.fortunecity.com/millennium/sweetvalley/
166/aspergers.html

DESCRIPTION:  Information on home schooling children with Asperger.  This is a resource and support to parents seeking more information.  The site also provided links to other websites on related topics.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: P.K. Academy Homeschool

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Autism Resources
Autism

Advocacy/Organization

Cure Autism Now

URL: http://www.canfoundation.org

DESCRIPTION:  This website offers the viewer the chance to explore a wide range of resources including current research projects, political actions and an internet system for assessing autistic children.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Cure Autism Now Foundation

Advocacy/Organization

ABOARD

URL: http://www.aboard.org/

DESCRIPTION:  ABOARD is dedicated to maximizing the potential and possibilities of children, adolescents and adults with autism. They give families both hope and help through three principle and multi-component programs : EDUCATION, FAMILY SUPPORT, & ADVOCACY.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders

Information/Journals

Autism Society of America

URL: http://www.autism-society.org

DESCRIPTION:  This website offers a look at what is happening on the political front with current news related articles for people with autism.  It serves the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy, education, public awareness and research

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Autism Society of America

Information/Journals

P.A.A.I.

URL: http://www.paains.org.uk

DESCRIPTION:  This site is designed for parents, teachers and families.  It offers a step-by-step guide through the interesting and fascinating world of Autism.  Everything from diagnosis to research is covered.  It also has a link to helpful teaching aids.

  Autism-Pervasive Development Disorders Resources

Advocacy/Organization

Autism Web

URL: http://www.autismweb.com

DESCRIPTION:  Parent's guide to diagnosis, treatment, and education of children with autism, PDD, and related disorders

Advocacy/Organization

Autism National Committee Web Site

URL: http://www.autcom.org

DESCRIPTION:  This web site contributes information about Autism/PDD.  The Autism National Committee is an advocacy organization that believes in social justice and civil rights.  It provides critiques of current diagnostic labels and IQ testing, the neurophysiology of Autism.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Autism National Committee

Information/ Journals

MCW Healthlink

URL: http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/921448895.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site contains articles, publications and information on Autism/ PDD, special topics and a search options for more topical information.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Medical College of Wisconsin Physicians & Clinics-Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Information/Journals

Exceptional Parent Magazine

URL: http://www.eparent.com

DESCRIPTION:  This online magazine provides information, support, ideas, encouragement, and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Exceptional Parent Magazine

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Cerebral Palsy Resources

Advocacy/Organization

4 My Child

URL: http://www.cerebralpalsy.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site talks about Cerebral Palsy, its treatments and supports.  It also contains information and links about available support and research news

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: CJ Advertising

 

Albinism Resources
Cleft Palate

Advocacy/ Organization

Smiles: A Cleft Palate Support Group

URL: http://www.cleft.org

DESCRIPTION:  A group of dedicated families who have developed a first hand understanding of the needs of children with a cleft palate.  At this site learn about the condition, causes, frequency, problems and treatments.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Operation Smile Internet Headquarters Children's Hospital's of the King Daughters

Business/Marketing

Children's Plastic Surgery

URL: http://www.hopeforkids.com

DESCRIPTION: This site is a service to help find more information about the treatment options available regarding cleft palate. The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers this information to parents to help encourage, allay fears and support them as they make decisions regarding the care of their child needing reconstructive surgery.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Children's Hospital - Los Angeles, CA

Business/Marketing

Operation Smile

URL: http://www.operationsmile.org

DESCRIPTION:  Operation Smile is a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical services organization providing reconstructive surgery and related health care to indigent children and young adults in developing countries and the United States. Operation Smile provides education and training around the world to physicians and other health care professionals to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Operation Smile brings together health professionals with the public and private sectors to provide voluntary care to improve the quality of life for the children, families, and communities that share in the Operation Smile

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Operation Smile

Information/Journals

Cleft lip and Palate

URL: http://www.cleftline.org

DESCRIPTION:  CPF's primary purpose is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with congenital facial deformities and their families through education, research support, and the facilitation of family-centered care.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

Cortical Vision Impairment Resources

Advocacy/Organization

Causes of Blindness

URL: http://www.lighthouse.org

DESCRIPTION:  Lighthouse International is a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Through its pioneering work in vision rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy, Lighthouse International enables people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead independent and productive lives

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Lighthouse International

Advocacy/Organization

American Printing House for the Blind

URL: http://www.aph.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site promotes the independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing special media, tools, and materials needed for education and life.  American Printing House manufactures Braille, large type, recorded, computer disk, and tactile graphic publications.  They also provide a wide assortment of educational and daily living products. APH offers a variety of services to assist consumers and professionals in the field of vision, such as Louis, a database listing materials available in accessible media from organizations across North America.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: American Printing House for the Blind

Business/Marketing

Seedlings Braille Books for Children

URL: http://www.seedlings.org

DESCRIPTION:  This is a company which offers low cost children's books in Braille. 

