Subject Research Guides   University of West Florida Libraries

Special Education

NOTE: For additional information on "Gifted Education", please go to the Gifted Education Eli Page.

Indexes & Abstracts

Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE). 1967-

Part of the ERIC system that indexes and annotates journal articles in education from approximately 800 journals of which 75 deal with handicapped and gifted children. The printed version (Ref. L 11 C8) from 1969 to 1992 is available in the reference collection of the Pace Library. To access only journal articles, go to advanced search screen and in the Document Type box, highlight the option: Guides-Journal articles (080).

Education Full Text. 1983- (WilsonWeb)

Indexes journals and yearbooks in education from preschool through college and includes articles about special education. Also includes selected series, supplements and book review citations.

 

Medline. 1989- (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts)

The U.S. National Library of Medicine's premier bibliographic database contains over 4 million records of international biomedical literature.  This service provides comprehensive information on a variety of medical topics including research, clinical practice, administration, policy issues, and health care services.

ProQuest Education Journals 1988-

ProQuest Education Journals gives users access to over 700 top educational publications, including nearly 600 of the titles in full text.

PsycINFO. 1887-

An online database that indexes journals, books, bibliographies, and dissertations in educational psychology and other psychological subjects. Materials are gathered from 1300 international journals. The printed version (BF 1 P65) from 1887 to present is available in the reference collection of the Pace Library.

Resources in Education (RIE). 1966-

An important source of information about Special Education. Part of the ERIC system that indexes and abstracts documents (unpublished papers, reports, lesson plans, etc.). ERIC microfiche are located in the reference collection on the first floor of the Pace Library.  To retrieve only microfiche documents, highlight Documents (RIE) in the Source box. Printed version (Ref. LB 1028 R34) is available in the reference collection from 1966 to present.

 

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Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Dictionary of Terms Used in Special Education
http://www.parentpals.com/2.0dictionary/dictnewsindex.html

Parentpals.com provides an indexed, alphabetical list of words and/or terms used in the field of special education. Links to this site also provides a variety of information about special education for parents and professionals.

 

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Directories

College and University Special Education Pages
http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/cise/ose/resources/universities.html

The Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia offers this site as a resource for special education students to connect to colleges and universities across the nation. Each link connects to the special education home page of the associated college or university. There are 37 nation-wide institutions included in the listing.

Special Education Academic Programs.
http://www.looksmart.com/eus1/eus317836/eus317911/eus225945/eus282623/eus279820/r?l&

Provides an alphabetical list of colleges and universities with descriptions of academic programs that train special education teachers.

 

Legal Sources

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Document Center
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/adalinks.htm

This Web site provides legal documents such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA regulations, technical assistance manuals prepared by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity commission, and technical assistance documents sponsored by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research. There are also links to other Internet sources concerning disability and legal issues such as the Social Security Administration and the American Council for the Blind.

 

Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
http://www.abanet.org/publicserv/mental.html

At this American Bar Association Web site, users can pay a fee to gain access to excerpts from the current issue of the Mental and Physical Disability Law Reporter, which analyzes significant case law, legislative and regulatory developments, discusses major legal trends, and highlights important federal, state legislative and regulatory actions. The Commission has thousands of indexed cases from the Reporter as well as briefs, pleadings and computer resources to assist disability professionals with legal research or analysis as they prepare for upcoming trials and develop presentations, articles and briefs. There is also a lawyer directory.

FindLaw: Cases and Codes: Supreme Court Opinions
http://www.findlaw.com/01topics/37education/index.html

This is a special Web site set up like a search engine for legal professionals. Access cases and codes of the U.S. Supreme court and all Federal District Courts related to decisions about special education. Also search the legal dictionary, other legal Web sites and U.S. government sites. This is a good source to find the details of a specific case.

Federal Resource Center for Special Education (FRC)
http://www.dssc.org./frc/

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, this site provides information solely on establishing technical assistance activities for special education students. The site features full-text versions of FRC's own publications which can be used as resource tools, links to many pages pertaining to specific disabilities, valuable information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 to Public Law 105-17, and network links to regional education resource centers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FindLaw: Cases and Codes: Supreme Court Opinions
http://www.findlaw.com/01topics/37education/index.html

This is a special Web site set up like a search engine for legal professionals. Access cases and codes of the U.S. Supreme court and all Federal District Courts related to decisions about special education. Also search the legal dictionary, other legal Web sites and U.S. government sites. This is a good source to find the details of a specific case.

 

IDEA'04
http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/idea2004.html

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 2004. This Department of Education Web site provides an overview and summary of IDEA 2004 and a brief set of frequently asked questions for people interested in having a broad understanding of some of the changes in this bill. Also access speeches, articles, letters, memos, training, and technical assistance on various topics related to IDEA'04.

