Developmental Disabilities Links and Resources

This list is intended to serve as a reference.  Wright County does not endorse or promote any specific agency or product.

Assistive Devices/Products
Autism
Crisis Services
Education/Schools
Financial
Funding for Equipment/Services
Government/Legislation
Housing
Information and Referral
Legal
Medical/Mental Health/Dental
Miscellaneous Resources
Respite/Childcare/Camps/Travel
Support/Advocacy
Therapeutic Horseback
Transition/Guardianship
Vocational

 

Assistive Devices/Products

Ablenet - 800-322-0956
This catalog and website offers communication switches and mounting systems to assist the adult/child with expressing their need/wants to caregivers as well as other adapted products for inclusion into everyday activities both in the classroom and at home. 

Access to Recreation - 800-634-4351
This company offers adapted equipment for all areas of recreation. 

Achievement Products - 800-373-4699
This company offers a variety of equipment for special needs. 

Adaptive Mall - 800-371-2778
This company offers adaptive equipment of all kinds.  Browse through all of the products they offer.

Allegro Medical - 800-861-3211
This company offers durable medical products and other medical supplies.
 
Attainment Company - 800-327-4269
This company offers software and speaking devices as well as other helpful products. 

Assistive Technology of MN - Nonprofit organization that provides access to life changing equipment for people with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Resources - Helpful resources through the Courage Center.

Autism Resource Network, Inc. - 952-988-0088
You can order a free catalog by calling this number.  There is an Autism Resource Network Book Store in Hopkins.  Features many books and products regarding Autism and related topics.

Autism Shopper - This company was founded by a mother from Minnesota who has a child with autism.  The products are high quality and modified to meet individual needs.  The company offers mainly visual/ PECS communication products and social stories, but has other products available as well. 

Beyond Play - 877-428-1244
This company offers Early Intervention products specifically for children Birth to Five with Special Needs. 

Enabling Devices - 800-832-8697
This company provides assistive and learning devices for children with special needs.  They also provide products for independent living.

Flag House - 800-793-7900 
This company offers a variety of products for special needs.

Freedom of Speech - A provider of Assistive Technology Solutions for people with and without disabilities. FOS specializes in Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Blindness, Low Vision, Braille, Accessible Door Openers and Environmental Control Systems.

Gillette Children’s Assistive Technology

House Calls - Offers a variety of adapted living aids among other services. 

Integrations - 800-850-8603
Integrations is a branch of Abilitations featuring sensory integration toys/equipment. 

Kaplan - 800-334-2014
This Early Learning Company supplies daycares, schools, etc... with educational toys. 

Lakeshore - 800-428-4414
This is a popular catalog used by teachers.  It offers a wide variety of educational items to use with your child. 
 
Linguisystems - 800-776-4332
The company publishes speech and language arts materials. 

Mayer-Johnson, Inc. - 800-588-4548
This company offers augmentative (assisted) communication products including PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). 

MN Star Program - Funding sources for assistive technology.

Professional Development Programs - 651-439-8865
Company offering professional development programs, inexpensive products, and publications. 

Pyramid Educational Products, Inc. - 320-894-9155
Features products for the Picture Exchange Communication System and the Pyramid Approach to Education. 

Rifton Equipment - 800-571-8198
This company offers adapted seating and mobility products often used in the school setting.

Social Learning - 800-777-6636
This company offers resources on parenting, teen life skills, staff training, and agency support.

South Paw Enterprises, Inc. - 800-228-1698
This company develops and manufactures sensory integration products. 

Sportime Abilitations - 800-850-8602
This company features many different products for children with special needs including mobility aids, sensory integration equipment, adapted swimming equipment, educational games/items.

Super Duper Publications - 800-277-8737
This company offers many sensory, learning, and communication products.

TFH Fun and Achievement - 800-467-6222
This company offers a variety of sensory/therapy products.

Therapro - 800-257-5376
This company provides adapted products for people (children and adults) with special needs. 

