EDUCATION RESOURCES

The resources section will always be a work in progress!
If you would like to submit new resources or corrections to the resources listed email Info@flaf.team.

The information and links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval by the Full Life Ahead Foundation of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. The Full Life Ahead Foundation bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

Education Resource NameEducation Resource MissionEducation Resource Contact
Alabama
Parent Education Center (APEC)
Is a
non-profit 501c3 organization that was created in 2002 by Alabama parents, educators, and professionals
serving families. APEC provides services and supports to assist families,   particularly those underserved including minorities, low-income, and those with
children with disabilities

http://alabamaparentcenter.com/

(334)567-2252

(866)532-7660

10520 US Highway 231

Wetumpka, AL 36092

Birmingham
Learning Camp
For over
35 years,
Lindamood-Bell has been improving the lives of students. Our evidence-0based
programs develop the skills necessary for reading and comprehension. They
believe that all students can learn to their potential including those who
have been diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder.
https://lindamoodbell.com/location/birmingham-alabama-learning-center
Center
for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP)
The Center for the Study and
Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP) provides public education,
leadership development and training, technical assistance, and information
dissemination, and conducts action-research and analysis of public policy
issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.

http://www.disabilitypolicycenter.org/

1875 Eye Street NW

Twelfth Floor

Washington, DC 20006

Council
for Exceptional Children
The largest international professional
an organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with
exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

http://www.cec.sped.org/

(888)232-7733

3100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 600

Arlington, VA 22201

PACER
Center
Enhances the quality of life and
expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all
disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest
potential. PACER operates on the principles of parents helping parents,
supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and
working in collaboration with others.

http://www.pacer.org

(952)838-9000

Pacer Center Inc.

8161 Normandale Blvd

Bloomington, MN 55437

Family
Education Network
A host of articles, tips, and
expert advice on every aspect of parenting including parenting and educating
children with special needs.
http://www.familyeducation.com/home/
Federal
Resources for Educational Excellence
Hundreds of education resources
supported by agencies across the US Federal government.

https://teachinghistory.org/history-content/national-resources/19198

Gentle
Teaching
Non-violent approach to teaching
children and adults with special needs.
http://www.gentleteaching.nl/ 
Individual
with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2024)
The Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) aligns IDEA with
the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), helping to ensure equity,
accountability, and excellence in education for children with disabilities.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has developed 19 topic briefs
related to high-interest areas of IDEA 2004, including all relevant statutory
language, citations, and cross-references to other related briefs.

http://idea.ed.gov/

Intelligent College Planning Guide for Students with Learning DisabilitiesWe’re helping students in their pre-college journey by ranking colleges and programs across the country using aggregated publicly available data. And, we’re doing it without any advertising or affiliate relationships with schools. This ensures zero bias in our results. We’re building guides to help students succeed in the classroom by bringing together the latest research with tips and techniques championed by today’s leading experts.https://www.intelligent.com/college-planning-guide-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/  
Internet
Resources for Special Children (IRSC)
Web site provides information
to parents, family members, caregivers, friends, educators, and medical
professionals and access to online communities, recent news articles,
information, resources, etc.

https://www.inclusivechildcare.org/resource-library/website/internet-resource-special-children-irsc.

Learning
Opportunities for Your Child Through Alternate Assessments
This booklet, published by the
US Department of Education, includes a section on accessing grade-level content for students with disabilities.

http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/learning/index.html

Lindamood-Bell
Learning Processes
is an organization dedicated to
helping children and adults learn to their potential. Our research-validated
instructional programs strengthen reading, comprehension, and math skills by
developing the sensory-cognitive functions that form the foundation of
learning
http://lindamoodbell.com 
Math and
Reading Help for Kids
Is a directory of hundreds of
original articles, tips, and resources centered on the topic of children’s
learning. Although the articles on this site are primarily written to help
parents make informed decisions about their child’s education, there is also
a comprehensive Just for Kids section containing dozens of articles written
for a younger audience.
http://math-and-reading-help-for-kids.org
National
Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE)
A national association that is
dedicated to ensuring that all children and adolescents with special needs
receive the best education possible. NAPCSE serves the interest of parents
with children in special education by giving them numerous resources within
the field of special education. By having an association that they can call their own, parents with children in special education now have an association completely devoted to their needs. NAPCSE advances and strengthens
its community through networking, research, publications, and membership
benefits.
http://www.napcse.org
National
Association of School Psychologists Reports
Journal articles, etc. related
to IDEA and other educational issues, as well as advocacy information
http://www.nasponline.org/
National
Institute for Urban School Improvement
Extensive library of resources, research,
publications, and online sites related to inclusive education.

http://www.inclusiveschools.org

Office
of Special Education Programs Information
Related to IDEA and its
interpretation and implementation. The site offers policy information, research,
and statistics
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html?src=mr
PACER
Center
Enhances the quality of life and
expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all
disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest
potential. PACER operates on the principles of parents helping parents,
supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and
working in collaboration with others.

http://www.pacer.org

(952)838-9000

Pacer Center Inc.

