Your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, and now you're hearing terms like "Orton-Gillingham" and "structured literacy" from the school, other parents, or online support groups. You've been told these approaches work, but you don't know what makes them different from the reading help your child has already been getting, or how to find someone who's trained to teach this way. You're trying to make an informed decision with limited time and a child who's already frustrated. Structured literacy is not a brand name. It's a teaching framework built specifically for how dyslexic brains process written language. Orton-Gillingham is the original approach within that framework, and programs like Wilson Reading System and Barton Reading & Spelling are structured implementations of those principles. Understanding what these programs share, where they differ, and what credentials matter in a tutor will help you move from "I've heard of this" to "I know what to ask for." What Structured Literacy Means. Structured literacy instruction is explicit, systematic, and cumulative. That means skills are taught directly, in a logical order, with each new concept building on what came before. For a dyslexic learner, this is essential. The brain doesn't automatically make connections between sounds and letters the way it does for typically developing readers, so those connections have to be taught deliberately and reinforced through multiple pathways. The term "multisensory" appears in nearly every description of structured literacy, but what does that look like in practice? A tutor working with the Orton-Gillingham approach might hand...

A comprehensive parent guide to Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, and structured literacy programs for dyslexia tutoring.

Structured Literacy for Dyslexia: A Parent's Complete Guide to Orton-Gillingham and Evidence-Based Reading Programs

A comprehensive parent guide to Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, and structured literacy programs for dyslexia tutoring.

You've decided your child needs a tutor who understands their learning disability, ADHD, or other support needs. You ask around, get referrals, meet someone warm and enthusiastic who says they have experience. You hire them. Three months later, your child still isn't making progress, and you realize the tutor has been using the same strategies that already failed in school. The mistake wasn't hiring a tutor. It was hiring based on personality instead of credentials. A qualified special needs tutor doesn't just try harder with kindness. They have specific training in evidence-based methods, the ability to recognize when an approach isn't working, and the expertise to pivot to something else. That expertise shows up in credentials, not just in a friendly first conversation. Here's the checklist parents need before hiring. What Qualifications Matter. Not all tutoring credentials are equal. Some signal genuine specialized training. Others are general teaching licenses that may not include disability-specific instruction. State teaching license in special education. This is different from a general education teaching license. Special education licensure requires coursework in IEPs, accommodations, behavior management, and evidence-based interventions for disabilities. If a tutor has a teaching license, verify it's specifically in special education, not elementary or secondary education with "some special ed experience." Bachelor's degree minimum. A college degree in education, psychology, or a related field is baseline. Tutors with advanced degrees like a master's in special education, reading specialist certification, or school psychology bring deeper training in assessment, instructional design, and intervention...

A concrete credential checklist for hiring a special needs tutor, covering licensing, certifications, and questions to ask.

How to Find and Vet a Qualified Special Needs Tutor

You've decided your child needs a tutor who understands their learning disability, ADHD, or other support needs. You ask around, get referrals, meet someone warm and enthusiastic who says they have experience. You hire them. Three months later, your child still isn't making progress, and you realize the tutor has been using the same strategies that already failed in school. The mistake wasn't hiring a tutor. It was hiring based on personality instead of credentials. A qualified special needs tutor doesn't just try harder with kindness. They have specific training in evidence-based methods, the ability to recognize when an approach isn't working, and the expertise to pivot to something else. That expertise shows up in credentials, not just in a friendly first conversation. Here's the checklist parents need before hiring. What Qualifications Matter. Not all tutoring credentials are equal. Some signal genuine specialized training. Others are general teaching licenses that may not include disability-specific instruction.  State teaching license in special education. This is different from a general education teaching license. Special education licensure requires coursework in IEPs, accommodations, behavior management, and evidence-based interventions for disabilities. If a tutor has a teaching license, verify it's specifically in special education, not elementary or secondary education with "some special ed experience."  Bachelor's degree minimum. A college degree in education, psychology, or a related field is baseline. Tutors with advanced degrees like a master's in special education, reading specialist certification, or school psychology bring deeper training in assessment, instructional design, and intervention...