 

Internet Legal Resources on Special Education and Disabilities
http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/cise/ose/resources/legal.html

The University of Virginia Curry School of Education provides a list of links to Special Education and disabilities resources on the Internet. This list also includes selected government resources, legal firms and publishers, and an additional list of resources to other universities and organizations.

Office of Special Education Programs
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP/index.html

As a component of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Office of Special Education programs offers a site focusing more on legislative issues regarding special education rather than teaching aids. This site provides links to valuable information concerning the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, longitudinal studies relating specifically to special education and government publications and reports.

U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, programs and services provided by state and local governments, goods and services provided by private companies, and in commercial facilities. This site offers access to ADA publications and requirements, technical assistance materials, new regulations, press releases, information line, and certification of state and local building codes.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Enforcement and Litigation Page
http://www.eeoc.gov/

The EEOC identifies priority issues and sets out a plan for administrative enforcement and litigation of the laws within its jurisdiction. This page supplies information concerning laws enforced by the EEOC, regulations, compliance manual, enforcement guidelines, and a memorandum of  understanding. Also find federal sector information.

 

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Organizations

Association on Higher Education and Disability
http://ahead.org/

Provides information about the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), an international, multicultural organization of professionals committed to full participation in higher education for persons with disabilities. The Association promotes excellence through education for persons with disabilities. The Association promotes excellence through education, communication and training. Various membership fees range from $50 to $300.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
http://www.cec.sped.org/index.html

This non-profit association accomplishes its mission in support of special education professionals by advocating for appropriate governmental policies. The website includes threaded discussions on relevant topics, information on professional development, CEC’s resource catalog for educators, professional standards, international programs and activities, scholarships and awards, and links to National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education.

 

Developmental Delay Resources (DDR)
http://www.devdelay.org/

A nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those working with children who have developmental delays in sensory motor, language, social, and emotional areas. DDR provides a network for parents and professionals and current information after the diagnosis to support children with special needs. This site contains a list of links to resources related to developmental delay from adoption to vision problems.

 

Federation for Children with Special Needs
http://www.fcsn.org/

The Federation for Children with Special Needs Website offers links to numerous resources for educators in the field of special education. Among the resources available through this site are links to publications, legislative links to disability laws, and links to innovative projects that provide further research on special education issues. There is also a family resource database in which parents and teachers can locate agencies throughout the United States, which provide information and/or services to families.
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Learning Disabilities Association of America
http://www.ldanatl.org/

The Learning Disabilities Association of America is a national, non-profit organization. The association is "dedicated to identifying causes and promoting prevention of learning disabilities and to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families by encouraging effective identification and intervention, fostering research, and protecting their rights under the law."  This site offers links to government agencies, related organizations, and online articles. There are also pages of tips for parents on how to participate in the IEP process, how to ensure that appropriate special education services are being provided to a child in the regular education classroom, as well as early identification of speech language disorders, educational standards, and many other important issues.

 

National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/default.htm

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the nation’s largest and most influential membership organization of blind persons. Through this site, services and resources including libraries, employment, mentoring, and scholarships may be located for the blind. Discover new technology and learn about Braille. Also learn the answers to important questions asked by children about blind people.

 

Special Education Organizations Links
http://www.parentpals.com:80

This comprehensive list links to an abundance of special needs resources. Resources include guidelines and tips for dealing with a variety of disorders. The list consists of professional papers, international resources, articles, definitions, laws and legislation, other websites, and lesson plans.

Tests & Testing

TestLink
http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.1488512ecfd5b8849a77b13bc3921509/?vgnextoid=ed462d3631df4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD&vgnextchannel=85af197a484f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) Test Collection database contains descriptions of over 10,000 tests and research instruments. The Test Collection encompasses virtually all fields of vocational interest inventories for adults to instruments that measure shyness or predict recidivism in released criminal offenders, to assessment of managerial style, as well as education-related achievement and aptitude tests.

 

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General Resources

The Complete IEP Guide.  Electronic Resource.  2005.

Equal Access to Software and Information
http://www.rit.edu/~easi

EASI serves as a resource to the education community by providing information and guidance for the integration of technology into the special education classroom.  This Web site provides a consulting service and an adaptive technology online training that includes a registration fee.  EASI also has captioning and transcription services, Webcast interviews, and links to libraries, distance learning, disability legislation, EASI publications, and Internet networking.

 

Family Village
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.htmlx

A global community, maintained by the Waisman center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities. This easy-to-navigate site features informational resources that are grouped by topics such as specific diagnoses, communication connections, adaptive products and technology, adaptive recreational activities, education, worship, health issues, and disability-related media and literature.

