Special Needs – Specific

Most special needs can be accommodated

Special Needs Categories: Special Education
Health and Wellness
Pre-Vocational Skill Development
Caregiver Respite

Grades: Pre-K and up
Ages: 2 and up
Setting: Farm-based environment

ROSES offers equine-facilitated learning programs for individuals with special needs and their caregivers. ROSES is a Baltimore County Public School-approved site for student service learning projects. We partner with colleges and universities to provide internships, fieldwork placements, and residencies. Remediation for at-risk students, and merit badge workshops for scouts can also be arranged, as well as respite programs for caregivers.

While the content of our programs focuses on horses, the benefits of involvement reach well beyond the barn. Parents and participants report positive growth in the areas of self-esteem and social interaction, emotional and psychological well-being, physical confidence and stability, as well as improvements in academic achievement, work-skills development, and family/community-based relationships.

SpeechLeap is a Pediatric SLP and OT clinic located in Pikesville, MD. At SpeechLeap, we understand that every client is unique and deserves a unique treatment plan. Our skilled team of speech language pathologists use an eclectic approach of research-driven strategies that are tailored to the individual needs of your child.

Please call us to find out more: 1-855-5speech

AIDS

Services provided include PreP, treatment, and advocacy for children and adults with HIV infection.

Phone: 410-837-2437

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Information and support center for pediatric hearing loss and the auditory approach.

Phone: 202-337-5220, 202-337-5221 (TTY)

Blind / Partially Sighted

Organization helps find resources not available from government programs or service systems, including scholarships, financial assistance, to blind children and individuals who are deaf-blind; library mails books postage free to borrowers.

Phone: 410-659-9315

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Advocacy organization for individuals with combined hearing and vision impairments; technical assistance.

Phone: 301-495-4403 (Voice), 304-495-4402 (TDD/TTY)

Cancer

Information and support. Adaptive equipment, advocacy, counseling, education, services, respite care, therapy.

Phone: 800-227-2345

Blind / Partially Sighted

Information, support, referrals, advocacy, public education. We also offer college scholarships for blind students; must be legally blind in both eyes. Application is available November 1st, due back Feb. 15th. Also publishes magazine, “The ACB Braille Forum,” in the odd months of the year in large print, braille, digital cartridge (also available via podcast and email), and “The ACB E-Forum” in the even months (email and podcast). The magazines may also be downloaded from the web site. Has a legislative hotline, “The Washington Connection,” available at 1-800-424-8666, with the latest updates on legislation of importance to blind and visually impaired people. The hotline is answered live between 2 and 5 p.m. Eastern. Holds an annual conference/convention in a different city each year, usually in July. It features a large trade show of the latest high- and low-tech gadgets for blind and visually impaired, as well as daily general sessions, interesting speakers, breakout sessions, technology seminars, workshops, and much more.

Phone: 202-467-5081

Juvenile Diabetes

Information and support for children and parents.

Phone: 410-265-0075

Down Syndrome

Information, support groups, social events, and parent-to-parent networking.

Phone: 410-703-3311

Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders

Founded in 1979, ADAA is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research.

Phone: 240-485-1001

Asthma and Allergies / Lung Disease

Asthma care training, patient assistance, teen and family support groups, physician referrals, lung function screening, lending library, education, and support.

Phone: 410-484-2054

Autism and Related Disorders

Information and support for families living with autism and autism related disorders. Local chapters provide information, referrals, seminars, and monthly support groups.

Phone: 800-328-8476

Autism and Related Disorders

National organization dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism, through research, advocacy, and support. Autism Speaks raises funds and promotes acceptance through local walks and outreach events. Provides individualized phone and email assistance and connection to local resources through their Autism Response Team.

Phone: 888-288-4762, en Espanol 888-772-9050

Autism and Related Disorders

Online resource for research, education, and advocacy developed by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Phone: 410-767-0100

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Diagnosis, treatment, information, education, and parent support for children with ADHD.

Phone: 410-887-2718

Autism and Related Disorders

The Bowen Foundation for Autism is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of children with autism in Maryland. Our goal is pretty simple: we award grants to local families who are struggling to pay for needed services to benefit children with autism. The foundation runs a grant program in partnership with The Arc of the Central Chesapeake to reach families predominately in Anne Arundel County who need a little help. Some of these families have more than one child affected by this condition and we work to stretch our dollars to impact as many lives as possible.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Information about public benefits, rehabilitation services, and support groups. Acts as a clearinghouse to provide information and referrals to survivors of brain injuries, family members, friends, and professionals.

Helpline 410-448-2924, 800-221-6443

Serves individuals with cerebral palsy and their families living in Maryland.

Phone: 443-923-9137

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Local support groups offering information and support for children and adults with ADD/ADHD.

Phone: 301-306-7070

Developmental Disabilities

Services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities.

Phone: 410-876-2179

Down Syndrome

Monthly meetings to discuss medical, educational, social, and political concerns. Also hosts social events for families and kids. Parent education packet for families of newborns with Down syndrome available.

Phone: 410-321-5434

Spina Bifida and Related Disorders

Serves individuals with spina bifida living in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The mission is to support the needs of individuals with spina bifida, related disorders and their families.

Phone: 844-334-3211

Developmental Disabilities

Program for children 18 mos-14 years to improve their physical and social skills. Support group for parents with guest speakers.

Phone: 443-840-1387

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Programs, information, support for people with Neurofibromatosis and their families.

Phone: 800-323-7938

Intellectual and co-occurring disabilities.

We offer an 11 month non-graded educational program to students ages 5 to 21 and a new special education program for students in elementary school, grades K – 3. Adults services include day, vocational, residential and employment options.

Phone: 410-358-6400

Emotional Disorders

Organization dedicated to improving the health of Maryland’s children and adults by advocating for and providing support and technical assistance to Maryland community-based behavioral health service providers and their constituents.

410-788-1865

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Advocacy services and psychosocial services with deaf therapists for individuals ages 18 years and up.

Phone: 410-597-8080(voice), 410-348-8256(video)

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Program for children with vision and hearing impairments, birth through age 21. Children need not be completely deaf or completely blind to be eligible for services.

Phone: 301-405-0482

Cystic Fibrosis

Research information, referral, and support.

Phone: 410-628-0795

Provides a variety of services to children and adults with a range of disabilities, as well as support for their families.

Phone: 301-588-8700

All requiring special services

Coordinated services for military families with members that have special needs.

Phone: 301-677-8435

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Information and referral, counseling, public education services, advocacy, support group assistance, and consultation services for adults and families of children with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

Phone: 410-828-7700

Emotional Disorders

Mission Statement: Transforming the lives of children and adults experiencing the impact of trauma by providing opportunities to build self-confidence, resilience and hope.

Phone: 410-366-1980

Feeding Problems

Services for children with feeding and swallowing problems.

Phone: 410-578-5250

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Federal initiative devoted to preventing and treating FASD.

Phone: 866-STOPFAS (786-7327)

Autism and Related Disorders

Monthly meetings and events to support Carroll County families of autistic children and those who provide services to them.

Phone: 410-857-1596

Blind / Partially Sighted

Advocacy, education, information, research funding, referrals, comprehensive kits, newsletter.

Phone: 410-423-0600, 410-363-7139 (TTY)

Genetic and Rare Disorders

International coalition of individuals, professionals, and genetic support organizations working to enhance the lives of everyone impacted by genetic conditions. Has a large alphabetical list of support groups for many genetic conditions.

Phone: 202-966-5557

Genetic and Rare Disorders

University of Kansas Medical Center website with a comprehensive list of Internet links to advocacy and support groups, organizations, information on genetic conditions and birth defects.

Cancer

Screening, treatment, and research for all types of cancers, specializing in tumors and hematologic cancers.

Phone: 202-444-4000

Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs patients

Pediatric dental practice specially trained to care for your child’s growing mouth and jaw. Practice goal is to make your child’s visit positive and pleasant. Treatment includes guidance, encouragement, rewards and incentives. Special Needs Patients of any age are welcome.

Phone: 410-569-6700

Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs patients

Pediatric dental practice specially trained to care for your child’s growing mouth and jaw. Practice goal is to make your child’s visit positive and pleasant. Treatment includes guidance, encouragement, rewards and incentives. Special Needs Patients of any age are welcome.

Phone: 410-697-9000

Emotional Disorders

Grupo para las familias de personas con enfermos mentales. Se reúne dos veces al mes.

