Welcome to the Special Parents Network

This site is created by, and dedicated to helping, Delware County, Ohio parents of kids with special needs, by offering support and resources to supplement all the wonderful assistance we already get through our county programs.

What This Site Offers

The main function of this site is to give parents a safe place to talk to other parents who understand what they're going through. You are never alone here, and every Delaware County parent of a child with special needs is always welcome!

  • Discussions - Online discussion forums allow parents and caregivers to connect at any time, day or night. Support staff, providers, or adults with special needs are welcome to join the forums as well, but only parents may access the parents-only forum
  • Parent Chats - A free online chat is available to allow parents to chat with each other in real time. These parent-only chats are scheduled to give parents a way to connect on a more personal level, and enable parents who can't easily get out of the house to still connect to other parents in their shoes.
  • Resources - Parent members can post information about any item, toy, device, etc. that they've found to be helpful to their child, to be displayed in an ever-growing resource list for parents. 100% of all affiliate commissions from these online links will be given to a nonprofit group that works with special needs individuals or used directly for site-sponsored events such as picnics or outings.
  • Reviews - Lists of providers, therapists and other support staff are displayed here. An integrated map gives parents easy access to driving directions, and parents can review these companies as well (reviews are only displayed to logged in members).
  • Events - Parent can view and add special needs related events.

Future Development

As time permits, the following or other features will be added based on parent input, to give parents some additional support. I'm programming all the pieces of the site, so any suggestions, comments or needs are highly encouraged!

  • Kids Area - Children who have limited communication abilities will be able to choose words and photos, type their name and other general data, and the system will create forum posts and/or emails to help them better communicate.
  • Learning Groups - Parents of school aged children can post books, materials and helpful hints that have helped them teach their children. This searchable list will serve to help other parents find easier solutions for learning. Book clubs based on individuals' reading abilities and interests can be formed by parents to encourage reading and collaboratively work out comprehension strategies. All ages and learning abilities will be welcomed; those individuals who cannot read can be read to, and activities planned to compliment the book.
  • Teleconferences - Teleconferences with video screen interactions (through GoToMeeting) will allow small parent groups to talk via phone conference and view new technologies to assist their children.
  • Expert Panels - Parents or others who have a lot of experience in one or more areas that relate to children with special needs will be encouraged to share those experiences with other members. Q & A forums allow parents to ask basic questions and share their stories.

Costs

Every part of this site is donated, and there will *never* be a cost for parents to participate on the site. This is developed as a resource to help parents, and it will always be made freely available to parents in Delaware County.

Help Needed

  • Ideas - Help us brainstorm other ideas for the site. All ideas are welcome and greatly appreciated!
  • Moderators - Pop in to the forum to welcome newcomers and make sure everyone is playing nice.
  • Experts - Do you have an area of expertise? Share your knowledge with other members.
  • Writers - If you can write well, help us develop the site text and storyboards for the kids' areas.
  • ??? - If you have any talents that you think might help the site help parents of kids with special needs, please let us know!