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  Seedlings Braille Books for Children

Information/Journals

Cortical Vision Impairment

URL: http://www.tsbvi.edu

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers a guide to programs and services being offered in Texas.  It contains a wealth of links that are useful for students, parents, and professionals across the country.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Blind and Visually Impaired Ring

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Cystic Fibrosis Resources

Advocacy/Organization

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

URL: http://www.cff.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site hosts a variety of information links about Cystic Fibrosis - everything from the facts, to ways to get involved, to public policy.  It contains true stories about life with Cystic Fibrosis as well as ways to participate in research trials and policy making.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Advocacy/Organization

Boomer Esiason foundation

URL: http://www.esiason.org/

DESCRIPTION:  This site includes detailed information about the Boomer Esiason Foundation and in depth resources for cystic fibrosis information exchange.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Boomer Esiason foundation

Information/Journals

Cystic Fibrosis

URL: http://vmsb.csd.mu.edu/~5418lukasr/cystic.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site contains a database of online resources about Cystic Fibrosis.  This page is intended to be an exhaustive guide to online web pages, mailing lists, FAQs, and USENET groups dealing with Cystic Fibrosis. This page is constantly under development, as old links are updated and new resources are added.

Deaf Resources
Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Advocacy/ Organization

The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders

URL: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov

DESCRIPTION:  This website offers a link to the biomedical and behavioral research that is being conducted by the National Institute of Health in normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.  It also conducts and supports research in disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication disorders, and supports efforts to create devices to assist in supplementing for lost or impaired sensory functioning.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Institute of Health

Advocacy/ Organization

SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People)

URL: http://www.shhh.org

DESCRIPTION:  One of the primary purposes of this site is to provide education on the many aspects of hearing loss, from technological and medical advances to coping and parenting strategies in order to have people become self advocates and to fully participate and be successful in society. SHHH opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.

Advocacy/Organization

American Society for Deaf Children

URL: http://www.deafchildren.org

DESCRIPTION:  The library section contains information and resources directed at helping you with deaf issues including education, law, and social issues.  Also has many links to other informational websites.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: American Society for Deaf Children

Advocacy/ Organization

National Association for the Deaf

URL: http://www.nad.org

DESCRIPTION:  The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the oldest and largest constituency organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans in education, employment, health care, and telecommunications.  This website provides information, advocacy and links to other websites.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Association for the Deaf

Business/ Marketing

Deafbase

URL: http://www.deafbase.com

DESCRIPTION:  This is a customized search engine and directory that specializes in the world of deaf, hearing-impaired, and hard of hearing issues.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Al Graphics

Business/ Marketing

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

URL: http://www.agbell.org

DESCRIPTION:  This website provides information on hearing loss, specifically hearing losses in children.  It focuses on the auditory approach and advocates independence through listening and speaking.  It contains a number of links to other resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Alexander Graham Bell Association

Business/ Marketing

Harris Communications

URL: http://www.harriscomm.com

DESCRIPTION:  This is company, which supplies a large array of books, videos, equipment and novelties for the Deaf and Hard of hearing population.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Harris Communications

Business/Marketing

Garlic Press

URL: http://www.garlicpress.com

DESCRIPTION:  Garlic Press is a publisher of educational material for learning and growing.  It is a wonderful site for searching the materials that are available to aid in the education of learners at any age.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Garlic Press, Publications

Business/Marketing

Deaf Education Website

URL: http://www.deafed.net

DESCRIPTION:  This site exists to enhance the preparation of new teachers and to support the ongoing professional development of existing teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  It offers an array of learning resources and opportunities that are available to teachers and students, as well as ways to increase collaboration between all those involved in the education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Kent State University

Business/ Marketing

The Say What Club

URL: http://www.saywhatclub.com

DESCRIPTION:  This website consists of on line groups of late deafened, hard of hearing and deaf adult who provide support and encouragement to one another via email.  It currently has 12 mailing lists, 6 "general", 4 permanent "focused topic" lists and 2-topic discussion list that change.

