RESOURCES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES

Connecting you with helpful tools
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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.

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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.

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Carroll County Department of Recs & Park/Therapeutic Recreation

Provides recreational activities to people with disabilities, ages 2 and up.

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Pathways

Although based in Tulsa, they have remote class options

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The Difference 2-17

Personal life-skills enrichment center

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All Abilities Sports (FCA)

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CAMPS

Easter Seals Camp Fairlee

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The League for People with Disabilities

The league offers a variety of camp options. They will accept agency funding or private pay.

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Camp Lee Mar

Seven-week long summer camp for kids with autism/and other neurological disorders; must be fully ambulatory.

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Young life/Capernaum camp (ages 14-21)

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Camp Barnabas (located in Purdy, Missouri)

Week-long camps divided by age and specific disabilities. Some weeks welcome siblings as well.

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Joni and Friends

Offers family retreats across the US and internationally as well.

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Thrive Camp – Crossroads Church

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ENTERTAINMENT

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
A place where ALL ages and abilities can interact with one another in a safe and inclusive environment.

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.

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The Therapy Spot

Pediatric Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapy

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Seth Perler

Executive Function, ADHD, and 2e Coach with lots of online resources for parents and students

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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.

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International Dyslexia Association

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With Understanding Comes Calm

Resources and coaching for caregivers of twice-exceptional children (clinically gifted with challenges like ADHD, autism)

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CHADD

Understanding ADHD

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SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted)

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Fun and Function

Purchase sensory friendly toys, furniture, etc.

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Pathfinders for Autism

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Disability Etiquette Guide

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Spinal Cord Injury Resources

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CARE & RESPITE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Looking for recommendations!

RECOMMENDED READING, LISTENING & WATCHING

It’s a Disease, not a Diet

Documentary on food allergies

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Free Chromebook for Carroll County

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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.

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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!

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