LibGuides: Special Education K-6: Tips & Information for Parents, Families and Caregivers

Motivate!

“Nothing motivates a

child more than when

learning is valued by

schools and families/

community working

together in partnership.”

Michael Fullan

Through Your Child’s Eyes - simulation
It’s one thing to read about learning and attention issues. It’s another thing to see them through your child’s eyes. Experience firsthand how frustrating it is when your hand won’t write what your brain is telling it to. Or how hard it is to complete a simple task when you have trouble focusing. Use these unique simulations and videos to better understand your child’s world. ~ understand.org

Advocacy and rights

Communication and advocacy

Communication A guide to good communication with your child's school.

Books

Ask your Learning Commons Informationist or Public Library staff for help in locating the resources listed here.

Taking Autism to School by Andreanna Edwards; Tom Dineen (Illustrator) A children's picture book describing behaviour of a child with autism. Resources for parents and teachers included at the end of the story.
Call Number: E EDW
ISBN: 9781891383137
Publication Date: 2001-09-01

Books that portray characters with disabilities

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Information Guides for Parents and Students The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) took on the task to develop a series of information guides for parents and students. These guides cover a variety of topics of interest to all parents. Additional guides are expected to be developed.

Parents supporting parents

Parents of people who have an intellectual disability are able, now more than ever, to connect with other families locally and across the province. The shared experiences and stories are unique to families. Families support each other in many ways and share information that can help create opportunities and lead to action.

The following links are to some of the groups in the province that encourage that family-to-family connection.

Family Alliance "Family Alliance Ontario is a group of family members who offer their knowledge and experience to help other families. It also provides an opportunity to network with others."
Integration Action Group for Inclusive Education and Community (Ontario) This is an action-oriented group of parents, educators, and concerned citizens. They advocate for inclusion, improved attitudes, practices, policies, and laws that promote inclusion in education and the community. They also offer educational workshops for families across the province."
People First of Ontario People First Ontario is an advocacy group for people who have an intellectual disability. As a group they promote equality for all persons, assist other people trying to speak up for themselves and making their own decisions; teach members about the rights, abilities, and strengths of People First of Ontario."
Individualized funding "The Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario supports the self-determination of persons with disabilities. They believe that all people should have control over decisions concerning where they live, with whom they live, with whom they associate, and how they spend their lives."

Ontario Special Needs--Road map for schools

What is Autism?

What is Autism?
KidsHealth.org defines what autism is in simple text.

Organizations that can help

Find a Community Living near you Enter your City or Postal Code to find the nearest member organization.
Inclusive education "This web site promotes the Canadian vision for inclusive education. It has been designed as a meeting place for parents, family members, teachers, education officials and community members who are committed to making inclusive education a reality in our communities."

Taking care of myself--a guide for young people with autism

Taking Care of Myself by Mary Wrobel
ISBN: 9781885477941
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
This title addresses hygiene, modesty, body growth and development, menstruation, touching, personal safety, and more. Self-care skills such as using the toilet, brushing teeth, and washing hands. Helpful sections include: hygiene, health, modesty, growth and development, menstruation, touching and personal safety, masturbation, and using a urinal.

Special Education K-6: Tips & Information for Parents, Families and Caregivers