Community Resources

Know your Rights -- state and federal laws to help you understand your rights.
School Information (Kent County) -- Information about Special Education Programs in Kent County.
Specialty Groups and Associations -- links to local resources, specialty groups and associations.
Health Food Stores in the Grand Rapids area -- Stores that carry Gluten Free products.

Know your Rights

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP’s).  A sub-site explains the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and what services parents of children with a disability can expect to receive from their school systems. 

The Parent Procedural Safeguards complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Federal law concerning the education of students with disabilities.  It requires schools to provide parents of a child with a disability a notice containing a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under the IDEA and U.S. Department of Education regulations.  Please note, these safeguards only apply to the Michigan Department of Education. 

School Information (Kent County)

Kent County School District information on Special Education Programs. Note that pages 16-19 provide information on what kinds of programs are available in each school district.

Special Education Programs in the Grand Rapids School District  Select "Special Education" from the drop down menu and the list of schools within the Grand Rapids School district will come up with names and contact information. (Please note that this page may take a little longer to load.)
 

Specialty Groups and Associations

4 Paws for Ability trains and places autism assistance dogs.

American Occupational Therapy Association

American Psychological Association

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Association for Behavioral Analysis (ABAI)

Autism Society of America  Among other helpful resources, the Autism Society of America has a program called “Sensory Friendly Film.” There is a “Sensory Friendly Film” location in Grand Rapids. Located at the Grand Rapids 18, 3000 Alpine Avenue Grand Rapids, MI 49544.  

Autism Society of Michigan

Autism Society of Kent County

Autism Speaks

The ARC of Kent County advocates for the rights and full participation of all people with developmental disabilities.

Able Net Incorporated sells products to assist people with disabilities, including learning tools for children with autism.

Beyond Autism was created by a parent of a child with autism and offers more than 2700 links for other parents in need of

Bridges4Kids provides an extensive list of online resources related to children including information about disabilities, special education and more. 

Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education (CAUSE) provide free information, referral, support, advocacy, and workshops to parents and professionals working with children with disabilities and special needs.

The Daniel J. Fiddle Foundation develops, advocates for, and supports programs through grant awards that enrich the lives of adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Early On assists families with infants and toddlers, from birth until they turn 36 months or 3 years of age, who may be experiencing delays in their development or if they have a diagnosed disability. 

Friendship Ministries in an international non-profit whose mission is to share God's love with people with cognitive impairments.

The Gray Center dedicated to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding 

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital 

Kent County Health Department -- Children's Special Health Care Services

My Child Without Limits provides information about autism and other disabilities.

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities provides resources and assistance to parents of children with a disability.  One of their sub-sites provides resources and agencies specific to Michigan. Other states are also available.

Parents' Choice reviews children's media and toys and provides toy suggestions for children with special needs. 

START (Statewide Autism Resources and Training) gives professionals and parents the knowledge and skills to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder in reaching their greatest potential. 

Health Food Stores (Grand Rapids area)