Therapy Shoppe - 800-261-5590
This company offers specialty toys, games, educational equipment, sensory, and motor products.

TotSAFE - 586-493-5397
This company offers various child safety items to use in your home.

Woodbine House - 800-843-7323
This company offers written materials related to special needs.

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Autism

Alexander Center - Provides diagnostic, treatment, consultation, and educational services to children and adolescents with special needs.

Autism Resource Directory - Listing of many specialists who have been recommended by families of children with special needs.

Autism Resource Network - A one of a kind book store that is packed with merchandise and information for individuals with ASD and those who love, care for, and educate them.

Autism Shopper - This company was founded by a mother from Minnesota who has a child with autism.  The products are high quality and modified to meet individual needs.  The company offers mainly visual/ PECS communication products and social stories, but has other products available as well. 

Autism Society of America

Autism Society of MN - Serving the needs of Minnesotans with autism and their families through advocacy, education, and public awareness.

Autism Speaks - Committed to raising public awareness about Autism.

Behavioral Dimensions - Provides Intensive Behavioral Intervention services for children with autism, as well as Behavioral Consultation for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Do 2 Learn - Games, songs, communication cards, print resources, print free PECS, and information for special needs.

Fraser Community Services - Fraser is a nationally renowned nonprofit organization which services children of all abilities and adults with special needs through comprehensive education, health care, and housing services.

Minnesota Autism Center - The center offers a full range of services to families facing Autism.

Rainbow Children-ASD - A networking/activity group for Wright County families of children with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis.

Wisconsin Early Autism Project - An organization specializing in ABA therapy.

Wright County Autism Task Force Efforts and Initiatives

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Crisis Services

American Red Cross - Humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of Disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Anna Maries - Dedicated to providing safe shelter, support, and referral services for battered women and their children.

Catholic Charities - Helps families and individuals overcome tragedy, poverty, and other life challenges.

Central MN Sexual Assault Center - 800-237-5090 - 24-hour crisis intervention center for victims of all forms of sexual violence.

Crisis Nursery - 763-271-1681 or 763-682-7410 (during business hours 8-4:30) or 800-965-1430--long distance (after business hours) - Confidential and free 24 hour service that is available to help support families in the Wright County area with children Birth through 12 years of age who are stressed or in crisis and need someone to talk to about possible resources, referrals, support services or temporary emergency child care.  Crisis Nursery uses licensed daycare or foster care homes.

Rivers of Hope - Rivers of Hope strives to positively impact the dynamics of domestic violence, and to empower victims to move beyond survival through legal and general advocacy, education and interagency collaboration.

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Education/Schools

Annandale School District

Buffalo - Montrose – Hanover School District

Dassel – Cokato School District

Delano School District

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) - A place for you & your child to play & learn.
 Annandale ECFE   320-274-3058
 Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose ECFE 763-682-8780
 Dassel-Cokato ECFE   320-286-4120 ext. 31
 Delano ECFE    763-972-3365 ext. 2442
 Elk River ECFE   763-241-3524 ext. 5580
 Howard Lake-Waverly ECFE  320-543-3600 ext. 244
 Maple Lake ECFE   320-963-7453
 Monticello ECFE   763-271-0321
 Rockford ECFE   763-477-7500
 St. Michael-Albertville ECFE  763-497-6512

Elk River School District

Howard Lake -Waverly -Winsted School District

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) - Aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities. It links families, advocates, and self-advocates to information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Maple Lake School District

MN Department of Education

Monticello School District

PACER Center - May be able to help resolve disagreements between families and schools. 

Rockford School District

St. Cloud School District

St. Michael-Albertville School District

Wright County Community Action (WCCA) - 320-963-6500 – Headstart program.

Wright County Early Intervention - Provides assessment and services to children with special needs and their families.  To refer a child, call 1-800-286-6331or 763-682-6361.

