Below are helpful resource links:

CISE - Center for Innovations in Education
The Center for Innovations in Education (CISE) is a program of the University of Missouri-Columbia, College of Education. Our mission is to provide professional development services and resources to those who ensure all learners achieve their potential.

www.cise.missouri.edu


DESE - Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is a team of dedicated individuals working for the continuous improvement of education and services for all citizens. We believe that we can make a positive difference in the quality of life for all Missourians by providing exceptional service to students, educators, schools and citizens.

www.dese.mo.gov


DHSS - Department of Health & Senior Services
The Department of Health and Senior Services serves the citizens of Missouri by working to improve the health and quality of life for Missourians of all ages.

By providing information and education; effective regulation and oversight; quality services and surveillance of diseases and conditions, the department seeks to address these factors and fulfill its vision of healthy Missourians for life.

www.dhss.mo.gov


Missouri First Steps
First Steps offers coordinated services and assistance to young children with special needs and their families. First Steps is designed for children, birth to age 3, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities.

www.mofirststeps.com


National Association for Down Syndrome
NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home. Their pioneering efforts have made it easier for later generations of individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted by their families and communities, to develop their capabilities, and to work towards independence. Our mission is to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential in all aspects of community life. We offer information, support, and advocacy.

www.nads.org


Action for Autism
Support organization for Autism awareness.

www.action-for-autism.com


Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we've been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead.

www.autismspeaks.org