Resources for Consumers

For Expecting Parents: Cord Blood Banking
For Parents: AAC | Autism | Cerebral Palsy (CP) | Communication  | Hearing Loss | Medical | Special Education | Funding 

For Expecting Parents
https://www.cordbloodbanking.com 
"There have been over 35,000 cord blood transplants worldwide. We can further save the lives of children suffering from cancers, blood disorders and many other serious disorders and disabilities including cerebral palsy (now in FDA regulated clinical trials at Georgia Regents University - Oct. 2015)."
Also, visit:  
https://www.cordbloodguide.com for a free downloadable guide and information about cord blood and cord blood banking.

For Parents

AAC
(Alternative and Augmentative Communications)
Click here for a table of AAC resources in Alabama  
Patient Provider Communication - https://www.patientprovidercommunication.org/

Autism
Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (AIACC):  http://www.autism.alabama.gov/ 
Regional Autism Networks (RAN):  http://www.autism.alabama.gov/Regional-Autism-Network.html 
CDC Links to Autism Spectrum Disorder:  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/links.html

Cerebral Palsy
http://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com - Educational materials for families and individuals affected by cerebral palsy, including information about different therapies, treatment options, and financial resources.
http://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com - A comprehensive informational website on cerebral palsy, from information on symptoms to financial assistance to daily living articles.
http://www.cerebralpalsysymptoms.com - "Our goal is to raise awareness globally for cerebral palsy and other birth injuries."
https://cerebralpalsygroup.com - "A national organization ... here to provide information and support ... resources and education to those affected by CP."

Communication Tips
Explaining Special Needs to Children
Cochlear Implant Guide educates readers on important aspects to consider when selecting a cochlear implant. It answers common questions about the components, processes and style of the device. It also addresses hearing implant candidacy and breaks down the pros and cons of the major cochlear implant brands with verified reviews.

Hearing Loss
https://www.babyhearing.org/ - Boys Town National Research Center site
http://www.handsandvoices.org/ - Site dedicated to advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing children
https://www.jtc.org/ - Free courses for families of infants and preschoolers with hearing loss
http://www.listen-up.org/ - Parent-run site for parents of children with hearing impairments
https://www.signingtime.com/ - Videos for learning sign language
Spanish Language Video on Early Hearing Screening from the CDC (8 min.); ¿Que tan bien oye su hijo? Lo que los padres deben saber. Spanish-speaking families who received "did not pass" or "refer" results for their babies' hearing screening describe how they felt and what they did next. Their stories provide facts and encouragement to help other parents seek out the follow-up services their baby needs. 
Socialization and the Child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Medical
https://www.entnet.org/ - All about Otolaryngology

Special Education
https://www.specialeducationguide.com/ - Lots of info and resources about Special Education
https://sightwords.com/ - For parents and educators. Sponsored by the GA Preschool Association

Funding
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is a charitable organization that provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not (fully) covered by insurance. 
Request a brochure from 855-MY-UHCCF or customerservice@uhccf.org.
Apply: https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/

Disability Resources
PSA (A YouTube video from FEMA)
The Guide To Fire Safety For People With Disabilities
An Interesting Discussion On Quora: How do people in wheelchairs safely exit a multi-level building during a fire evacuation if the elevator is unavailable?
Fire Safety For Wheelchair Users (including how to evacuate people with limited mobility)

Home Remodeling
Disability Accommodation Cost Guides
Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs: What You Need to Know  

Other Resources
A guide to mobility and accessibility devices, including speech-generating devices
College Resource Guide for students with Disabilities
Guide for college students with disabilities - Info about legal rights, how to prepare for classes, and specific suggestions for college prep for those with speech disorders, hearing impairment, autism, ADHD, cognitive disabilities, and more
Addiction Treatment Resources for Americans with Disabilities
Transportation Options for Seniors Who Don’t Drive