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First Cell Phone that Reads to the Blind and Dyslexic (Medical News Today - Jan. 28, 2008)
An exciting product line that will revolutionize access to print for anyone who has difficulty seeing or reading print, including the blind and learning disabled.

Legal Clinic for Blind May be a First (ABA Journal - Jan. 16, 2008)
When attorney Nicholas Pomaro offers advice to clients at a Chicago legal aid clinic believed to be perhaps the only one in the country focusing on issues faced by those who are blind, he has one big advantage in understanding their concerns. He's blind, too...

American Printing House for the Blind
Fred's Head blog is a database that contains tips, techniques, tutorials, in-depth articles, and resources for and by blind or visually impaired people.

National Federation of the Blind
The largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.

Brain Injury News and Information Blog - DeCaro & Kaplen, LLP
The latest news and information on brain injury, traumatic epilepsy and other brain trauma.

Brain Injury Resource
Comprehensive head injury information.

Impact of Early Intervention on Outcome After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (American Academy of Petiatrics)
A basic article on mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and early intervention.

Growing Up With a Disability - (Blog)
A blog from a college student with cerebral palsy who believes society often underestimates the complexity of living with a disability - the joys, the challenges, the ordinary, and the extraordinary.

United Cebral Palsy.Org
I am on the board of this wonderful organization; they are a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. Click here for a letter regarding their popular and successful program QuickRamps for Kids.

United Cebral Palsy.Org Newsletters
"Life Without Limits" is published quarterly.

Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)
U.S. Government organization responsible for implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, known as the DD Act.

Attention Deficit Disorder (NPR - Sept. 18, 2008)
NPR has recently focused a number of stories about students with disabilities starting college. Here is one focusing on Attention Deficit Disorder - other stories about students with different conditions are linked at the end.

Costs and Outcomes of Community Services for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
University of Minnesota Policy Research Brief.

Dyslexia: A Brief for Educators, Parents, and Legislators in Florida
The purpose of this technical assistance paper is to briefly describe what is currently known about dyslexia.

International Dyslexia Association
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them.

Learning Disabilities Sourcebook
Basic consumer health information about learning disabilities, along with facts about educational issues and resources for further help and information.

The Arc Michigan
A newsletter from a state organization on developmental disabilities.

The Dyslexia Handbook - Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (Revised 2007)
From the Texas Education Agency

A Very Special Wedding (Time.com - July 2006)
Meet Carrie and Sug, two very special newlyweds who prove that "Love can't be stopped by cultural differences or different faiths. Love can't be stopped by Down syndrome."

Teddy's Ts
From a 25 year old with Down syndrome who designs and sells Tshirts, as well as speaking at places where people support individuals with disabilities becoming self-employed.

Disabilities Fight Grows as Taxes Pay for Tuition (New York Times - Oct. 27, 2007)
A case that became a flash point in special education, pitting parents against school systems that say they cannot afford to pay to privately educate disabled children whose parents reject their proposed placements.

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
A leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.

Helping Learning Disability Students Head to College (Michael Russell)
An interesting blog entry.

Let disabled student live in dorm, supporters urge Oakland University board (Detroit News - 11/5/08)
Fialka-Feldman, 24, has a mild cognitive disorder that hinders his ability to read and write. He's been sitting in on classes at Oakland's campus through a special program called OPTIONS, which allows college-age students with cognitive disorders a chance to participate in Oakland classes and activities, though not earn a degree.

REACH Program Offers College Life to Students with Disabilities (Press-Citizen.com)
Going to college seems like a reasonable dream for young adults, but until recently a dream is all it was for Stephen Schumacher, a 22 year old with a learning disability.

Accessible Home Ownership (Keller Williams Realty)
A video from a Realtor that includes a description of the HomeChoice program.

DC Court Again Considers Rights of Tenants With Disabilities
The DC Court of Appeals issued a favorable ruling that affects the rights of all Washington DC tenants with disabilities in a case that deals with eviction of a person with disabilities whose caretaker is accused of having committed lease violations.

Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP) (Questions and Answers)
A program from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority that administers the Section 8 Voucher Program.

Ken's House
A 31 year old man who is blind rents his home to roommates with similar interests.

Meaning of Homeownership for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
(American Assn. on Mental Retardation - Aug. 2006)
In-personal interviews were conducted with homeowners with disabilities for this study.

7 Things NEVER to Say to People With Disabilities (Diversity.com)
We've all heard them. Culturally insensitive terms such as "handicapped," "retarded" and "slow" used to refer to people with disabilities, or "compliments" such as "but you look so good," directed at people whose disabilities aren't obvious. While those using the terms may not mean to be insensitive, that doesn't make the words less hurtful.