Phone: 301-949-5852

Traumatic Brain Injury

Family and individual support services.

Phone: 301-309-2228

Speech and Language Impairments

Evaluation and treatment services for communication disorders: language, articulation, stuttering, voice, and hearing.

Phone: 301-405-4218

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Education, information, support, and advocacy. Support Groups held at the Hearing and Speech Agency in Baltimore.

Phone: 443-259-0024

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Advocacy organization for people with bleeding disorders.

Phone: 410-661-2307

Cancer

HopeWell Cancer Support has been offering a broad range of support for people with cancer and those that love them, at no charge, for over 27 years. Our Kids Circle and Teen Circle programs are specially designed to help young people learn to cope with the cancer diagnosis, or the death due to cancer, of a parent or adult loved one. Contact us at: 410-832-2719 or email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Autism and Related Disorders

Howard County Autism Society provides support, promotes awareness, and advocates for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Support groups include a general support group, Asperger’s support group, transition and adulthood group, and a housing subcommittee group.

Phone: 410-290-3466

Developmental Disabilities

Free behavioral services for children ages 3-21 in Central Maryland, who have a diagnosed developmental disability and meet the eligibility criteria for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. Family and individual support services.

Phone: 410-381-7171

An online project linking researchers and families. Become part of IAN’s online community to stay informed about autism research, provide feedback, and make their voices heard.

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.

Phone: 800-533-CURE (2873), Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter, 410-636-8080

Learning Disabilities, Lead Paint Poisoning

Teacher training in reading methods, study skills course for middle school students with language learning problems, and individualized education consultation services for students in grades 1-8. Also provides occasional public workshops for teachers and others.

Phone: 410-653-2700

Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs patients

Provides specialized dentistry for infants, children, young adults and special needs in a warm, caring and “child-friendly” environment.

Phone: 410-321-0200

Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, Physical and Intellectual Disabilities

JSSA is a nonprofit social service agency providing counseling, care management, deaf and hard of hearing services, life skills training, and disability employment services. We also offer social skills therapy groups and social clubs for individuals with special needs, plus family support groups for their loved ones.

Phone: 301-816-2633

Feeding Problems

Phone: 888-554-2080

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and Related Disorders, Down Syndrome, Emotional Disorders, Speech and Language Impairments

Diagnosis, evaluation, education, and treatment resources.

Phone: 888-554-2080

Developmental Disabilities

A comprehensive resource for children with developmental disabilities and their families, providing diagnosis, evaluation, and inpatient services, outpatient clinics, training, and community-based home programs.

Phone: 888-554-2080

Traumatic Brain Injury

Diagnosis, evaluation, education, and treatment resources, including inpatient rehabilitation, Specialized Transition Program (an intensive full-day therapy and education program), and a Home and Community Program.

Phone: 888-554-2080

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information and support for those who have, or are suspected of having, this frequently misdiagnosed genetic condition.

Phone: 888-718-9309

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Works to educate, train, and provide technical support for families and professionals in meeting the needs of deaf and hard of hearing children.

Phone: 202-651-5051 (Voice and TTY)

Cancer

Research, patient aid, public education, professional education, and community service.

Phone: 443-471-1600

Dyslexia, Hyperlexia, ADHD, ASD

Lindamood-Bell helps children and adults improve language processing—the foundation of all communication and learning. For 30 years, our intensive, one-to-one, process-based instruction has been used to strengthen the sensory-cognitive functions needed for reading and comprehension. Our instruction is based on the individual’s learning needs and has been proven successful for individuals with learning challenges, including dyslexia, hyperlexia, ADHD, and ASD.

Phone: 410-337-2860

Cancer

A program that provides makeovers for cancer patients.

Phone: 800-395-LOOK (5665)

Blind / Partially Sighted

Helps children and adults with low vision maintain their independence through vision aids, mentorship, and ideas.

Phone: 301-951-4444

Speech and Language Impairments

A clinical center for people of all ages who experience difficulty in psychology, pastoral counseling, hearing, speech and language.

Phone: 410-617-1200

Autism and Related Disorders

Supports the growing needs of both families and individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. In addition to serving those with Asperger’s Syndrome, we serve those individuals who have normal to high intelligence and experience social-communication difficulties and sensory integration problems.

