Family Support Organizations
"Is Anyone Parenting A Child Like Mine?"

Learning that a child has a disability or living with a child with disability can cause varying levels of joy, happiness, confusion, anxiety, and emotional turmoil for families. Family, friends and professionals can provide support, but few can say " I've been there." Parents fear not being able to understand their child's disability and not being able to ask the right questions. At other times there are few who can understand and celebrate with families the overwhelming joy they feel when goals are achieved and dreams come true.

Family Support Organizations enable families to make contact with other families who have shared similar experiences, to network and share information and resources. Members of these organizations can provide support and direction when it is needed most.

Contact any of the following local organizations and request information concerning national, state and local family support groups specific to your family needs:

• Developmental Disabilities Resource Center: 816-235-1763 or 1-800-444-0821; www.moddrc.com
• Missouri Parent's Act (MPACT): 816-531-7070; E-mail: mpactcs@ptimpact.com
• Metropolitan Council on Developmental Disabilities: 816-889-3422; E-mail mcdd1@kcnet.com
• Encouraging Families With Exceptional Children Together (EFECT): 816-537-5951; E-mail info@efect.org

Another source of support for families are these monthly/bimonthly magazines:

• Exceptional Parent: Parenting your child or young adult with a disability. www.eparent.com or call 1-800-562-1973
• Tuesday's Child: Parenting kids of all Abilities. www.tueskid@fri.com or call 1-888-811-1155