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Resources > Tools and Information

Tools and Information

Our hope is to help each family find and access the services and supports available to them and their child(ren). We are committed to providing timely, credible, reliable, family-friendly information to parents and professionals. 

The following resources offer general information, organization tools, financial supports and links to other relevant organizations. Click on a topic below to learn more.

Smiling teacher listening to student's doubts while teaching him in classroom

504

Section 504 provides a broad spectrum of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability.

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Accommodations

Accommodations can change how a student accesses information, participates in school activities and demonstrates their learning.

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Advocacy

Effective advocacy means using clear communication, strong collaboration, and a solid understanding of policies and systems.

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Mother playing with autistic son

Autism

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each person differently in how they communicate, interact, and experience the world.

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Rear view of person with blindness disability using computer keyboard and braille display or braille terminal a technology assistive device for persons with visual impairment

Assistive Technology

AT is any tool or device that helps a child with a disability increase, maintain, or improve their ability to function and learn.

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Behavior

In special education, behavior refers to actions that may interfere with a student’s learning or the learning of others.

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Communication

Effective communication is key to building strong partnerships with providers and school staff to support a child’s success.

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Missing pizzle with a word CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Dispute Resolution

Families have a variety of informal and formal dispute resolution options available to them.

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Portrait of a beautiful female language therapist working and practicing the alphabet with a kid

Developmental Delay

Developmental delay applies to children in North Carolina aged three through seven.

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Disability and Health Condition Specific Information

Information and resources for a range of disabilities and health conditions to better address individual needs.

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Early Childhood

Learn the signs of your child’s development and act early if you ever have a concern.

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Early Intervention

If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, learn how to help.

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Family Engagement

Empowering families to actively partner with educators and professionals in supporting the learning, development, and success of their children with disabilities.

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General

Fact sheets and general resources for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special health care needs.

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Guardianship

Guardianship and Alternatives

Learn about guardianship and a range of supported decision-making options to help young people with disabilities plan for adulthood while preserving their rights and promoting independence.

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Health Care in Schools

Ensuring students with disabilities have access to the health services and supports they need to thrive in school settings.

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Housing / Independent Living

Resources for housing and independent living for people with IDD in North Carolina.

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Child in wheelchair with counselor at school table

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Understand your rights and the services guaranteed under IDEA, the federal law ensuring all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

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Inclusion

Inclusive practices ensure that children with disabilities participate meaningfully in learning, social, and community activities alongside their peers.

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Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Learn about the IEP process and how it provides a personalized plan of supports, services, and goals to help students with disabilities succeed in school.

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Stressed Little Black Boy Reading Book At Home, Overwhelmed Preteen African American Male Kid Sitting At Desk And Holding Head In Hands, Doing Homework, Suffering Learning Difficulties, Closeup

Learning Disability

A Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a condition that causes unexpected difficulty with certain areas of learning such as reading, writing, math, listening comprehension or oral expression.

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Literacy

Information to help support the development of reading, writing, and communication skills that are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.

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Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers

Providing essential health care, therapies, and long-term support services for children and youth with disabilities, both in the home and community.

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Mental Health

Supports that help individuals understand, manage, and improve their emotional and psychological well-being

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Military

Assisting military families navigate special education services, while managing relocations and unique challenges of military life.

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MTSS

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

A framework used in schools to provide high-quality instruction, interventions, and supports matched to student needs, promoting academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success for all learners.

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NC DeafBlind Project

The NC DeafBlind Project serves children and young adults with combined hearing and vision loss, promoting access, learning, and independence

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NC School Improvement Project (NCSIP)

Provides professional development, instructional support, and evidence-based practices to educators across the state.

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Parent Rights (2)

Parent Rights

Legal rights under special education law to ensure children with a disability receive a free appropriate public education.

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Smart happy african american kid girl wearing headphones waving hand talking with remote web teacher on social distance video conference call elearning class on computer. Children learning at home.

Remote (Virtual) Learning

Monitoring your child’s progress as they access and use technology for learning.

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residential treatment

Residential Treatment/Crisis Intervention Services

Intensive, structured support for children and youth with significant behavioral or mental health challenges.

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Spanish

Browse our extensive collection of Spanish-language resources.

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special education (2)

Special Education

Provides individualized instruction, supports, and services designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.

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financial planning

Special Needs Financial Planning and Resources

Preparing for your child's long-term care and independence to support financial security and quality of life.

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Speech and Language

Speech and language disorders affect a child's ability to communicate effectively and may involve difficulties with speaking, understanding, or using language.

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social (5)

Social and Recreation

Inclusive opportunities for children and youth with disabilities to build friendships, develop skills, and participate fully in community activities that support their overall well-being and quality of life.

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SSI and SSDI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities, including children and adults.

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Transition to Adulthood

Planning and support to help youth with disabilities move successfully from school to adult life.

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Transitions

Coordinated processes that prepare students with disabilities for key changes in their educational and life journeys.

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Youth Page

Youth

Empowering youth with disabilities to build self-advocacy skills, pursue education and career goals, and actively participate in their communities and future planning.

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visually impaired female student reading with teacher

Visual Impairment

A range of vision loss conditions that impact a child’s ability to see and learn.

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