Helping the Child Who Doesn’t Fit in by Stephen Nowicki This book was published in 1992 and therefore, the uses words like “problem” and “deficit” which do make me cringe.  If you can let these words slide, this book is a useful resource on the often-neglected topic of clarifying the ways in which nonverbal behaviors can affect a child’s social relationships.  Parents and teachers are offered some practical ways to identify your child’s current skills and help them learn the language of nonverbal communication to create more meaningful relationships.

Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability by Pat Thomas A picture book for preschool to school age children that explores the typical questions kids have about physical disabilities.  The book emphasizes how we all have differences in a simple and inclusive way.  There’s a “How to use this book” section in the back that makes it ideal for teachers or parents to help start a conversation with a group of kids and promote social interaction.

The Goldberg Center for Educational Planning™
They have a staff of highly trained educational consultants who help parents sort through the educational programs that are available and select the one that is most appropriate to meet their child’s needs from school age to young adult.  They specialize in private schools, colleges, special education schools, troubled teens, and IEP & 504 help.

Including Samuel
This film is a touching and honest documentary about a family’s effort to include their son, Samuel, who has cerebral palsy in every facet of their life, plus the varied inclusion experiences of four other individuals with disabilities.  Samuel’s Dad and photjournalist, Dan Habib, filmed the documentary and developed “Screening and Outreach kits” for parents, teachers and disability advocates to use in their local schools and communities to provide more awareness and education on inclusion.

Sexuality & Spina Bifida pamphlet
This pamphlet has age appropriate sections for parents/child, teens and adults.  I am thrilled that there is a section for parents to assist children with creating a healthy relationship with their bodies from a young age.  While this is important for all children, it’s especially for children with a wide range of disabilities who often have negative experiences in relation to their body.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc. (PYD)
An organization in Boston MA which provides one-to-one and group mentoring programs for youth with disabilities.  Youths are paired with caring adults to act as positive role models and provide support, understanding and guidance for youth as they strive to reach their personal, educational and career goals.

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)
For Youth with disabilities, entering the workforce.  Assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve youth with disabilities. Its online information is organized according to who you are as a visitor: administrator of a workforce development program, an employer or business, a youth service practitioner, a policy maker, or a youth or family.

The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
For Youth not YET in the workforce – transition’s calling! Has a ton of information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities. The resources you’ll find are primarily for families and professionals and are designed to acquaint readers with the transition system, the IDEA’s requirements for youth transition planning, and the mechanics of the same. Oh—and the successes of it, too!

Youthhood
A website that was built to help youth with disabilities plan for the future. It’s for young people and their teachers and parents alike. This new initiative and exciting resource comes to the field courtesy of the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET).