Good Resources

by Jerome J. Schultz,Ph.D.

The Issue
How can schools serve as a resource or referral source for families of children with special needs?

The Solution
Parents of children with special needs can be overwhelmed by the vast array of resources and materials that claim to answer all their questions. Most parents don't have the time (or energy, after dealing with challenging kids!) to read all the books or materials that hit the marketplace. Teachers can make recommendations about books, articles, videotapes, or other materials that address a parent's specific need or question. But first, parents need to let teachers know what they are looking for, or what they have already tried and found to be unsatisfactory.

You should be able to count on teachers and other professionals at the school (psychologists, speech and language therapists, nurses, etc.) to direct you to support groups, information and referral services, or professionals who can help you deal with problems or issues related to your child's special needs.

Parents who have been put in touch with helpful resources by teachers, or who have found good materials themselves, can also donate or loan books or tapes to a parent resource file or library -- or start one if none exists! This might be a great project for the school's special education parent advisory group.

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