Early Childhood Development

Disabilities

The purpose of this page is to provide material for the completion of a research paper on a specific diseases that affect the early childhood education process.

To complete this research project, students will answer the following questions through research:
  • What is the disability?
  • What is the cause of the disability?
  • Can the disability be prevented?
    How?
  • How is the disability treated?
  • What is the outlook for the person with this disability?
  • How does the problem affect the physical, social, emotional, and educational development of the child?
  • Are there any support groups available to help a person with this disability? If yes, give the
    • Name
    • Address
    • Phone Number
    • Web Address
    • Email
    Contact the organization for information.
  • Does the person need any special equipment in order to function? If yes, list the
    • Type of Equipment
    • Cost of Equipment

General Major Health Sites

Please check here first for the topic.

Albinism

National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation
http://www.albinism.org/
NOAH is a volunteer organization for persons and families involved with the condition of albinism. It does not diagnose, treat, or provide genetic counseling. It is involved in self-help, while trying to promote research and education.

International Albinism Center
http://www.cbc.umn.edu/iac/
The International Albinism Center is a team of dedicated research professionals interested in understanding the basis of albinism in humans. We are a multi-disciplinary group of researchers that include interests in clinical genetics, molecular biology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and biochemistry, all with a central theme of understanding the cause and effect of albinism and other forms of pigment loss in humans.

Asthma

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/patients.stm
Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergic disease. It can develop at any age, and heredity plays a key role in who will develop it. The AAAAI has developed an extensive library of information in this center to help you learn more about allergic disease.

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Online
http://allergy.mcg.edu/home.html
an information and news service for patients, parents of patients, the news media, and purchasers of group health care programs.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
http://www.aafa.org/
The premier patient organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies and their caregivers, through education, advocacy and research.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder Association
http://www.add.org/
ADDA's mission is to help people with AD/HD lead happier, more successful lives through education, research, and public advocacy. Whether you have AD/HD yourself, someone special in your life does, or you treat, counsel, or teach those who do, ADDA is an organization for you.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-ch01.html

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
http://www.add-adhd.org/
A clearing house of information

Autism

Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
The Autism Society of America was founded in 1965 by a small group of parents working on a volunteer basis out of their homes. Over the last 35 years, the Society has developed into the leading source of information and referral on autism.

Center for the Study of Autism
http://www.autism.org/contents.html
The Center for the Study of Autism (CSA) is located in the Salem/Portland, Oregon area. The Center provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research on the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. Much of our research is in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California.

AUTISM RESOURCES
http://www.autism-resources.com/
Offers information and links regarding the developmental disabilities autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucpa.org/
UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy - A Guide for Care
http://gait.aidi.udel.edu/res695/homepage/pd_ortho/clinics/c_palsy/cpweb.htm
An upfront look at CP.

4MyChild
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/
4MyChild is an organization dedicated to bringing "help and hope" to families facing the challenge of raising a child with cerebral palsy. We offer a variety of information surrounding the issues of cerebral palsy, including information on treatments and special education advocacy. Our goal is to educate parents so that they can be champions for their children - from the time those children are conceived until they leave for college (and beyond).

Blindness

American Foundation for the Blind
http://www.afb.org/
The American Foundation for the Blind is dedicated to addressing the critical issues of literacy, independent living, employment, and access through technology for the ten million Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

Foundation Fighting Blindness
http://www.blindness.org/
The urgent mission of The Foundation Fighting Blindness is to find the causes, treatments, preventions, and cures for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

Resource Sites on Blindness
http://www.nyise.org/blindness.htm
A Clearing house of web sites

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
http://www.cff.org/
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is proud to be a resource of information about cystic fibrosis. The information provided here should never take the place of advice from your personal health care provider. Be sure to check with your physician about changes in your treatment regimen.

CysticFibrosis.com
http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/
A clearing house of information

International Association of Cystic Fibrosis Adults
http://iacfa.crocker.com/home.htm
The purpose and direction of our organization, as set forth in our charter, is to assist in improving the quality of life by identifying common problems, attempting to define possible solutions, and enhancing the exchange of information within the world community of adults with CF.

Deafness

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/
A compendium of information

Deafness Research Foundation
http://www.drf.org/
The DRF is committed to making lifelong hearing health a national priority by funding research and implementing education projects in both the government and private sectors.

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/InfoToGo/
Information on Deafness section of the Clerc Center Web site is organized by topic. A compendium of information.

Diabetes

American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. The mission of the organization is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Children with Diabetes
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/index_cwd.htm
The on-line community for kids, families and adults with diabetes.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports basic and clinical research.

Down Syndrome

National Down Syndrome Society
http://www.ndss.org/
NDSS distributes timely and informative materials, encourages and supports the activities of local parent support groups, sponsors conferences and scientific symposia and undertakes major advocacy efforts - all to increase awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome.

HEALTH CARE GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
http://www.denison.edu/dsq/health96.html

Down Syndrome Quarterly
http://www.denison.edu/dsq/
Down Syndrome Quarterly is an interdisciplinary journal devoted to advancing the state of knowledge on Down syndrome and will cover all areas of medical, behavioral, and social scientific research.