Business/ Marketing

The Listen Up Website

URL: http://www.listen-up.org/index.htm

DESCRIPTION:  Information and product ideas for the special needs of hearing impaired children and their families fill this website.  It is a good place to look for information, answers, help, ideas, resources or anything else that is related to the hearing-impaired.  It shows primarily hands-on materials not much technology.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  Listen-Up

Information/Journals

Why Bilingualism/Biculturalism is Appropriate in Deaf Education

URL:  http://www.deafworldweb.org/pub/b/bibi.mason.html

DESCRIPTION:  Article on "Why Bilingualism/Biculturalism is Appropriate in Deaf Education" written by Dr David Mason.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Deaf Children's Society of British Columbia

Information/Journals

Gallaudet University

URL: http://www.gallaudet.edu

DESCRIPTION:  Gallaudet is the only all Deaf/Hard of hearing University in the world.  Through this website a person can access language options, arts, athletics, Deaf rights centers, academic information, etc.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Gallaudet University

Information/Journals

RIT Libraries

URL: http://wally.rit.edu/internet/subject/deafness.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site hosts a virtual library of wonderful websites that contain an array of information for deaf and hard of hearing student, parents, teacher, or anyone who has an interest.  It is updated and links are checked periodically.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Rochester Institute of Technology

Information/Journals

The Deaf Resource Library

URL: http://www.deaflibrary.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site is a virtual curriculum library of sites that provide information on a wide variety of topics of concern to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals or those working with them.  It consists of an extensive on-line collection of reference materials and links intended to educate and inform people about the Deaf culture

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Karen Nakumura, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Macalaster College, St Paul, MN

Information/ Journals

Clerc Center of Galluadet University

URL: http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/

DESCRIPTION:  This site contains information on software products and/or other Internet links that are especially accessible and pertinent to deaf and hard of hearing individuals

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Gallaudet University

Information/ Journals"

Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange

URL: http://cirrie.buffalo.edu

DESCRIPTION:  CIRRIE's mission is to facilitate the sharing of information and expertise in rehabilitation research between the United States and other countries.  It has established an international rehabilitation research database and attempts to disseminate information to rehabilitation service providers on cultural issues to meet the needs of foreign-born people in the U.S., with a focus on recent immigrants

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Dept. of Ed.

Information/ Journals

Instructional Technology and Education of the Deaf

URL: http://www.rit.edu/~techsym/cgi.bin/sort/sessions.cgi

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides a wealth of research based articles and papers that support the use of technology in a wide scope of teaching and instruction with deaf students.  Presentations were given at an International Symposium in June of 2001.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Rochester Institute of Technology

Deaf-Blind

Advocacy/ Organization

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth & Adults

URL: http://www.helenkeller.org

DESCRIPTION:  Various links to research, family support, and a resource registry

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth & Adults

Information/ Journals

DB-Link

URL: http://www.tr.wosc.osshe.edu/dblink/about.htm

DESCRIPTION:  This site helps to ensure that information about practices, programs and available services are readily accessible to those who are deaf-blind and their families.  It also provides information that will assist education, medical, and service personnel in their efforts to deliver comprehensive services nationwide.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Federally funded consortium.

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Depression Resources
Depression

Advocacy/ Organization

National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association

URL: http://www.ndmda.org

DESCRIPTION:  The mission of the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association is to educate patients, families, professionals, and the public concerning the nature of depressive and manic-depressive illnesses as treatable medical disease.  It also fosters self-help for patients and families and works to eliminate discrimination and stigma. The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association seeks to improve access to care and to advocates for more research toward the elimination of these illnesses.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association

Business/ Marketing

Depression - Define it, Defeat it.

URL: http://www.hoptechno.com/book34.htm

DESCRIPTION:  This site gives the most current information regarding the leading causes and symptoms of depression.

Information/ Journals

Depression Information Center

URL: http://webmd.lycos.com/condition_center?doi=dep

DESCRIPTION:  This site looks at the causes, treatment and available resources that deal with depression.  This site offers information regarding possible medications and common side effects.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Lilly, WebMD

Information/ Journals

Dr. Ivan's Depression Central

URL: http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html#contents

DESCRIPTION:  This site is a central clearinghouse for information on all types of depressive disorders and on the most effective treatments for individuals suffering from Major Depression, Manic-Depression (Bipolar Disorder), Cyclothymia, Dysthymia and other mood disorders.