Your child can recite state capitals, explain photosynthesis, and write stories that make you laugh. But counting change at the store takes five minutes. Time-telling is still a guess. Word problems shut them down before they finish reading the first sentence. Teachers say practice more. Worksheets pile up. Your child works harder than classmates and still fails quizzes. The gap widens each year, and nobody has mentioned the word dyscalculia. Five to eight percent of school-age children have dyscalculia, a specific math learning disability as neurologically grounded as dyslexia. Yet it receives a fraction of the attention, funding, and parent awareness. Many educators attribute symptoms to laziness, anxiety, or being "not a math person" rather than recognizing a diagnosable learning difference that responds to targeted intervention. Dyscalculia tutoring exists. Research-backed programs work. Parents can advocate for them. But first, you need to know what to ask for. What Dyscalculia Is. Dyscalculia is not general math struggle. It is a specific deficit in number sense, the intuitive understanding that four is more than two, that numbers represent quantities, that 5 + 3 will always equal 8. Most children develop number sense naturally through early experiences with objects, counting games, and pattern recognition. Children with dyscalculia do not. The brain pathways that connect numerical symbols to quantities, perform mental math, or estimate amounts function differently. Symptoms include difficulty counting objects accurately, trouble recognizing patterns or sequences, confusion about which number is larger, inability to estimate quantities, problems telling time or reading clocks,...

Dyscalculia affects 5-8% of students but gets little attention. Learn multisensory math tutoring strategies that work.

Dyscalculia Tutoring: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Overlooked Math Learning Disability

Your child can recite state capitals, explain photosynthesis, and write stories that make you laugh. But counting change at the store takes five minutes. Time-telling is still a guess. Word problems shut them down before they finish reading the first sentence. Teachers say practice more. Worksheets pile up. Your child works harder than classmates and still fails quizzes. The gap widens each year, and nobody has mentioned the word dyscalculia. Five to eight percent of school-age children have dyscalculia, a specific math learning disability as neurologically grounded as dyslexia. Yet it receives a fraction of the attention, funding, and parent awareness. Many educators attribute symptoms to laziness, anxiety, or being "not a math person" rather than recognizing a diagnosable learning difference that responds to targeted intervention. Dyscalculia tutoring exists. Research-backed programs work. Parents can advocate for them. But first, you need to know what to ask for. What Dyscalculia Is. Dyscalculia is not general math struggle. It is a specific deficit in number sense, the intuitive understanding that four is more than two, that numbers represent quantities, that 5 + 3 will always equal 8. Most children develop number sense naturally through early experiences with objects, counting games, and pattern recognition. Children with dyscalculia do not. The brain pathways that connect numerical symbols to quantities, perform mental math, or estimate amounts function differently. Symptoms include difficulty counting objects accurately, trouble recognizing patterns or sequences, confusion about which number is larger, inability to estimate quantities, problems telling time or reading clocks,...

Dyscalculia affects 5-8% of students but gets little attention. Learn multisensory math tutoring strategies that work.

Dyscalculia Tutoring: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Overlooked Math Learning Disability

Financial Aid Opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs. People with special needs often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to their education, including the high costs associated with equipment, tutoring, and specialized programs. However, what many may not realize is that there is a plethora of aid options available to help alleviate these financial burdens. Understanding these diverse scholarships and financial aids, specifically designed for those with special needs, can unlock numerous opportunities for educational and personal growth. The variety of available aids encompasses grants, scholarships, and financial assistance programs, each with different eligibility requirements and application processes. Some are needs-based, taking into account the applicant's financial situation, while others are merit-based, often recognizing outstanding academic or athletic achievement. Merit-based Scholarships and Grants. Merit-based aid rewards individuals for their talents, skills or academic prowess. Some of these scholarships may also consider an applicant's passion and dedication to a particular field. People with special needs can tap into these opportunities by showcasing their unique strengths, hobbies, or intellect. Take for example, a visually impaired student who excels in computer science could potentially qualify for a merit-based scholarship aimed at encouraging underrepresented groups in the tech sector. Needs-based Scholarships and Aid Programs. Needs-based programs typically look at the applicant's financial situation in order to bridge the funding gap. These opportunities can prove particularly essential for families of children with special needs, helping to make crucial resources and educational services more accessible. Moreover, several needs-based...

