SPIN
Introduction
The SPIN staff have experience as parents of children with disabilities and have access to a wide range of information. They are available to answer requests for information or to help parents find the answers to more complex problems. SPIN also collaborates with parent organizations, state agencies and other organizations in Maine to expand opportunities available to families.
Information
Staff at SPIN provide one-on-one information to parents and professionals concerning needed services, educational rights, and specific disabilities through a toll free statewide telephone number, 1-800-870-7746. SPIN also maintains a TDD, a telecommunication device for individuals with hearing impairments. Click here for a list of some of our materials.
Maine Parent Federation publishes a quarterly newsletter, Parent Connection. The newsletter provides information on disabilities, special education issues, upcoming workshops, parent involvement activities, articles on parenting and much more. To be added to the mailing list, please call, 1-800-870-7746 or email us at: parentconnect@mpf.org.
Library
Publications/Handbooks
The Guide to Special Education in Maine: A Team Approach.
Putting It All Together - A Handbook for Families Raising a Child with a Diagnosis of Emotional/Behavioral Disability or Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED).
Parent Support Network - A Workbook for Creating Successful Community Support Groups. Parent-to-parent support is one of the most important forms of support for families. This workbook will help parents organize and maintain a support group.
Call for a copy.
The Redbook - A Resource for Parents and Consumers. This guide explains the Social Security System and work incentive programs.
Maine Resources and National Resources- a comprehensive list of state and national phone numbers and toll free numbers where available.
Life Success for Children with Learning Disabilities - A Parent Guide. Click to download a copy.
Susan Gendron, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, has sent an Information Letter 111 explaining these changes. Click here to view the information letter.
The Maine Unified special Education Regulation 101 Birth to Age Twenty
has been revised. To view, click on Maine Special Education Regulations.
Changes in IDEA 2004 can be found at the Federal Department of Education, Wrights Law, or Fape websites.
Workshops
Other Resources
Maine Educational Center for Assistive Technology and Software (MECATS)
is a preview center for assistive technology at the University of Southern Maine that provides professional development in the areas of assistive technology, Web accessibility, specialized software, and universal design of curriculum to educators, parents, and students with disabilities.
Maine Employment Curriculum Implementation Project http://www.umaine.edu/cci/employme/
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities NICHCY
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Facts For Families
National Organization for Rare Diseases NORD
GEAR parent network
Maine Learning Disabilties of Maine
ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERIC EC)
Funding through the U.S. Department of Education