Information/ Journals

ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education

URL: http://www.ericec.org/faq/bipolar.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site lists a series of articles that are written about depression.  It gives abstracts of the article and research information about the disease.

Information/ Journals

The Depressed Child

URL: http://www.depressedchild.org

DESCRIPTION:  At this site you can find information and commentary about symptoms of child depression, treatment opportunities, personal stories, a chat room, legislative/political developments, and a list of other resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Individually sponsored by a parent of a child who has died of undiagnosed depression.

Information/ Journals

American Academy of Pediatrics

URL: http://www.aap.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides a checklist to recognize depression in children, along with a wide variety of research materials and professional publications

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: American Academy of Pediatrics

Depression/Bi-polar Disorders

Advocacy/ Organization

Bipolar Disorders Portal          

URL: http://www.pendulum.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers books, articles, medical information and support groups for those with depression and Bi-Polar disorder.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Pendulum Resources

Information/ Journals

SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)

URL: http://www.save.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site deals with suicide and depression. It offers articles that answer questions about suicide, gives symptoms and warning signs; strategies to help those left behind and support resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: SAVE

Depression and Schizophrenia

Advocacy/ Organization

National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression

URL: http://www.narsad.org/

DESCRIPTION:  NARSAD embodies a phenomenal model of concerned families linked with professionals.  It is the largest donor supported organization in the world devoted exclusively to supporting research for brain and behavior disorders.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Non Profit Organization

Down Syndrome Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

National Down syndrome Society

URL: http://www.ndss.org

DESCRIPTION:  The National Down Syndrome Society was established in 1979 to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in community life. Today, NDSS continues to increase public awareness about Down syndrome and discover its underlying causes through research, education and advocacy.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Down Syndrome Society

Advocacy/ Organization

National Association for Down Syndrome

URL: http://www.nads.org/

DESCRIPTION:  The National Association for Down Syndrome gives support and information to parents.  They disseminate up to date information on Down Syndrome and promote an environment, which fosters growth and development of people with this disability enabling  them to achieve their full potential.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Advocacy/ Organization

Down Syndrome Foundation

URL: http://www.dsrf.org

DESCRIPTION:  A center that conducts research and circulates data.  Access resources and program details through this website.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Down Syndrome Foundation

 Business/ Marketing

Baby Bumblebee

URL: http://www.babybumblebee.com

DESCRIPTION:  Our Vocabulary Builder videos use teaching approaches recommended by early learning specialists and speech therapists.  This is a commercial site for parents of children with speech and language disorders.  The site features videos, facts, store, locations, and parent resources.  Many positive comments in the parent section.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Baby Bumblebee

Information/ Journals

Down Syndrome on the Internet

URL: http://www.downsyndrome.com

DESCRIPTION:  This is a forum for sharing experiences and information about Down Syndrome with a family chat room and bulletin board.  This is a great site with lots of links, both nationally and internationally.

Information/ Journals

Down syndrome: Health Issues

URL: http://www.ds-health.com

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides news & information for parents and professionals. This site houses a wealth of information on Down Syndrome.  It includes articles from toilet training to dental care to research based treatments and practices. The site does not accept support from organizations or sponsors.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Information/ Journals

Down syndrome Quarterly

URL: http://www.denison.edu/dsq/

DESCRIPTION:  Down Syndrome Quarterly is an interdisciplinary journal devoted to advancing the state of knowledge on Down syndrome and covers all areas of medical, behavioral, and social scientific research. It is published in March, June, September, and December and is distributed by subscription to individuals, organizations, and libraries.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Denison University

Information/ Journals

Down Syndrome Association of NSW Inc

URL: http://www.dsansw.org.au/

DESCRIPTION:  The aim of the Down Syndrome Association of NSW is to encourage people with Down syndrome to fulfill their potential for successful and happy lives, in a society that knows their abilities and is supportive of their needs.  The work of the Association is to represent the interests and respond to the needs of people with Down Syndrome in the major aspects of their lives as members of the family, in their individual pursuits, and as members of the community. This website is one way of meeting that goal.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Down Syndrome Association of NSW, Inc

Information/ Journals

Understanding the gift of life

URL: http://www.nas.com/downsyn/

DESCRIPTION:  This website deals with topics such as inclusion and the educational resources which could be utilized with children.  It includes articles and links to other helpful sites.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Down Syndrome list serve

