Websites

__**LDA: Learning Disabilities Association of America** __ http://www.ldanatl.org/index.cfm  This site offers valuable information about and for individuals with learning disabilities. It is up-to-date with the latest news and places significant articles in the spotlight on the home page. On the website you can find information about LDA, becoming a member, annual conferences, state chapters, legislative updates, and the LD foundation. There are also tabs for information about LD for parents, teachers, professionals, and adults. Specifically, I was interested in the information available for teachers. The ‘For Teachers’ section contains early childhood websites, an overview of different types of LD, symptoms to look for, accommodations, teaching reading, and social/emotional aspects of LD. I was very impressed with the website and how in-depth it goes to help all of us better understand individuals with learning disabilities.

[]  This site has numerous components; for example as the LD and ADHD basics. This section of the site answers general questions about different forms of LD. The ‘LD Topics’ tab covers topics such as: adults with LD, classroom management, homeschooling, homework help, IEPs, parenting and family, self-esteem and stress management, and study skills to begin. Each of these topics is linked to an in-depth informational page that lists there top articles, a question and answer section, recommended links, forums, and related areas. The multimedia tab allows users to view videos and listen to audio about learning disabilities and related topics. The “Especially for…’ tab separates information depending on the user’s role as an educator, parent, or kid. Lastly, the ‘Finding Help’ tab offers expert advice and an LD Online Yellow Pages. These are just several of the highlights from LD Online. The website is well organized and user friendly. I would recommend this site to any individual wishing to be informed about individuals with LD. LD Online: The World’s Leading Website on Learning Disabilities and ADHD
 * __ LD Online: The World's Leading Website on Learning Disabilities and ADHD __**

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 * __Florida Special Olympics __**

This site is a wonderful way for students with disabilities to become involved athletically within their community. I used it this semester when I helped out with the Special Olympics at Freedom high school in Orlando. There are event dates and volunteer forms posted. There are special tabs for athletes, volunteers, coaches, families, law enforcement, educators, and how to be a fan. It offers services such as Athlete Leadership Programs, Healthy Athletes Initiatives, and the Young Athletes Program. The website accepts donations, discusses fundraising events, gives information about becoming a sponsor and lists different scholarship opportunities.

**__National Center for Learning Disabilities__** []

The National Center for Learning Disabilities slogan is ‘The power to hope, to learn, and to succeed.’ On the home page of this website you can find a plethora of links to all kinds of valuable information. The LD Basics link takes the user to a page where they can browse subjects ranging from accommodations, high-stakes testing, teen topics, LD in the family, and universal design. The site specifically addresses research and the steps currently being taken to improve education. It contains links to a parent center and educator center that can be used to increase the methods and comprehension of those working with LD students.

[] This federation works together with parents and organizations to help students and families with special needs individuals. Their slogan is ‘//Informing, Educating, Empowering Families.//’ Its home page has tabs to take users to information about the federation, early childhood, education and special needs, health care, giving and events, and lastly, publications and resources. I would recommend this site to parents of students that I teach that speak Portuguese or Spanish. Users have the choice of a translation of the website in both of those languages, along with English.
 * __The Federation for Children with Special Needs __**

[] The websites resources page contains guides, links to legislative and public policy websites, information sheets, disability packets, and reports. I found the informational sheet glossary terms tab extremely helpful for parents. It explains all the terms and acronyms that they will encounter as their child progresses through the school system and public services. This organization offers services as well as advice for these families. The Bulletin Board is no longer offered, but the rest of the website is very informative.
 * __Support for Families of Children with Disabilities __**
 * “ ****Since 1982, Support for Families of Children with Disabilities has offered information, education, and parent-to-parent support free of charge to families of children with any kind of disability or special health care need in San Francisco. ” **

[] Their mission is… “FOCUS provides emotional, informational, and physical support to parents of children with disabilities or with ongoing medical needs. FOCUS families deal with a variety of developmental delays, including rare syndromes, cerebral palsy, heart problems, immune deficiencies, and neurological involvement.” This website offers family activities such as fashion shows, holiday parties, six flags, and mom’s day off. It has programs like camp Kool Kitz and Hollywood. The site also has parent and education support, a calendar of events, and a newsletter. Focus contains a photo gallery of the events that they have held and how they are active without soceity. I would recommend this site to prents so that they can see several ways their children can have a fun time with their peers.
 * __<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Focus: Extraordinary Families Kool Kidz __**

<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">[] <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">This website contains tons of information about inclusion. It answers questions like what is it, does it work, and what are these environments like. It has links to hundreds of articles about autism, ADD/ADHD, gifted learners, and English language learners. It recommends reading for users and briefly discusses the different reading materials offered. The reason I chose this website was because of its helpful inclusion material and information.
 * __<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">New Horizon for Learners __**