Resources for Students with Multiple Disabilities

The mission of the Autism Research Institute (ARI) is to improve the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum through research and the education of professionals, those who are affected, and their families. The ARI's Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Blind/Visually Impaired Network is a compilation of parents, affected individuals and professionals with special interest in people with autism and deafness, or autism and blindness. 

 

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. 

 

The Autism Society is the nation's leading grassroots autism organization. The Autism Society works to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues about people across spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals of every age, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.

 

Autism Society of America (ASA) - Frederick County MD Chapter serves as a resource to families of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Frederick County Autism Society provides advocacy, support, and information for Frederick County Residents, Join monthly meetings to share information, resources and support.

 

At its heart, the Howard County Autism Society is an organization created, inspired and powered by loving parents helping their own children as well as others with autism find their place in this world. The Howard County Autism Society Board consists of a group of parents, brought together in their individual journeys through the world of autism. 

 

Howard County families who have loved ones with autism may soon breathe a little easier knowing that county 911 operators and first responders are already "in the know" when called to an emergency. By giving residents the option to voluntarily "flag" their address in the system, the 911 Call Center will have first-hand knowledge that an individual with autism resides at a given address and that he or she may be nonverbal, oversensitive to sirens, unaware of danger, prone to elope, or exhibit other note-worthy behaviors. This information will be forwarded to first responders prior to their arrival on the scene. 

 

 

Connections Beyond Sight and Sound is a partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education and the University of Maryland, College Park. This project supports Maryland and DC children and young adults with deaf-blindness in their homes and communities by providing consultation, training, special programs, resources, and technical assistance to children and their families and care providers. 

 

The Maryland School for the Blind's Statewide Outreach Services offers expertise and specialized skills to Maryland students with visual impairment and additional disabilities, ages birth-21, their families, and local school system staff through a variety of programs and services. MSB's Outreach staff consist of highly qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired, a Certified Low Vision Specialist, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, a doctorate level Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, a Parent Coordinator and highly trained paraeducators.  

 

iCanConnect provides people with both significant vision and hearing loss with free equipment and training. iCanConnect is a national program with local contacts that helps people stay connect with friends, family and the world. 

 

 

The Arc of Maryland is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of persons with I/DD and their families. Efforts of the Arc include public policy, advocacy, public awareness, and training and membership support. The Arc is on the front lines to ensure that people with I/DD and their families have the support and services they need to be fully engaged in their communities. 

 

The Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) helps people with physical, emotional, intellectual, developmental, sensory and learning disabilities go to work and keep their jobs by providing services such as career assessment and counseling, assistive technology, job training, high education and job placement. 

 

The DDA is the primary State agency that funds community-based services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. The DDA partners with people with developmental disabilities to provide support and resources to live fulfilling lives.