Local Resources:

The Bell Center- Homewood, Al
Early intervention for children "at risk" for developmental delay. Being “at risk for developmental delay” covers a large range of possibilities. The children may be diagnosed with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or other known genetic and chromosomal anomalies. Or the children may be born prematurely which means that they may be slower to reach developmental milestones. http://thebellcenter.org/

Studio by the Tracks- Irondale, Al
Studio By The Tracks (SBTT), a non-profit organization, was formed in 1989 to provide free art classes to special needs adults and emotionally conflicted children. SBTT provides a focused, energized effort which allows troubled young people and adults with special needs an outlet to create. We encourage a supportive and nonjudgmental atmosphere necessary to nurture creative abilities, enhance self-esteem, and explore alternative ways of coping with emotional and physical conflict. http://www.studiobythetracks.com/

Glenwood, Inc: The Autism and Behavioral Health Center- Birmingham, Al
Glenwood is a non profit organization, incorporated in 1973 for the purpose of educating and treating children, adolescents, and adults who are emotionally disturbed, mentally ill, and those diagnosed with autism. For more than 30 years, Glenwood has been devoted to helping individuals reach their full potential and be productive members of society. http://www.glenwood.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Alliance_Glen&category=New_Partnerships

Hand-in-Paw
Since 1996, Hand-In-Paw has provided registered **Delta Society** teams of handlers and pets to serve as therapeutic tools in medical, social service, and education settings for children, youth and older adults. Our volunteer teams have made over 100,000 beneficial contact visits through community events and in a number of participating facilities. We also serve as a resource for students and for therapists who want to utilize animals in their practice.
Most of Hand-in-Paw's services and programs focus on children and youth. We provide programs for children and youth at-risk using a specific curriculum to teach positive life skills and modify behavior. In health care facilities, we work with staff to provide emotional and physical rehabilitation with specific goal-oriented interactions between patients and therapy animals. http://www.handinpaw.org/abouthip.htm

Special Equestrians
Special Equestrians, Inc. was created to offer therapeutic horseback riding to the physically, emotionally or mentally challenged. We are a 501C(3) non-profit corporation and accredited through NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).
Our stable is located in Indian Springs, Alabama, just south of Birmingham. Riding is supervised, and includes the use of side walkers and back riders as necessary to ensure safety. Sessions are available for all ages from small children to adults. Many of our riders suffer from Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Down's Syndrome, and other muscular and neurological disorders. http://specialequestriansinc.com/main.htm

Hoover Rec-: EXPLORE- Hoover, Alabama
The EXPLORE program is designed to meet the needs of individuals with mental and physical disabilities. We utilize community resources in a therapeutic manner to expand one's leisure and recreational knowledge. The activities are designed and supervised by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. In an effort to meet these needs, we encourage as much integration in Recreation Center programs as possible. If there are areas you would like to see addressed or you have additional questions, please feel free to contact http://hooveral.org/

Lakeshore Foundation- Homewood, Alabama
Youth ages 6 months-21 years with physical disabilities make up Lakeshore Foundation's dynamic youth program that includes a variety of land and aquatics recreation activities and classes, Learn-to-Swim classes, holiday and weekend camps, sports activities and much more! We offer a number of weekend activities for families that don't live as close to Lakeshore. Participation in these special activities does not require membership at Lakeshore Foundation. http://www.lakeshore.org/

Childs Play- Hoover, Al Lorna Road
Child’sPlay Therapy Center is a fun and lively place providing comprehensive pediatric therapy services under one roof. Your child gets the best care possible in a non-clinical environment with experienced therapists. The Hoover location is convenient to everyone in the Birmingham metro area. http://childsplaytherapycenter.com/camps.html

Hand-in-Hand
Hand In Hand programs provide unique learning experiences for children birth through four-years of age. From these experiences children play, learn and grow together. Children of all abilities develop understanding, acceptance and compassion - a great foundation for future success. At Hand In Hand, children will take the first steps toward changing the future. http://www.ucpbham.com/our-programs/hand-in-hand.html

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
A division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama's Early Intervention System ( AEIS ), provides a coordinated, family-focused system of supports and services. The system is accessible simply by calling the statewide, toll-free Early Intervention Child Find number, 1-800-543-3098 (or TTY 800-499-1816), or by calling the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services at 334-281-8780. http://www.rehab.state.al.us/Home/default.aspx?url=/Home/Services/AEIS/Main

Closing the Gap-
Assistive Technology for children and adults with specail needs. ://www.closingthegap.com/

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Web Resources

1. Alabama Department of Education – Special Education Website
**http://www.alsde.edu/html/sections/section_detail.asp?section=65&footer=sections**

2. STAR: Alabama's Assistive Technology Resource
2125 East South Boulevard
P. O. Box 20752
Montgomery, AL 36120-0752
Executive Director: Frankie Mitchum
Phone: 334-613-3484
Phone: 800-782-7656 (In State)
TTY: 334-613-3519
Fax: 334-613-3485
Email: frankie.mitchum@rehab.state.al.us
Web: **http://www.rehab.state.al.us/star**

3. Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program State Resource List
**http://www.adap.net/resource/**

4. Downloadable Audio Books from the Jefferson County Library
**http://www.jclc.org/**

5. Live Homework Help- Alabama
**http://www.homeworkalabama.org/** Must have a library card or zip code to login

6. Teacher Resources for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
**http://ldlink.coe.utk.edu/teacher_tutor.htm**

7. National Center to Improve Practice in Special Education Through Technology, Media and Materials (funding stopped in 1998, but is a wonderful resource with online videos and online workshops)
**http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/**

8. CAST: Teaching Every Student Universal Design for Learning
**http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/**

9. PATINS Project- created by Indiana University list of Assistive Technology Resources
**http://www.patinsproject.com/internet_resources.htm#Assistive**

10. Reading Rockets- strategies for children who struggle to read
**http://www.readingrockets.org/**