Aid options like grants and scholarships exist to help those with special needs cover education-related expenses.

Uncover Financial Aid Opportunities Available for Special Needs

Financial Aid Opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs. People with special needs often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to their education, including the high costs associated with equipment, tutoring, and specialized programs. However, what many may not realize is that there is a plethora of aid options available to help alleviate these financial burdens.  Understanding these diverse scholarships and financial aids, specifically designed for those with special needs, can unlock numerous opportunities for educational and personal growth.  The variety of available aids encompasses grants, scholarships, and financial assistance programs, each with different eligibility requirements and application processes. Some are needs-based, taking into account the applicant's financial situation, while others are merit-based, often recognizing outstanding academic or athletic achievement. Merit-based Scholarships and Grants. Merit-based aid rewards individuals for their talents, skills or academic prowess. Some of these scholarships may also consider an applicant's passion and dedication to a particular field. People with special needs can tap into these opportunities by showcasing their unique strengths, hobbies, or intellect.   Take for example, a visually impaired student who excels in computer science could potentially qualify for a merit-based scholarship aimed at encouraging underrepresented groups in the tech sector. Needs-based Scholarships and Aid Programs. Needs-based programs typically look at the applicant's financial situation in order to bridge the funding gap. These opportunities can prove particularly essential for families of children with special needs, helping to make crucial resources and educational services more accessible.  Moreover, several needs-based...

So many of our kids struggle with learning because they have poor memory skills, either auditory or visual memory skills. Their comprehension suffers. Their factual knowledge base suffers. One of the keys to improving skills is to improve your ability to remember the information you have been taught. The basis of learning is ASSOCIATION.  This is how we learn new material. We make associations with new material to something we already know. We might attach an emotion to the new material.  I like to think of this as having an opinion about what you are learning. Did you like the story/selection? Did you hate it? Were the characters like anyone you know? Have you been to a similar place where the story took place? Then, when you need to recall the information, bring up that opinion. I like to say to my students, do you remember what happened in the story you read yesterday? The one you thought was really stupid? They can immediately bring up the information because I gave them the association of their feeling about the story. We decide how relevant the new material is, or we make connections with the new material. When you harness the technique of associative learning and make associations on a conscious level, learning becomes easier. Watch the video to learn more.      If you have additional questions regarding improving learning skills, set up a complimentary 30-minute consultation here. 


Boost kids' memory by linking new info to familiar concepts, feelings, or experiences, enhancing learning and recall.

Improve Memory Skills Easily

Family activities are one of the best ways to improve learning skills. Going on field trips – and then doing the twist after field trip activity builds not only a good family bonding time but also improves memory skills, comprehension skills, writing skills, even drawing skills. Get your complimentary BT Family Activity Book here and be sure to watch the video below for more ways to give your child an academic edge with summer fun. Family Activities: Weekly Trips.  A local zoo Alocal park/playground A state park  Once you get home from your weekly trip, talk about it and write down what your favorite thing was. You can use the graphic organizers in  Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills  to make this really easy. Add pictures and/or drawings. Then compile this into a family scrapbook.  Family Activities: Nature Activities/Adventures.  Scavenger hike Family hike  Take pictures or do nature rubbings while you are on your hike. Then, do the stretch to really build memory skills...after getting home, talk about the hike or treasure hunt. Write down what your favorite thing was. Again, use the graphic organizers in Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills. The graphic organizers make this as easy as filling-in-the-blanks! Add pictures and/or drawings. Then add this to the family scrapbook.  More Family Activites that Improve Learning Skills.  Give Your Child an Academic Edge with Summer Fun             ...