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Financial

Bridge to Benefits - This site has an eligibility screening tool that allows people to enter income, household size, etc., to tell them if they may be eligible for various programs (food support, Medical Assistance, Child Care Assistance, etc.). The site also provides contact information for county agencies and links to the forms people need to complete to apply for these programs.

Emergency Assistance - Through the Wright County Financial Services Department - 763-682-7429 (main desk).

Energy Assistance Program - Through Wright County Community Action (WCCA) - 320-963-6500.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Assistance with common tax questions.

Mothers and Children (MAC) & Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS) - 800-362-3667, ext. 7481.  MAC/NAPS is a supplemental food and nutrition program that is designed to provide healthy and nutritious commodity food products each month to eligible individuals. 
 
Social Security & SSI - See website for further information and application instructions.

Salvation Army (Buffalo contact) - 763-682-8941 

Salvation Army Heatshare - 320-252-4552 or 800-220-4850

TEFRA Parental Fee Worksheet - Estimates monthly parental fee for participants accessing Medical Assistance through the TEFRA program.

Women Infants & Children (WIC) - 320-963-6500 - Nutrition education program that provides supplemental foods promoting good health for pregnant, breast-feeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. 

Wright County Community Action (WCCA) - 320-963-6500
Provides assistance for the following services; Mortgage and Rent Assistance, Home Weatherization, Home Rehabilitation Loans, Home Buyer Training, Tax Assistance, Family Planning, Family Loan Program, Family Budgeting, Energy Assistance Program, WIC (Women Infants and Children), Food Shelf/Clothing Room, Head Start, and more.

Wright County Financial Services Department - 763-682-7429 (main desk)

Wright County Food Shelves and Clothing Centers - List of local food shelves and clothing centers.

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Funding for Equipment/Services

American Legion

Elks

First Hand - First Hand assists individual children (under age 21) with health-related needs when insurance and other financial resources have been exhausted.

Foundation for Challenged Children - 320-587-7872 - Provide funding to purchase equipment that insurance and governmental programs will not cover, such as learning and developmental tools and equipment.

Kiwanis

Knights of Columbus

Lions

MN Council of Non-profit Agencies - A listing of non-profit organizations throughout Minnesota.

MN Star Program - Funding available for assistive technology.

Rotary International

United Cerebral Palsy - Information and resources for individuals with cerebral palsy.

VFW

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Government/Legislation

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Assistance with common tax questions.

MN Department of Education

MN Department of Human Services

MN Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities - Mission is to provide information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

MN House of Representatives

MN Senate

MN Statutes, Laws, and Rules - Minnesota Statutes, Session Laws, and Rules are compiled by the Office of Revisor of Statutes.

Office of the Governor

Social Security & SSI - See website for further information and application instructions.

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Housing

Low Income & Senior Housing

MN Housing Finance Agency - Addresses Minnesota's basic housing needs and helps to build stronger communities.

MN Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Association - Provides support, networking, information and education in the field of foreclosure prevention.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination.

Wright County Community Action (WCCA) - 320-963-6500
Provides assistance with housing through the following services; Mortgage and Rent Assistance, Home Weatherization, Home Rehabilitation Loans, Home Buyer Training, Energy Assistance Program.

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Information and Referral

Disability Minnesota - Provides a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues.

Minnesota Children with Special Health Needs (MCSHN) - Information and Referral Line can link you with agencies in your area that provide the health services you need.

Minnesota Help - Online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota identify resources such as human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of aid and assistance within Minnesota.

Minnesota Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities

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Legal

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance - Click on St. Cloud Area Legal Services for local information.

MN Disability Law Center - Addresses the unique legal needs of persons with disabilities.

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Medical/Mental Health/Dental

Alexander Center - Provides diagnostic, treatment, consultation, and educational services to children and adolescents with special needs.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry - Search tool to help locate a pediatric dentist in your area.

Autism Resource Directory - Listing of many specialists who have been recommended by families of children with special needs.