Phone: 410-429-5321

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Organization to safeguard, maintain, and advance the civic, educational, and social welfare of people in Maryland who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of deaf and hard of hearing children and adults in the state of Maryland to utilize and have access to Cued Speech in all settings.

Developmental Disabilities

Advocacy organization for public policy and supportive practices and opportunities that promote the full inclusion of all people with developmental disabilities in community life.

Autism and Related Disorders

Organization that protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Publishes Maryland’s Autism Waiver; A Practical Guide for Families, available online.

Phone: 410-727-6352, 410-235-5387 (TTY)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Comprehensive action plan for prevention of FASD and improving the system of care for families and individuals affected by FASD.

Phone: 410-767-5581

Emotional Disorders

Management for the Public Mental Health System for Medicaid recipients and other individuals with low incomes who cannot afford the cost of medically necessary mental health care. Call to find out if you are eligible or to get a referral.

Phone: 800-888-1965

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Free public service available 24/7, 365 days a year that helps people who are hard of hearing communicate on the telephone.

Phone: 800-552-7724 or 410-767-6960 (Voice/TTY) 443-453-5970 (Video Phone)

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

School for grades K-12. In-home support for parents of infants or toddlers; provides referrals to other resources.

Emotional Disorders

Advocacy organization focused on the families of children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health disabilities. Provides information, networking, and referral.

Emotional Disorders

Education and advocacy regarding all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

MHAMD coordinates the Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign with the Maryland Coalition of Families to raise awareness of children’s mental health and connect families to resources and information across the state.

Cancer

Person-to-person help and peer counseling for individuals of all ages with ostomies or alternate procedures.

Phone: 301-946-6661

Blind / Partially Sighted

Services for blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled people who cannot effectively read print, including dial-in newspaper and magazine service, radio reading services, and audio description services.

Phone: 301-681-6636

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Phone: 410-367-2222

Developmental Disabilities

Specialized treatment of children with developmental delays.

Learning Disabilities

Specialized treatment of children with learning disabilities.

Phone: 410-367-2222

Asthma and Allergies / Lung Disease

Service to help children with chronic lung disease and breathing disorders.

Phone: 410-367-2222

Muscular Dystrophy And Other Neuromuscular Conditions

Information, support, clinics, services.

Emotional Disorders

Local affiliates offer referrals to local mental health professionals, education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families dealing with mental illness.

Deaf, Hearing Impaired, and Deaf-Blind

Oldest and largest constituency organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans in education, employment, health care, and telecommunications. Information, education, advocacy, legal assistance.

Phone: 301-587-1788 (Voice), 301-587-1789 (TTY)

Learning Disabilities

Information, resources, and educational programs. Has a nationwide, computerized resource clearinghouse committed solely to LD. Conducts public awareness and advocacy programs.

Phone: 888-575-7373

Cancer

Mission to assure the quality of cancer care through programs, policy expertise, and publications.

Phone: 301-650-9127, 877-NCCS-YES (877-622-7937)

Emotional Disorders

Parent-run organization focused on the needs of children with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders and their families. Provides information, networking, and referral. Affiliate: MCF/Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health.

Phone: 240-403-1901

Blind / Partially Sighted

Education, advocacy, assistance, scholarships, and counseling to families of blind children. Materials in Braille, print, or cassettes available. Operates the Braille and Technology Center for the Blind, which has Braille and speech assistive devices.

Speech and Language Impairments

The NIDCD, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducts and supports research and research training on normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. It does this through a program of grants and contracts in basic, clinical, and translational research. The NIDCD supports research that leads to scientific discovery and uses a wide range of biomedical and behavioral research approaches. NIDCD-supported research has made important contributions to the body of knowledge needed to help people with communication disorders and to advance our understanding of all aspects of human communication.

The NIDCD also provides health information, based upon scientific discovery, to the public.

Kidney and Urinary Tract Diseases

Improving the health and well being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease.

Phone: 410-494-8545, 800-671-5369

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information and support for families affected by MPS (Mucopolysaccharidosis) and related diseases.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Information, support, and referrals for affected individuals, their families, and others. Monthly support group for those in the Washington, D.C. area.

Phone: 800-666-6327, 202-785-4585

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information and support services to individuals and their families affected by Tay-Sachs and related disorders.

