CHILD ADVOCACY TOOLS:  resources for parents

  • Arc Minnesota: support and advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities and their families
  • Autism Resource Network: merchandise and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the people who love, care for, and educate them
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: resources for people living with and caring for people with cystic fibrosis
  • DeafBlind Services MN: resources for deafblind individuals throughout MN. Since each individual has unique needs, challenges and abilities, these services are primarily customized to that person’s needs.
  • Down Syndrome Association of MN: information, resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and their communities
  • Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health: national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families
  • Mental Health MN (formerly, Mental Health Association of MN): enhances mental health, promotes individual empowerment, and increases access to treatment and services for persons with mental illnesses
  • Minnesota AIDs Project (MAP): education and services to stop HIV through prevention, advocacy, awareness and services
  • MN Department of Education (MDE): information Just for Parents on all aspects of public education, student needs, and student services
  • MN Department of Human Services: child protection services, out-of-home care, permanent homes for children, child support, food assistance programs, child care services, health care coverage and children's mental health services
  • MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (for youth and young adults): high school students with disabilities that affect their ability to plan and prepare for work may apply for transition services through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) program
  • National Center for Learning Disabilities: improves the lives of the one in five children nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities
  • National Indian Child Welfare Association: provides training, policy, and development services to help American Indian children grow up safe, healthy, and spiritually strong
  • PACER: expands opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents 
  • MN Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: services and information to help Minnesotans who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing and their families
  • Southeast MN Independent Living: free, statewide information and referral resource for persons with disabilities
  • ​SEMCIL-Independent Living  
  • SEMCIL-Personal Care Assistant Services
  • Speaking for Ourselves: helps people with disabilities run their organizations, develop leadership skills through real-life experiences, learn to work together collectively to address their own issues, and increase their own self-sufficiency and independence
  • MN Special Education: leadership to ensure a high-quality education for Minnesota's children and youth with disabilities. Specialists help students, parents, educators and administrators through guidance, training and sharing best practices in areas including educational programs in care and treatment facilities, secondary transition and statewide assessment for students in special education.
  • U. S. Department of Education, OSERS: improve results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages