It Takes a Village: Resources

It truly "takes a village" to educate and mold our children.  Parents and teachers working in partnership, but the resources of our community are also invaluable.  Below is a list of resources that are available in our community, folks we partner with at the local and state level, and support specifically for families.  

Linked Resource	Summary
Center for Parent Information & Resources	Your central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities
Disability Rights NC	Disability Rights North Carolina is a legal advocacy agency that fights for the rights of people with disabilities in North Carolina. We handle cases involving discrimination, abuse and other rights violations. All of our services are at no cost to North Carolinians with disabilities. We are a private, independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a member of the National Disability Rights Network.
Family Support Network of North Carolina	Promoting and providing support for families with children who have special needs.   Family Support Network™ of North Carolina has over 30 years of experience serving families.   The Family Support Network™ of North Carolina is comprised of 11 affiliated FSN regional affiliates and the FSN University Office.  FSN affiliates provide parent-to-parent support, information and referral, support groups, workshops, and social activities for families with children (birth – age 22) who have disabilities or special needs and their service providers statewide.  The FSN University Office supports Affiliates with funding, technical assistance, program development and evaluation, and statewide information and referral.
North Carolina Children with Special Health Care Needs Help Line	The North Carolina Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Help Line is a free information and referral source for caregivers of and professionals who work with children and youth who have or are at risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions, needing health services beyond the care that a child typically needs.
NCDHHS:  Disability Services	Disability Services helps people who have disabilities find employment, find care providers and gain access to technology helps people continue to live independently.
NCDHHS:  Early Intervention	The North Carolina Early Intervention Branch (NCEI) is a part of the N.C. Division of Public Health. It is the lead agency for the N.C. Infant-Toddler Program (ITP). The Infant-Toddler Program provides supports and services for families and their children, birth to three who have special needs. Research shows that this time period is critical. It offers a window of opportunity to make a positive difference in how a child develops and learns. Sixteen Children's Developmental Services Agencies (CDSAs) across North Carolina work with local service providers to help families help their children succeed.
NCDPI:  Exceptional Children Division	The mission of the Exceptional Children Division is to ensure that students with disabilities develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized education program in the least restrictive environment.
North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance	North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is an effective, compassionate, and comprehensive resource on Down syndrome throughout North Carolina. NCDSA envisions a culture in which all people with Down syndrome are empowered to achieve their full potential and live healthy, productive lives as valued citizens within the fabric of society.
Medicaid Policy and Resources	Public schools may receive Medicaid funds for some health services provided to students at school. The services must be medically necessary and the student must be enrolled in N.C. Medicaid. In North Carolina, the following services may be reimbursed in schools: Audiology Nursing services Occupational therapy Physical therapy Psychological/counseling services Speech-language pathology services