School Resources for Special Needs Children

by | Jan 15, 2022 | Special Needs Children

If you have a special needs child, it can be intimidating to know what your school offers to support your child. In the midst of a pandemic, those resources could be even lower. It’s important to understand what your school offers and what is available nationally, as well as online. By having a better idea of everything available to you and your child, you can feel more involved and ensure your child is getting the attention that they need. Below are some resources, both nationally and those in your school, that can be beneficial to your child.

Special Education Resource Rooms

A resource room is a separate classroom or setting for special needs children. It is a space where students with disabilities can be taught individually or in a group setting. Regular classrooms can be distracting with the large number of children and the fast pace of the curriculum. Special education resource rooms provide a safe space where the population and noise are lower and the pace is slower.

Resource Room vs. Least Restrictive Environment

Children with disabilities are supposed to be educated in the least restrictive environments. This means they are to learn alongside children without disabilities to the maximum possible extent. However, remaining in the same space as the general population can be difficult or less beneficial some times. Therefore, removal from these classrooms and into resource rooms should only happen when the student’s education in regular classes is no longer helpful. This support, a combination of time in regular classes as well as in resource rooms, can help provide children with the least restrictive environment.

Purpose of Resource Room

Resource room is both for students who qualify for special education services or for general education students who need some special instruction or small group setting for a part of the day. Individual needs in a resources room are defined by the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Resource rooms have educational materials that better suit students’ learning styles and capabilities. Plus resources rooms reduce distractions and teach the same material at a pace better suited for the student.

Most children spend no more than 50% of their time in a resource room. As students age, they may find different needs for the resource rooms. High school students may see the resource rooms as more consultative than educational. The resource rooms also are staffed with teachers who provide support and educational materials for children with disabilities that best suits their needs. They meet regularly with the parents, paraprofessionals and other professionals to ensure your child is thriving how they should be.

Tools for Families

In addition to resource rooms, there are also online tools for families. In a time where you may not feel safe sending your child to school, or when schools could shut down for any length of time at any time, it’s important to have these backups. These are just a few of the options on a long list of special education resources. Find the one that best suits your needs and do a little more exploring to see if it works for you.

Autism Key 

The Autism Friend Finder Program is a cool system that allows parents to submit basic contact information through a web-based portal. The data is then shared with anyone residing within 35-miles of their zip code. This information will allow individuals with similar difficulties to connect with others in their community. This can be a very isolating time, especially if schools aren’t open. This website can overcome that with virtual or in-person hang outs.

College Resources

Higher education is very possible for special needs individuals, especially If they have the right support. There are a couple of websites that can help. College Resources for Students with Disabilities Guide reviews several technologies and advocate groups available to students who face various disabilities and includes tips and resources to help students transition from college to a career. College Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students is a guide offering key strategies, resources, scholarships and more for deaf and hard of hearing students who are continuing their education.

For even more resources, please visit this link to find more information about a range of topics including toilet training, US policies, library services, ADHD and more.

Locating Special Education Services in your State

Finding great resources can also be done locally as there are several resources that help you locate special education services in your state. Online resources are good, but having something that you can go to and interact with in your own state is unbeatable.

One resource to find other resources is the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) which provides parents with information about special education resources and disabilities, including links to helpful resources.

Parent training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) help parents of children with disabilities gain the knowledge and skills they need to be advocates for their children. As a parent, you know what your child needs, you may just not know how to get it or how to fight for it to be a part of your child’s everyday education. These resources show you just how to do that. This link will help you locate one in your state so you can learn your state’s specific policies and what you. may be able to do in addition.

National Organizations

There is also a list of national organizations that you can reach out to and get information and resources for your child. These include:

For even more national organizations, please visit this link.

Diverse Health Services also offers many services for special needs children. We can offer transportation services, meal preparation, medication distribution and more to help support parents and primary caregivers. Please click on our services link to see what we offer and how we can help your family.