As Roles Change, So Do Lables for People With Disabilities (PilotOnline.com)
In recent years, those labels have taken on more prominence as people with disabilities seek equal treatment and regard in the eyes of wider society. Changes in language can alter the way people think... advocates say.

People First Language (UCP of Metropolitan Detroit, Inc.)
Most evidence suggests that the guiding principle of disability policy in the twenty-first century will continue to be people first; affirming access, inclusion, self-determination, and quality via authority, appropriations, and case law. Also see the helpful Glossary of Terms.

AARP Asks Court to Keep the Insurance Playing Field Level (AARP - Dec. 19, 2007)
AARP has filed a “friend of the court” brief in a disability benefits case that threatens to tilt the playing field against disabled claimants once again.

Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans
NEADS was established to train and provide rescued dogs and donated puppies to assist people who are deaf or physically disabled in leading more independent lives at work, at home and at school.

Important Case: James Courts v. Agency for Health Care Administration (Florida Court of Appeals - July 2007)
The case of a 59 year old quadriplegic whose plan of care was reduced by the state and his subsequent appeal.

Ohio Supreme Court Bars Death Penalty for Mentally Retarded Man (ABA Journal - April 10, 2008)
The Ohio Supreme Court has struck down a death sentence for a convicted double murderer because of his mental retardation, despite evidence that he could play video games, pay bills and drive a car.

Physical Therapists Prescribe Wii Time (Reuters - Dec. 6, 2007)
An occupational therapist is convinced that the Nintendo game could help patients build balance, coordination, endurance and upper and lower body strength.

Safety Planning: A Guide for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Published by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life.

Social Security Continues to Make Progress Expediting Backlogged Disability Cases (SSI - 10/17/08)
Report on the progress made in 2008 in the agency’s efforts to expedite backlogged disability cases.

Spotlight on Disabled Horse Riders in US (Horsetalk - Oct. 2007)
The American Horse Council (AHC) has submitted comments to the nation's Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board supporting broader outdoor recreational and trail access for America's disabled riders.

Taking One "for Bush Team' Can Be Harmful for Children & the Disabled (Times Union.com - Oct. 2007)
Information on the current debate in Washington over renewal of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Voting Issues: (University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law)
Symposium info and articles/documents regarding voting rights and issues for people with cognitive impairments. (At that page, scroll down to Issue 38, Number 4)

Why Are Proposed Changes Detrimental for People With Disabilities?
(National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives)
Regarding changes to Social Security Administration appeals' process.

Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame
Offering a dynamic opportunity to make the difference in the lives of people in every community.

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Services, Inc.
Serving deaf and hard of hearing older adults and their families in southeast Michigan.

Disability Doc
Dr. Keith Holden's site for Social Security disability applicants, their attorneys, other claimant representatives, and disability advocacy groups. It provides information which relates to the Social Security disability program and application process.

Disability Network
Their mission is to realize consumer empowerment, self determination, full-inclusion, and participation of all people in our community through the independent living philosophy and unequivocal implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Emergency Responses Preparedness Self-Assessment Instrument FAQs (NASDDDS)
An assessment tool for state developmental disabilities officials to evaluate their preparedness plans for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during emergencies or disasters.

Lincoln Behavioral Services
A health organization offering mental health and substance abuse recovery services in Wayne County.

Michigan Alliance for Families
Provides information, support and education to families of children and adults with disabilities.

Michigan State University Libraries
Information on assistance the libraries provide to persons with disabilities.

Michigan State Animal Response Team
Folks with disabilities that use guide dogs should know about this organization.

Midland Academy on Self-Determination
A combination of learning tools are presented with a focus on actually using the tools to develop person-centered plans that are then implemented back home.

National Association of the Deaf
There is no lack of educational opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children. The secret is in knowing where to look, and once you start finding information, resources, and schools, the challenge is in deciding what type of school is appropriate for your child.

National Disability Rights Network
Nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities.

Our Siblings with Disabilities
A support group for the siblings of people with ALL disabilities for networking, bonding, drawing on common experience, etc. Website is in the works, but until then, contact oursiblingswithdisabilities@yahoo.com.

Special Care
A resource from Mass Mutual Financial Group that links people to information for individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families.

SSA Proposal to Restrict Appeal Rights to People With Disabilities (Committee on Ways and Means)
The House Ways and Means Committee has set up a website to provide background information and post comments on the proposed Social Security Regulation on Appeal Rights.

United Spinal Association
Expanding opportunities for people with spinal cord disabilities for over 60 years.

WrightsLaw
Reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.