Waypoint Adventure– Waypoint’s Mission is to help youth and adults with disabilities discover their purpose, talents and strengths through the transforming power of adventure.
Partners for Youth with Disabilities – build the skills and abilities of young people with disabilities, and increase the inclusivity of workplaces, organizations, and communities.
Disability Resource for Pediatrics – From UMass Medical School’s Lamar Soutter Library – a resource to help healthcare professionals and caregivers better understand and advocate; be aware of support systems, and be informed of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and school issues. Some families may need financial aid, and some may need assistance with daily living skills, speech and or occupational therapy.
EPIC – Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) prepares young people with disabilities to be actively engaged community leaders through education, leadership development and community service.
EPIC Service Warriors – community service and leadership development program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 16-23. EPIC Service Warriors meet for one year to participate in community service projects and leadership development workshops.
Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative– offers grants to college-school partnerships to support eligible public high school students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18–22, to increase their academic and career success by being included in a college or university community of learners.
LD Online – website about learning disabilities and ADHD
Preparing for College: An Online Tutorial – from the University of Washington. The resources include deciding what to study, where and how to apply, and how to fund an education, among many other helpful topics.
Think College – Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability.
Nursing Career Guide for People With Disabilities from Nursing Education. Includes a comparison of some of the benefits and challenges of a nursing career, tips on choosing an accessible nursing school, and examines different nursing career paths, their demands, and accommodations available. It also includes practical advice on job interviews, disclosing disabilities to employers, and understanding legal protections.
Call ( (508) 861-2534) or Email (brandy.m.eder2@mass.gov) Brandy Eder at DDS Framingham for Turning 22 Services
Work
Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment (MPTE) is a systems-change project of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. The project is designed to improve employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning from school to adult life.
For Parents
Family Connect – for parents of children with visual impairments.
Family Ties of Massachusetts – parent-to-parent support, information and referral services, and workshops in caring for children with special needs.
Federation for Children with Special Needs – parents and parent organizations work together for children with special needs and families. Organized in 1975 as a coalition of parent groups representing children with a variety of disabilities, the Federation offers workshops and training, advocacy and resources to parents of children with special needs and the professionals who serve them.
Parent / Professional Advocacy League – PPAL is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families. PPAL’s goals are to support families, nurture parent leaders and work for systems change.