Emotional/Behavioral Disorder Resources

Information/ Journals

Dr. Mac's Amazing Behavior Management Advice Site

URL: http://www.BehaviorAdvisor.com

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers thousands of tips on managing student behavior and directions for implementing standard interventions.  It also contains a bulletin board to post specific disciplinary concerns and receive suggestions from teachers around the world.  This site claims to have been visited by teachers from 36 different countries/territories on six different continents.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Tom McIntyre, former teacher, author and researcher

Information/ Journals

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

URL: http://www.aacap.org/

DESCRIPTION:  This site has information to assist parents and families in understanding developmental, behavioral, emotional and mental disorder affecting children and adolescents.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Epilepsy Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

Epilepsy Foundation

URL: http://www.efnyc.org/

DESCRIPTION:  This site gives information about programs and services, education and research, advocacy, myths and facts, and treatments for those struggling with epilepsy.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Epilepsy Foundation of New York City

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

URL: http://www.nafas.org

DESCRIPTION:  This web site is dedicated to bringing awareness, education and support for those children born with FAS/FAE.  It provides the visitor with current legislative initiatives, description of the syndrome, strategies to help families, curriculum ideas and resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Non Profit Organization

Advocacy/ Organization

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

URL: http://www.nofas.org

DESCRIPTION:  NOFAS is committed to raising public awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)-the leading known cause of mental retardation-and to developing and implementing innovative ideas in prevention, intervention, education and advocacy in communities throughout the nation.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Advocacy/ Organization

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Family Resource Institute

URL: http://www.fetalalcoholsyndrome.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides people with resources for assistance, referrals and support.  It also has advocacy groups, informational packets available to parents and professionals, a quarterly newsletter and teen prevention program.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: FAS Family Resource Institute

Advocacy/ Organization

CETS

URL: http://www.fascets.org

DESCRIPTION:  Multidisciplinary team whose members include experts in the field of FAS/ARNO.  This website has a parent section with their personal stories, a section for professionals, marketplace, a bibliography of suggested readings, and resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: D & J Computers

Business/ Marketing

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Family Resource Institute

URL: http://fetalalcoholsyndrome.org

DESCRIPTION:  The mission of the FAS Family Resource Institute, a non-profit organization, is to identify, understand and care for individuals disabled by prenatal alcohol exposure and their families, and to prevent future generations from having to live with this disability.  This website lists behavioral symptoms of adolescents with FAS/ FAE, links to current articles and support groups.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: FAS Family Resource Institute

Information/ Journals

The ABC's of FAS/FAE

URL: http://www.lcsc.edu/education/fas/

DESCRIPTION:  This is a teacher's guide and resource book on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect.  It presents a thorough and easy to understand explanation of FAS/FAE.

Information/ Journals

CDC - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas

DESCRIPTION:  An informational website with links to several other sites.  This site has information regarding FAS, prevention, secondary activities, and publications.  It also has a "Frequently Asked Questions" section.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Information/ Journals

Alcohol Related Birth Injury Resource Site

URL: http://www.arbi.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers information about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Alcohol Related Birth Injury in a format designed for quick access to information require and access to links for many related sites. 

Information/ Journals

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Community Resource Center

URL: http://come-over.to/FASCRC/

DESCRIPTION:  This web site provides a fact sheet on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, email support groups and research articles.  It also includes legislation updates, links and personal stories.  There is also a great deal of information on current brain research and the effects of FAS.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Community Resource Center

Medically Fragile Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

Champ Camp                  

URL: http://www.champcamp.org

DESCRIPTION:  This is a website for a camp which provides outdoor activities and enrichment experiences for children and adolescents w/tracheotomies and those requiring ventilator assistance, and other medical conditions.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Champ Camp

Information/ Journals

Aaron's Tracheotomy Page                 

URL: http://www.tracheostomy.com

DESCRIPTION:  Home care guide and links for children with tracheotomies.  This website is written by a mother whose son had a tracheotomy and is a great resource for parents to get information and support.  There is a section where parents can submit pictures of their child with personal information.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Twin Enterprises Network.