Family activities like field trips, weekly excursions, and nature adventures enhance kids' learning and memory skills.

Go to Pro: Family Activities Improve Learning Skills

 A Parent's Question...Where do I find a list of good books my kids can read this summer?       What a wonderful question! As a parent I'm sure you know that all books are not created equal, so you do want to know which books will be the really good ones. There are several sources you can go to, to find lists of really good books. The BT Family Activity Book (download a complimentary copy here) divides the books into age groups.  Here is just a short list: Preschool to 3rd grade Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Primary Grades (1st to 3rd grades)  Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – by Judith ViorstAmazing Grace by Mary HoffmanAmeila Bedelia by Peggy Parish Middle Grades (4th to 6th grades) Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy BlumeThe Bad Beginning by Lemony SnicketThe Indian in the Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks Upper Grades (7th to 9th grades) Both Sides of Time – by Caroline CooneyFranny and Zooey – by J.D. Salinger The Hobbit – by J. R. R. Tolkien One thing to look for is Caldecott Medal Books for wonderful illustrations and Newbery Award Books for terrific stories. Additionally, you can go into your public library and speak with the children's librarian. Tell the librarian the topics your child like to read about, e.g.: horses, mysteries,...

Find good kid's summer reads, including award winners, at libraries or download BT Family Activity Book.

Go to Pro Answering Your Questions: Where do I find a list of good books my kids can read this summer?

Remember, when kids learn in a relaxed environment like playing a game, they retain what they learn at much higher rates, so get your educational fun games today! Here are a few tips:  Write down 3 positive comments about each family member and share them with each other String popcorn – either for the tree or as a wall decoration Make a collage from your Christmas cards Bake cookies together Take an evening drive to see the holiday lights (and afterwards talk about your favorite ones) Take a holiday hike in the woods Collect pine cones and then put glitter on them for a table decoration Make place cards for everyone for the holiday dinner table Watch a holiday movie together Go Christmas caroling in the neighborhood Have a family game night Read a Christmas story or holiday book as a family   Learning Made Easy Talk Radio  Listen to Peggy Harper Lee 10am and 4pm CST speaking on parenting skills – Sunday Dec 14th 8:00 a.m. PT & 2:00 p.m. PT Listen to Bonnie Terry speaking on ways to Awaken the Scholar Within Tuesday Dec 16th 7:30 a.m. PT & 1:30 p.m. PT


Explore 12 holiday activities like baking, crafts, and family games that combine fun and learning for kids.

12 Activities to Promote Holiday Learning and Fun

 Reading, Improving Writing, and Study Skills  As a parent you often find that your child need a boost with learning reading, writing, or study skills. I know I did! My kids, I have two sons and a daughter, and they are like everyone else's kids, they did drive me a bit crazy with the homework wars by the middle of November and I wondered if they'd ever stop. As a parent you also sometimes feel like you don't know how to help your child. Knowi8ng this, I designed a program with step-by-step video lessons to help you help your child, and I've added three live sessions for you to ask your questions too. When you have someone in your corner, helping you every step of the way, change happens. Because of this,   I decided to run a contest and give away one of my Awaken the Scholar Within Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Programs ($997.00 value). So, enter our contest, it runs for 10 days only...Nov 11th through Nov 19th. You may just end up winning the program and improving those reading, writing, and study skills!  Enter the Contest Here!   Awaken the Scholar Within Learning Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Program (1st – adult) Students improve:   36 areas of learning Reading fluency & comprehension Sentence writing Note-taking skills Paragraph writing skills Research paper writing skills Planning skills Visual processing skills Auditory processing skills Tactile/kinesthetic processing skills  12 weeks, includes 22...

Win a program to boost your child's reading, writing, and study skills in a contest running Nov 11-19. Improves 36 learning areas.