8161 Normandale Blvd

Bloomington, MN 55437

Parent
Technical Assistance Center
Helps families obtain appropriate
educational services for their children, provides training and information on
a variety of topics, and connect children with disabilities with community
resources.
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/rptacs/
Schwab
Learning
Free information, resources,
publications, and support to children who struggle with learning and their
parents. Funded by the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation.
https://www.schwabfoundation.org/programs
Sensory
Integration Resource Center
Current information resources
and resources related to sensory integration issues.
http://www.sinetwork.org/
Special
Education News
Round-up of recent articles
related to special education. Organized by interest

http://www.specialednews.com/

Special
Resources on the Internet
A collection of Internet-accessible information resources of interest to those involved in the fields
related to special education
http://seriweb.com/
Special
Education Guide
com provides helpful
information to both parents of children with disabilities and teachers about
the early intervention process, how to establish a parent-teacher
partnership, and collaborating on an IEP
http://specialeducationguide.com
TASH
Resources About Inclusive Education
Eight common myths about
inclusive education and how to dispel them and FAQs about inclusive education
are available at the TASH website

http://tash.org/advocacy-issues/inclusive-education

State
Department of Education
Helping
the families of Alabama have the resources that they need to succeed in terms
of education.

https://www.alabamaachieves.org/

Crystal Richardson, Coordinator of Special Education Services

crystalr@alsde.edu

(800)392-8020

(334)242-8114

P.O. Box 302101

Montgomery, AL 36130

U.S.
Department of Education
Access to comprehensive
information on education and educational policy in the United States,
including special education
http://www.ed.gov
We
Connect Now
Is dedicated to uniting people
interested in rights and issues affecting people with disabilities, with
particular emphasis on college students and access to higher education and
employment issues

http://weconnectnow.wordpress.com

WrightslawParents, educators, advocates,
and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about
special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with
disabilities

https://www.wrightslaw.com/

College Resource NameCollege Resource MissionCollege Resource Contact
Affordable CollegesHas a list of scholarships for individuals with disabilities on its websitehttp://www.affordablecolleges.com/resources/scholarships-students-with-disabilities/ 
Auburn Montgomery Bridge ProgramEven if you do not fully meet all the requirements for admission to AUM, you still may find a home here through our Bridge Program. This program is designed for students who meet specific academic criteria to enroll them in courses structured to prepare them for full admission. If you qualify, our Bridge Program will provide you with extra academic support for one semester prior to gaining full admission to AUM. During the Bridge semester, you will be enrolled in courses designed specifically for “bridging the gap” to a continued and successful college career. Bridge courses consist of a University Success course, as well as a Math and/or English course. Throughout the semester, faculty and staff on our Bridge team will assist you by teaching you skills needed for success in college. The Bridge Program connects you with campus resources so that you can thrive at AUM.

http://www.aum.edu/admissions/admissions-programs/bridge-program

(334)244-3473

admissions@aum.edu

Auburn University at Montgomery Center for Disability ServicesProvides academic support services to students with disabilities & facilitates accommodations for students when working with AUM faculty.

https://www.aum.edu/center-for-disability-services/ 

cds@aum.edu

(334)244-3631

7400 East Drive

Montgomery, AL 36117

Crossings PointsIs a two-tier postsecondary transition program on the campus of The University of Alabama. Crossing Points is funded in part by a 5-year grant by the Office of Postsecondary Programs of the US Department of Education and supported primarily the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Tuscaloosa County School System, and the Community of Tuscaloosa. Crossing Points Tier 1 is a collaboration between The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and the Tuscaloosa County School System. Tier 1 serves students with significant disabilities ages 18-21 years who are still receiving IDEA services. Tier 1 follows the Tuscaloosa City Schools and Tuscaloosa County school systems’ Academic year calendar. Crossing Points Tier 2, also known as the Summer Bridge Program, is a postsecondary pipeline program for college-age students with intellectual disabilities ages 19+ years from anywhere in the State of Alabama and beyond.

https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/

(205) 348-3180

Tom Barnes Education Center, Room 1060

260 Kilgore Lane

Tuscaloosa AL 35487

 

Disability Support Services, UABThe University of Alabama at Birmingham’s mission is to enrich the academic experience for each student through education, research, and service. The University believes disability is an essential component of diversity on our campus and values the unique experiences of each student. Our philosophy promotes self-awareness, self-determination, and self-advocacy by providing education to students with disabilities about their rights and responsibilities so they can make informed choices to meet or exceed the standards of all students at UAB

https://www.uab.edu/students/disability/

dss@uab.edu

(205) 934-4205

(205) 934-4248

Hill Student Center, Suite 109,

1400 University Blvd

Birmingham, AL  35294

InformEDIs an Open Colleges blog, an international resource, that covers a variety of education topics, including teaching approaches that are specific to students with Down Syndrome but also can have application in the general education classroomhttp://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/teacher-resources/teaching-individuals-with-down-syndrome 
PASSAGE USAis a post-secondary educational (PSE) experience for students with ID that helps each student achieve his/her goals.  This two-year certificate program is based on individualized Adult Education Plans developed through person-centered planning

http://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ceps/passage/

passageusa@southalabama.edu

(251)460-7558

 