Down Syndrome: Health Issues
http://www.ds-health.com/
The information provided at this Web site is considered general medical information for educational purposes and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician. If you think that your child needs medical attention, please go to or contact your physician or nearest health care provider.

National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
http://www.ndsccenter.org/
The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of persons with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information dissemination on all aspects of Down syndrome. The NDSC is financially supported primarily through membership dues and individual contributions.

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust
http://www.down-syndrome.info/
The Down Syndrome Information Network offers a range of information resources and online services to the international Down syndrome community. It aims to provide information and services for families, carers, professionals and researchers worldwide. This website has over 1,000 pages of information, equivalent to at least 6,000 printed pages.

Dyslexia

Davis Dyslexia Association International
http://www.dyslexia.com/
Join us as we explore the positive talents that give rise to dyslexia, and share our knowledge about the best ways for dyslexic people to learn.

International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
http://www.interdys.org/index.jsp
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them.

Levinson Medical Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.levinsonmedical.com/home.html
This site is maintained by Dr. Harold Levinson, and is dedicated to resolving the traditional misconceptions of dyslexia and related attention deficit and anxiety disorders, so that countless millions might be relieved or spared of suffering, and helped to attain dreams and ambitions that otherwise might never be theirs.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
The Epilepsy Foundation will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services.

American Epilepsy Society
http://www.aesnet.org/
The American Epilepsy Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of Epilepsy.

The National Society for Epilepsy
http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk/pages/index/home/
The NSE aims to provide information and raise awareness about epilepsy among people affected by epilepsy and among the general public.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
http://www.nofas.org
A nonprofit organization founded in 1990 dedicated to eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and improving the quality of life for those individuals and families affected.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Resource Guide (The Arc)
http://www.thearc.org/misc/faslist.html
This resource guide was written for parents, families and educators who are involved in caring for, living with and educating individuals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

League For The Prevention of Alcohol Related Fetal Brain Injury
http://www.worldprofit.com/mafas.htm
A clearing house of information.

Hemophilia

National Hemophilia Foundation
http://www.hemophilia.org/home.htm
Designed to provide essential information for both people new to bleeding disorders, this site provides answers on the nature of many disorders, their symptoms and treatments. It also offers information for the newly diagnosed, educators and childcare providers, and more.

World Federation of Hemophilia
http://www.wfh.org/Default.asp?IndLangue=2
The World Federation of Hemophilia is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to introducing, improving, and maintaining care for people with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders around the world.

Hemophilia Galaxy
http://www.hemophiliagalaxy.com/index.html
Hemophilia Galaxy offers a universe of information and support services for the hemophilia community.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy Association
http://www.mdausa.org/
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency -- a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
http://www.parentprojectmd.org/aboutus/overview.html
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Muscular Dystrophy
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/lib_md.htm
Clearing house of information

PKU

Children's PKU Network
http://www.pkunetwork.org/
CPN is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining an agenda of public awareness, education and direct assistance through a variety of programs, to help people with PKU and other metabolic disorders reach their full potential.

A Place of Our Own
http://www.peds.umn.edu/pku/
A site for adolescents, teens and young adults with PKU. Sponsored by the University of Minnesota PKU Program and PKU Foundation.

Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Information Center
http://www.scinfo.org/
The mission of this site is to provide sickle cell patient and professional education, news, research updates and world wide sickle cell resources. It is the mission of our organizations to provide world class compassionate care, education, counseling, and research for patients with sickle cell disease. It is our mission to help break the sickle cycle.

The American Sickle Cell Association
http://www.ascaa.org/
The American Sickle Cell Association is a private nonprofit 501C-3 organization in Cleveland, Ohio. ASCAA was founded in 1971 and is the oldest sickle cell research, education, and social services organization in the United States.

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/default.htm
Founded in 1971 to provide an effective coordinated community-based approach to developing and implementing strategies to resolve issues surrounding sickle cell disease

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Association of America
http://www.sbaa.org/
The Mission of the Spina Bifida Association of America is to promote the prevention of spina bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected.

Children with Spina Bifida Web Site
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/~rowley/sb-kids/index.htmlx
A Clearing house of web sites

International federation for hydrocephalus & spina bifida (if)
http://www.ifglobal.org/
"if" aims to disseminate information and expertise throughout the world to families, individuals, professionals and volunteers involved in the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida field.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Other Infant Death (SIDS/OID)
http://sids-network.org/
Dedicated to the prevention of sudden infant death and the promotion of infant health through an aggressive, comprehensive nationwide program

SIDS Alliance
http://www.sidsalliance.org/index/default.asp
This site is your gateway to support for families experiencing the death of a baby or anyone seeking the latest, quality-assured information about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and ways to reduce the risk of infant death.

National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Resource Center (NSRC)
http://www.sidscenter.org/
Provides information services and technical assistance on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and related topics.



Tay-Sachs Disease

National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association (NTSAD)
http://www.ntsad.org/
Dedicated to the treatment and prevention of Tay-Sachs, Canavan, and related diseases, and to provide information and support services to individuals and families affected by these diseases, as well as the public at large.

National Center for Biotechnology Information - Tay-Sachs Disease
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/disease/Tay_Sachs.html
A Clearing house of web sites

Jewish Health - Tay-Sachs Disease
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/multicul/jew02.htm
Informative