Resources for Caregivers and Families Supporting Children with Disabilities or Special Health Care Needs
We know that raising a child with a disability or special health care needs may create unique challenges, but it also brings immense joy and wonderful experiences. To support you, we’ve gathered a list of resources, programs, and services to help you and your family navigate these needs. Together, we can create an environment where every child can thrive.
Child Care, Education & School-Age Resources
Explore a range of resources for child care, education, and school-age services designed to support children with disabilities at every stage. These programs aim to ensure every child receives the care and education they deserve.
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- All Means All for Parents
- Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning
- Elizabeth Academy Inclusive Montessori School
- Fabian House
- Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans
- Jewish Community Center (JCC) Early Childhood Center
- Kids World Academy
- Open Classroom
- School Supports
- Spectrum Academy
- The Children’s Center Utah Therapeutic Preschool Program
- The Sammy Center
- Utah Education Network
- Utah Schools, Districts, and Educational Institutions
- Utah Parent Center School District Consultants
- Utah Parent Center Recreation Resources
- U.S. Department of Education-Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
- Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind
- Utah State Office of Education, Special Education Services
- Utah State Board of Education Special Needs Scholarship Grants
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- Bee Kids Utah: Provides autism therapy, therapeutic childcare, early behavioral intervention, and social skills support for children from preschool to high school in Tooele County.
- Blue Autism Center: Offers ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder.
- The Center for Disability and Access (CDA) Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities at the University of Utah.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Provides child development and health resources.
- Family to Family Network (FtoFN) is a statewide parent support network for families of children with disabilities.
- Family Support Centers of Utah: Offer crisis and respite nursery care, counseling, education, and in-home programs for children and families.
- Kids on the Move (KOTM): Provides comprehensive services to support families in Utah County.
- Learning Disabilities Association of Utah: Resources for families supporting children with learning disabilities.
- Little Champs ABA: Offers high-quality ABA services for children and families across Utah.
- Medical Home Portal: Provides resources for families and professionals caring for children with special health care needs.
- Allergy & Asthma Network: Educational materials on asthma and allergies for parents, kids, and schools.
- The Children's Center: Offers comprehensive mental health care services to support children’s emotional well-being.
- The Sharing Place: Provides grief support for children and parents.
- U-FIT: Family-centered physical activities for children and youth with disabilities.
- U Health Life Skills Clinic: Offers pediatric and adult occupational therapy and behavioral intervention for tics.
- U Health Mental Health Resources for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Local and online resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Family Health: The Division of Family Health provides health, safety, and quality of life resources for individuals, families, and communities.
- Utah Parent Center (UPC): Supports parents of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities, helping them live productive lives.
Developmental Screening and Early Intervention
The first three years of a child’s life are crucial for growth and development. Here are some resources to help you learn about early intervention services, developmental screening tools, and milestones.
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- Centers for Disease Control Developmental Milestones (CDC): Milestones for children from 2 months to 5 years old.
- Child Mind Institute: A parent's guide to understanding developmental milestones.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Speech, hearing, and language milestones from birth to five years.
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- Baby Watch Early Intervention Program: Offers support and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Child Development: Resources for understanding child development.
- DDI Vantage Early Intervention Program: Services for families of children under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Help Me Grow Utah: Personalized parent support, development screenings, and connections to resources.
- U Health University Developmental Assessment Clinics (UDAC): Offers evaluations for children with developmental disabilities.
- Utah Parent Center Early Intervention: Resources and services in Utah for early intervention.