Special Education Spotlight Anaheim: Resources for Students, Teachers, and Parents

Anaheim residents raising or working with special needs students can find a few community and nonprofit organizations designed to provide them with support and various resources. These resources can range from professional development programs to parenting workshops.

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Special education students themselves can also find organizations that offer educational and recreational programs and activities.

Anaheim Special Education Resources

The Greater Anaheim Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is a six-school district collaboration designed to develop special education programs. Teachers can find professional development training and workshops through SELPA. The website also provides parents with links to a Community Advisory Committee, a handbook, workshop information and a glossary of special education terms and organizations.

Anaheim, California, is located within Orange County. The Orange County Department of Education provides training programs for special education teachers. These programs address behavioral intervention and analysis, classroom management and student success strategies. Resources are also available through the department’s website for such topics as assistive technology, autism and parent rights.

Special Education Resources for Anaheim Students and Parents

Within the Anaheim city limits, the Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) provides resources for children, parents and teachers. Workshops are held for IEP strategies, student rights, early intervention services and assistive technology. Advocacy training is also available.

AbilityFirst, which provides services to special needs students and families, has one of eight community centers in Anaheim. AbilityFirst has an afterschool enrichment program and also offers therapeutic swimming lessons. The Anaheim location has accommodations for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Resources Near Anaheim for Special Education Students, Teachers and Parents

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Anaheim has limited resources for special needs students and parents, but fortunately several organizations are housed in nearby cities, in most cases less than ten miles from Anaheim.

Located about eight miles to the south in Santa Ana, The Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders offers evaluations and family support groups. It also has an intervention program targeting parents and schools. IEP development support for both parents and professionals is also provided. Other resources include links on the organization’s website to articles and other sites addressing disability rights, news and details about autism, ADHD and other disorders.

Approximately three miles north of Anaheim, parents and teachers can find a wealth of knowledge offered at The Autism Center of California State University – Fullerton. In addition to assessment and screening services, the center also hosts fundraising events and teacher credentialing programs.

The Greater Orange County affiliate of Children and Adults with AD/HD (CHADD) is found about eight miles southeast of Anaheim in Orange, California. The organizations hosts support meetings in Orange and Santa Ana. The website provides links to assistance programs and contact information for consultants, therapists, advocates and other professionals.

Parents of special education students in Oakland who are seeking legal support or advice can contact the California Special Needs Law Group (CSNLG). Serving areas throughout the state, the group can assist parents with, among other legalities, settling disputes with school systems or developing IEPs.