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Organizations Helping Families and Children with Disabilities
AD-IN - Attention Deficit Information Network (Needham)
(617)455-9895
Provides support and information to families of children with ADD and adults with ADD. The organization sponsors support groups, conferences, and lists other resources available. Serves statewide.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (Michigan)
(800) 487-2282
Provides information and resources to families of children with ADD and adults with ADD. Serves Nationwide.
Bureau of Transitional Planning (Boston)
(617) 727-7600
Chapter 688 provides continuation of support services to special needs students after graduating high school or upon turning age 22, only in cases of severe learning disabilities. Call the Bureau of Transitional Planning for more information about this program. Serves statewide.
Disability Law Center (Boston Office)
(800)872-9992
So. East. MA (508) 996-8576 or 1(800)244-902;
W. MA (413)584-6337 or 1 (800) 222-5619
This private, non-profit advocacy and law reform agency provides free legal assistance and information to disabled people throughout Massachusetts who meet income guidelines. Serves statewide.
Div. for Children w/ Special Health Care Needs (Dept. Pub. Health,
Boston)
(800)882-1415
Provides information on services as well as case management for children with special health care needs. This is a division within the state Department of Public Health. Serves statewide.
DOE (Department of Education) -- Div. of Special Ed.(Malden)
(617)388-3300
Provides information, regulations and publications to help explain the special education process.In addition, complaints about how a school is handling a special education child's case can be made by calling DOE and asking for the special education liaison for that school district. Some useful publications available by calling DOE are "A Focus on Attention Deficits", "Effective Strategies for Parent Advisory Councils", "A Parent's Guide to the Special Education Regulations", the special education regulations themselves -"Chapter 766", and the list of Massachusetts Chapter 766 Approved in State and out of State Schools and Programs that Serve Publicly Funded Special Education Students.
Early Intervention Programs -- Dept. of Public Health (Boston)
(617)624-5070
Provides information about early intervention programs available across the state. Early intervention programs provide services to children birth to 3 years who are at risk due to handicapping conditions or developmental delays. Serves statewide.
Family Ties (Department of Public Health)
Boston area: (617) 727-1115
Northeast. MA: (508) 851-7261 or (617) 727-7908;
Southeast. MA: (617) 727-1440;
Central MA (508)792-7880; Western MA (413)586-7525 or 1(800)445-1255
Provides information, referral, and support for family members of children with disabilities and chronic illness. Helps parents locate or start parent support groups. This program is situated in Department of Public Health regional offices.
Federation for Children with Special Needs (Boston)
(617)482-2915 or (800)331-0688
Provides information and referral on all manner of questions pertaining to children with special needs. In some cases can make referrals to free or reduced fee special needs advocates. Also trains individuals to become' special needs advocates. Serves statewide.
Home Health Care Association of Massachusetts (Boston)
(800)332-3500
Provides listings of home health care agencies in communities throughout the state. Home health agencies offer health care and support services to disabled and home bound individuals of all ages. Serves statewide.
Information Center for Individuals with Disabilities (Boston)
(800) 462-5015
Provides comprehensive information, referral, and problem solving assistance on disability related issues for individuals of all ages. Serves statewide.
Learning Disabilities Association of Massachusetts (Waltham)
(617) 891-5009
This non-profit volunteer organization provides information, referral, and written materials to help individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals. Serves statewide.
Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (Wakefield)
(617)245-1220
Provides a directory with descriptions of day and residential programs in Massachusetts serving special needs children with learning, behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. Serves statewide.
Massachusetts Association of Retarded Citizens (Headquarters-Waltham)
(617)891-6270
Provides information and assistance on services available to retarded citizens. In some instances can provide advocacy for special needs children who are not mentally retarded. Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) offices are located across the state. Check your local directory or call the headquarters office listed above. Serves statewide.
Massachusetts Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities -- MCCD (Boston)
(800) 879-6223
Provides information and advocacy to disabled individuals in Massachusetts, in order to empower and help ensure the rights of disabled citizens. Serves statewide.
Massachusetts Easter Seal Society (Headquarters -- Worcester)
(800) 922-8290
Provides a range of services to disabled individuals of all ages. Services include information and referral, home health care, camp and swim programs, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other services. Serves statewide.
Massachusetts Office on Disabilities (Boston)
(800)322-2020
Provides information, referral, and written materials on services in Massachusetts for individuals with disabilities. Can provide direct assistance and advocacy on a limited basis. Serves statewide.
PAC -- Parent Advisory Councils
Call your local school department for the contact information and numbers
Parent advisory councils, generally made up of parents of special needs children in a school district, provide a vehicle for parents to have an impact on special education in their schools. In addition, members can network, support, and share information with one another. The Department of Education (see DOE above) publishes manuals for setting up PACs.
SPAN -- Special Needs Advocacy Network
(617)928-0002
SPAN advocates and educational consultants are available to work with families, schools and individuals. Members in private practice are contracted on a fee for service basis. Fees vary. For a list of advocates and consultants, call the number listed above.
Supplemental Security Income (Social Security Administration)
(800)772-1213
Children with disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance through this program which is administered by the Social Security Administration. Call the above number for a referral to the local office to determine eligibility. Serves statewide.
For More Information:
Comprehensive Care Clinic
Boston Medical Center
91 E. Concord Street, 5th floor
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 414-4773
Mary.Stolecki@bmc.org
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