Reading, Improving Writing, and Study Skills

 Enter our contest to win!  As a dyslexia and ADHD expert I know kids often struggle with learning. And, I know that parents try their best to help their children. After all, I believe we as parents have two missions in life. The first is to be our best selves and the second is to help our kids be their best self. When you kids struggle with learning, it is difficult for both of you to be your best self. But what if it could be easier? Is it possible?  What would it be like if your kids could learn with greater ease? What would it look like if homework time didn't take so-o-o long? That can happen! I finally decided to share the visual processing activities I've been using with my students over the last 35+ years. I've put those exercises into our Awaken the Scholar Within VAK Visual Auditory Kinesthetic Program. The program has video and audio lessons that come to you every week for 12 weeks. Doing the simple activities and exercises will improve visual processing, auditory processing, and tactile and kinesthetic processing skills that impact learning.  The basis of the program is our understanding of how we learn, that we take in information through the senses: seeing (vision system), hearing (auditory system), and doing (tactile/kinesthetic system). When those systems are working well, learning becomes easier. So the Awaken the Scholar Within VAK Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Therapy Program does just that. It...

Enter a contest to win a free 12-week 'Awaken the Scholar Within' program designed to boost kids' visual, auditory, & kinesthetic learning.

Win this $797 Awaken the Scholar Within Program!

Parents of children with speech disorders are faced with a choice: private speech therapy or speech therapy through the public school system? Each choice has its own benefits and drawbacks, but some parents prefer to consider a third, less conventional option: homeschooling. Considering alternative options may seem confusing or even intimidating at times. For starters, there usually isn't as much information available, and often parents don't know where to look for help. The trick to evaluating alternative options is to look at the idea from every angle, and instead of being intimidated, perceive it as an opportunity. That said, homeschooling isn't for everyone, and it can be especially difficult to homeschool a child with a speech disorder.  Homeschooling Speech Disordered Children  When a child qualifies for speech therapy under the special education program, he is eligible to receive free help at school, along with his regular classes. But what about children that are homeschooled? Are they also eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?  Unfortunately, the answer is not clear-cut. It depends on which state you live in. Parents have the right to homeschool their children, regardless of the state (although some states' laws are stricter than others regarding compulsory attendance). When you homeschool, you are essentially removing your child from his current public or private school, and enrolling him in another private school which you will run.  IDEA Law  Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all children are entitled to a free,...

Homeschooling a child with speech disorder is complex, with varying state laws on special ed support.

Homeschooling Your Speech Disordered Child

How can the process of learning have momentum? Some days a student “gets it” then the next day the same concept is lost. The human brain forgets, stumbles, supposedly demonstrates achievement, but then disappoints. Momentum and learning seem to be opposite concepts, especially for students who think in a realm somewhere the rest of us cannot locate.  This is what most parents of my students believe. In fact, in my 20 years of experience, the majority of teachers believe this to be true also. Education’s schematic is based on years of achievement called grades. Standardized tests supposedly measure advancement. Even assignments are evaluated by points to determine where growth in this spectrum of learning.  Belief that learning has little or no momentum of its own is so critical to teaching that I am convinced if parents and teachers reversed their thinking on this one concept, then cognitive blocks to learning would be freed-up, and the length of time required to understand would be shortened. A large part of my job as a Cognitive Developer is spent encouraging others to discover this momentum and realize it needs all roadblocks cleared for success. Here’s an example. “I don’t care how many times my daughter has to repeat third grade, as long as she understands what she needs before going on to fourth grade.” This quote from a well-known child psychologist exemplifies the belief that a student cannot and should not proceed to more difficult work until less difficult work is...

Encouraging learning momentum involves reversing beliefs about mastery, praising small wins, and embracing mistakes to foster growth.

Unblock the Momentum of Learning

You're already logged in! If you've forgotten your password and would like to reset it, <a href="/logout/?redirect=/forgot-password/" alt="Logout page link" title="Logout page link">log out</a> first.

Forgot Password

Login

Zippedy Zap, You're Out!

Poof! You're Logged Out!

Logged Out and Ready to Go!

See You Later, Friend!

Bye for Now!

Farewell, Buddy!

Adios, Amigo!

Until Next Time!

So Long, Friend!

