Organizations, products and resources

Community organizations
PACER Center, the Arc Minnesota, Special Olympics Minnesota, Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living, Courage Kenny

• The PACER Center expands opportunities for children, youth and young adults with disabilities and their families to help each person reach their highest potential. 
• The Arc Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Family Voices of Minnesota is a parent-to-parent networking group that connects families across the state, empowering them to become advocates for children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities.
• Through athletic, health and leadership programs, Special Olympics Minnesota helps people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.
• The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living advocates for a statewide network of independent living services and supports for Minnesotans with disabilities throughout the state.
• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers adaptive sports and adaptive camp opportunities, as well as classes, events and services for people with disabilities.
• Help Me Connect shares services and resources in your community that will empower you to be healthy and safe. Many programs may be available on a sliding fee, covered by health insurance or free.

Adaptive products
Baby care, toys, clothing, shoes

Check this comprehensive comparison of baby care equipment (PDF) from Through the Looking Glass, a community-based organization for families of people with disabilities. Find adaptive toys at Adaptive Tech Solutions and eSpecial Needs.

Adaptive clothing and shoes are available from retailers such as:

• BILLY Footwear
• Independence Day clothing
• Kohl's adaptive clothing
• Tommy adaptive
• Zappos adaptive

Service animals
Rights, laws and training services

• Understand your rights with service animals, including what types of animals qualify as service animals.
• Get the basics on service animal laws with this service animal quick reference guide (PDF) from the Minnesota Council on Disability.
• Check out organizations that train service dogs: Pawsitivity Service Dogs, Can Do Canines and Helping Paws.

Technology programs
Minnesota STAR, Technology for HOME, MN ACT

• Minnesota STAR. A System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) helps all Minnesotans with disabilities gain access to the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. STAR offers device demos, device loans (try before you buy) and device exchanges.
• Technology for HOME. Technology for HOME offers person-centered assistive technology consults and technical assistance to help people with disabilities live more independently.
• Minnesota Access to Communication Technology (MN ACT). The MN ACT provides adaptive phone devices to people who have difficulty using the phone. Devices are loaned for free to those who qualify, for as long as needed.

Mobile apps
Educational and special needs apps

• Learning differences and special needs guide. This guide from Common Sense Media breaks down technology resources and apps that will benefit your child.
• 7 helpful apps for parents of special needs kids. Use this list from Lifehack to find apps designed for parents, teachers and therapists to track a child's development and understand a child's needs.

« Previous: Key supports | Next: Planning and advocacy »