Links
One of the greatest things we can
do is share our experience and
knowledge with others. Each of
these agencies/services has a
valuable service that should be
shared. If you would like to be listed
on this page or know of a service
that should be listed, please use
the contact page and let us know!
One of the greatest things we can
do is share our experience and
knowledge with others. Each of
these agencies/services has a
valuable service that should be
shared. If you would like to be listed
on this page or know of a service
that should be listed, please use
the contact page and let us know!
Here are some links to various services and
organizations that may be of interest to you or
your family.
Adapted Recreation (city of Tempe)
Westside Multigenerational Center
715 West Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
Tel: (480) 858-2469
Website: www.tempe.gov/adaptedrecreation
Description: They have a lot of cool activities like
dances and bingo nights at the Pyle Adult Center
655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, 85282. Second fridays of
each month - dances $3 admission. First Fridays of each
month - Bingo night $2 admission. Activities start at 6:30.
Arizona Department of Education
1535 West Jefferson Street, Bin 2
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Tel: (602) 542-3813
Fax: (602) 542-544
Website: www.ade.state.az.us
Description: Department of Education for Arizona's
website. Contains newsletters, information about
educational programs and the goals for the upcoming
years for Arizona schools.
Arizona Office for Americans with
Disabilities
100 North 15th Avenue, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-6276
Fax: (602) 543-6163
Website: www.know-the-ada.com
Contact: Denise Thompson, Executive Director
Description: Provides information, referrals and training
to state employees and to the public and private sectors.
Also serves as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Coordinator for the State of Arizona.
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the
Hard of Hearing
1400 W. Washington, Room 126, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-3323
Fax: (602) 542-3380
Tel: (602) 364-0990 TTY
Web site: www.acdhh.org
Contact: Christi Samaniego, Information Resource
Coordinator
Description: Provides information and referral regarding
deaf and hard of hearing issues. Also has an equipment
distribution program for hearing and speech impaired
individuals.
Bart Stevens Special Needs Planning, LLC
8687 E. Via de Ventura, Suite 213, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Tel: (480) 991-0909
(888) 447-2525
Fax: (480) 556-0714
E-mail: bart@bssnp.com
website: www.bssnp.com
Contact: Bart Stevens, Executive Director
Description: Assists families who have a loved one with
a disability plan for their future care, supervision and
security. Issues addressed include lifestyle, legal, financial
needs and
government benefits. Services are provided privately and in
group workshops. Services include the Special Needs
Trust.
BEARR (Baio Enterprises Autism Resource
Room) DW Higgins Institute
1805 E. Elliot, Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85284
Tel: (480) 413-0826 Fax: (480) 413-9365
Website: www.baioenterprises.com/bearrhome.htm
Contact: Wallace, Principal, or Marti Baio, Autism Class
Director
Description: Charter school with a K-5 autism
classroom developed to model a typical classroom,
mainstream children into least restrictive environment, and
understand the specific behavioral, communication, social
interaction, and sensory needs that interfere with learning
and are misunderstood in a typical school environment.
Childrens Choices
E-mail: childrenschoices@cox.net
Web site: www.childrenschoices.org
Description: Non-profit website created by a parent to
help support families having children with special needs.
Touches on topics such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory
Integration Disorder and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Also provides valuable information regarding support
groups, community resources, summer activities, applying
for financial assistance, school screenings and more!
Cool Cuts for Kids
756 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296
Tel: (480) 545-0272
Website: www.coolcuts4kids.com
Description: Haircuts for kids - experience with autism
and special needs children. 7 valley locations: see website
for listings.
Department of Economic Security
Division of Developmental Disabilities
(DES/DDD)
1990 W. Camelback Rd., Suite 308, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Tel: (602) 246-0546
Fax: (602) 246-0880
Website: www.azdes.gov/ddd
Contact: Please call for the District Program Manager
assigned to your area.
Description: Contacts with individuals or agencies to
provide services to eligible individuals. Services include
habilitation, respite, attendant care, transportation,
therapies and others. All services are based on assessed
need. Services are for people who are eligible for the
Arizona Long Term Care System; health care also is
provided.
DS Network
4025 E Chandler Blvd, Suite #70-E3, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Tel: (480) 759-9150
Fax: (480) 759-9180
Website: www.dsnetworkaz.org
Contact: Laura Chapnek
Description: DS Network of Arizona provides advocacy,
information, education, and networking for individuals with
Down Syndrome and their families. They are a very special
and amazing organization.
Emily Anderson Family Learning Center
1919 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Tel: (602) 546-1400
Fax: (602) 546-1409
E-mail: emilyc@phxchildrens.com
Website: www.phxchildrens.com/emilycenter
Contact: Teresa Boeger
Description: Pediatric consumer health library with
materials in English and Spanish. Books checked out for
three weeks, videos for one week. Staffed by nurses who
can research a health issue and mail to patrons.
Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona
P.O. Box 25084, Phoenix, AZ 85002
Tel: (602) 406-3581
Fax: (602) 406-6147
Website: www.Epilepsyfoundation.org/arizona
Contact: Mary Macleish
Description: Provides information about epilepsy,
support groups and educational seminars.
The Foundation for Blind Children
1235 E. Harmont Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Tel: (602) 331-1470
Fax: (602) 678-5819
E-mail: ctompkins@the-fbc.org
Website: www.the-fbc.org
Contact: Chris Tompkins, Executive Director
Description: A private, non-profit, United Way agency
providing education, counseling, media and technology
services to blind and visually impaired children, adults and
their families. Provides a comprehensive system of
services, which will optimize the blind or visually impaired
child's development and consequent opportunities to learn
to lead a meaningful and productive life.
Governor's Council on Developmental
Disabilities
1717 W. Jefferson St., Site Code 074Z, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-4049
Fax: (602) 542-5320
E-mail: gcdd@de.state.az.us
Web site: www.azgcdd.org
Contact: Amy Hyman
Description: Brings together persons with disabilities
representing Arizona's cultural diversity, their families and
community members to protect rights, eliminate barriers
and jointly promote equal opportunities and self
determination. Seeks to increase options through
statewide planning, advocacy, monitoring and community
action for public policy change.
Greater Phoenix Chapter Autism Society
of America
P.O. Box 10543, Phoenix, AZ 85064
Tel: (480) 940-1093
E-mail: gpcasa@hotmail.com
Web site: www.autism-society.org
Contact: Jim Adams, President
Description: Volunteer organization committed to
individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their
families. Helps individuals with autism become
participating members of their communities through
advocacy, public awareness, education and
autism-related research.
The Mental Health Association of Arizona
6411 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tel: (480) 994-4407
Fax: (480) 994-4744
Email: jsinclair@mhaarizona.org
Website: www.mhaarizona.org
Contact: Julieta J. Sinclair, Information and Referral
Coordinator
Description: The Mental Health Association of Arizona
promotes good mental health and works on behalf of all
people living with mental illness by advocating, educating
and shaping public policy.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
(NAMI-Arizona)
2110 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Tel: (602) 244-8166
Fax: (602) 244-9264
E-mail: azami@aol.com
Website: www.az.nami.org
Contact: Check website for local contacts.
Description: Resources and support for children and
family members whose lives are touched by mental illness
Classes/Presentations include "Visions for Tomorrow" and
"Parents and Teachers as Allies".
Phoenix Public Library: Special Needs
Center
1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel: (602) 261-8690
Fax: (602) 534-4520
E-mail: mmccain@phxlib.org
Website: www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Contact: Mimi McCain, Special Needs Center Supervisor
Description: Full service resource center. Includes
assistive technology, sign language workstation, DVS and
closed-captioned videos, large print children and adult
books. Toy lending service for parents and professionals
that work with special needs children.
Raising Special Kids
2400 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel: (602) 242-4366
(800) 237-3007
Fax: (602) 242-4306
Website: www.raisingspecialkids.org
Contact: Joyce Millard-Hoie, Executive Director
Description: A Parent Training and Information Center
for
families of children with disabilities and special health care
needs. A professional staff of parents and experienced
parent-to-parent volunteers, support families of children
and
youth in central and northern Arizona. Raising Special Kids
offers leadership development and training on
family-centered care for professionals in medicine,
education and social services. Information is available in
English or Spanish about local services, special education,
early intervention advocacy and special health care needs.
Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona
745 N Gilbert Rd #124
Gilbert AZ 85234
Tel: (480)-926-6500
Email: gina@sharingds.org
Website: www.sharingds.org
Contact: Gina Johnson
Description: Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona provides
an uplifting place where parents, families, and community
can share the joys and unique challenges of loving a
person with Down Syndrome. Monthly support meetings
are held to educate and to empower families lucky enough
to have a child with Down Syndrome.
Special Olympics Arizona
3816 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Tel: (602) 230-1200
Fax: (602) 230-1110
E-mail: soaz@saoz.org
Website: www.soaz.org
Contact: Chris Hite, Executive Director
Description: Sports training and competition
opportunities from volunteer community based
organizations. Individuals eligible 8 and older; considered
to have mental retardation and/or have closely related
developmental disabilities such as those who have
functional limitations, both in general learning and adaptive
skills such as recreation, work, independent living,
self-direction, or self-care. People with functional
limitations based solely on physical, behavioral, emotional,
specific learning or sensory disabilities are not eligible.
Starfall
Website: www.starfall.com
Description: Provides reading games and tools online.
They're fun and free!
organizations that may be of interest to you or
your family.