Information/ Journals

Alphabet House

URL: http://www.alphabethouse.org/education.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers a wide array of family services, chat rooms, resources and information for families and educators of those children who are considered medically fragile.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Alphabet House

General Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights)

URL: http://www.pacer.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site was created to help parents and families facing the challenges of raising children with disabilities.  It offers a wide variety of related topic issues and links.  PACER's site offers educational materials to parents and social service professionals on issues related to special education and disabilities.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: PACER

Advocacy/ Organization

Council for Exceptional Children

URL: http://www.cec.sped.org

DESCRIPTION:  The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an international professional organization designed to improve educational outcomes for children with special educational needs and/or the gifted.  This site offers a view of current governmental policies, professional standards, continued professional development opportunities, research on new or historical perspectives on the needs and service of these students, along with a wealth of resources needed for effective professional practice.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Council of Exceptional Children

 Advocacy/ Organization

Federal Resource Center for Special Education

URL: http://www.dssc.org/frc/

DESCRIPTION:  The FRC supports and provides a national perspective for establishing technical assistance activities across regions by identifying emerging issues and trends in special education, and assists in linking Regional Resource Centers with each other and with other technical assistance providers.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: U.S. Department of Education

Advocacy/ Organization

The National Education Association

URL: http://www.nea.org

DESCRIPTION:  The organization whose self-described purpose is "advancing the cause of public education" has a site that is easy to navigate and easy on the eye. There are nine main categories--Public Education, Students, Teaching, Schools, Partnerships, About NEA, Parents, News and Issues--with a variety of published material contained therein. The Quick Clicks area provides access to topics such as legislative information, technology, grants, classroom help, and more.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Education Association

Advocacy/ Organization

Disease We Treat

URL: http://www.NationalJewish.org/diseases/dt7.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site has a wide array of diseases listed.  It links to a description of the disease, treatment, resources and advocacy pages.  Diseases range from Asthma to Cancer to Cystic Fibrosis to Juvenile Arthritis to Sleep Disorders to Vocal Cord Dysfunction.  Well worth a visit.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Jewish Medical and Research Center

Learned Helplessness Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

The Learned Helplessness Home Page         

URL: http://www.psych.upenn.edu/~fresco/helplessness.html

DESCRIPTION:  Scholarly discussions of the Learned Helplessness Theory.  This is a site of postings by individuals.  This has more of a bulletin board format; the reader would have to determine the validity of the information.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The American Psychological Association

Business/ Marketing

Barnes and Noble         

URL: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

DESCRIPTION:  This is an on-line bookstore, which can be searched by subject. Books can also be purchased on-line.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  Barnes and Noble

Information/ Journals

Eliminating Learned Helplessness, Dependency, Low Self - Esteem and Low Achievement

URL: http://www.foothill.net/~moorek/eliminating.html

DESCRIPTION:  This article covers four important topics: To get noticed you must fail; Learned Helplessness; Increasing Helplessness; and the 20 second helping interaction.  This article focuses on the idea that teachers have been inadvertently reinforcing the exact behaviors they are trying to eliminate.

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Learning Disabilities Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

Internet Special Education Resources (ISER)

URL: http://www.iser.com/

DESCRIPTION:  ISER is a nationwide directory of professionals who serve the learning disabilities and special education communities. They help parents and caregivers find local special education professionals to help with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder assessment, therapy, advocacy, and other special needs.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Internet Special Education Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

LD Online         

URL: http://www.ldonline.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site is an interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and other professionals.  It features a regular newsletter, questions and answer forum, articles that deal with current issues, student work and ideas, and much more.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Learning Project at WETA, Washington, D.C.

Advocacy/ Organization

Learning Disabilities Association of America

URL: http://www.ldanatl.org

DESCRIPTION:  LDA is dedicated to identifying causes and promoting prevention of learning disabilities and to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families by encouraging effective identification and intervention, fostering research, and protecting their rights under the law.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: ACLD Foundation

Business/ Marketing

What Works - Ideas from Parents

URL: http://familyeducation.com/whatworks/item/group-index/0,2554,1-13751,00.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides the viewer with ways to help a child learn.  From no-tech to high-tech tools, it allows the viewers to see how others have rated particular intervention techniques and to rate for themselves.  The site lists a variety of tools, their rating and reviews, as well as links to related articles.

