Resources for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Whether you are a new parent or new to Harvard, we encourage you to use the information here to explore your options and review our resources available to benefits-eligible faculty and staff, which include:
- Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — Harvard's EAP offers free, confidential help for all Harvard benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their adult household members. You can reach the EAP any time for personal or work-related concerns at 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278). Parents of children with disabilities can call the EAP for help with a wide range of services from identifying strategies and finding resources to seeking emotional support and securing legal and financial assistance.
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Harvard Employees Parenting Children with Disabilities Group - A new group for Harvard employees parenting children with special needs. This will be an informal group where individuals can share stories, support, resources, etc. Those interested in joining or learning more should email Melissa Maher.
In addition, state and local sources of support and information include:
- Autism Support Centers — Regional centers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts supporting families of children on the autism spectrum
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS) — Commonwealth of Massachusetts office that provides support for children with qualifying developmental disabilities
- Exceptional Lives — Easy-to-understand guidance, support and resources for families of children with developmental delays, disabilities or learning differences
- Family TIES of Massachusetts — Provides information and referral services, emotional support, and training to parents of children and youth with special needs. Family TIES is a primary source for information about Early Intervention and maintains a complete listing of Early Intervention Programs in MA.
- Massachusetts Advocates for Children — Helps families navigate the special education system and provides practical resources
- Arc of Massachusetts — Provides community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families
- Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund — Provides financial relief for families caring for children and youth under 22 with large medical and related expenses
- Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts — A private, non-profit, legal advocacy and resource center providing direct representation to low income children in Eastern Massachusetts, and technical assistance and training to lay and professional communities throughout New England on issues affecting children's education, civil rights, custody, health and welfare
- Disability Law Center, Inc. — Provides legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Massachusetts
- Family Initiatives Programs — Programs designed and staffed by parents of children who have received Early Intervention services and/or have special health care needs, disabilities, or chronic illnesses
- Federation for Children with Special Needs — A center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families
- Health Transition for Youth and Young Adults with Special Health Needs — Resources for youth and young adults, their families, and providers as they move from pediatric to adult health care systems and learn to take charge of their health and related needs
- Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (MASSPAC) — MassPAC is a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs which supports both volunteer parent leaders and school district administrators to build effective parent-school partnerships to support family engagement.
- Massachusetts Special Education Advisory Councils (SEPAC) — Links to SEPACs in Massachusetts public school districts (required in all districts by law)
- Massachusetts Technology Assistance Resource Team — A free program providing services for children with special health care needs and who may be assisted by medical technology in the school setting.
- National Disability Rights Network — The nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities.
- A Parent's Guide to Special Education in Massachusetts — Informative resources collaboratively created by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Parent Professional Advocacy League — Massachusetts’ chapter of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. PAL provides support, education, and advocacy around issues related to children's mental health.