Adapted Recreation (city of Tempe)
Westside Multigenerational Center
715 West Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
Tel: (480) 858-2469
Website: www.tempe.gov/adaptedrecreation
Description: They have a lot of cool activities like
dances and bingo nights at the Pyle Adult Center
655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, 85282. Second fridays of
each month - dances $3 admission. First Fridays of each
month - Bingo night $2 admission. Activities start at 6:30.
Arizona Department of Education
1535 West Jefferson Street, Bin 2
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Tel: (602) 542-3813
Fax: (602) 542-544
Website: www.ade.state.az.us
Description: Department of Education for Arizona's
website. Contains newsletters, information about
educational programs and the goals for the upcoming
years for Arizona schools.
Arizona Office for Americans with
Disabilities
100 North 15th Avenue, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-6276
Fax: (602) 543-6163
Website: www.know-the-ada.com
Contact: Denise Thompson, Executive Director
Description: Provides information, referrals and training
to state employees and to the public and private sectors.
Also serves as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Coordinator for the State of Arizona.
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the
Hard of Hearing
1400 W. Washington, Room 126, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-3323
Fax: (602) 542-3380
Tel: (602) 364-0990 TTY
Web site: www.acdhh.org
Contact: Christi Samaniego, Information Resource
Coordinator
Description: Provides information and referral regarding
deaf and hard of hearing issues. Also has an equipment
distribution program for hearing and speech impaired
individuals.
Bart Stevens Special Needs Planning, LLC
8687 E. Via de Ventura, Suite 213, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Tel: (480) 991-0909
(888) 447-2525
Fax: (480) 556-0714
E-mail: bart@bssnp.com
website: www.bssnp.com
Contact: Bart Stevens, Executive Director
Description: Assists families who have a loved one with
a disability plan for their future care, supervision and
security. Issues addressed include lifestyle, legal, financial
needs and
government benefits. Services are provided privately and in
group workshops. Services include the Special Needs
Trust.
BEARR (Baio Enterprises Autism Resource
Room) DW Higgins Institute
1805 E. Elliot, Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85284
Tel: (480) 413-0826 Fax: (480) 413-9365
Website: www.baioenterprises.com/bearrhome.htm
Contact: Wallace, Principal, or Marti Baio, Autism Class
Director
Description: Charter school with a K-5 autism
classroom developed to model a typical classroom,
mainstream children into least restrictive environment, and
understand the specific behavioral, communication, social
interaction, and sensory needs that interfere with learning
and are misunderstood in a typical school environment.
Childrens Choices
E-mail: childrenschoices@cox.net
Web site: www.childrenschoices.org
Description: Non-profit website created by a parent to
help support families having children with special needs.
Touches on topics such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory
Integration Disorder and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Also provides valuable information regarding support
groups, community resources, summer activities, applying
for financial assistance, school screenings and more!
Cool Cuts for Kids
756 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296
Tel: (480) 545-0272
Website: www.coolcuts4kids.com
Description: Haircuts for kids - experience with autism
and special needs children. 7 valley locations: see website
for listings.
Department of Economic Security
Division of Developmental Disabilities
(DES/DDD)
1990 W. Camelback Rd., Suite 308, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Tel: (602) 246-0546
Fax: (602) 246-0880
Website: www.azdes.gov/ddd
Contact: Please call for the District Program Manager
assigned to your area.
Description: Contacts with individuals or agencies to
provide services to eligible individuals. Services include
habilitation, respite, attendant care, transportation,
therapies and others. All services are based on assessed
need. Services are for people who are eligible for the
Arizona Long Term Care System; health care also is
provided.
DS Network
4025 E Chandler Blvd, Suite #70-E3, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Tel: (480) 759-9150
Fax: (480) 759-9180
Website: www.dsnetworkaz.org
Contact: Laura Chapnek
Description: DS Network of Arizona provides advocacy,
information, education, and networking for individuals with
Down Syndrome and their families. They are a very special
and amazing organization.
Emily Anderson Family Learning Center
1919 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Tel: (602) 546-1400
Fax: (602) 546-1409
E-mail: emilyc@phxchildrens.com
Website: www.phxchildrens.com/emilycenter
Contact: Teresa Boeger
Description: Pediatric consumer health library with
materials in English and Spanish. Books checked out for
three weeks, videos for one week. Staffed by nurses who
can research a health issue and mail to patrons.
Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona
P.O. Box 25084, Phoenix, AZ 85002
Tel: (602) 406-3581
Fax: (602) 406-6147
Website: www.Epilepsyfoundation.org/arizona
Contact: Mary Macleish
Description: Provides information about epilepsy,
support groups and educational seminars.
The Foundation for Blind Children
1235 E. Harmont Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Tel: (602) 331-1470
Fax: (602) 678-5819
E-mail: ctompkins@the-fbc.org
Website: www.the-fbc.org
Contact: Chris Tompkins, Executive Director
Description: A private, non-profit, United Way agency
providing education, counseling, media and technology
services to blind and visually impaired children, adults and
their families. Provides a comprehensive system of
services, which will optimize the blind or visually impaired
child's development and consequent opportunities to learn
to lead a meaningful and productive life.