The Horizon SchoolThe Horizons School is a non-degree, transition program that prepares young adults (ages 18 to 26) with specific learning disabilities for an independent life. The two-year core program teaches personal, social, and career independence and offers community-based extracurricular learning activities. Following the two-year program, students have the option to attend our Community Transition Program where each student lives in the Birmingham, Al, area and works while retaining program support

https://horizonsschool.org/

Phone: 205.322.6606 or 800.822.6242

FAX: 205.322.6605

The Horizons School

2018 15th Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35205

Think CollegeIs a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals, and families

https://thinkcollege.net/

ThinkCollegeTA@gmail.com

Transition UniversityIs a project designed to cultivate relationships between high school students with intellectual and severe disabilities and JSU Special Education Collaborative Teacher Candidates. Transition University meets on the JSU Campus during Fall and Spring semesters. You may see the Transition University faculty, teacher candidates, and high school students riding on the Gamecock Express, taking a nature walk on campus, or eating in the Jack Hopper Dining Hall. Typical Transition University activities include Pairing SPE Teacher Candidates with high school students with intellectual and severe disabilities Instructional opportunities that focus on social skills, navigating campus transportation, social time in the Jack Hopper Dining Hall, tours of JSU departments, and trips to local businesses

https://www.jsu.edu/education/ci/transition/index.html

#:~:text=Transition%20University%20is%20a%20

project,during%20Fall%20and%20Spring%20semesters

Whole Schooling ConsortiumIs an international network of schools, teachers, parents, administrators, university faculty, and community members whose purpose is to promote excellence and equity in schools throughout the world to build inclusive and democratic societies.http://www.wholeschooling.net 
Work Program Name Work Program Information Work Program Contact Contact
Construction Education Foundation of Alabama (CEFA) Is supported by local contractors who believe that having trained workers on their job sites is vital to the success of their companies. All students who SUCCESSFULLY complete training will be referred to any available employment opportunities with our commercial contractor contacts. https://www.cefatradetraining.org/ info@cefalabama.org 205-956-0146 Fax: 205-956-0149 6700 Oporto Madrid Blvd Birmingham, AL 35206
Made in Alabama: The Alabama Workforce Investment Area (AWIA) Offers innovative programs to assist out-of-school youth and other youth with significant barriers to employment between the ages of 16-24 by providing a broad array of activities designed for educational and occupational skills training in the 65-county area not including Jefferson and Mobile counties. There are currently 18 youth programs throughout the AWIA that focus on educational attainment, work-based training opportunities and training linked to careers aligned with the skills needs of industries throughout the state. The goal of these programs is to help youth attain the education and employability skills that are necessary to get a job, keep their job, and advance in their chosen career pathway. https://www.madeinalabama.com/why-alabama/workforce-training/workforce-initiatives/training-programs/youth-programs/
The Pathways Program Offers clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school; career opportunities for recent graduates; and meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their federal service. Types of Programs: The Pathways Programs at HHS, including the following three programs: The Internship Program, The HHS Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. https://www.hhs.gov/about/careers/ pathways/index.html
The Youth Pathways to Postsecondary Education and Employment Site brings together five different National Youth-Focused Training and Technical Assistance Centers, funded by the US Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), as well as the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). These five centers are working together to provide technical assistance and training to state/local agencies and programs to build successful pathways to postsecondary and employment opportunities for youth and students with disabilities. The purpose of this website is to serve as a cross-boundary Community of Practice for professionals who share a passion and a vision for building pathways for students and youth with disabilities to postsecondary education and employment. https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/building-americas-workforce/about/youth-pathways-postsecondary-success-and-careers
Financial Resource NameFinancial Resource MissionFinancial Resource Contact
Affordable Colleges Online ResourceResource entitled "Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities" contains valuable resources for students with disabilities including a curated list of more than 85 disability-specific scholarships, strategies for utilizing state and local financial aid resources, and an overview of loan forgiveness and reduction options.http://www.affordablecolleges.com/resources/scholarships-students-with-disabilities/
Best Colleges Online ResourceOffers an overview of college resources for students with disAbilities.www.bestcolleges.com/resources/disabled-students
FASTWEBIs the leading online resource for finding scholarships to help you pay for school.www.fastweb.com  

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA)

Is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
The Office of Federal Student AidProvides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.  We offer more than $150 billion each year to help millions of students pay for higher education.https://studentaid.gov/
Project 10 Transition Education NetworkIs an online resource on post-secondary education for individuals with disAbilities that includes scholarship information as well as independent living skills.http://project10.info/StudentEngagement.php#NS2