For Parents

Best educational practices, facts, and advice for the parents of children with special needs.

The Guide to Special Education in Maine: A Team Approach

Parent Support Groups

Parenting children with learning and attention disabilities presents special challenges. You as the family caregiver face many difficulties not only dealing with your child's everyday academic and associated social and emotional problems, but struggles of daily living with a child with disabilities. Gain strength and encouragement by joining other parents in a support group. Together you can learn better coping strategies and skill training while receiving the emotional support of other parents of children with special needs.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network is a statewide family support network focusing on the behavioral, emotional, mental and social health of all children, youth and their families. G.E.A.R. is Maine's designated chapter organization of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. No one should be alone. We are parents helping each other within the children's system of care. (G.E.A.R. stands for Gaining Empowerment Allows Results!) For support and information, contact G.E.A.R. at 1-800-264-9224.

LDA of Maine is proud to collaborate with the G.E.A.R. Parent Network by inviting you to participate in one of the 13 parent support group across Maine. G.E.A.R. representatives are also available by phone for individual support.

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Parent Information

Parents are often baffled by the problems presented by a child with learning disabilities. Often this "invisible disability" does not become obvious until a child reaches school age. Even then, difficulties may be subtle. Here you will find a wealth of information on understanding learning disabilities, negotiating the special education process and helping your child and yourself.

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The National Center for Learning Disabilities explains the changes brought about by the ADAAA and how they apply to Section 504. These changes may impact children with disabilities, including learning disabilities and other conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, diabetes, asthma and life-threatening food allergies. Download the Document