Governor's Council on Developmental
Disabilities
1717 W. Jefferson St., Site Code 074Z, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-4049
Fax: (602) 542-5320
E-mail: gcdd@de.state.az.us
Web site: www.azgcdd.org
Contact: Amy Hyman
Description: Brings together persons with disabilities
representing Arizona's cultural diversity, their families and
community members to protect rights, eliminate barriers
and jointly promote equal opportunities and self
determination. Seeks to increase options through
statewide planning, advocacy, monitoring and community
action for public policy change.
Greater Phoenix Chapter Autism Society
of America
P.O. Box 10543, Phoenix, AZ 85064
Tel: (480) 940-1093
E-mail: gpcasa@hotmail.com
Web site: www.autism-society.org
Contact: Jim Adams, President
Description: Volunteer organization committed to
individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their
families. Helps individuals with autism become
participating members of their communities through
advocacy, public awareness, education and
autism-related research.
The Mental Health Association of Arizona
6411 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tel: (480) 994-4407
Fax: (480) 994-4744
Email: jsinclair@mhaarizona.org
Website: www.mhaarizona.org
Contact: Julieta J. Sinclair, Information and Referral
Coordinator
Description: The Mental Health Association of Arizona
promotes good mental health and works on behalf of all
people living with mental illness by advocating, educating
and shaping public policy.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
(NAMI-Arizona)
2110 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Tel: (602) 244-8166
Fax: (602) 244-9264
E-mail: azami@aol.com
Website: www.az.nami.org
Contact: Check website for local contacts.
Description: Resources and support for children and
family members whose lives are touched by mental illness
Classes/Presentations include "Visions for Tomorrow" and
"Parents and Teachers as Allies".
Phoenix Public Library: Special Needs
Center
1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel: (602) 261-8690
Fax: (602) 534-4520
E-mail: mmccain@phxlib.org
Website: www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Contact: Mimi McCain, Special Needs Center Supervisor
Description: Full service resource center. Includes
assistive technology, sign language workstation, DVS and
closed-captioned videos, large print children and adult
books. Toy lending service for parents and professionals
that work with special needs children.
Raising Special Kids
2400 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel: (602) 242-4366
(800) 237-3007
Fax: (602) 242-4306
Website: www.raisingspecialkids.org
Contact: Joyce Millard-Hoie, Executive Director
Description: A Parent Training and Information Center
for
families of children with disabilities and special health care
needs. A professional staff of parents and experienced
parent-to-parent volunteers, support families of children
and
youth in central and northern Arizona. Raising Special Kids
offers leadership development and training on
family-centered care for professionals in medicine,
education and social services. Information is available in
English or Spanish about local services, special education,
early intervention advocacy and special health care needs.
Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona
745 N Gilbert Rd #124
Gilbert AZ 85234
Tel: (480)-926-6500
Email: gina@sharingds.org
Website: www.sharingds.org
Contact: Gina Johnson
Description: Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona provides
an uplifting place where parents, families, and community
can share the joys and unique challenges of loving a
person with Down Syndrome. Monthly support meetings
are held to educate and to empower families lucky enough
to have a child with Down Syndrome.
Special Olympics Arizona
3816 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Tel: (602) 230-1200
Fax: (602) 230-1110
E-mail: soaz@saoz.org
Website: www.soaz.org
Contact: Chris Hite, Executive Director
Description: Sports training and competition
opportunities from volunteer community based
organizations. Individuals eligible 8 and older; considered
to have mental retardation and/or have closely related
developmental disabilities such as those who have
functional limitations, both in general learning and adaptive
skills such as recreation, work, independent living,
self-direction, or self-care. People with functional
limitations based solely on physical, behavioral, emotional,
specific learning or sensory disabilities are not eligible.
Starfall
Website: www.starfall.com
Description: Provides reading games and tools online.
They're fun and free!
Scottsdale Office:
480-272-9557
6310 E Thomas #228
Scottsdale AZ 85251
Mesa Office:
480-306-6868
2135 E University #112
Mesa AZ 85213
Coolidge Office:
520-723-9630
345 W Central #1
Coolidge AZ 85228
Phoenix Office:
602-973-8119
2850 W Camelback #80
Phoenix AZ 85017
480-272-9557
6310 E Thomas #228
Scottsdale AZ 85251
Mesa Office:
480-306-6868
2135 E University #112
Mesa AZ 85213
Coolidge Office:
520-723-9630
345 W Central #1
Coolidge AZ 85228
Phoenix Office:
602-973-8119
2850 W Camelback #80
Phoenix AZ 85017