Additional Information and Resources

Sample Letters
1. How to Refer Your Child
2. How to Ask to Review Your Child's Records
3. How to Request Mediation
4. How to Request an Impartial Hearing
5. How to Make a Systems Complaint

Early Childhood Direction Centers
There are 14 Early Childhood Direction Centers statewide, funded by the New York State Education Department, that provide information about programs and services for young children, ages birth through five, who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. These centers help families obtain services for their children.
• www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/techassist/ecdc/locations.htm

Parent to Parent of New York State
This is a parentrun organization, with nine offices statewide, that brings parents of children with disabilities together with other parents who have children with the same or similar disabilities. Parents can discuss similar problems, successes, share information, and provide each other with support.
• www.parenttoparentnys.org

 Parent Training and Information Centers
There are four centers staffed by experienced parents and professionals who provide information and training to families with children with disabilities, professionals working with families, and members of the community.
• www.taalliance.org
• www.advocacycenter.com
• www.advocatesforchildren.org
• www.resourcesnyc.org

Advocacy Services
The New York State Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled provides a full range of advocacy services for persons with disabilities and administers contracts with a statewide network of legal and advocacy services.


Tips on Being an Effective Parent Advocate
• Remember you are an equal member of the team.
• Know your family's rights and responsibilities.
• Stand up for what you think about your child and family's strengths (what you do best) and needs (what you need help with).
• Take part in every step of early intervention services.
• Ask questions!
• Ask professionals why they think you and your child need certain services and how they will help.
• Keep copies of letters you write and notes from talks you have with your service coordinator and service providers.
• Work out problems early.

If you cannot solve a problem, use the rights you have under the Early Intervention Program (see "Your Rights as a Parent in the Early Intervention Program").
• Ask about parent support and advocacy groups in your neighborhood, town, or city. Call them for advice, support, or help.

  Abbreviation   Full Text  
  AAP   American Academy of Pediatrics  
  ABA   Applied Behavior Analysis  
  ADA   Americans with Disabilities Act  
  ADL   Activities of Daily Living  
  Article 25   NYS Public Health Law section establishing the Early Intervention Program  
  ASD   Autism Spectrum Disorders  
  AT   Assistive Technology  
  ATD   Assistive Technology Device  
  BEI   Bureau of Early Intervention (NYSDOH)  
  CHP   Child Health Plus  
  CPSE   Committee on Preschool Special Education (3-5 years of age)  
  CQCAPD   Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (formerly Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled)  
  CSE   Committee on Special Education (5-21 years of age)  
  DDPC   NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council  
  DDSO   Developmental Disabilities Services Office (OPWDD)  
  DFA   NYS Department of Family Assistance (formerly NYS Dept. of Social Services)  
  DFH   Division of Family Health (NYSDOH)  
  DME   Durable Medical Equipment  
  DOT   Department of Transportation  
  ECDC   Early Childhood Direction Centers  
  EHDI   Early Hearing Detection and Intervention  
  EHS   Early Head Start  
  EI   Early Intervention  
  EICC   Early Intervention Coordinating Council  
  EIM   Early Intervention Manager  
  EIO   Early Intervention Official  
  EIO/D   Early Intervention Official/Designee  
  EIP   Early Intervention Program  
  FAPE   Free Appropriate Public Education  
  FERPA   Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act  
  FSS   Family Support Services  
  GM   Gross Motor  
  IDEA   Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1986)  
  IDEIA   Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) (Reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)  
  IEP   Individualized Education Program  
  IFSP   Individualized Family Service Plan  
  IHO   Impartial Hearing Officer  
  ISC   Initial Service Coordinator  
  LBW   Low Birth Weight  
  LDSS   Local Department of Social Services  
  LEICC   Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council  
  LRE   Least Restrictive Environment  
  MAP   Medicaid Assistance Program  
  MDE   Multidisciplinary Evaluation  
  NBHS   Newborn Hearing Screening  
  NE   Natural Environments  
  NICU   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit  
  NYCRR   New York Codes, Rules and Regulations  
  NYEIS   New York Early Intervention System  
  NYSDOH   New York State Department of Health  
  NYSPHL   New York State Public Health Law  
  OHIP   Office of Health Insurance Programs (NYSDOH)  
  OPWDD   Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (NYS)  
  OSC   Ongoing Service Coordinator  
  OSEP   Office of Special Education Programs (U.S. Dept. of Education)  
  OT   Occupational Therapy (Therapist)  
  PA   Public Assistance  
  Part C   Section of IDEA pertaining to children from birth to 3 years of age  
  PCP   Primary Care Provider (Physician)  
  PDD   Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Autism)  
  PHCP   Physically Handicapped Children's Program (birth-21 years of age) (NYSDOH)  
  PHL   Public Health Law  
  PT   Physical Therapy (Therapist)  
  PTA   Physical Therapist Assistant  
  PTI   Parent Training and Information Center  
  SCHIP   State Child Health Insurance Program  
  SED   State Education Department  
  SLP   Speech-Language Pathologist  
  SNAP   Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NYSDOH)  
  SW   Social Work  
  TRAID   Technology Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities  
  TSHH   Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped  
  TVI   Teacher of the Visually Impaired  
  WIC   Women, Infants and Children (NYSDOH Supplemental Food Program)  
 
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