Local Parent Resources
All information was taken directly from the association’s webpages.
Resources to use when starting conversations regarding Racism and Inequality
When to start the conversation?
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Parent Groups
Provides support and information to parents of children with Down syndrome. These groups offer a safe place to share the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome. http://www.dsamn.org/programs-services/parentgroups/
Bridge to Benefits Minnesota
Information about: Eligibility Screening Tool for Health Insurance Programs, Energy Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps), School Meals, Child Care Assistance, Earned Income Tax Credit, or Working Family Credit. http://www.bridgetobenefits.org/
Local Public Health Departments
Helps answer questions about your child with special needs. Local public health assists with finding community services that could benefit your child, available financial resources, and well child exams and immunizations. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/gov/find/
Minnesota Parents Know
Trusted parent information beginning at birth focused on child learning, development, health, and safety. Information includes: A–Z parenting topics, parent to parent support, and age specific developmental milestones. http://parentsknow.state.mn.us/parentsknow/index.html
The Arc of Minnesota
Arc provide crucial information for people with developmental disabilities and their families, connect them with resources, and stand with them when they need an advocate. http://www.thearcofminnesota.org/
Autism Society of Minnesota (AUSM)
Non–profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by autism from birth through retirement. Members include families, educators, caregivers, and professionals who support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and are dedicated to education, advocacy, and support. http://www.ausm.org/index.php
Family Voices of Minnesota
Family Voices of MN is a network of families whose children, youth and young adults have special health care needs and disabilities, working to provide information and Family Voices of MN is a network of families whose children, youth, and young adults have special health care needs and disabilities, working to provide information and support to other families. http://www.familyvoicesofminnesota.org/
Minnesota Spina Bifida Association (MNSBA)
To increase awareness about Spina Bifida and enhance the lives of those affected by the condition. http://www.sbamn.com/index.html
PACER Center
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations.
With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals, and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER's work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation. http://www.pacer.org/
Prenatal Partners for Life
Prenatal Partners for Life is a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. http://www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org/index.htm
Special Parent Connections
Special Parent Connections is a site where parents can read reviews on products, learn about new therapies, and find resources for themselves and their child with special needs and more. http://www.specialparentconnections.com/
Center for Early Education and Development (CEED)
The Center for Early Education and Development provides information regarding young children (birth to age eight), including children with special needs, in the areas of education, child care, child development, and family education. www.cehd.umn.edu/CEED/
Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS)
A grassroots movement that believes moms are world influencers. We also believe that incubating hearts and giving just-because-hugs can change the course of history. That’s why we connect moms all over the world to a community of women, in their own neighborhoods, who meet together to laugh, cry and embrace the journey of motherhood. MOPS groups are rallying women to be more honest, to feel more equipped and to find our identity by journeying alongside one another. MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, and by preschoolers we mean kiddos from birth through kindergarten. We know it's a little confusing so let's just stick with "MOPS." http://www.mops.org/groupsearch/
Prairie-Care ADD/ ADHD Parent Support Group http://www.prairie-care.com/resources/for-families/add-adhd-parent-support-group/
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Cerebral Palsy Guide provides parents and caregivers with information on cerebral palsy causes, symptoms, treatment options and support groups available nationwide. http://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/
Cerebral Palsy Guidance
Cerebral Palsy Guidance provides vital guidance and assistance to parents of a child with cerebral palsy. Click here to learn about the different types, symptoms, and causes of cerebral palsy. http://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/
Tuck: Advancing Better Sleep
Tuck Sleep's guide covers everything from a comprehensive overview of ASD, how it affects sleep, expert sleep management information for people with ASD and much more. https://www.tuck.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-sleep/