Ciao, Buddy!

Bon Voyage, Friend!

Goodbye for Now!

Hasta Luego, Amigo!

Catch You Later!

See You Soon!

Farewell for Now!

Bye-Bye, Friend!

Until We Meet Again!

Logout

Let's give you a brand new password. Please fill in the boxes below with your details. 📋✏️

The reset ID you provided is invalid. Please check the link you used to get here and try again. To request a new reset link, please visit the <a href="/forgot-password/">forgot password page</a>. 🔄

Let's get your password reset. Please fill in the boxes below with your details. 📋✏️

Reset Password 🔑

Your password has been reset! You can now <a href="/login/" alt="Login page link" title="Login page link">log in</a> with your new password. 🔒

Aw, shucks! We're not quite ready for more friends to join in just yet. 😿But here's the good news! We have a special, sparkly waitlist made just for you! 🥳🎉All you have to do is hop over to <a href='/waitlist/' alt='Waitlist Page' title='Waitlist Page'>the waitlist</a> and sign up. We'll get everything ready and before you know it, you'll be part of our SpecialNeeds.com family!🌟🤗💕 We can't wait to see you soon, 😃

Let's get you signed up so you can join our family. Please fill in the boxes below with your details. 📋✏️

Sign Up

The link you clicked appears to have embarked on its own adventure. Double-check it and let's try again, explorer! 🧭

Just a few more details and your fantastic journey begins! 😊 Rest assured, your data is as safe as a treasure in a dragon's den! 🐉🔒

Checkout

Title

Contact Listing Owner 🗣️

Looks like you need to join our fantastic community to contact the owner. Sign up now and dive into the adventure! 🎉

Whoa, There! 🖐️

This magical form lets you send an initial message to the listing owner. Just jot down a snappy topic (50 characters or less) and your message. Let's get the conversation rolling! 💌

Step right up! 🎪

Find local special needs events near you.

Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the inspiring stories and experiences of our users who have found invaluable resources, support, and connections through SpecialNeeds.com.

Feedback

John Luthor

SpecialNeeds.com has been instrumental in helping me find the right resources for my child. The wealth of information and supportive community is invaluable.

Sarah Taylor

As a teacher, SpecialNeeds.com is my go-to website for understanding my students' diverse needs. The strategies and tips shared have been very helpful.

Alex Hales

The user interface of SpecialNeeds.com is very friendly and easy to navigate. It's a great platform with a lot of useful features for individuals with special needs.

David Warner

SpecialNeeds.com is a beacon of hope for parents like us. The online resources are fantastic and the supportive community is heartwarming.

Jessica Brown

The speech therapy resources on SpecialNeeds.com are top-notch. They've been incredibly helpful in my practice.

Michael Johnson

I've found so much support and understanding in the SpecialNeeds.com community. It has made all the difference for my family.

Emily Davis

SpecialNeeds.com is an invaluable tool in my classroom. The educational resources and community support are amazing.

Oliver Smith

SpecialNeeds.com offers practical and actionable occupational therapy strategies. It's a resource I use daily in my practice.

Sophia Miller

Navigating the world of special needs parenting can be challenging, but SpecialNeeds.com provides resources and a community that truly help.

User’s Feedback About SpecialNeeds.com

Guide your special needs-related business to reach its full potential. Here's the straightforward path to success

Begin by signing up for an account to join our community and initiate your journey.

Join Our Community

With your account set up, it's time to create your business listing. A well-crafted and engaging listing can attract more visitors.

Create Your Listing

Choose from our range of packages for your listing, including various features to suit your needs. We offer multiple options, including a free package.

Select Your Package

Once you submit your listing, our team will review it. Upon approval, your listing will be published on the site for public viewing.

Await Approval

Congratulations! Your listing is now live. You can view it on our site and begin attracting new visitors.

Your Listing is Live

How It Works

Discover our extensive directory featuring a wide range of special needs-related listings. Add your listing to join our growing community.

Explore Our Directory

Engage directly with users through our messaging feature. Manage all your conversations efficiently from your dashboard.

