Pediatric Resources: Foundations and Organizations

American Council of the Blind
The Council provides information, products and services to parents or teachers of blind and visually impaired children. In addition to these organizations, contact your state education department for early intervention and childhood learning enhancement information. http://www.acb.org/resources/parents.html

Blind Babies Foundation
This foundation provides central/northern California with no-cost home-based early intervention and offers support and advocacy to families, and in-service training and consultation for professionals. http://blindbabies.typepad.com/

Blind Children's Center
This is a family centered agency, serving children with visual impairments from birth to school age. The center-based and home-based programs and services help children acquire skills and build their independence. http://www.blindchildrenscenter.org/

Council of Exceptional Children (CEC)
CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and the gifted. http://www.cec.sped.org/ab/

Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE)
FAPE is a partnership that aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities. It links families, advocates, and self-advocates to information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The project is designed to address the information needs of the 6 million families throughout the country whose children with disabilities receive special education services. http://www.fape.org/

Infant-Toddler Program at Perkins School for the Blind
This program sees approximately 450 families of children with visual impairments per year. All socio-economic and ethnic groups are represented and approximately 65 percent of the children have multiple disabilities. http://www.e-advisor.us/history.php

Junior Blind of America
This foundation was established to provide recreational services for children who are blind or visually impaired. http://www.fjb.org/about.php

National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI)
This national organization enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities. NAPVI provides leadership, support, and training to assist parents in helping children reach their potential. http://www.spedex.com/napvi/

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
The Center serves as a national information and referral clearinghouse on special education and disability-related issues. It provides information on local, state, or national disability groups for parents and professionals and emphasizes parent group information. The Center offers personal responses to public inquiries and provides prepackaged information to frequently asked questions. It gives technical assistance to parent and professional groups. http://www.nichcy.org/

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
NLS administers a free program that loans recorded and braille books and magazines, music scores in braille and large print, and specially designed playback equipment to residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment. http://www.loc.gov/nls/

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
This is a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children who reach out to each other to give vital support, encouragement, and information. http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Parents_and_Teachers.asp

PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights)
PACER can identify the resources and services available to help families learn and grow. Pacer's programs address special needs for all stages of childhood and all disabilities. http://www.pacer.org