Internet Special Education Resources
http://www.iser.com/

ISER is a nationwide directory of professionals who serve the learning disabilities and special education communities. This list is directed toward parents of special education students and offers help with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder assessment, therapy, advocacy, and other special needs. There are also reputable resource links available for professionals in these areas, as well as products available to enhance teaching methods.

National Center to Improve Practice in Special Education Through Technology, Media and Matierals (NCIP)
http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/

NCIP promotes the effective use of technology to enhance educational outcomes for students with sensory, cognitive, physical and social/emotional disabilities. Resources available at this site include many WWW sites that provide information, resources, and links relating to technology and special education, as well as sites relating to general disabilities, specific impairments and/or disabilities, special education, educational technology, parent and family support, literacy, and accessibility.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
http://www.nichcy.org/

The National Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities provides information on disabilities and focuses on children and youth (birth to age 22) for families, educators, and other professionals. Also available in Spanish, this award-winning site offers information and links to areas related to specific disabilities, early intervention, special education and related services, individualized education programs, family issues, disability organizations, professional associations, education rights, and transition to adult life. A special feature of this site is its State Resource Sheet, which assists in locating organizations and agencies within each state that address disability-related issues.

 

School Psychology Resources for Psychologists, Parents and Educators
http://www.bcpl.net/~sandyste/school_psych.html

School Psychology Resources Online presents extensive online resources for the school psychology community complete with valuable handouts. Educators and parents will benefit from this site's informative links on diverse topics such as learning disabilities, ADHD, gifted, functional behavior assessment, autism, adolescence, parenting, assessment, classroom management, special education, K-12, mental health, reading, research, and more.

Schwab Foundation for Learning
http://www.schwablearning.org

This Web site presents links to five online publications on disabilities in education, an "information desk" feature providing answers to questions regarding learning disabilities, bulletin boards for parents and educators, and various other resources for both parents and educators.

Wrightslaw Special Ed Advocate
http://www.wrightslaw.com/index.htm

This Web site is an essential reference base for parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys, which may be used for accurate, up-to-date information about effective advocacy for children with disabilities. You will find hundreds of useful articles, cases, newsletters, and other information about special education law and advocacy.

Teachers' Resources

The Instant Access Treasure Chest
http://www.fln.vcu.edu/ld/ld.html

Although presented as guide to learning disabilities for the foreign language teacher, this site is invaluable to all researchers in the special education field. Links are organized by topic and provide resources for various disabilities, as well as commercial sites relating to each specific topic.

Special Needs Project
http://www.specialneeds.com

This site is devoted entirely to selling books related to disabilities, boasting over 3,000 of the best disability titles available and years of experience. It is divided into categories such as activities, teaching materials and education, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, inclusion, etc. The titles are easy to browse with descriptions, age levels, and dust jacket pictures. Although it is a purely commercial site, it is one of the only pages offering a comprehensive listing of books relating specifically to disabilities.

Teachers Helping Teachers
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/

This is a free, non-profit service. It costs nothing to access the information and no money is made from teachers who contribute. Materials are updated weekly during the school year. Information includes carefully selected educational links and teacher contributed lesson plans in all major subject areas.

 

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Metalists

Awesome Library K-12 Special
http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Library/Special_Education/Special_Education.html

The Awesome Library organizes over 18,000 carefully reviewed resources, including the top 5 percent in education, and categorizes by specific disabilities. Resources available through this site include listservs, discussion groups, periodicals, published papers, multimedia materials, and lesson plan links.

Marc Sheehan's Special Education Page
http://www.halcyon.com/marcs/sped.html

This extensive list of special education related links contains many national and international sites as well as many educational institution sites. Mr. Sheehan has researched well and put together a superior compilation of resources.

Special Education Exchange
http://www.spedex.com/main_graphics.htm

This site, which is updated weekly, provides resources, such as reliable links to every aspect of special education, online documents, listings of professionals, job vacancy listings, school and university listings, conference announcements, a discussion area, and "poster sessions" in easy-to-use formats.

Special Educator's Web Page by Kay Davis, Ed.D.
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/7315/

Teachers can find lesson plans and information on every aspect of special education including laws, IEPs, Behavior Management resources, Inclusion, and research. Resources on this site would benefit anyone involved in the field of special education.

 

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Emotional Handicaps

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
http://www.aacap.org/

The AACAP is a professional medical organization comprised of child and adolescent psychiatrists trained to promote healthy development and to evaluate, diagnose, and treat children and adolescents who are affected by disorders of feeling, thinking and behavior. This searchable Web site provides information for understanding these disorders. Included are links to research and journals, training, information on child and adolescent psychiatry, fact sheets for parents and caregivers, and current research.

Autism Resources
http://stevecory.net/autism-info/autism-info.html

This site contains links to organizations and services located nationally and internationally for persons having autism. Locate articles, books and biographies, special education links, behavior modification information, and medical research links.