Connect and Communicate

Draw more visitors and grow your business. You have full control over your listing and can update or modify it as needed from your dashboard.

Enhance Your Listing

Supporting Your Business Growth

New Chat Received! 🎉

Enter your name

Pricing

Privacy Policy

Hi there! At SpecialNeeds.com, we care a lot about keeping your information private. We promise to do our best to keep your information safe and sound. This means we collect only the necessary information to provide you with the best possible experience on our site, and we take all the necessary steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

1. Our Promise

When you join our site, we collect your email, display name, and password. We don't ever collect your location unless you tell us it's okay. Additionally, we use various analytics tools, which may collect other information like which pages you visit on our site, your IP address, and other data related to your use of our site. These tools help us understand how our site is used and enable us to improve your experience.

2. What We Collect

We collect information from you when you fill out forms on our site, like when you sign up. We also use cookies and Google Analytics to learn more about how you use our site. If you choose to enable the distance search feature, we'll collect your location information after getting your consent by clicking a button.

3. How We Collect It

We use your information to help you use our site and to make our site better for you. We also use it to see how people use our site, so we can make it better for everyone. Your location information, if you choose to share it, is used to help you find resources and services near you.

4. How We Use It

The majority of your information is kept confidential and is not shared with any third parties outside of SpecialNeeds.com. However, for users interacting with our directory listings (such as camps, schools, etc.), we may share aggregated and anonymized analytics data with the owners of these listings. This data may include metrics like the number of page views, time spent on the site, and other related usage statistics. It's important to note that this shared data will not include any personally identifiable information and is solely used to provide insights to our paid listing owners.

5. Who We Share It With

We use some fancy tech stuff to keep your information safe, like HTTPS for secure browsing, bcrypt to keep your password safe, and encryption to keep your location safe if you choose to share it with us. We also store your encrypted location information (if provided) in your browser's local storage and not on our servers, to add an extra layer of security.

6. How We Keep It Safe

You can change your email and password whenever you want. You can't change your display name once it's set, though. If you want to delete your account, you can do that, too. And remember, you can always tell us to stop using your location info by revoking your consent.

7. Changing or Deleting Your Info

Our site isn't made for kids under 13. We don't collect information from anyone under 13, and if we become aware of any such information, we will take steps to delete it.

8. Kids Under 13

Our site is made for people in the U.S. Even though we collect some information from people outside the U.S. through Google Analytics, our website is not targeted at them, and we do not use their information for anything other than Google Analytics.

9. People Outside the U.S.

Sometimes we might need to change this policy. If we do, we'll send you an email, and we'll put a notice on our site and on our social media accounts, if we have any. Please keep checking so you always know our latest policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

Remember, we're here to help. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, just ask!

Privacy Policy for SpecialNeeds.com

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for SpecialNeeds.com

Hi there! Welcome to SpecialNeeds.com. We're a website that helps people learn about special needs resources, like camps, schools, and therapists. We also share articles and news about special needs topics. But before you start exploring, we need you to understand and agree to our rules.

1. Welcome to Our Site!

Our site is primarily made for people who are 13 years or older. However, individuals under the age of 13 may access the content on our site under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. While they cannot register for an account, they are welcome to read and learn from the information available with appropriate guidance.

2. Who Can Use Our Site

We want everyone to have a good time here, so we have some rules. You can't use our site to do anything illegal, to bother other people, to share spam, or to post mean or offensive things. And please, don't share anything that belongs to someone else without their permission.

3. Our Rules

Users can add items to our directory, but we'll need to say okay first. We use a smart computer program to check if anything mean or offensive gets posted. And we'll take down anything that's not okay right away.

4. Adding to Our Directory

If you break any of our rules, we might have to stop your account. This means you won't be able to use our site anymore. We don't want to do this, but sometimes we have to.

5. Accounts and What Can Happen

We do our best to share good, helpful information. But we can't promise that everything is perfect or right for you. We're not doctors, and we don't give medical advice. Always check with your own doctor or do your own research.

