Local Disability Awareness Resources / Serving Scouts with Special Needs
Many of these agencies have resource pages that list additional local, regional and national resources:
Becoming Independent: A community-based services organization established in the 1970's to help people with disabilities lead meaningful and productive lives. becomingindependent.org
Matrixparents: A resource center for parents and clients with disabilities. http://matrixparent.org
Earl Baum Center for the Blind: http://earlebaum.org
The Swain Center: Speech and Language Therapy Center: http://theswaincenter.com
Easter Seals: A non-profit, Community-based health agency dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities attain greater independence. http://easterseals.com
North Bay Regional Center: : Provides services for qualified people with disabilities, Website has many more resource links. http://nbrc.net
Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE): Fosters student success through services to students, schools and communities. http://www.scoe.org
Redwood Pediatric Therapy Associates: Physical and Occupational Therapy for Children. http://redwoodpediatric.com
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. http://ci.org/site/
The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC) has worked to develop free professional resources for teachers, therapists and technical assistance providers who work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Resources include detailed detailed information on how to plan, implement, and monitor specific evidence-based practices. Many of these interventions can be adapted to scouting experiences, and used with many scouts aspiring to acquire new skills. autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu.
Afirm is an on-line teaching site that teaches strategies for working with kids with Autism. These strategies have been verified through studies to be effective. They are called "Evidence-Based Practices" and many of these techniques can be helpful for many new learners, whether they have Autism or not.http://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/afirm-modules
United Cerebral Palsy: UCP educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. UCP works to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network that has helped millions http://ucp.org
Disability Services and Legal Center (DSCL): DSLC is a resource center, (one of California's 28 Centers for Independent Living CIL/ILC) that promotes the Independent Living philosophy through education, community partnerships and advocacy. DSLC operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives and advancing the rights of people with disabilities in Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties in California, USA http://www.disabilityserviceandlegal.org
Communique Interpreters, Local deaf ASL Interpreters: http://www.communiqueinterpreting.com
American HIPPO Therapy Associates: AHA, Inc. is recognized as part of the international community that provides education, facilitates research, and promotes equine assisted therapy as an effective treatment strategy that improves the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org
Sonoma State University - Special Education Program: The mission of the Education Specialist credential programs at Sonoma State University is the advancement of excellence within the special education profession. Central to this mission is the crafting of special education preparation programs which reflect best practice, empirical support, as well as values founded in respect for the humanity, educational progress and improved lives of learners with disabilities. https://www.sonoma.edu/education/else/edspecialist.html
Burke Canoes - Summer camps for Disabled youth http://www.burkescanoetrips.com
Lighthouse for the Blind - Promote the equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or visually impaired through rehabilitation training, employment placement, Enchanted Hills Camp and other relevant services. Summer Camp opportunities http://lighthouse-sf.org
Human Services - County of Sonoma: The Sonoma County Human Services Department strives to support the health, safety and well-being of individuals, families and the community. http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services/ http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services/
Human Services - Mendocino County: http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/hhsa
Lifehouse Agency -We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live as independently as possible and to participate fully in our community for a lifetime. Lifehouse currently provides personalized support services to over 250 individuals with developmental disabilities in Marin and Sonoma Counties. http://www.lifehouseagency.orghttp://www.lifehouseagency.org
Marin Autism Collaborative: serving adults with developmental learning challenges, to identify the current services in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) in Marin County and the current gaps in services to families, professionals and consumers with ASD. http://www.marinautism.org
ADA Information and Technical Assistance n the American With Disabilities Act. http://www.ada.gov; note: there are a number of organizations online who offer assistance with becoming ASA Compliant as well.