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Phone: 888-686-2224, 410-374-5245

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Clearinghouse of information and resources on rare disorders. Provides information about support groups where available. Patient Services Program provides counseling and advice. Articles and information on more than 1000 rare disorders.

Autism and Related Disorders

Family support, informational resources, community awareness, and individual therapeutic and medical care.

Phone: 301-618-8395

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information, support, and advocacy for those afflicted with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Autism and Related Disorders

Mutual support, coping strategies, community resources, and networking. Jewish Social Services Agency.

Phone: 301-838-4200

Autism and Related Disorders

Resource and referral programs and services for children with autism and their families.

Cerebral Palsy

Located at Kennedy Krieger, offering diagnosis, evaluation, education, and treatment resources.

Emotional Disorders

Fee-based management services for individuals with mental illness, providing both immediate and long-term help with benefit programs, financial management, housing, jobs, medical care, and socialization.

Phone: 301-740-8444

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information and support for those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Blind / Partially Sighted

Program to serve people who are either visually or physically impaired who cannot read standard print. Volunteers read portions of selected newspapers and magazines; readings are broadcast on radio or on stereo TVs over the Second Audio Program (SAP) channel.

Phone: 800-455-5605

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information and online community.

Phone: 800-818-RETT (7388)

Speech and Language Impairments

Phone: 202-939-4703

Sensory Processing Disorder

Organization for parents, educators, and health care professionals working with children with sensory challenges.

Emotional Disorders

Short- to long-term inpatient care and day hospital for children ages 5-18. Child and Adolescent Services.

Phone: 410-938-3000

Provides compassionate care and individual attention to children with Autism, and emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Sickle Cell Disease

Information, support and advocacy.

Anxiety Disorders

National organization devoted to education, advocacy, and research related to the early recognition and treatment of trauma-related stress in children.

Phone: 410-825-8888

Emotional Disorders

Mission is to promote the prevention of youth suicide and to dispel the social stigma surrounding suicide and depression through a campaign of education and awareness at the community level.

Speech and Language Impairments

Diagnostic and therapeutic services for speech and audiology needs.

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Network of families and professionals dedicated to the care of children with trisomy 18, 13 and other chromosomal disorders.

Cancer

Information and support for children and adolescents with cancer and their families to encourage advocacy and to support research.

Phone: 855-858-2226, 301-962-3520

Developmental Disabilities

Statewide advocacy organization assisting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland.

Provides social skills, summer camps and activities for students with autism spectrum disorders.

Cancer

Provides financial assistance and advocacy for anyone undergoing cancer treatment in MD.

Eating Disorders

Comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents and adults with eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, ARFID, binge eating disorder and co-occurring issues such as depression and anxiety. Initial consultations and assessments available by phone. Most insurances accepted.

Phone 410-938-5252

Feeding Problems

Support for parents of children with feeding concerns.

Phone: 410-326-1012, 410-326-1746

Learning Disabilities

Nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the communities that support them.

Eating Disorders

Comprehensive treatment program.

Phone: 410-955-3863

Blind / Partially Sighted

A statewide resource center that provides outreach, educational and residential services for students from birth to age 21 who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities.

Developmental Disabilities

Resource finder helps families and professionals locate information and resources pertaining to developmental disabilities and related disorders. A project of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Tourette Syndrome

Advocacy, education, information, and referral and support groups for those afflicted with Tourette Syndrome.

Learning Disabilities

Evaluation and tutoring for children and adults who want to improve their literacy skills or who have learning difficulties. Workshops for parents and guardians on how to assist their children with reading and writing.

Phone: 410-704-2558

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Support, information, and advocacy.

Phone: 800-225-6872

Cancer

Services for teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer.

Cerebral Palsy

Advocacy, research, group discussions, and links.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

UNA is a non profit organization that enriches the lives of people with development disabilities.

Developmental Optometry for Special Needs Patients

A developmental optometrist with nearly 40 years experience diagnosing binocular vision problems that can interfere with reading and learning. Through specialized testing, and individualized vision therapy treatment plans, patients are able to improve visual function, as well as school, sports, and job performance.

Phone: 410-730-5808

Genetic and Rare Disorders

Information, support, programs, and services for individuals with Williams syndrome, their families, and professionals who work with them.