Buffalo Clinic

CentraCare Health System

Central MN Mental Health Center - 763-682-4400

Children's Hospitals and Clinics

Dentistry for Children - 320-257-3380 or 877-KID-TUTH – Offices in Monticello, Sartell, and Princeton.

Dentistry for Children and Adolescents - 952-831-4400 - Offices in Edina, Minnetonka and Burnsville.

Fairview Clinics and Hospitals

Family Counseling Center - 763-682-5420

Gillette Children's

Kidtalk - Speech and Occupational therapies.  Office located in Victoria, MN.

Kurt J. King D.D.S., M.S.D. - 952-831-4400 - Office located in Edina.

Mark Pokorney, D.D.S. - Buffalo Dental Group - 763-682-2363.

Monica Kennard, D.D.S. - 952-475-3135 - Office located in Wayzata.

Monticello Clinic

North Memorial Pediatric Rehabilitation - Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy.

NovaCare - Physical and Occupational therapies.  Offices located throughout MN including Monticello.

Park Nicollet Alexander Center - Nationally recognized leader for the care of children with behavioral and developmental problems.

Park Nicollet Health Services

Partners in Pediatrics

Shriner's Hospitals

Sister Kenney Rehabilitation - Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies offered through the Buffalo Hospital(Allina) and Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids (Kenney Kids).

SPOT Rehabilitation - Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, and Occupational Therapy in St. Cloud.

St. David's Child Development & Family Services - Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy.

The Smile Center - Dental clinic in Big Lake that accepts Medical Assistance and most other insurances.

Wayzata Children’s Clinic

This is not an all-inclusive listing.  For a more complete listing, see the AuSM Resource Directory (listed above) or your local phone book.

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Miscellaneous Resources

Bridge to Benefits

Bright Futures - Dedicated to promoting and improving the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.

Disability Minnesota - Provides a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues.

Do 2 Learn - Games, songs, communication cards, print resources, print free PECS, and information for special needs.

Faith in Action of Wright County - Faith in Action is an interfaith volunteer care-giving organization that connects volunteers to their neighbors in need.

Healthy Start Grow Smart - Downloadable and printable booklets on caring for your child.  There are booklets for ages birth through 12 months.

LOVE Inc. - Helping people in need through churches, community agencies, and volunteers.  Some of the ministries include; clothing, school supplies, transportation, personal care, furniture, transitional housing, car ministry, bedding/linens, sewing/knitting, good neighbor, mentoring.

National Organization for Rare Disorders - Online database of rare diseases.

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Respite/Childcare/Camps/Travel

Camp Courage - 320-963-3121 - Camp for children and adults with physical disabilities, sensory/language impairments, and other disabilities or illnesses.  Located in rural Maple Lake.

Camp Friendship - Non-profit agency that creates unique educational, recreational, and social opportunities for people of all ages with developmental disabilities.  Located in rural Annandale.

Child Care Choices - Resource & Referral on daycares for children.

Crisis Nursery - 763-682-7410 (during business hours 8-4:30) or 800-965-1430 (after business hours)– Confidential and free 24 hour service that is available to help support families in the Wright County area with children Birth through 12 years of age who are stressed or in crisis and need someone to talk to about possible resources, referrals, support services or temporary emergency child care.  Crisis Nursery uses licensed daycare or foster care homes.

Dakota Communities, Inc. - 651-270-3928 - Offers weekend respite getaways.

Foster Care Providers - Foster care providers are licensed through the county.  Your Developmental Disabilities case manager can consult with the foster care licensor to find a home that would be able to provide respite care.

Off the Beaten Path, Inc. - 800-221-3155 – Provides economical vacations for developmentally disabled ambulatory adults.

Pathways to Community - 612-436-0060 – Offers summer camp, after school programs, and weekend overnight activities for adults and children over 10 years of age.

St. David's Child Development & Family Services - Pre-school respite care program.  Located in Crystal or Minnetonka.

