WELCOME TO THE RESOURCE PAGE!
Being a special-needs family is a unique but sometimes lonely privilege.
The goal of this page is to provide a space to share resources that have helped your family enjoy fun activities, find useful advice, and access medical and other support.
Have a resource to share? Click the button at the top of the page!
Please note: These resources have been used by, and found to be helpful to some of our families, but needs and expectations are different for all families, so your experiences may vary.
THINGS TO DO
Scroll through the tabs to find various activities
CLUBS, GROUPS & ACTIVITIES
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teen Talk
Monthly virtual hangouts for preteens, teens, and young adults with food allergies.
Howard County Parks and Recreation: Therapeutic Activities/Accommodations/Camps
Easy online registration. Check out the Sensory Friendly Resources at Robinson Nature Center in partnership with Howard County Parks and Recreation.
Carroll County Department of Recs & Park/Therapeutic Recreation
Provides recreational activities to people with disabilities, ages 2 and up.
Pathways
Although based in Tulsa, they have remote class options
The Difference 2-17
Personal life-skills enrichment center
All Abilities Sports (FCA)
CAMPS
Easter Seals Camp Fairlee
The League for People with Disabilities
The league offers a variety of camp options. They will accept agency funding or private pay.
Camp Lee Mar
Seven-week long summer camp for kids with autism/and other neurological disorders; must be fully ambulatory.
Young life/Capernaum camp (ages 14-21)
Camp Barnabas (located in Purdy, Missouri)
Week-long camps divided by age and specific disabilities. Some weeks welcome siblings as well.
Joni and Friends
Offers family retreats across the US and internationally as well.
Thrive Camp – Crossroads Church
ENTERTAINMENT
EMPLOYMENT OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for recommendations!
RECOMMENDED VACATION SPOTS
Looking for recommendations!
HELP & SUPPORT
Scroll through the tabs below to find various resources
MEDICAL PROVIDERS & RESOURCES
The Option Group
Life Care Managers and Family Caregiver support to help caregivers navigate the healthcare system for those caring for people across all life stages/disabilities/chronic illness.
The Therapy Spot
Pediatric Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapy
Seth Perler
Executive Function, ADHD, and 2e Coach with lots of online resources for parents and students
ORGANIZATIONS & AGENCIES
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Offers FREE in-person and online education and support groups for caregivers and loved ones affected by mental illness of all ages/stages. Helps people navigate the healthcare, school, and judicial systems. Teaches advocacy skills, crisis preparation/response, and treatment options, and information about each diagnosis.
International Dyslexia Association
With Understanding Comes Calm
Resources and coaching for caregivers of twice-exceptional children (clinically gifted with challenges like ADHD, autism)
CHADD
Understanding ADHD
SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted)
Ask and Aces
Provides legal and advocacy services for loved ones with disabilities. Help with public school Individualized Education Planning (IEP’s) and 504 (school medical plans).
Food Allergy Research and Education
FARE enhances the lives of individuals with food allergies empowering them to lead safe, productive lives with the respect of others through education and advocacy initiatives and improved awareness around healthcare options and treatment.
Humanim
Empowers individuals facing social or economic challenges. Offers workforce development, behavioral health, career training, social enterprise, deaf services, autism & ABA therapy, developmental disability services, employment services, and youth transition services.
Fun and Function
Purchase sensory friendly toys, furniture, etc.
Pathfinders for Autism
Disability Etiquette Guide
Spinal Cord Injury Resources
CARE & RESPITE OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for recommendations!
RECOMMENDED READING, LISTENING & WATCHING
It’s a Disease, not a Diet
Documentary on food allergies
Free Chromebook for Carroll County
MORE RESOURCES
MD DORS driver assessment process
We had to 1) be approved for DORS VR level of services; 2) contact our DORS counselor for pre-approval; and 3) reach out to the coordinator Brigette Kent to schedule the assessment.
DORS Coordinator Contact Information:
Brigitte Thacker Kent
Driving Program Case Manager
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
O: (410) 554-9150
F: (410) 554-9222
brigitte.kent@maryland.gov
The 6-hour assessment itself had two components:
1) OT evaluation for pragmatic/functional ability to address driving tasks/navigate sensory inputs; and,
2) Practical driving experience with a Special Educator/Driving Instructor.
LifePoint HUGS Ministry
The HUGS (Help for Uniquely Gifted Souls) Ministry at LifePoint welcomes kids, students, and adults with special needs into all areas of ministry. Parents know their child’s strengths and needs better than anyone, so we love partner with you to help your child learn more about God.
UPCOMING HUGS MINISTRY EVENTS
Here’s what’s happening in the LifePoint HUGS ministry!