Business/ Marketing

Academic Therapy Publications and High Noon Books         

URL: http://www.academictherapy.com

DESCRIPTION:  This site lists reference books, curriculum materials sorted by grade levels, tests, resources, reading curriculum, mathematics, history/ geography, and language arts.  Online purchases can also be handled easily.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Academic Therapy Publications and High Noon Books

Business/ Marketing

Merit Software

URL: http://www.meritsoftware.com

DESCRIPTION:  The software is said to improve student's reading, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, writing and math.  This is a commercial website to promote specific products.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Merit Software

Information/ Journals

Learning Network

URL: http://www.familyeducation.com

DESCRIPTION:  This site provides teachers and parents with resources that allow them to learn about and connect with others who have learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders.  It also looks at the research surrounding the use of medication and behavior modification techniques.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National PTA, ASCD, Council for Exceptional Children, and RIF Foundation

Lyme's Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

Lyme disease

URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/index.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site presents a simple explanation of how Lymes disease is contracted, symptoms, and tick checks.  This is a great interactive website that is fun, informative and well organized.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Nemours Foundation

Advocacy/ Organization

Lyme's Disease Network

URL: http://www.lymenet.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site is designed and maintained by a non-profit foundation dedicated to public education, prevention and treatment of Lyme's Disease.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Lyme's Disease Network

Business/ Marketing

Red Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center

URL: http://www.healing4u.com/test4.html

DESCRIPTION:  This article is well written with testimonials of healing through acupuncture.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Red Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center

Business/ Marketing

American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc

URL: http://www.aldf.com/

DESCRIPTION:  The information on Lyme disease presented in this web site has been reviewed and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The site provides information, research, conferences, publications for sale, and a community network all surrounding the issue of Lyme disease

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The American Lyme Disease Foundation

Information/ Journals

Spotlight on Lyme Disease

URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lymeinfo.htm

DESCRIPTION:  This site includes a large photo of the tick, the genome that causes it, a questions and answers section, diagnosis, epidemiology, and vaccine recommendations.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Center for Disease Control

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

OCF

URL: http://www.ocfoundation.org/index.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site gives information regarding medications, related disorders, and offerings for workshops on related topics presented at national conferences.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

Advocacy/ Organization

Anxiety Disorders Association of America

URL: http://www.adaa.org

DESCRIPTION:  Information on people with anxiety disorders/OCD and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  This is a well written and informative website and would be beneficial to parents and professionals.

Business/ Marketing

Growth Central

URL: http://www.growthcentral.com

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers a workbook and skills for working through anxiety disorders, eating disorders and anger management.  Materials can be easily purchased through this company.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  Growth Central

Business/ Marketing

O.C.D. Resource Center

URL: http://www.ocdresource.com/

DESCRIPTION:  The information on this site is offered to give information about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)--what it is and what kinds of medical treatment and emotional support are available. Created with input from OCD patients and medical experts, the site's goal is to provide answers to some key questions, and ways to unlock the mysteries of OCD.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Business/ Marketing

National Institute of Mental Health

URL: http://www.lexington-on-line.com/naf.ocd1.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site explores the basics of both Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Panic Disorder.  It also gives a directory of Anxiety Health care professionals.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Anxiety Foundation

Information/ Journals

National Institute of Mental

URL: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/ocd.cfm#ocd5

DESCRIPTION:  This site explains OCD, its causes, treatment and research. 

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  National Institute of Mental Health

Information/ Journals

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

URL: http://www.ocfoundation.org

DESCRIPTION:  Founded by a group of individuals with OCD in 1986, the mission of the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation is to educate the public and professional communities about OCD and related disorders. It also seeks to provide assistance to individuals with OCD and related disorders, their family and friends; and to support research into the causes and effective treatments of OCD and related disorders.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

Information/ Journal

The Awareness Foundation for OCD and Related Disorders

URL: http://www.ocdawareness.com

DESCRIPTION:  The OCD Awareness website hopes to help increase the understanding of OCD and other related disorders for professionals, educators and the public. 

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: The Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunications

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Photophobia Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

Achromatopsin Network

URL: http://www.achromat.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site lists many rare vision disorders, definitions, information, and links to other websites.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Achromatopsin Network

Business/ Marketing

Photophobia or light sensitivity

URL: http://www.allaboutastigmatism.com

DESCRIPTION:  This is a website dedicated to the conditions of the eye.  There area many conditioned listed with information, treatments, and links to research articles.  This is a very informative site.