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Support/Advocacy

Arc - Providing advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Arc Networking Groups - Greater Twin Cities

Association of Residential Resources in MN - ARRM leads the advancement of community-based services that support people with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.

Attorney General's Office - A website devoted to consumer protection.

Autism Society of America - National organization dedicated to individuals with Autism and their families.

Autism Society of MN - Serving the needs of Minnesotans with autism and their families through advocacy, education, and public awareness.

Autism Speaks - An organization committed to raising public awareness about Autism.

Autism Support Group (not yet listed in the booklet)– Meets once per month during the school year at the Life in Christ church in Albertville (corner of 50th and Main).  The meeting days vary (usually the 2nd or 3rd Saturday morning).  Contact Dianne (612-799-2910) for information on the next scheduled meeting.

Courage Center - An organization that empowers people with Physical Disabilities to reach their full potential in every aspect of life.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services - Offer information and referral, materials about hearing loss, and available services.

Deaf Blind Services of MN - Advancing the independence of Deaf-Blind individuals in Minnesota.

Down Syndrome Association of MN- A local organization dedicated to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

Fraser Community Services - Fraser is a nationally renowned organization that services children of all abilities and adults with special needs through comprehensive education, health care, and housing services.

MN Disability Law Center - Specializes in legal matters for individuals with Disabilities.

National Down Syndrome Society - An organization dedicated to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Retardation - An Ombudsman is an official who is designated to assist you to overcome the delay, injustice, or impersonal delivery of services.

PACER Center - The mission of PACER Center is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.

Rainbow Children-ASD
 
Spina Bifida Association of MN - Resources for individuals with Spina Bifida.

St. Cloud Center for Independent Living - An organization that advocates for the independent living needs of people with disabilities who are citizens of the State of Minnesota, to develop new resources, identify and provide access to existing resources which provide the services needed by persons with disabilities so that they may live independently in the situation and community of their choice.

United Cerebral Palsy Association - Resources for individuals with Cerebral Palsy.

Wright County Support Groups - Lists all of the support groups in and around Wright County.

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Therapeutic Horseback

Hoofbeats and Heartbeats - 763-441-2274 – An equestrian learning center dedicated to providing therapeutic riding activities and teaching proper horse care and management to individuals with emotional and physical disabilities, elderly, and youth.  Facility located between Monticello and Otsego.

Sharadise Therapeutics - 763-878-2769 (Shari Mangas) – Facility located in rural Monticello (near Lake Maria State Park).

We Can Ride - Therapeutic horseback riding for disabled children and adults.  They have five facilities including; Minnetonka, Independence, Waconia, Delano, and Marine on St. Croix.

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Transition/Guardianship

Courage Center Driver Assessment and Training Program - Drivers assessment and training.

Guardianship/Conservatorship Forms 

Independent Lifestyles, Inc. (ILICIL) - A team promoting independence and choices for people with disabilities.

MN Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship - Nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to explore substitute decision-making for vulnerable individuals.

Project C3 - Resources in MN for transition age kids. It has a search engine where you can select housing, employment, financial aid, recreation, family services, and then select the area you are living in and it will pull up these resources.

Ridgewater College - Offers an occupational skills program.  Click on Programs and Courses and then Occupational Skills program.

Social Security & SSI - See website for further information and application instructions.

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Vocational

ATHC - 320-485-4763 – Offers a variety of vocational rehabilitation services and a day training and habilitation program.

Functional Industries - 763-682-4336 - Community rehabilitation service provider that provides job placement, career planning, and other employment services as well as a day treatment and rehabilitation program.

Options Inc. - 763-263-3684 - Provides job placement, training and support for individual job placements through a licensed Supported Employment Service, a day training and habilitation program and a limited work placement and support service.

Project C3 - Resources in MN for transition age kids. It has a search engine where you can select housing, employment, financial aid, recreation, family services, and then select the area you are living in and it will pull up these resources.

Rehabilitative Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is for people with disabilities who need our services to prepare for work or to find and keep a job.

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