Resources
Explore a growing collection of tools and guides designed to support every step of your journey—including educational materials, therapy resources, and insight into developmental milestones.
Educational Videos
Cortical Visual Impairment
Learn about how to best support a child within the classroom.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Tools and resources for educators working with kids with TBI.
Printable Guides & Tip Sheets
Understanding Your Child’s IEP: A Quick Start Guide
10 Questions to Ask at Your Next IEP Meeting
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What’s the Difference?
Back-to-School Checklist for Parents of Neurodiverse Students
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Space at Home
Classroom Accommodations Cheat Sheet
Your Rights Under IDEA: A Family Primer
Preparing for Transition Services: Ages 14 and Up
How to Track Progress Between IEP Meetings
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Basics
Common Therapy Services Explained (SLP, OT, PT)
Parent-Teacher Communication Log Template
Sample Visual Schedule for Elementary Students
Managing IEP Paperwork: Organization Tips for Families
Supporting Emotional Regulation at Home and School
Therapy Tools & Activities
Sensory Bins
Fill a bin with rice, beans, or kinetic sand and hide small toys or letters inside. Kids can dig through to find items while building fine motor skills and calming their senses.

Therapy Ball Exercises
Use a large stability ball for gentle bouncing, rolling, or balance games. These activities help improve core strength, body awareness, and focus—great for PT or classroom breaks.

Emotion Matching Cards
Create or print simple cards showing faces with different emotions. Kids match expressions with feelings and practice identifying emotions in themselves and others, supporting social-emotional learning.

Developmental Milestone Charts
12 Months
3 Years
2 Years
4 Years
Parent & Caregiver Toolkits
Getting Started: An introduction to the Special Education process and how to advocate for your child.
From Pre-K to Graduation: Transitioning your student throughout his or her school career and preparing them for college or the workforce after graduation.
Understanding Federal Policy: An overview of federal disability and special needs policies, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
A Parent’s Dictionary: Key terms to know when getting started in special education.
Acronyms: An overview of acronyms used in special education and disability policies and programs.
Resources: A directory of tools and organizations that families can access for assistance.
Material presented on the National PTA website is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be construed as such. National PTA is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services by posting said material. Professional services should be sought if legal or other specific expert assistance is required.
Helpful Links
General Special Education Resources
-
Wrightslaw – Legal info, IEP guidance, and advocacy tips: https://wrightslaw.com
-
Understood.org – Resources for learning and thinking differences: https://www.understood.org
-
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) – National resource hub for families and educators: https://www.parentcenterhub.org
-
The IRIS Center – Evidence-based training modules for educators and parents: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu
IEP and Legal Rights
-
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) official site: https://sites.ed.gov/idea
-
PACER Center – Parent training and support for navigating the special education system: https://www.pacer.org
-
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network – Advocacy and resources for families: https://spanadvocacy.org
Therapy and Developmental Support
-
Pathways.org – Developmental milestones and early intervention resources: https://pathways.org
-
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Communication and speech resources: https://www.asha.org
-
Perkins School for the Blind – Resources for Children with Visual Impairments: https://www.perkins.org/resources/
Community and Support
-
The Mighty – Special Needs Parenting Stories and Support: https://themighty.com/topic/special-needs-parenting
-
Love That Max – Blog for Parents of Kids With Disabilities: https://www.lovethatmax.com
-
Reddit: r/specialeducation – Forum for parents, teachers, and advocates: https://www.reddit.com/r/specialeducation