 

Behavior Home Page
http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/behave/homepage.html

Maintained by the Kentucky Department of Education and the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at UK, this page is offered to school personnel, parents, and other professionals to gain access to information, to share effective practices, and to receive ongoing consultation and technical assistance concerning the full range of behavior problems and challenges.

Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice (CECP)
http://cecp.air.org/

The Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice's mission is to support and to promote a reoriented national preparedness to foster the development, achievement, and adjustment of children with, or at risk of developing, a serious emotional disturbance. CECP's site offers an extensive collection of links related to emotional and behavioral problems in such areas as education, families, mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare, early intervention, school safety, and legislation. Also available at this site are on-line discussions, listservs, and full-text articles.

 

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Learning Disabilities

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CH.A.D.D.)
http://www.chadd.org/

This national, non-profit organization representing children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) works to improve lives through education, advocacy, and support. CHADD's award-winning site offers resources such as research studies, legislative action, school discipline, ethical principals, ADHD information, CHADD’s ADHD magazine "Attention!", and informative links in the areas of ADHD research, diagnosis, and treatment.

LD Online.
http://www.ldonline.org/

This interactive guide to learning disabilities is useful for parents, teachers, and children. Resources include new information in the field of learning disabilities, as well as a comprehensive listing of national and state organizations and professionals. Special Education teachers can find information on teaching strategies for a variety of subject areas, learn about assessment issues, inclusion, ADHD, technology, and interacting with parents. Teachers may also locate LD books and resources, print out games and activities, read articles, get math help for a student, do research, find answers in the abc’s of LD, and learn more about specific problems. The KidZone link offers special help just for the LD student.

National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc.
http://ncld.org/

The National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc.'s Web site offers links to professional organizations, information guides on specific disabilities, and resources relating to assessment, testing issues, and placement of students with learning disabilities. Learn about LD, study research and find helpful resources regarding policy, legislation, and advocacy.

 

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Mental Handicaps

American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)
http://www.aamr.org/

The American Association on Mental Retardation's Web site offers information on legislation, policies, upcoming events, and advocacy for individuals with mental retardation. Also locate media coverage of disability issues and full-text journal articles from their three publications.

J. P. Das Developmental Disabilities Centre
http://www.ualberta.ca/~jpdasddc/INDEX.html

This page is part of the Web site that is published by the University of Alberta in Canada. Access links to the Developmental Disabilities Bulletin, information from the International coalition on Abuse and Disability, information on inclusion, human ethics, and other Web sites related to developmental disabilities.

Down Syndrome Information Network
http://www.downsnet.org/

The Down Syndrome Information Network is a charity, based in the United Kingdom that works to advance the development and education of individuals with Down syndrome. This site offers published materials, training to promote effective intervention techniques, and links to research and effective strategies for overcoming the challenges facing children with Down syndrome. 

 

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Inclusion / Lesson Plans / Classroom Management

Inclusive Education Web Site
http://www.uni.edu/coe/inclusion/

Produced by the Renaissance Group, which is working to reform teacher education, this site offers a "how to" of inclusive education. Topics discussed at this site cover many FAQs regarding inclusion, as well as teaching strategies, financial considerations, and legal requirements. This site also provides links to other resources, both in print and on the Internet.

Inclusion, Participation, and Democracy.  Electronic Resource.  2003.
Kodak Special Education Lesson Plans
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/consumer/education/lessonPlans/indices/specialEducation.shtml

This site includes special education lesson plans that use photography as a learning resource and enhancer. There are also links to a Digital Learning Center that serves as a handbook for technology use in the classroom. The handbook is full of fun and useful ideas that would enhance any special education classroom.

Preparing for Inclusive Teaching.  Electronic Resource.  2005.
Special Needs Education Network
http://www.schoolnet.ca/home/e/

The Special Needs Education Network (SNE) operates under the auspices of SchoolNet, a cooperative initiative of Canada's provincial, territorial, and federal governments in consultation with educators, universities, colleges, and industry. At this Web site, SNE provides Internet resources for teachers, parents, organizations, schools, other professionals, and institutions involved in educating students with special needs. The full range of SNE services are provided free of charge to anyone with Internet access.

 

Teachers Helping Teachers
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/SpecialEducation.html

This is a free, non-profit service. It costs nothing to access the information and no money is made from teachers who contribute. Materials are updated weekly during the school year. Information includes carefully selected educational links and teacher contributed lesson plans in all major subject areas.

 

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Journals

The following is a partial list of journals available on the second floor of the UWF library.

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Prepared by Ron Toifel, Former Education Librarian
& Jeannie Kamerman, Director, Curriculum Library
University of West Florida Library
Date Last Updated: April 2007