Information/ Journals

The Special Education Exchange

URL: http://www.spedex.com

DESCRIPTION:  This web site contains online documents, links, discussion sessions and conference announcements regarding student with visual disabilities.  It also contains a discussion area and job listings.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  Special Education Exchange

Rhett's Syndrome Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

International Rhett's Syndrome Association

URL: http://www.rettsyndrome.org

DESCRIPTION:  A wonderful resource site that contains everything from an overview of the syndrome to how to incorporate IEP goals.  It contains many links to research, education, happenings, and resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: International Rhett's Syndrome Association

Information/ Journals

Australian Rhett Syndrome Association

URL: http://www.general.uwa.edu.au/u/hleonard

DESCRIPTION:  This site is dedicated to the research being conducted by the Australian Rhett Syndrome Assoc.  It contains interesting information about the syndrome, along with the history of the project and links to other resources.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Australian Rhett Syndrome Association

Speech Disorders Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

American Speech/Language/Hearing Association

URL: http://www.asha.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site offers help to the professionals as well as the general public.  It gives information about communication disorders and offers resources and information for current and prospective students of audiology or speech-language pathology.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Subara, Option Schools, Beyond Baby Talk

Advocacy/ Organization

Kaufman Children's Center for Speech, Language, and Sensory Disorders

URL: http://www.kidspeech.com

DESCRIPTION:  The center specializes in therapies for a variety of speech disorders.  The site lists services and specialties, testimonials, language activities and products to try.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Kaufman Children's Center

Business/ Marketing

Catalog of Educational Materials

URL: http://www.rehabchicago.org

DESCRIPTION:  Catalog of Educational Materials.  This is a searchable website containing all the research conducted at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Business/ Marketing

TICE, Technology Services, Inc.

URL: http://www.ticeinfo.com/products/index.html

DESCRIPTION:  This site features software products for communication disorders testing such as Sentence Intelligibility, Pacer/Tally for Windows and Phoneme Intelligibility Test.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: TICE, Technology Services, Inc

 

Spinal Chord Injury Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

National Spinal Cord Injury Association        

URL: http://www.spinalcord.org

DESCRIPTION:  Spinal Cord Injury and Disease Information Resources at the Health South, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Medtronic, Paralyzed Veterans of America, NSCIA  This is a fact based website and easily navigated.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Spinal Cord Injury Association

Business/ Marketing

Different Roads to Learning, Inc

URL: http://www.difflearn.com

DESCRIPTION:  Different Roads to Learning is an on-line catalog specializing in learning materials and playthings for children with developmental delays and challenges. This catalog puts together educational toys and materials that stimulate the skills leading to speech and language for challenged children ages 2 to 10.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Different Roads to Learning, Inc

Information/ Journals

Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare Online Resource Center

URL: http://www.gillettechildrens.com/resource-center/index.html

DESCRIPTION:  Resource Center for children with disabilities, including School Curriculum Lesson Plans.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare

Traumatic Brain Injury Resources

Advocacy/ Organization

Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Directory

URL: http://www.tbi-sci.org

DESCRIPTION:  There is a research section with current information plus resources, support groups, and behavior management.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Rehabilitation Resource Center

Advocacy/ Organization

Brain Injury Center: your doorway to information

URL: http://www.braincenter.org

DESCRIPTION: Brain Injury Association of Kentucky is a non-profit organization to serve people with brain injuries by advocating, education, preventing, and serving.  This website serves as one of their tools to reach interested people.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Brain Injury Association of Kentucky

Advocacy/ Organization

Brain Injury Association of MN

URL: http://www.braininjurymn.org

DESCRIPTION:  This website can link persons with brain injury and their families to a variety of programs and services.  It contains information on brain injury and a broad range of related topics.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Brain Injury Association of MN

Information/ Journals

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

URL: http://depts.washington.edu/rehab/research/index.html

DESCRIPTION:  This website presents updates on brain injury, publications, current research findings, resources through the University of Washington.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: University of Washington School of Medicine

Information/ Journals

National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury

URL: http://www.neuro.pmr.vcu.edu

DESCRIPTION:  The mission of the National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury is to provide relevant, practical information for professionals, persons with brain injury, and family members. Many of the products listed were developed by nationally recognized experts. Some of the products included intervention programs, assessment tools, and investigating the special needs and problems of people with brain injury and their families.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury

Information/ Journals

Center for Neuro Skills

URL: http://www.neuroskills.com/

DESCRIPTION:  This website has information about rehabilitation and ways to work and deal with traumatic brain injuries.  It has links to news related stories, education, research and tools; as well as a directory of services.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Center for Neuro-Skills

Information/ Journals

Brain Injury Association, Inc

URL: http://www.biausa.org

DESCRIPTION:  This site can be search to find out information on the brain, on brain research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and living life with a brain injury.  It hosts a chat room, links to national directories and conferences.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Brain Injury Assoc. Inc