Family Resources

There are many resources available for families with members who have intellectual disabilities. Following are a sampling of various companies and organizations.

In addition, for more information, resources or support, please contact Cindy Dickens, Family Coordinator at 410-747-3813.

Please note: These sites are not owned or operated by Special Olympics.

Adaptive Adventures
Creates sports and recreation opportunities for youth by providing access to the outdoors and helping families work toward inclusion in their local communities. 877.679.2770

Advocates for Children and Youth
Working to further positive policy, education and advocacy.
410.547.9200

America’s Athletes with Disabilities
They offer disability awareness education programs and the Disabled Youth Sports Training and Competition Program
800.449.8991

Baltimore County Family Navigator Services
They offer support, help families identify their strengths and challenges, find resources, and develop a plan of action. This free service is available to Baltimore County Families who have a child with intensive needs related to developmental disabilities, autism, or mental health. 410.252.4700 x265

Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc.
Statewide information on special health care needs, respite, camps, SSI, Medicaid waivers, foster and kinship care, etc.
410.649.0510

Beach Wheelchair
All-terrain wheelchair provides beach access
800.441.7789

Behavior Change
A website for parents, teachers, and trainers of children and adults with disabilities who exhibit severe problem behavior or limited communication skills.
407.629.1099

Best Buddies
A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
410.327.9812

Brookes Publishing
Publishes books covering a wide variety of disability issues.
800.638.3775

Camp Search
The search engine for summer camps.  Encompasses 22 countries!
416.593.3000 x.234

Caring Communities, Inc.
Respite care provider registry, respite training, etc.
410.549.5707

Change, Inc.
Free sitter service for children with disabilities and their siblings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
410.876.2179

Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Inc.
410.321.5434

Delmarva Community Services
Respite programs for those with developmental disabilities and family caregivers.
800.439.1222

Developmental Disabilities Administration
Guide to services – Southern, Western, Eastern, and Central Regions.
877.463.3464

Down Syndrome Connection
Consisting of parents, educators, therapists, and concerned persons, seeks to optimize the quality of life for individuals with down syndrome by offering direct services.
888.279.2279

Freedom Concepts, Inc.
Manufactures specialty bikes for adults and children with special needs
800.661.9915

Hospital for Sick Children – Information Resource Center
Brochures on children with disabilities.
202.832.4400

ICON, Inc.
To broaden public awareness and improve access to opportunities in the community for people who have historically been excluded because of disability.
703.548.4048

Kids on the Block, Inc.
Provides educational puppet programs that enlighten the children on the issues of disability awareness, medical-educational differences, and social concerns.
800.368.5437

Kids Camps
A comprehensive directory of traditional and specialty overnight camps, tours and adventures, and experiences for children, teenagers, and families.
877.242.9330

Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Working to improve services and support for children with mental health needs and their families.
410.730.8267

Maryland Disability Law Center
“Special Education Rights and Wrongs” handbook.
800.233.7201

Maryland State Dept. of Education – Special Education
410.767.0238

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
The MD/YLF is a unique career and leadership program for high school students with disabilities who are in their final two years of high school.  The week long residential program is typically held on a college campus, giving students a taste of dorm life while offering opportunities for them to increase their independence.
301.277.2839

Medicare Advocacy
A national, non-profit organization which provides education, advocacy, and legal assistance to help elders and people with disabilities.
202.216.0028

National Center on Accessibility: Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Promotes increased awareness of inclusion of people with disabilities in parks, recreation, and tourism.
812.856.4422

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability
Monthly newsletter with articles and conference information.
800.900.8086

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD/Youth)
877.871.0744
TTY 877.871.0665

Pathfinders Autism Resource Center
Information and referral service for families to assist in the processes of locating services in communities around Maryland.
410.769.9500

Parent Center of Prince George’s County
Information, resources, support groups and workshops.
301.925.2811

Parents’ Place of Maryland
Information, resources, and workshops.
410.768.9100

Sib Shops
Programs just for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.
Baltimore County – Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital  410.578.5169
Carroll County – The Westminster Senior Center  800.999.9442 x.5169
Howard County – The ARC of Howard County  800.999.9442 x.5169
Montgomery County – The ARC of Montgomery County 800.999.9442 x.5169

Speaking For Ourselves
A pioneer in self-advocacy for people with disabilities.
610.825.4592

Special Fit Online
Clothes ideal for adults with down syndrome.  Designed with you in mind, high quality, moderately priced, and designed to fit.
320.587.8777

Trips, Inc.
Travel opportunities in a safe, respectful, and fun atmosphere
800.686.1013

The League for People With Disabilities
Year-round Camping at Camp Greentop; year-round Therapeutic Recreation Services including accessible sailing, assisted travel and social events; Adult Day Services; Vocational Rehabilitative Services; Employment opportunities via direct mail processing, bulk volume copying and database management; Wellness Center providing individualized fitness programs, floor aerobics, fully accessible pool, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. 410.323.0500

The National Fragile X Foundation
800.688.8765

The Resource Network: A Project of the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Information on developmental disability resources throughout Maryland
800.390.3372

Training Resource Network – Disability Update
Publications and updates in the disability field: supported employment, person centered planning, self-determination, and supported living.
800.823.9800

U.S. Department of Transportation Travel Hotline
Provides education and assistance with disability related air travel problems.
800.778.4838(voice) or 800.455.9880(tty).

Yoga for the Special Child
Information on teaching yoga to infants and children with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder, etc.
888.900.9642

For a complete list, visit Special Olympics Maryland’s Family Page.