6. What We Can Promise

If we have a disagreement, we'd like to work it out with you. But if we can't, then we'll have to ask a neutral person or group (this is called an arbitrator) to help us solve it.

7. What Happens If We Disagree

Sometimes we might need to change these rules. If we do, we'll send you an email, and post on our social media accounts, if we have any. Please keep checking so you always know our latest rules.

8. Changes to These Rules

Remember, we're here to help. If you have any questions about these terms and conditions, just ask!

At SpecialNeeds.com, we strive to foster a community of trust and reliability. One significant way we ensure this trust is through our Verified Badge. You may have spotted this little checkmark symbol on our platform. But do you know what it signifies? Allow us to pull back the curtain on this important aspect of our platform. The Verified Badge isn't merely decorative - it's a symbol of authenticity, accuracy, and connection. When you see this badge associated with a company, you can rest assured that the company has been thoroughly vetted and is confirmed to be genuine. But how do we ascertain this genuineness? The process is both rigorous and meticulous. To earn the Verified Badge, a company representative or a SpecialNeeds.com staff member must first register with us and provide evidence of their affiliation with the company. This is typically in the form of a business email address. However, the badge doesn't just signify affiliation. It's also a testament to accuracy. The representative or our staff member is responsible for verifying all information associated with the company - from contact details to rates and features. Only when every piece of information has been scrutinized and confirmed do we award the coveted Verified Badge. Maintaining the Verified Badge isn't a one-time effort - it requires an annual renewal. Each year, company representatives are required to reaffirm their details and reverify their information. This ensures that the data associated with Verified Badge holders remains up-to-date and accurate. If the information isn't refreshed yearly, the Verified Badge status lapses. This renewal requirement serves as an ongoing commitment to accuracy, reinforcing our dedication to providing reliable, current information for our community. But why is this badge important? Why should you, as a user of our platform, trust it? The answer is simple. The Verified Badge is your compass on SpecialNeeds.com, guiding you with the assurance of truth and reliability. This badge is our commitment to you. It's our guarantee that the information you're viewing has been checked for accuracy and confirmed for authenticity. Whenever you see this badge, you know you're looking at a company that has been meticulously verified. That's our promise to you. So, as you explore the vibrant world of special needs-related businesses on SpecialNeeds.com, remember to look out for our Verified Badge. It's more than a symbol - it's the mark of trust you can rely on.

Verified Badge

Verified Listing: Last verified <lastVerified>. Click to learn more.

Special Needs
Articles

Structured Literacy for Dyslexia: A Parent's Complete Guide to Orton-Gillingham and Evidence-Based Reading Programs

How to Find and Vet a Qualified Special Needs Tutor

Dyscalculia Tutoring: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Overlooked Math Learning Disability

Uncover Financial Aid Opportunities Available for Special Needs

Improve Memory Skills Easily

Go to Pro: Family Activities Improve Learning Skills

Go to Pro Answering Your Questions: Where do I find a list of good books my kids can read this summer?

12 Activities to Promote Holiday Learning and Fun

Reading, Improving Writing, and Study Skills

Win this $797 Awaken the Scholar Within Program!

Homeschooling Your Speech Disordered Child

Unblock the Momentum of Learning

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

Structured Literacy for Dyslexia: A Parent's Complete Guide to Orton-Gillingham and Evidence-Based Reading Programs

How to Find and Vet a Qualified Special Needs Tutor

Dyscalculia Tutoring: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Overlooked Math Learning Disability

Uncover Financial Aid Opportunities Available for Special Needs

Improve Memory Skills Easily

Go to Pro: Family Activities Improve Learning Skills

Go to Pro Answering Your Questions: Where do I find a list of good books my kids can read this summer?

12 Activities to Promote Holiday Learning and Fun

Reading, Improving Writing, and Study Skills

Win this $797 Awaken the Scholar Within Program!

Homeschooling Your Speech Disordered Child

Unblock the Momentum of Learning

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles