Where To Turn | Parents Inc

Revised August, 1999
Published September, 1999
Corrections made by PARENTS, Inc., December, 1999 Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
P.O. Box 240249, Anchorage, AK 99524-0249 (907) 269-8990 (Voice /TDD)
David Maltman, Executive Director

Where To Turn has been published for over a decade by the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education. The Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities provided funds to print additional copies of this booklet. Every effort has been made for this booklet to be all inclusive and we apologize to any groups, organizations, or agencies that may have been omitted. The Governor’s Council requests that any omissions or corrections please be brought to its attention.

This publication is available in large print or Braille by special request. Contact the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education.

About the Illustrations: The Governor’s Council is pleased to feature the artwork of Jimmy Kuku in this booklet. Mr. Kuku is from Quinhagak, Alaska. A hunter and fisher, he never drew or painted before his accident in 1988. He developed his technique of mouth painting while recovering from the accident. His work is available by contacting him at 3500 Hiland Drive, Anchorage AK 99504.

Information & Referral:
A Database of Statewide Community Resources for all Alaskans
Got a Question? We’ve Got Answers! www.ak.org 800-478-2221
24 hours a day!
Sponsors include State of Alaska DHSS, United Way, Provindence Alaska. AK Info is a registered trademark. All rights reserved 1999

About the Governor’s Council 4
Introduction 5
Family Support Services 8
Medical and Health Services 23
Educational Services 35
Behavioral Health for Young Children 54
Respite Services 59
Child Care Services 63
Home Health Aides, Chore Service Providers, and
Personal Care Attendants 66
Independent Living and Residential Services 71
Transition Services 82
Vocational Services 89
Assistive Technology 98
Transportation Services 102
Recreational Services 106
Legal and Protective Services 112
Guardianship Services 117
Financial Assistance 120
National Associations 128
Newsletters 137
Lending Libraries 139
Related Reading Materials 140
Internet Resources 144
Community Mental Health Centers 146
Division of Family and Youth Services 151
Division of Public Assistance 154
Index 156

About the Governor’s Council

Mission: Creating change that improves the lives of people with disabilities

The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education is responsible for planning, evaluating and promoting services to people who experience severe multiple disabilities and students enrolled in Special Education. The Council works with the Alaska Departments of Health and Social Services and Education and Early Development, and other organizations which deliver services. In collaboration with other advocates, The Council speaks out about the issues faced by people with disabilities and their families before the executive and legislative branches of the state government. The Council also governs the Special Education Service Agency and serves as the Interagency Coordinating Council on infants and toddlers with disabilities.

The Council is composed of up to 28 members appointed by the Governor. At least 51 percent are people who experience developmental disabilities, or their parents or guardians. The remaining members are representatives of state agencies concerned with services for people with disabilities or special education students; or representatives of public, local agencies, non-governmental agencies, or groups concerned with services to people with disabilities.
The U.S. Congress appropriates funds to the Council to implement the Developmental Disabilities Act. These funds are used to carry out responsibilities under the Act regarding people with developmental disabilities. There are approximately 11,000 people with developmental disabilities in Alaska.

The Council serves as the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC), which is the advisory council for statewide early intervention services to children birth to three years of age who have a disability or who are at risk for developing delays. The federal government mandates that each state have an ICC through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The Council uses a variety of strategies to meet its goals, including public information, legislation, administrative review, comprehensive planning, program monitoring and evaluation, and by funding special studies or service projects, such as the publication of this resource guide.

Introduction

ALASKA RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

This book has been prepared to help you find the resources that may be needed for a child or adult who experiences a physical, mental, or emotional disability. The listings in this book include a variety of agencies and organizations throughout the state of Alaska, as well as selected national groups, that offer direct services, information, and referrals.
If your child experiences a disability, it is important that you seek assistance as early as possible. Although skills development in a child with a disability may be slower than with other children, early assistance can make a substantial difference. As the parent of a child with a disability or as an adult with a disability, you may have many questions that are unanswered. The information in this book has been compiled to assist you in answering these questions either directly or by guiding you to a source that will.

The chapters have been arranged to lead you through questions you may have in your process.

There are many services available for individuals that experience a disability that they or their family may qualify for. It’s important to remember that application processes may take several weeks or months. The more you know about future needs, the better you will be able to plan for those needs. Knowing this, you will be in a better position to work with the different agencies so that you may receive the necessary services at the appropriate time.

One of the most important things you can do is keep good records on the family members with a disability. You will find that these records will be needed by many of the agencies and service providers with whom you come into contact. Having records readily available will ensure that there will be less delays in getting the services you need and are qualified for. Examples of records to keep on hand include: social security numbers of family members, records on family income and expenses, the name and related information of the medical diagnosis of the family member with a disability, doctors names with addresses and telephones, records and results of medical tests and therapies, and personal habits of the family member with a disability such as diet, feeding schedules, allergies, and behaviors.

All agencies and service providers will need some information about the individual with a disability before they can provide a service. Many public agencies offer services for free or for very low fees, and the amount of money they have to spend each year can vary due to legislative budgeting decisions. This means they may have very strict guidelines about who qualifies for services and they may need a lot of personal information. It’s a good idea to find out what information will be needed by each agency before you go in person to apply for a service. You might be turned down for services the first time you apply. It may be a good idea to ask the agency how to appeal the decision if you don’t think it was fair. It pays to be persistent.

You can be your own best advocate by asking questions, keeping records, and speaking out. Legislators usually want to know about the issues that are important to us. If you are aware of a gap in service or an issue you would like to raise with your elected official, call the Legislative Information Office (LIO) in your community. They can provide you with the names of your senator and representative and their address and phone numbers. The LIO can help you to send a Public Opinion Message (POM) to your legislator for no cost. The LIO can also tell you about bills being proposed and their current status. Before contacting your elected official, think about what you want to say. Many of the agencies or organizations that have been most helpful to you can also help you to become an advocate and even sometimes provide advocacy training.

On the national level there have been several recent changes to existing laws as well as the implementation of new laws that directly affect people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights bill that is very broad in its scope. It addresses equal access to public, and in some cases private, facilities; transportation; telecommunications; and employment. We will be experiencing the effects of the ADA for years to come as public transit systems gradually become wheelchair accessible through the purchase of new buses that must be lift-equipped; as telecommunications systems install TDDs (telecommunications devices for the deaf) and operators replace private relay services; and as businesses employ more people with disabilities made easier with new types of assistive technologies.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a new federal law which affects education in every state. It has three goals. The first is for every state to create and use a seamless system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The second is for each state to assist in coordinating payment for these services. This includes Medicaid and state funds, as well as insurance. The third goal is for states to improve the quality of early intervention services provided to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

In Alaska, the Healthy Alaskans Information Line (800) 478-2221 is a free information and referral service available to all Alaskans available 24 hours per day. Callers are connected with an Information and Referral Specialist who interviews the caller to determine their needs and then refers them to service providers of a wide range, including prenatal care and pregnancy support, health care and immunizations, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, nutrition services, family violence prevention services, counseling, financial assistance, services for people with disabilities, and more. Information is also available on the internet at www.ak.org. It is sponsored by the State of Alaska, DHSS, Section of Maternal Child and Family Health.

The long awaited Home and Community Based Waivers for persons with disabilities were implemented December 20, 1993 by the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Over a two and one half year period 150 people with developmental disabilities, 120 children with complex medical conditions, and 75 adults with physical disabilities will receive Home and Community Based services. Individuals may apply for these services by contacting the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Regional Program Specialist closest to them: Northern Regional Office, Fairbanks at (907) 451-6884; Southcentral Regional Office, Anchorage at (907) 561-4147; or the Southeastern Regional Office, Juneau at (907) 465-3370.

Agencies in this booklet are listed with addresses, phone numbers (both voice and TDD, where available) and FAX numbers where available. If you use a TDD and are attempting to reach an agency that does not have one, call (800) 478-TYPE (8973) for TDD to Voice relay. If you do not have a TDD and need to reach someone who does, call (800) 478-TALK (8255) for Voice to TDD relay. In either of these situations, you may also dial “0” for an operator who will patch your call through to the relay service.

Family Support Services

It’s not uncommon for people who experience disabilities, as well as their families, to experience frustration, anger, fear, loss, and helplessness when attempting to obtain services or coming to understand how a disability impacts one’s life. Fortunately, there are individuals, groups and organizations who have the benefit of experience which they can share through assistance in problem-solving, as well as offering emotional support and helping you to determine what help your family will need. These resources can often be found by looking in the phone book under Community Service Listings or through parent associations, agency advisory groups, church groups, and volunteer service organizations. Think about what lifestyle changes are needed for your family and how to accomplish them. Think about what situations are causing stress or frustration in order to find a way to deal with them. Plan what to do in advance; Don’t wait until you can’t take it any more. Planning for family time away from your child with disability, by using respite care services, may give your entire family a break and allow
attention to be paid to other family members.

As a person with a disability, you may want to obtain counseling services to assist you in processing your feelings. You may also want to contact agencies, such as centers for independent living, which are operated by people with disabilities and often offer peer counseling as part of their services. As a parent or other family member, you may also want to obtain counseling services to understand your feelings in having a family member with a disability and how that impact’s your life. You may want to learn new ways of providing training and moving through the educational process, as well as learning how to manage behavior. You may have to contact several organizations before you find the kind of service you want. Contact your community mental health center, community health aide, the Division of Family and Youth Services (see listings at the back of this book), your public health nurse, Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities regional developmental disabilities program specialist, centers for independent living, or private clinics which provide counseling services.

Local civic groups, service clubs, and churches may also be of help to you. For example, Quota Clubs provide hearing testing and equipment, Lions Clubs provide vision screening, and both the Quota and Lions Clubs help provide TDDs and closed captioning equipment for people who experience deafness or a hearing impairment.

It may be tempting to protect your child with special needs from the outside world, but in the long run, it can sometimes be better to slowly expose your child to new people and experiences. Starting when your child is very young can make it easier for him or her to adapt to changes later on and to learn life skills. Talk with other parents and professionals about what is normal behavior in order to determine if a response is necessary.

Military families can talk with their community or family service workers to find out about military or civilian programs and agencies to meet their particular needs. Assistance may also be obtained through:
Exceptional Family Member Program

USAF Hospital Elmendorf, SGHMMA, Elmendorf, AS 99506 PH: (907) 552-1517 FAX: (907) 552-8170

APVR-PA-CFA Bldg. 337, Ft. Richardson, AK 99505 PH: (907) 384-1501 FAX (907) 384-0282
Commander, USA MEDDAC, HSUC-PA,
Fort Wainwright, AK 99703 PH: (907) 353-6267

Family Advocacy Program/EFMP 3MDOS/ SGOHF 5955 Zeamer Ave, Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506
PH: (907) 552-5858

Listed below are a number of organizations and agencies around the state that can offer assistance. In some cases, you may have to check on whether or not there’s a local chapter of an organization near you. If none is available, there may be a national organization which can help. (See the listing of National Associations beginning on page 128.)
Some of these agencies listed will provide services directly, while others will be a source of information and referral.

When you contact an organization, you may want to ask if they provide any of the following information or services:
• National and local organizations
• Brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, or other informational materials
• Counseling—individual, parent, family, genetic, peer
• Discussion groups (for persons who experience a disability, parents, or other family members)

• Educational programs, including early intervention, preschool, and adult
• Home care, foster care, or nursing homes
• Independent living and residential services
• Assistive technology – adaptive equipment or modifications
• Legal assistance
• Financial assistance
• Parent and professional training courses
• Recreational programs
• Rehabilitation services
• Respite care services
• Child care services

The Alaska Federation of Natives and the Regional Health Corporations can provide a variety of social, financial, and health services, as well as referrals to other agencies.
Alaska Federation of Natives, Inc.
1577 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 274-3611 FAX: (907) 276-7989

Regional Health Corporations Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association
401 E. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503 PH: (907) 276-2700 FAX: (907) 276-4894
Bristol Bay Native Association
P.O. Box 310, Dillingham, AK 99576 PH: (907) 842-4140
Chugachmiut
4201 Tudor Centre Suite 210, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 562-4155 FAX: (907) 563-2891
Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.
670 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 265-5900 FAX (907) 265-5996 TDD: (907) 265-5945
http://www.citc.com
Copper River Native Association
Drawer H. Copper Center, AK 99573
PH: (907) 822-5241 FAX: (907) 822-5247

Eastern Aleutian Tribes
P.O. Box 527, Sand Point, AK 99661 PH: (907) 383-5421 FAX (907) 383-5420
Kawerak, Inc.
P.O. Box 948, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-5231 Toll Free (800) 450-4341
Kodiak Area Native Association
3449 E. Rezanoff, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-9800 FAX (907) 486-9898 Tollfree (800) 478-5721
Maniilaq Association DD Program
P.O. Box 256, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-7635 FAX: (907) 442-7678 Toll Free (800) 478-3312
Email [email protected]
Metlakatla Indian Community
P. O. Box 439, Metlakatla, AK 99926
PH: (907) 886-6601 FAX: (907) 886-6976
North Slope Borough Health & Social Services Agency
P O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-0270 FAX: (907) 852-0357
Norton Sound Health Corporation
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-3298 FAX: (9O7) 443-3741
Southcentral Foundation
670 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 265-4900 FAX: (907) 265-5925 Tollfree (800) 478-3343
Tanana Chiefs Conference
l22 1st Avenue, Suite 600, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-8251 FAX (907) 459-3883 TTY/TDD (907) 459-3844
Toll Free (800) 478-6822
Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
320 W. Willoughby Avenue, Suite 300, Juneau, AK 99801
PH (907) 586-l432 FAX (907) 586-8970
Village Council Presidents, Association of
P.O. Box 219, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-7300 FAX: (907) 543-3596

Access Alaska produces the Alaska Resource Manual, a statewide listing of human services agencies, on a biannual basis. They are a center for independent living, operated by people with disabilities. Contact the Anchorage office for more information. Their toll free number is 800-478-4488
Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association
1057 W. Fireweed Ln Suite 102, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 276-4880 FAX: (907) 263-2051
email: [email protected] www.alaskanaids.org
Alaska Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Statewide offices listing on page 149.
Alaska Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired
210 Charteris Street, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-6342
Alaska Association of the Deaf
1345 Rudakof Circle, Suite 107, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 333-8501/8515 FAX (907) 333-7510 TDD: (907) 333-7545
Alaska Center for Blind Adults
3903 Taft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH/TDD: (907) 248-7770 FAX: (907) 248-7517
Toll Free (800) 770-7517 Email [email protected] http://www.alaskablind.com

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center The Arc of Anchorage
731 Gambell Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-3456 FAX (907) 279-0341 TDD: (907) 258-2232
Tollfree (800) 770-3456 (outside Anchorage)

ACCA
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4003 FAX (907) 456-6124 TDD: (907) 456-2640
email: [email protected]

Alaska Foster Parent Training Center Northern Regional Office
751 Old Richardson Hwy Suite 202, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 479-7307 Toll Free: (800) 478-7307
Email [email protected] http//www.mosquitonet.com/~afptc
Southcentral Regional Office
P.O. Box 200427 / 880 H St. #103, Anchorage, AK 99520-0427
PH: (907) 279-1799
Southeastern Regional Office
3036 Vintage Blvd, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-5993
Ketchikan Office
3050 Fifth Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99801
PH: (907) 225-4135 FAX: (907) 247-4135
Alaska Kidney Center
7231 Kiska Circle, Anchorage, AK 99504
PH: (907) 563-3149
Alaska Mental Health Association
4045 Lake Otis Parkway, #209, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-0880 FAX: (907) 563-0881 Toll Free (800) 478-0880
Email [email protected] www.alaska.net/~mhaa

For a complete listing of Community Mental Health Centers, please turn to page 146.
Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1901 S. Bragaw, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH/TTY: (907) 787-3028 FAX (907) 787-3814
TTY Message: (907) 787-3815
Alzheimer’s Association Alaska Chapter
Provides support, information, referral, education, in-home respite and advocacy statewide for frail elders and those with Alzheimer’s

Disease or related disorders, and their family and professional caregivers. Web site www.alz.org
Anchorage and Statewide Services
240 E. Tudor Rd. Suite 110, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-3313 FAX: (907) 561-3315
Toll Free (800) 478-1080
Caregiver Information System – 24 hour prerecorded messages (907) 561-3322 or Toll Free (800) 478-2022
Fairbanks
P.O. Box 72791, Fairbanks, AK 99707 PH: (907) 452-2277
Juneau/Southeast Senior Services
3200 Hospital Drive Suite 104A, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 586-6044 FAX (907) 586-6084
Email [email protected]
American Cancer Society, Alaska Area
1057 West Fireweed, Ste. 204, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 277-8696 FAX: (907) 263-2073
Contact the Division Office for the local American Cancer Society Unit nearest you. Units are operated by volunteers and have mailing addresses only, so they are not listed here.
American Diabetes Association – Alaska Affiliate
801 W. Fireweed, #103, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 272-1424 FAX: (907) 272-1428 Tollfree (800) DIABETES
Http://www.diabetes.org email [email protected]
American Heart Association
Alaska Affiliate/Anchorage Division
1057 W. Fireweed Suite 206, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 263-2044 FAX (907) 263-2045 Tollfree (888) 276-0858
Fairbanks Division
P.O. Box 71164, Fairbanks, AK 99707-1164 PH: (907) 456-3659 FAX: (907) 456-7563
Anchorage Area Joint Sight
802 N. Bunn, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-3056

Anchorage Stroke Club
3719 Arctic Boulevard, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-7325 FAX: (907) 563-7325
The Arc of Anchorage
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Bethel Community Services
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 & (800) 943-2762 FAX: (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]
602 Dock St #105, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-6960 & (800) 247-6960 FAX: (907) 223-6960
8800 Glacier #108B, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 790-3650 & (800) 790-3650 FAX: (907) 790-3651

Center for Psychosocial Development Family Resource Specialist Project
2330 Nichols Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 272-8270 FAX: (907) 274-4802

Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (Ch.A.A.D.) Juneau
P.O. Box 32340, Juneau, AK 99803-2340 PH: (907) 789-4949 FAX: (907) 789-4372
Anchorage
P.O. Box 210889, Anchorage, AK 99521-0889 PH: (907) 566-7400
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 420 Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3891 FAX: (907) 826-3892
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 1128, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4099 FAX: (907) 772-4098 Email [email protected]
Community Mental Health Centers
Please see listings on page 146.
Deaf Community Services
475 Hall St., Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-5913 FAX: (907) 456-2604 TTY: (907) 451-4889
Toll Free (800) 847-0939
Email [email protected] www.ptialaska.net/~padcs

Department of Veterans Affairs Anchorage Office
2925 DeBarr Rd., Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 257-4700 Toll Free (800) 829-4033
Managed Care Office Office
P.O. Box 20069, Juneau, AK 99802 709 W. 9th St #263
PH: (907) 586-7472 FAX: (907) 586-7469 Tollfree (888) 308-7890
Division of Family and Youth Services
Please see listings on page 151.
Easter Seal Alaska, Inc.
126 W. 15th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 277-7325 (SEAL) FAX: (907) 272-7325 (SEAL)
Epilepsy Association of Southeastern Alaska
9202 Emily Way, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 789-3236
Epilepsy Society of Anchorage/ Brain Injury Association of Alaska
1251 Muldoon Rd Suite 32, Anchorage, AK 99504
PH: (907) 338-9800 (888) 945-HEAD FAX/TTY: (907) 338-9801
http://www.alaska.net/~drussell/bia-ak
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road, Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171

Family Centered Services of Alaska
620 Fifth Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 474-0890 FAX: (907) 474-3621
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Program (FNA/RCAOA)
3100 S. Cushman, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-1101 FAX: (907) 456-4849
Email [email protected]

FOCUS, Inc. (Family Outreach Ctr for Understanding Special Needs)
P.O. Box 671750, Chugiak, AK 99567-1750 PH: (907) 688-0282 FAX: (907) 688-2013 Email [email protected]
Geneva Woods Health Care Services.
501 W. International Airport Rd Suite 1A, Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 565-6100 & (800) 478-0005 FAX: (907) 565-6112
Head Injury Support Group, Alaska
3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH: (907) 248-4777 & (800) 770-4488 FAX: (907) 248-0639
TDD: (907) 248-4777 Email [email protected]
3550 Airport Rd #3, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH/TTY: (907) 479-7940 FAX: (907) 474-4052
Hope Community Resources, Inc.
http://www.hopealaska.org
Anchorage/Southcentral
540 W. International Rd., Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 561-5335 FAX: (907) 564-7429 TDD: (907) 564-7445
Bristol Bay/Dillingham
P.O. Box 715, Dillingham, AK 99576
Toll Free: (800) 478-2117 FAX: (907) 842-5007
Email [email protected]
Kodiak/Aleutian Region
1623 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-5011 FAX: (907) 486-5019

Seward
P.O. Box 1933, Seward, 99664
PH: (907) 224-3540 FAX: (907) 224-2063
Southeast
9109 Mendenhall Mall Rd Suite 5-D, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 463-3602 FAX: (907) 463-3605
Horizons Unlimited Incorporated
P.O. Box 1310 / 310 Egan St. Suite 220, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-4504/2025/2024 FAX: (907) 835-4527
Interpreter Referral Line
Anchorage – The Arc of Anchorage
731 Gambell, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 277-DEAF FAX: (907) 279-0341 TDD: (907) 277-0735
Toll Free (800) 770-3456 Email [email protected]
Fairbanks
475 Hall Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-5913 FAX: (907) 456-2604 TDD: (907) 451-4889
Tollfree (800) 847-0939
Juneau
P.O. Box 35097 / 2490 Industrial Blvd., Juneau, AK 99803-5097 PH: (907) 789-9665 FAX: (907) 789-9747 Toll Free (800) 478-7245

Learning Disabilities Association of Alaska
P.O Box 242762, Anchorage, AK 99524-2762 PH: (907) 279-1662 http://www.ldonline.org/finding_help/local/
Lupus Foundation of America – Alaska Chapter, Inc.
P.O. Box 240628, Anchorage, AK 99524-0628
PH: (907) 338-6332 FAX: (907) 345-0695 Tollfree (800) 307-5878
Email [email protected]

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation State Chapter/Anchorage Office
255 Fireweed Suite 102, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 276-4111 FAX: (907) 276-3375 Tollfree (800) 478-5245
http://www.modimes.org
email: [email protected]
Northern Division
1949 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-6723 FAX: (907) 456-2079
Tongass Division
516 Stedman St, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6629
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Alaska
1838 West Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH: (907) 276-2131 In AK (800) 478-5683 FAX: (907) 276-0946
National Down Syndrome Congress – Alaska Chapter
P.O. Box 241886, Anchorage, AK 99524-1886 PH: (907) 694-2545
National Federation of the Blind of Alaska
P.O. Box 210328, Anchorage, AK 99521-0328 PH: (907) 566-2620 Tollfree (800) 478-3775
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alaska Division
511 W. 41st Avenue, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 563-1115 FAX: (907) 562-6673 Tollfree (800) 344-4867
www.nmss.org
Norton Sound Community Mental Health Center – DD Program
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-5206 FAX: (907) 443-3139

PARENTS, Inc.
Anchorage Parent Resource Center
4743 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 337-7678 & (800) 478-7678 FAX: (907) 337-7671
TDD: (907) 337-7629
http://www.parentsinc.org E-mail: [email protected]
Mat-Su Parent Resource Center
PO Box 874243, Wasilla, AK 99645
PH: (907) 745-1901 FAX: (907) 745-1902
Toll Free (800) 745-1901
Southwestern Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 1142, Dillingham 99576
PH: (907) 842-1380 FAX: (907) 842-1381
Toll Free (888) 842-1379 Email [email protected]
Western Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 162, Aniak, AK 99557
PH/FAX: (907) 675-4434 & (800) 981-2833
Interior Parent Resource Center
535 Second Ave Suite 103C, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-6770 & (888) 456-6770 FAX: (907) 451-1169
Juneau Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 32613, Juneau, AK 99803-2613 PH/TDD: (907) 586-6171 FAX: (907) 586-6433
Toll Free (888) 837-5537 Email [email protected]
Pilot Parents
118 Kathryn, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-7439
email: [email protected]
Psychology Resources
2600 Denali Suite 302, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 272-4407 FAX: (907) 272-4463
REACH, Inc.
P.O. Box 34197, Juneau, AK 99803-4197 PH/TDD: (907) 586-8228 FAX: (907) 586-8226

Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) Juneau
P.O. Box 35097, Juneau, AK 99803-5097
PH/TDD: (907) 789-9665 FAX: (907) 789-9747 (800) 478-7245
Email [email protected]
Ketchikan
1621 Tongass Avenue, Suite 205, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-4735 FAX: (907) 225-4753
Email [email protected]
Sitka
210 Lake St #A, Sitka, AK 99835-7561 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6859 FAX: (907) 747-6783
Email [email protected]
Salvation Army, Alaska Division Headquarters
143 E. 9th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 PH: (907) 276-2515 FAX: (907) 276-1424
Southeast Regional Resource Center
210 Ferry Way, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801
PH/TDD: (907) 586-6806 FAX: (907) 463-3811
Stone Soup Group
2401 E. 42nd Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 561-3701 FAX: (907) 562-2409
email: [email protected] www.stonesoupgroup.org
Valdez Counseling Center
P.O. Box 1050, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-2838 FAX: (907) 835-5927
Veterans Resource Centers
4201 Tudor Center Drive, Suite 115, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-6966 FAX: (907) 561-7183
529 E. 5th Avenue, #102, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4238 FAX: (907) 456-0475
445 Coral, Kenai AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-5205 FAX: (907) 283-5406
851 E. Westpoint Dr., #111, Wasilla, AK 99687
PH: (907) 376-4318 FAX: (907) 373-1883

A final note: If you are unable to find the type of support group you want in your community, you might consider starting one yourself. Use other resources in your community as a model and for gathering information about how to develop your own group.

Medical & Health Services

There are a variety of medical and health services available for children and adults who experience a disability. Check with your doctor, public health clinic, community health aide, or with programs for people with disabilities (such as Access Alaska, SAIL, Alaska Center for Blind Adults, or Alaska Center for Deaf Adults – all listed in the Family Support chapter) to find out what specific medical services exist in your community for people with disabilities.

Early detection services are designed to determine if your child has a developmental delay that requires special attention. An early diagnosis will allow you not only to get the special medical attention needed, but also to start making appropriate plans for education, parent training, and other services. There are both private diagnostic services for which you or your insurance company must pay, and public services, which are available at low or no cost to those who qualify. Many publicly funded programs require a specific diagnosis in order to qualify for services, so it is important that a diagnosis be made as soon as possible.

If your child has been diagnosed with a disabling condition, be sure to ask questions of your health care providers that will allow you to understand the diagnosis across all functional areas, such as physical movement, coordination, dexterity, speech, hearing, eyesight, learning ability, etc. Ask about special needs related to the diagnosis, such as special diet, medication, and side effects. You will need to decide how to explain the diagnosis to family members, others, and even the child themselves at some point. Most agencies and service providers, and sometimes support groups have booklets or pamphlets which explain different types of medical conditions in terms that are easier to understand. Now would be a good time to talk with other parents who have children with a similar diagnosis.
Audiology is a field of research devoted to the study of hearing, especially impaired hearing that cannot be corrected by medical means. Evaluations are performed of a person’s ears and hearing if a hearing impairment is suspected or if a person is at known risk for hearing loss. Assistive technology is available as a means of assisting people with a hearing impairment communicate with others. Please refer to the chapter on Assistive Technology for additional information.

Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis Treatment (EPSDT) is a Medicaid program with a holistic approach to medical care. EPSDT provides preventative medical screening for persons who are Medicaid eligible from birth to 21 years of age. The main goal of the program is prevention as a method of good health, although services are also provided when illness occurs. EPSDT services are available through any private physician or clinic which accepts Medicaid. Look in your phone directory under local government listings for a public health clinic or under State of Alaska, Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) to find a listing of who will accept Medicaid in your community or contact the DHSS listing below if there are problems in locating an office.

Infant Learning Programs are programs which provide educational and sometimes medical services to children from birth to age three. Services are holistically-oriented to include mental, emotional and physical needs. A complete listing of programs can be found in the chapter on Educational Services. They are mentioned here because they are a good place to begin a holistic approach to a child’s well-being. Infant Learning Programs are an excellent source for information and referrals.

Occupational Therapy is a subdivision of physical medicine in which a person with a disability or a convalescing patient is trained or retrained in vocational skills and daily activities. Programs of treatment are designed to meet specific needs of the individual.

Physical Therapy is the treatment of disorders through physical methods designed to assist in rehabilitation and restoration of physical functioning due to an illness, accident or developmental disability. Methods of treatment may include massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy and electronic stimulation.
Prosthetics and Orthotics are a part of the professional rehabilitation team working with the patient, physician, physical and/or occupational therapists to help each patient develop to his or her maximum potential by custom design. It may include fabrication and fitting of artificial limbs and bracing.

Speech and Language Therapy is the treatment of communication disorders. It involves a series of activities designed to meet specific goals. Activities may include modifying behavior (such as speech rate), relearning skills lost due to disability, or augmenting oral communication (for example, through the use of communication boards or sign language). Genetics Counseling and Services offer genetic evaluations for families with inherited diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, or birth defects. This can be very important if a family member with a disability wants to have children. They can discuss hereditary factors and odds and options available. They can provide technical information and continuing education to health care providers on genetic diseases, DNA testing and such. For more information contact the DHSS Section of Maternal, Child and Family Health listed below.

Home and Community Based Waivers were implemented December 20, 1993 by the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Over a two and one half year period 150 people with developmental disabilities, 120 children with complex medical conditions and 75 adults with physical disabilities will receive Home and Community Based Waiver services. Individuals may apply for Home and Community Based Waiver services by contacting the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities regional program specialist office nearest them.

TEFRA Option (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) is a process for a child living in their parent’s home to become Medicaid eligible even if the family is not otherwise eligible for assistance. There are very strict guidelines and limited funding available, but the TEFRA Option has allowed many children with disabilities to receive the health care they need and stay with their family. The child must require the level of care necessary for admission for a hospital, nursing home, or an ICF/MR. Under this option, only the disabled child’s income will be used to determine Medicaid eligibility. Individuals can apply for the TEFRA Option at their local Division of Public Assistance Office or the nearest regional program specialist office within the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Southeastern Regional Office
350 Main Street, P.O. Box 110620, Juneau, AK 99811-0620
PH: (907) 465-3370 & (800) 465-4828 FAX: (907) 465-2668
TDD: (907) 465-2225
The following centers and agencies may be of help in diagnosing disabilities or providing direction for diagnosis and treatment.

STATE AGENCIES
Department of Health and Social Services Section of Maternal, Child and Family Health 1231 Gambell Street, Anchorage, AK 9950l
PH: (907) 269-3400 FAX: (907) 269-3414

Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs
1231 Gambell, Suite 409, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-3481 FAX: (907) 269-3465

Communicative Disorders Program Fairbanks Regional Office
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH & TDD: (907) 452-6291 FAX: (907) 452-5504/452-8067

Norton Sound Health Corporation, Audiology Dept.
P.O. Box 966. Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-3311 FAX: (907) 443-3139

Tuberculosis Control Program, Sect. of Epidemiology
P.O. Box 240249, Anchorage, AK 99524 PH: (907) 269-8000 FAX: (907) 563-7868

, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Audiology Program Bethel Public Health Office
P.O. Box 287, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-6466 FAX: (907) 543-6513

NATIVE HEALTH SERVICES

Alaska Native Health Board
4201 Tudor Centre #105, Anchorage, AK 99508-5914
PH: (907) 562-6006 FAX: (907) 563-2001

Native Health Services – Alaska Area
4141 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 729-1305

REGIONAL HEALTH CORPORAT1ONS

Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association

401 E. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage. AK 99503 PH: (907) 276-2700 FAX: (907) 276-4894

Bristol Bay Health Corporation
P.O. Box 130, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-5201 FAX: (907) 842-9354 Toll Free (800) 478-520l

Chugachmiut
4201 Tudor Centre, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 562-4155 FAX: (907) 563-2891
Copper River Native Association
Drawer H, Copper Center, AK 99573
PH: (907) 822-5241 FAX: (907) 822-5247
Kodiak Area Native Association
3449 E. Rezanoff, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-9800 FAX (907) 486-9898 Tollfree (800) 478-5721
Maniilaq Association
P.O. Box 256, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3311 FAX (907) 442-7825 Toll Free (800) 478-9771
Metlakatla Indian Community
P. O. Box 439, Metlakatla, AK 99926
PH: (907) 886-6601 FAX: (907) 886-6976
North Slope Borough Health & Social Services Agency
P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-0260 FAX: (907) 852-0268
Norton Sound Health Corporation
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-3311 FAX: (907) 443-3139
Southcentral Foundation
670 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 265-4900 FAX: (907) 265-5925 Tollfree (800) 478-3343
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Corporation
3245 Hospital Drive, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 463-4000 FAX: (907) 463-4075
Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc.
122 First Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-8251 FAX: (907) 459-3883 TTY/TDD: (907) 459-3844
Toll Free (800) 459-3844

Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
P.O. Box 528, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-6300 FAX: (907) 543-6006
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

Alaska Genetics and Birth Defects Clinics Anchorage
1231 Gambell, Anchorage, AK 99501-4627
PH: (907) 269-3400 FAX: (907) 269-3465

Juneau
Public Health Center
3412 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-3353
Ketchikan
3054 5th Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-4350 FAX: (907) 247-0978
Sitka – Public Health Nursing Clinic
210 Moller Street, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-3255 FAX: (907) 747-5141
Email [email protected]
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center
1217 East 10th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 257-4600 FAX: (907) 257-4654 TDD: (907) 279-8501
3546 LaTouche, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 562-9229 FAX: (907) 562-1603 TTY (907) 279-9501

3509 Mountain View Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504 TTY (907) 279-8501
Anchorage Public Health Nurse
825 L Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 343-4605/4735
Bethel Public Health Center
P.O. Box 1048, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-6530 FAX: (907) 543-6536
Craig Public Health Center
Box 130, Craig, AK 99921

PH: (907) 826-3433 FAX: (907) 826-3435
Email [email protected]
Dillingham Public Health Center & Itinerant Nursing
P.O. Box 1489, Dillingham, AK 99576 PH: (907) 842-5981
Fairbanks Regional Public Health Center
1025 W. Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4541
PH: (907) 452-1776 FAX: (907) 451-1611(clinic)/451-1666 (admin.)
Toll Free: (800) 478-1777
Fort Yukon Public Health Center
P.O. Box 316, Fort Yukon, AK 99740 PH: (907) 662-2460 FAX: (907) 662-2709
Galena Itinerant – Interior Region
P.O. Box 64, Galena, AK 99741
PH: (907) 656-1200 FAX: (907) 656-1769
Glennallen Public Health Center
P.O. Box 217, Glennallen, AK 99588 PH: (907) 822-3209
Haines Public Health Center
Box 717, Haines, AK 99827
PH: (907) 766-3300
Homer Public Health Center
195 E. Bunnell Avenue, Suite C, Homer, AK 99603 PH: (907) 235-8857
Iliuliuk Family & Health Services
P.O. Box 144, Unalaska.AK 99685
PH: (907) 581-1202 FAX: (907) 581-2331
Email [email protected]
Juneau Public Health Center
3412 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-3353 FAX: (907) 465-3389
Kenai Public Health Center
210 Fidalgo, Room 102, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-4871 Toll Free (800) 770-4871

Ketchikan Public Health Center
3054 Fifth Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-4350 FAX:(907) 247-0978 Email [email protected]
Kodiak Public Health Center
316 Mission Road, Room 207, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-3319

Maniilaq Association – Public Health Nursing
P.O. Box 170, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3311 FAX: (907) 442-7825 Toll Free (800) 478-9771

Mat-Su Public Health Center
634 S. Bailey Street Suite 101, Palmer, AK 99645
PH: (907) 745-4258 FAX: (907) 745-4262

1830 E. Parks Hwy #A134, Wasilla, AK 99654 PH: (907) 376-2437 FAX (907) 376-3096
McGrath Health Center
P.O. Box 10, McGrath, AK 99627 PH: (907) 524-3299
Nome Health Center
P.O. Box 1710, Nome, AK, 99762
PH: (907) 443-3221 FAX: (907) 443-4869

North Slope Borough Health & Social Services Agency – Public Health Nursing
P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 842-5201 FAX:(907) 842-9354 Toll Free (800) 478-5201

Petersburg Public Health Center
P.O. Box 377, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4611

Seward Health Center
P.O. Box 810, Seward, AK 99664 PH: (907) 224-5567

Sitka Health Center/Itinerant
210 Moller Street, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-3255

Tok Public Health Center
P.O. Box 186, Tok, AK 99780-4102
PH: (907) 883-4101 FAX: (907) 883-4102

Valdez/Cordova Itinerant
P.O. Box 950, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-4612

Wrangell Public Health Center
P.O. Box 379, Wrangell, AK 99929
PH: (907) 874-3615 FAX: (907) 874-2991
Email [email protected]
PRIVATE SERVICES ACCA
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4003 FAX (907) 456-6124 TDD: (907) 456-2640
email: [email protected]

Alaska Orthopedics Inc..
2028 E. Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, AK 99508 PH: (907) 279 4832
Columbia Alaska Regional Hospital Neonatal/Perinatal Services
2801 DeBarr Road, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 2761131 FAX: (907) 264-1143
Denali Center
1510 19th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 458-5100 FAX: (907) 458-5151 TDD: (907) 458-5050
Denali Home Health
3935 Reka Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504
PH: (907) 272-1275 FAX: (907) 272-1311
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Neonatal/Perinatal Services
1650 Cowles Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 458-5224 FAX: (907) 458-5228
Geneva Woods Diagnostic Services
3730 Rhone Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 562-2201

Geneva Woods Health Care Services.
501 W. International Airport Rd Suite 1A, Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 565-6100 & (800) 478-0005 FAX: (907) 565-6112
Griest Family Services
North Slope Borough Public Health Nursing
P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-0270 FAX: (907) 852-2855
Email [email protected]
Hospice of Anchorage
3305 Arctic Boulevard, #105, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-5322 FAX (907) 561-0334
email: [email protected]
Life Program, Alaska Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
3340 Providence Drive, Suite 366, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-3026 FAX: (907) 562-6445
Medical Arts Pharmacy Sickroom Services, Inc.
3300 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 261-5090 FAX: (907) 261-5091
Medical Pathfinders
P.O. Box 240103, Anchorage, AK 99524-0103 PH: (907) 563-4645 FAX: (907) 563-9528
Northern Orthopedics
4200 Lake Otis Parkway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 561-1777 FAX: (907) 561-2157 Tollfree (800) 478-0852
Providence Extended Care Center
4900 Eagle Street, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 562-2281 FAX: (907) 762-0280
http://www.providence.org

Services for children with orthopedic disabilities, spinal cord injuries, and severe burns are also available through:
Al-Aska Shrine Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.
1930 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99508 PH: (907) 274-4344

Educational Services

Your child, regardless of her or his disability, has the right to a public education. Under current laws in Alaska, educational services for children with special needs (including transportation to and from school) begin at birth and continue through age 21. The services in this chapter have been separated into types of educational programs offered by age group, beginning with early intervention (birth to three), preschool education (three to kindergarten), special education programs (school age children), and ending with adult continuing education.

Alaska law specifically provides for Infant Learning and Early Childhood Education programs for children with special mental, emotional, and/or physical needs from birth to age three. Infant Learning Programs work with parents and early childhood professionals to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that will comprehensively list and plan all the services for your child and family. An important part of the IFSP are the home visits by an Infant Learning teacher who may come into your home to work with you and your child.

Infant Learning Programs are available in most communities throughout the state, and the state is working toward having services available statewide. New federal legislation, P.L. 99-457, requires early intervention services be provided to infants and toddlers who are at risk of, or who have, developmental delays. Services must be available to all these children in the United State, regardless of location. Most services are free or available on a sliding fee scale. If your child experiences a developmental delay or you would like to have an evaluation, contact the Infant Learning Program nearest you, the public health nurse in your community, or contact:

Maternal, Child and Family Health – Early Intervention/Infant Learning Programs
1231 Gambell Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-3460 FAX: (907) 269-3465 Tollfree (800) 799-7570

INFANT LEARNING PROGRAMS:
ACCA, Inc.
Project TEACH ILP
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4003 FAX: (907) 456-6124
Email [email protected]
Copper River Basin ILP
P.O. Box 388, Glennallen, AK 99588
PH: (9O7) 822-5655 FAX: (907) 822-4037
Email [email protected]
Valdez ILP
P.O. Box 3489, Valdez. AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-4323 FAX: (907) 835-5424
Email [email protected]

Bethel Community Services Family Infant Toddler Program
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2840 FAX: (907) 543-3033
Email [email protected]
Bristol Bay Health Corporation
P. O. Box 130, Dillingham, AK 99576 PH: (907) 842-3398 FAX: (907) 842-3406
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
Email: [email protected]
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-5396 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email: [email protected]

FOCUS, Inc. (Family Outreach Ctr for Understanding Special Needs)
Chugiak
P.O. Box 671750, Chugiak, AK 99567-1750 PH: (907) 688-0282 FAX: (907) 688-2013 Email [email protected]

Prince William Sound
P.O. Box 1608, Cordova AK 99574
PH: (907) 424-3425 FAX (907) 424-3424
Email [email protected]

Frontier Community Services Soldotna
43335 Kalifonsky Beach Rd. Ste. 36, Soldotna, AK 99669
PH: (907) 262-3144 FAX: (907) 262-6294
Email [email protected]
Unalaska
P.O. Box 1103, Unalaska, AK 99685 PH/FAX: (907) 581-5331
Email [email protected]
Homer Children’s Services
3691 Ben Walters Lane, Suite 4, Homer, AK 99603
PH: (907) 235-6044 FAX: (907) 235-2644
Email [email protected]
Kodiak Infant Learning Program KANA
3449 E. Rezanoff, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-4643 FAX: (907) 486-3921
Email [email protected]

Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Inc.. 5050 Dunbar Street, Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99654 PH: (907) 373-1400 FAX: (907) 376-9207
Email [email protected]
North Slope Borough Health & Social Services Agency
P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-0427 FAX: (907) 852-0466
Email [email protected]
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
P.O. Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3472 FAX: (907) 442-2196
Email [email protected]
Norton Sound Health Corporation
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH (907) 443-3298 FAX (907) 443-3741 Tollfree (800) 478-3318 x3298
Email [email protected]

Programs for Infants & Children, Inc.
4400 Business Park Blvd. #34. Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-8060 FAX: (907) 563-3172
Email [email protected]
REACH, Inc.
Haines
P.O. Box 1484, Haines, AK 99827
PH/TDD: (907) 766-2750 FAX: (907) 766-2753
Email [email protected]
Juneau
P.O. Box 34197, Juneau, AK 99803-4197 PH/TDD: (907) 586-8228 FAX: (907) 586-8226 Email [email protected]
Petersburg/Wrangell
P.O. Box 2012, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-3488 FAX: (907) 772-4123
Seward Life Action Council
302 Railway, P.O. Box 1045, Seward, AK 99664
PH: (907) 224-5257 FAX: (907) 224-7081 TTY/TDD: (907) 224-5258
Email [email protected]
Tanana Chiefs Conference
122 1st Avenue, Suite 600, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-8251 FAX: (901) 459-3883 TTY/TDD: (907) 459-3384
Email [email protected] Free: (800) 478-6822

Consultation services are available statewide through the following programs for specific disabilities:
Vision Impairment Services for Infants and Toddlers (VISIT)
2217 E. Tudor Road, Suite 1, Anchorage, AK 99507
PH: (907) 562-7372 FAX: (907) 562-0545 TDD: (907) 563-8284
http://www.sesa.org Email [email protected]

Alaska Early Intervention Hearing Resource 1901 S. Bragaw St., Anchorage, AK 99508 PH: (907) 787-3818 FAX: (907) 787-3814

Children aged three until school age with special needs may qualify for preschool education in either a Head Start or elementary preschool program in a local school district. Head Start programs provide preschool education for children ages three until kindergarten, for children with disabilities or whose families have low incomes. At least 10% of the children served through Head Start experience a disability. Head Start programs offer a variety of services that may include health care, dental care, mental health care, developmental screening, family social services, nutrition, and other related services.

For information on Head Start, contact your school district, public health nurse, health aide, or the nearest program listed below:

HEAD START PROGRAMS:

Adult Learning Programs of Alaska Golden Heart Head Start
1949 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-4267 FAX: (907) 452-4203
Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association Head Start
401 E. Fireweed Lane Suite 201, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 276-2700 FAX: (907) 278-1751
Bristol Bay Native Association Head Start
P.O. Box 310, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-4059 FAX: (907) 842-2338 Tollfree (800) 478-5257
Email [email protected]
Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes Head Start
320 W. Willoughby Avenue, #300, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-1432 FAX: (907) 586-8970 Tollfree (800) 344-1432
Email [email protected]
Chugachmiut Head Start
P.O. Box 3070, Homer, AK 99603
PH: (907) 235-0572/0577 FAX: (907) 235-0573
Email [email protected]
Chugiak Children’s Services, Inc. Head Start
16515 Centerfield Dr Suite 200, Eagle River, AK 99577
Admin – PH: (907) 694-6011 FAX: (907) 694-6029
Chugiak PH: (907) 688-2660 FAX: (907) 688-1309
Palmer PH: (907) 746-4483 FAX: (907) 746-5183
Wasilla PH: (907) 373-7795 FAX: (907) 373-8752
Big Lake PH: (907) 892-7165
http://www.alaska.net/~ccsa email: [email protected]

Fairbanks Native Association Head Start
201 First Avenue Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4989 FAX: (907) 456-5311
Email [email protected]
Fairbanks Native Association Early Head Start
609 3rd St Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 451-8814 FAX: (907) 451-8815
Kawerak, Inc. Head Start
P.O. Box 948, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-5294 & (800) 478-450-4341 FAX: (907) 443-5570
Email [email protected]
Kenaitze Indian Tribe Head Start Program
P.O. Box 988, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-3633 FAX: (907) 283-3052
Kids’ Corps, Inc. Anchorage Head Start
3710 E. 20th, Suite #2, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 272-0133 FAX: (907) 272-0312
Email [email protected]
Metlakatla Indian Community Head Start
P.O. Box 8, Metlakatla, AK 99926
PH: (907) 886-5151 FAX: (907) 886-5314
Native Village of Tyonek Head Start
P.O. Bxo 82070, Tyonek, AK 99682
PH: (907) 583-2115 FAX: (907) 583-2442
RuralCAP Head Start
P.O. Box 200908, Anchorage, AK 99520-0908 PH: (907) 279-2511 Tollfree (800) 478-7227
FAX: (907) 279-6343 FAX Tollfree (800) 478-6343
Email [email protected]
Southcentral Foundation Head Start
1818 W. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99517 PH: (907) 276-4323 FAX: (907) 278-0386
Email mfritz@ccitci

Tanana Chiefs Conference Head Start
122 First Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH (907) 452-8251 x3172 FAX (907) 459-3883
TTY/TDD (907) 459-3844 Tollfree (800) 478-6822
Upper Tanana Head Start Program
P.O. Box 459, Tok, AK 99780
PH: (907) 883-5159 ext. 102 FAX: (907) 883-5160
Email [email protected] Audio Conf. (907) 883-5160 ext 105
PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The transition from Infant Learning Programs into preschool programs may be difficult, but both teams can provide assistance. You can help prepare by talking with your child and with the people at the new program. There will be changes in how the programs are run. Instead of an Individual Family Service Plan, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed based on each child’s particular needs to describe the educational goals for your child and what will be done and what services will be provided in order to meet those goals. Any service clearly defined in the IEP must be provided by the school district. The IEP process will continue on as long as your child requires special education from public schools until age 21.

Now would be a good time to become familiar with the IEP process and with your rights as a parent. If you have problems getting the services needed, contact the Division of Teaching and Learning Support or one of the Disability Law Center of Alaska offices (see following pages). These offices will have copies of the informative pamphlets, “Parents’ Guide to Special Education in Alaska” and “Parent’s Rights and the Exceptional Child”. For more detailed information on what your rights are under state and federal law, talk with your local school district or contact:

State of Alaska, Department of Education & Early Development Division of Teaching and Learning Support
Special Education Programs
801 West 10th, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-8693 FAX: (907) 465-2806

Public Schools are responsible for providing free special education services to children with disabilities beginning at age three and continuing through age 21. Contact your local school district or Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA) for information. Many children may not be identified as needing special education until they enroll in a regular education program. The school district can provide testing and evaluation as well as educational services. Vocational training for children with disabilities can be offered by a school district as early as age 14. School districts can provide skills evaluation and aptitude testing to determine what kind of vocational training would be appropriate.

Transition from one school or program to another can be stressful for any child, especially a child with a disability. Talk with the teachers and counselors and arrange for a tour to show your child the classrooms, restrooms, lunchroom, lockers, and gymnasium. If possible, arrange for your child to meet one or two students that will be in the same classroom. School districts are required by law to provide transportation to and from school. If your child will be riding a school bus, show him or her the waiting places and introduce them to the bus driver. Do these things before and on the first day of school, and more if it will help your child become more comfortable.

ALASKA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Special Education Directors
Alaska Gateway School District
P.O. Box 226, Tok, AK 99780
PH: (907) 883-5151 FAX: (907) 883-4356
Email [email protected] Website sztok.tok.agsd.schoolzone.net
Aleutian Region School District
P.O. Box 570, Unalaska, AK 99685
PH: (907) 581-3151 FAX: (907) 581-3152
Email [email protected]
Aleutians East Borough School District
P.O. Box 429, Sand Point, AK 99661-0429 PH: (907) 383-5222 FAX: (907) 383-3496 Email [email protected]
Website www.aesd.schoolzone.net
Alyeska Central School
3141 Channel Dr #100, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-2835 FAX: (907) 465-2935
Email [email protected]
Website www.educ.state.ak.us/Alaskan_Schools/ACS/home.html

Anchorage School District
P.O. Box 196614 / 4600 DeBarr Road, Anchorage, AK 99519-6614 PH: (907) 333-9561 FAX: (907) 269-2165
Email [email protected] Website www.asd.k12.ak.us
Annette Island School District
P.O. Box 7, Metlakatla, AK 99926-0007 PH: (907) 886-6332 FAX: (907) 886-5130 Email [email protected]
Website www.aisd.k12.ak.us
Bering Strait School District
P.O. Box 225, Unalakleet, AK 99684
PH: (907) 624-3611 FAX: (907) 624-3099
Email [email protected] Website www.bssd.org
Bristol Bay Borough School District
P.O. Box 169, Naknek, AK 99633-0169 PH: (907) 246-4225 FAX: (907) 246-6857 Wmail [email protected]
Chatham School District
P.O. Box 109, Angoon, AK 99820
PH: (907) 788-3302 FAX: (907) 788-3252
Email [email protected]
Chugach School District
9312 Vanguard Dr Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99507
PH: (907) 522-7400 FAX: (907) 522-3399
Email [email protected]
Copper River School District
P.O. Box 108, Glennallen, AK 99588
PH: (907) 822-3235 FAX: (907) 822-3949
Email [email protected] Website www.crsd.k12.ak.us
Cordova City School District
P.O. Box 140, Cordova, AK 99574-0140 PH: (907) 424-3265 FAX: (907) 424-3271 Email [email protected]

Craig City School District
P.O. Box 800, Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3274 FAX: (907) 826-3322
Email [email protected]
Delta/Greely School District
P.O. Box 527, Delta Junction, AK 99737-0527 PH: (907) 895-4658 FAX: (907) 895-4246 Email [email protected] Website www.dgsd.k12.ak.us
Denali Borough Schools
P.O. Box 280, Healy, AK 99743-0280 PH: (907) 683-2278 FAX: (907) 683-2514 Email [email protected]
Website www.denali.k12.ak.us/dbsd.homepage/dbds.html
Dillingham City School District
P.O. Box 170, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-5223 FAX: (907) 842-5634
Email [email protected]
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
520 Fifth Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4756
PH: (907) 452-2000 FAX: (907) 452-6160
Email [email protected] Website www.northstar.k12.ak.us
Galena City School District
P.O. Box 299, Galena, AK 99741-0299 PH: (907) 656-1205 FAX: (907) 656-1368 Email [email protected]
Website www.galenaalaska.org
Haines Borough School District
P.O. Box 1289, Haines, AK 99827-0636 PH: (907) 766-2644 FAX: (907) 766-2508 Email [email protected]
Hoonah City School District
P.O. Box 157, Hoonah, AK 99829-0157 PH: (907) 945-3611 FAX: (907) 945-3492 Email [email protected]

Hydaburg City School District
P.O. Box 109, Hydaburg, AK 99922-0109 PH: (907) 285-3491 FAX: (907) 285-3391
Iditarod Area School District
P.O. Box 90, McGrath, AK 99627
PH: (907) 524-3033 FAX: (907) 524-3217
Email [email protected]
Website http://[email protected]/iasd_homepage
Juneau City School District
10014 Crazy Horse Drive, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 463-1700 FAX: (907) 463-1712
Email [email protected] Website www.jsd.k12.ak.us
Kake City School District
P.O. Box 450, Kake, AK 99830
PH: (907) 785-3741 FAX: (907) 785-6439
Email [email protected]
Kashunamiut School District
985 KSD Way, Chevak, AK 99563
PH: (907) 858-7713 FAX: (907) 858-7328
Email [email protected]

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 148 North Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK 99669 PH: (907) 262-5846 FAX: (907) 262-9132
Email [email protected] Website www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District
Pouch Z. Ketchikan, AK 99901-5026
PH: (907) 225-2118 FAX: (907) 225-2356
Email [email protected]
Klawock City School District
P.O. Box 9, Klawock, AK 99925
PH: (907) 755-2228 FAX: (907) 755-2913
Email [email protected] Website www.klawock.k12.ak.us

Kodiak Island Borough School District 722 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-9210 FAX: (907) 486-9277
Email [email protected] Website www.kodiak.k12.ak.us
Kuspuk School District
P.O. Box 49, Aniak, AK 99557-0229
PH: (907) 675-4250 FAX: (907) 675-4305
Email [email protected]
Lake & Peninsula Borough School District
P.O. Box 498, King Salmon, AK 99613 PH: (907) 246-4280 FAX: (907) 246-4473 Email [email protected]
Lower Kuskokwim School District
P.O. Box 305, Bethel, AK 99559-0305 PH: (907) 543-4800 FAX: (907) 543-4904 Email [email protected]_do.org Website www.lksd.org
Lower Yukon School District
P.O. Box 32089, Mountain Village, AK 99632-0089 PH: (907) 591-2411 FAX: (907) 591-2449
Email [email protected] Website www.lysd.schoolzone.net/lysd
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
125 West Evergreen, Palmer, AK 99645
PH: (907) 746-9255 FAX: (907) 746-0194
Email [email protected] Website www.mat-su.k12.ak.us/schdist
Mt. Edgecumbe High School
1330 Seward Avenue, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 966-2201 FAX: (907) 966-2442
Email [email protected] Website www.mehs.educ.state.ak.us
Nenana Slope Borough School District
P.O. Box 10, Nenana, AK 99760-0010 PH: (907) 832-5464 FAX: (907) 832-5625 Email [email protected]

Nome City School District
P.O. Box 131, Nome, AK 99762-0131 PH: (907) 443-2231 FAX: (907) 443-5144
North Slope Borough School District
P.O. Box 169, Barrow, AK 99723-0169 PH: (907) 852-5311 FAX: (907) 852-5984 Email [email protected] Website www.nsbsd.k12.ak.us
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
P.O. Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3472 FAX: (907) 442-2392
Email [email protected] Website www.nwabsd.schoolzone.net
Pelican City School District
P.O. Box 90, Pelican, AK 99832
PH: (907) 735-2236 FAX: (907) 735-2263
Email [email protected]
Petersburg City School District
P.O. Box 289, Petersburg, AK 99833-0289 PH: (907) 772-4271 FAX: (907) 772-4719 Email [email protected]
Pribilof School District
Pouch 905, St. Paul Island, AK 99660
PH: (907) 546-2222 FAX: (907) 546-2327
Email [email protected] Website www.pribilofs.k12.ak.us
St. Mary’s School District
P.O. Box 171, St. Mary’s, AK 99658-0171 PH: (907) 438-2311 FAX: (907) 438-2831 Email [email protected]
Sitka Borough School District
P.O. Box 179, Sitka, AK 99835-0179
PH: (907) 747-8622 FAX: (907) 966-1260
Email [email protected] Website www.ssd.k12.ak.us

Skagway City School District
P.O. Box 497, Skagway, AK 99840-0497 PH: (907) 983-2960 FAX: (907) 983-2964 Email [email protected]
Website www.skagway.k12.ak.us
Southeast Island School District
P.O. Box 19569, Thorne Bay, AK 99919-8340 PH: (907) 828-8254 FAX: (907) 828-8257 Email [email protected]
Southwest Region School District
P.O. Box 90, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-5287 FAX: (907) 842-5428
Email [email protected] Website szdillingham.dillingham.swrsd.schoolzone.net
Tanana School District
P.O. Box 89, Tanana, AK 99777-0089 PH: (907) 366-7207 FAX: (907) 366-7201 Email [email protected]
Unalaska City School District
Pouch 570, Unalaska, AK 99685
PH: (907) 581-3151 FAX: (907) 581-3152
Email [email protected]
Valdez City School District
P.O. Box 398, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-4357 FAX: (907) 835-4964
Email [email protected]
Wrangell City School District
P.O. Box 2319, Wrangell, AK 99929-2319 PH: (907) 874-2347 FAX: (907) 874-8137 Email [email protected]
Yakutat City School District
P.O. Box 429, Yakutat, AK 99689-0429 PH: (907) 784-3317 FAX: (907) 784-3446

Yukon Flats School District
P.O. Box 359, Ft. Yukon, AK 99740-0359 PH: (907) 662-2515 FAX: (907) 662-3094 Email [email protected] Website www.yukonflats.net
Yukon/Koyukuk School District
4762 Old Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4456 PH: (907) 474-9400 FAX: (907) 474-0657
Email [email protected] Website www.ptialaska.net/~yksd
Yupiit School District
P.O. Box 51100, Akiakchak, AK 99551-0100 PH: (907) 825-4428 FAX: (907) 825-4827 Email [email protected]

SESA employs Education Specialists with advances training and experience in areas such as vision, hearing, emotional disturbance, orthopedic or health impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, and multiple disabilities. SESA consultants help schools design and implement appropriate and effective education programs for eligible students where trained personnel are otherwise unavailable because of remoteness and low student enrollments. Both short term and ongoing assistance may be provided through onsite and distance consultations, library services, and staff training. Contact:
Special Education Service Agency (SESA)
2217 E. Tudor Road, Suite 1, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 562-7372 FAX: (907) 562-0545 TDD: (907) 5638284
http://www.sesa.org

The State of Alaska, Departments of Education and Health and Social Services jointly fund the Alaska Youth Initiative (AYI) to provide support and services to children with severe disabilities. AYI coordinates case planning, monitoring, program development, and funding “around” the youth and family. The AYI program’s goal is to keep children in their home communities and in the state.

Alaska Youth Initiative
Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD)
P.O. Box 110620, Juneau, AK 99811
PH: (907) 465-3370 & (800) 465-4828 FAX: (907) 465-2668
TDD: (907) 465 2225

Educational services are also available for adults who experience a disability. Adult basic education, GED (General Education Degree) classes, career planning services, and continuing education programs may be available through adult learning centers, community colleges, university programs, and career centers.

Alaska Independent Blind
1102 W. International Airport Rd., Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 563-2525 FAX: (907) 562-5951
ACCA
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4003 FAX (907) 456-6124 TDD: (907) 456-2640
email: [email protected]
Supported Services Program, Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
122 First Ave Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-6434 FAX: (907) 451-6598 TDD: (907) 452-6375
Email [email protected] http://www.adultlearning.org
University of Alaska, Anchorage – Disability Support Services
3211 Providence Dr. Bldg. BEB 105, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 786-4530 FAX: (907) 786-4531 TDD: (907) 786-4536
University of Alaska, Fairbanks – Disability Services
P.O. Box 755580, Fairbanks, AK 99775
PH: (907) 474-7043 FAX (907) 474-5777 TDD: (907) 474-7045
University of Alaska, Southeast – Student Services
11120 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-6457 FAX (907) 465-6365
http:/www.uas.alaska.edu email: [email protected]
Matanuska-Susitna College – Student Services
P.O. Box 2889, Palmer, AK 99645
PH: (907) 745-9762 TDD/TTY (907) 745-9751
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/matsu/
Kenai Peninsula College – Student Services
34820 College Drive, Soldotna, AK 99669
PH: (907) 262-0330 FAX: (907) 262-4280

Kodiak College – Student Services
117 Benny Benson Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-4161
http://www.koc.alaska.edu
Prince William Sound Community College – Student Services
P.O. Box 97, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 834-1631 www.uaa.alaska.edu/pwscc/home.html

Also contact the private educational institutions available in your community. You can locate these under “Schools” in the Yellow Pages of your phone directory.

Additional assistance and materials are available which explain how to obtain appropriate public education for a person with a disability and what rights a parent has when advocating for a child with a disability. Materials and information on self-advocacy may be obtained through:

Disability Law Center of Alaska Anchorage
615 East 82nd Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 344-1002 FAX: (907) 349-1002 TDD: (907) 344-1002
Toll Free: (800) 478-1234
Bethel
P.O. Box 2303, Bethel, AK, 99559
PH: (907) 543-3357 FAX: (907) 543-3359
Physical Location: BNC Office Complex Suite 213
Fairbanks
250 Cushman, Suite 3H, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-1070 FAX: (907) 456-1080 TDD: (907) 456-1070
Juneau
230 South Franklin, Suite 213, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-1627 FAX: (907) 586-1066 TDD: (907) 586-1627
Email [email protected]

Other agencies listed below provide parent advocacy and training, as well as expertise on special education programs and other resources.

Anchorage School District, Special Education Parent Resource Center
4600 Debarr Rd / P.O. Box 196614, Anchorage, AK 99519-6614 PH: (907) 742-1520 FAX: (907) 742-1515
email: [email protected]

PARENTS, Inc. is the only nonprofit run by parents and that is open to any type of disability and any age group. They network throughout the state so parents are able to use each other as resources.
PARENTS, Inc.
Anchorage Parent Resource Center
4743 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 337-7678 & (800) 478-7678 FAX: (907) 337-7671
TDD: (907) 337-7629
http://www.parentsinc.org E-mail: [email protected]
Mat-Su Parent Resource Center
PO Box 874243, Wasilla, AK 99645
PH: (907) 745-1901 FAX: (907) 745-1902
Toll Free (800) 745-1901
Southwestern Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 1142, Dillingham 99576
PH: (907) 842-1380 FAX: (907) 842-1381
Toll Free (888) 842-1379 Email [email protected]
Western Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 162, Aniak, AK 99557
PH/FAX: (907) 675-4434 & (800) 981-2833
Interior Parent Resource Center
535 Second Ave Suite 103C, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-6770 & (888) 456-6770 FAX: (907) 451-1169
Juneau Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 32613, Juneau, AK 99803-2613 PH/TDD: (907) 586-6171 FAX: (907) 586-6433
Toll Free (888) 837-5537 Email [email protected]
Southeast Regional Resource Center
210 Ferry Way, Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-6806 FAX: (907) 463-3811 TDD: (907) 586-6806

Behavioral Health for Young Children

Recognizing that a comprehensive specific resource list has not yet been developed, this chapter is a first attempt. In 1999 the Council sponsored the development of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist in conjunction with the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership.

Parents who have experienced these same difficulties may be of assistance in locating a professional who can guide you through the steps to more positive outcomes. Agencies that specialize in helping families access community-based resources specific to families’ needs are listed on page 8 of this booklet-chapter entitled Family Support Services. Also listed below are specific community mental health centers that specialize in children’s behavior issues.

Another place to get help is A-K-I-N-F-O (see page before Table of Contents). AKINFO makes available a large database of statewide community resources through a toll free 24-hour telephone line (800) 478- 2221 and an Internet web site at http://www.ak.org.

The Alaska Youth Initiative is a program coordinated by the State of Alaska, Departments of Education and Early Development and Health and Social Services to provide support and services to children with severe disabilities, including behavioral. AYI coordinates case planning, monitoring, program development, and funding “around” the youth and family. The AYI program’s goal is to keep children in their home communities and in the state.

Alaska Youth Initiative
Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD)
P.O. Box 110620, Juneau, AK 99811
PH: (907) 465-3370 & (800) 465-4828 FAX: (907) 465-2668
TDD: (907) 465 2225

These agencies offer programs through the Alaska Youth Initiative:

Alaska Mental Health Association
4045 Lake Otis Parkway, #209, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-0880 FAX: (907) 563-0881 Toll Free (800) 478-0880
Email [email protected] www.alaska.net/~mhaa

Alaska Youth and Parent Foundation
3745 Community Park Loop #202, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 274-6541 FAX: (907) 277-2428
Email [email protected]

Alternatives Community Mental Health Center Inc.
1675 C Street Suite 117, Anchorage, AK 99501-5198
PH: (907) 274-8281 FAX: (907) 274-4055
Email [email protected]

Anchorage Center for Families
3745 Community Park Loop #102, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 276-4994 FAX: (907) 276-6930
Email [email protected]
Assets, Inc.
2330 Nichols Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 279-6617 FAX: (907) 274-0636 TDD: (907) 278-8766

Central Peninsula Counseling Services
506 Lake Street, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-7501 FAX: (907) 283-9006

Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]
Copper River Community Mental Health Center
Drawer H. Copper Center, AK 99573
PH: (907) 822-5241 FAX: (907) 822-5409

Disability Law Center of Alaska Anchorage
615 East 82nd Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH/TDD: (907) 344-1002 FAX: (907) 349-1002
Toll Free: (800) 478-1234

Family Centered Services of Alaska
620 Fifth Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 474-0890 FAX: (907) 474-3621

Juneau AMI
P.O. Box 22090, Juneau, AK 99802-2090 PH: (907) 463-3303 FAX: (907) 463-6858 Email [email protected]

Juneau Youth Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 3-2839, Juneau, AK 99803-2839
PH: (907) 789-7610 FAX: (907) 789-8443

Kenaitze Indian Tribes
P.O. Box 988, Kenai, AK 99611

PH: (907) 283-6423 FAX: (907) 283-3052
Kuskokwim Native Corporation
P.O. Box 155, Aniak, AK
PH: (907) 675-4445 FAX: (907) 675-4456
Toll Free (800) 478-5622
Norton Sound Community Mental Health Center – DD Program
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-3344 FAX: (907) 4435645

Providence Kodiak Island Mental Health Center
717 East Rezanof Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-2400 FAX: (907) 486-9119
Sitka Mental Health Clinic
1310 A Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, AK 99835 PH: (907) 747-8994 FAX: (907) 747-6801

Supported Employment & Living Services
3948 Ben Walters Lane Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99654 PH: (907) 376-9270 FAX: (907) .376-9207
Email [email protected]

Valdez Counseling Center
P.O. Box 1050, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-2838 FAX: (907) 835-5927

Respite Services

Respite is a family support service.

Since parents are generally the principle care giver, respite care gives parents or other family members a temporary break from the daily, sometimes hourly, tasks of providing care to a child or adult with a disability.

Providing personal services to a family member with a disability can require a tremendous amount of time and energy. When parents or other responsible persons in the family need time away to take care of other business, a family or medical crisis, for leisure time activities, or simply as a break, respite services can be a big help. Respite can, in fact, be a decisive factor in keeping families living together, rather than the member with a disability living in an institution or out-of-home setting.

Through respite programs trained providers fill in for a few hours or as long as three to four consecutive weeks. Respite services can usually be provided in the family’s home or in the care provider’s home. Services may be arranged for particular age groups, including adults.

Respite services are provided locally by programs based in many Alaskan communities. If you require respite services and there isn’t a program listed in your community, contact the State of Alaska, Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities at their main office. They fund respite services through local agencies.

If respite services are not available in your community try the Division of Family and Youth Services (page 151) to see what local alternatives, such as temporary foster care, can be provided. Specialized child care services or temporary foster care may be possibilities in your community (see sections on Child Care and Residential Services).

Southcentral Regional Office
851 Westpoint Drive Suite 310, Wasilla, AK 99654
PH: (907) 352-6301 & (800) 755-0712 FAX: (907) 352-6330
Southeastern Regional Office
350 Main Street, P.O. Box 110620, Juneau, AK 99811-0620
PH: (907) 465-3370 & (800) 465-4828 FAX: (907) 465-2668
TDD: (907) 465-2225
The Arc of Anchorage
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
122 First Avenue Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-6434 FAX: (907) 452-6598 TDD: (907) 452-6375
Email [email protected] http://www.adultlearning.org
Bethel Community Services
P.0. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 & (800) 943-2762 FAX: (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]
Bristol Bay Native Association Respite Care Program
P.O. Box 138, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-5201 FAX: (907) 842-9354
Catholic Social Services
225 Cordova,. Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 277-2554 FAX: (907) 279-3885
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]
602 Dock St #105, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-6960 & (800) 247-6960 FAX: (907) 223-6960
8800 Glacier #108B, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 790-3650 & (800) 790-3650 FAX: (907) 790-3651
Cordova Respite Care
P.O. Box 160, Cordova, AK 99574 PH: (907) 424-8300

Day Break, (Senior Respite) Southcentral Counseling Center
9210 Jupiter Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507
PH: (907) 346-2234 FAX: (907) 346-2601

National Senior Service Corps Volunteer Programs Fairbanks Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion & RSVP Program
c/o Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-6417 FAX: (907) 452-6423 TDD: (907) 452-6417
email: [email protected]
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171

FOCUS, Inc. (Family Outreach Ctr for Understanding Special Needs)
P.O. Box 671750, Chugiak, AK 99567-1750 PH: (907) 688-0282 FAX: (907) 688-2013 Email [email protected]
Frontier Community Services
43335 K. Beach Rd. Ste. 36, Soldotna, AK 99696
PH: (907) 262-6331 FAX: (907) 262-6294
Health & Human Services, Municipality of Anchorage
P.O. Box 199650, Anchorage, AK 99519-9650
PH: (907) 343-6718 FAX: (907) 343-6740 TDD: (907) 343-4797
Hope Community Resources, Kodiak Respite Care
1623 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-5100 FAX: (907) 486-5019
Horizons Unlimited Incorporated
P.O. Box 1310 / 310 Egan St. Suite 220, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-4504/2025/2024 FAX (907) 835-4527
Hospice of Anchorage
3305 Arctic Blvd. #105, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-5322 FAX: (907) 561-0334
Email hospice@aonline

Maniilaq Association, DD Program
P.O. Box 256, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-7635 FAX: (907) 442-7678 Toll Free (800) 478-3312
Email [email protected]
Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Inc.
5050 Dunbar Street, Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99687
PH (907) 373-1400 FAX: (907) 376-9207 Email [email protected]
Norton Sound Health Corporation
P.0. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH (907) 443-3298 FAX: (907) 443-3741
Providence Extended Care Center
4900 Eagle Street, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 562-2281 FAX: (907) 762-0280
http://www.providence.org
REACH, Inc.
P.O. Box 34197, Juneau, AK 99803-4197 PH/TDD: (907) 586-8228 FAX: (907) 586-8226
Seward Life Action Council
302 Railway, P.O. Box 1045, Seward, AK 99664
PH: (907) 224-5257 FAX: (907) 224-7081 TTY/TDD: (907) 224-5257
Email [email protected] Toll Free (888) 224-5257
Sound Alternatives
P.O. Box 160, Cordova, AK 99574
PH: (907) 424-8300 FAX: (907) 424-8645
South Peninsula Community Mental Health Center
3948 Ben Walters Lane, Homer, AK 99603 PH: (907) 235-7701 FAX: (907) 235-2290
Email [email protected]

Child Care Services

Your preschool child may need child care services all or part of the day if you are employed or otherwise engaged in activities out of the home. If your child is in school and you work, you may need
after school child care for your child.

Some child care service providers are not equipped or trained to serve children who experience disabilities. Child care homes or centers may be located by looking in your local phone book under Child Care, Day Care, Day Nurseries, and Babysitting. Call the services listed to find out the types of services provided. Contact one of the listings below or the Division of Family and Youth Services to find out about licensed child care homes or centers. Write or call the Division of Family and Youth Services (addresses and phone numbers beginning on page 151) to find out if any of the care providers in your area specialize in caring for children with disabilities. Universities or colleges with programs in Human Services, Nursing, Social Work, or Psychology may have students who are willing to provide child care for children with special needs. Some parents have hired and trained their own babysitters: family members, neighbors, or friends.
Before making arrangements for child care, visit the child care center or baby-sitter’s home and find out about the program first hand. Find out if they are equipped and trained to serve the type of disability your child has. Find out what age group they are prepared to care for. Visit the facility with your child and watch the child care workers act with your child and with other children. Stop by unannounced to see how the program really works. Ask about fees and if you qualify for financial help. Be prepared to provide them with full information on medical needs, allergies, eating schedules, abilities, behavior, and special needs. Don’t assume they will know these things. Finding appropriate child care can take time. Don’t wait until an emergency arises. Plan ahead for changes in your or your child’s schedules.

Programs which provide or can refer you to specialized child care services include:

Catholic Social Services
225 Cordova. Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 277-2554 FAX: (907) 279-3885

Child Care Connection
P.O. Box 240008, Anchorage, AK 99524-0008
Physical Address 401 E. International Airport Rd Suite 27 PH: (907) 563-1966 FAX: (907) 1959
Toll Free in AK (800) 278-3723
Email [email protected] www.alaska.net/~cckn
Child Care Trainings
374 Old Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 PH: (907) 479-2214 FAX: (907) 479-9035
Child Care and Family Resources, Catholic Community Services
419 6th St. CCS Wing, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-3785 FAX: (907) 586-2011 520 Harris (physical)
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX (907) 452-5171
Aniak Day Care Association
P.O. Box 148, Aniak, AK 99557 PH: (907) 675-4384
Bethel Community Services
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 (800) 943-2762 FAX: (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]
North Slope Borough Specialized Child Care Center
P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723 PH: (907) 852-0264

The State of Alaska, Child Care Programs funds programs which provide financial assistance to parents in both urban and rural communities so that their children can be properly cared for while they are working or attending school. Eligibility is based on income and child care must be arranged through centers or homes that are licensed or legally exempt from licensing. Supplemental assistance (higher subsidy rates) is available for families of children with disabilities. The Child Care Program is listed below. You can contact them to find out if there is a licensed facility in your community. For a complete listing of Day Care Assistance programs, please refer to the Financial Assistance chapter.

State of Alaska, Dept. of Education & Early Development Child Care Programs
333 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-4500 FAX: (907) 269-4520

Home Health Aides, Chore Service Providers, & Personal Care Attendants

Throughout the state Home Health Aides, chore service providers, and Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services are available to people who experience a disability. Recent changes have resulted in a consolidation of these three types of services. All are designed to promote independent living and integration into the community of one’s choice, rather than forced institutionalization or forced relocation in order to obtain services.

One difference between these services are in the way they are administered. Both chore services and Home Health Aide programs are usually administered through an agency, which means that the person actually delivering services works for an agency, rather than for the person with a disability or the family. PCAs may be an independent contractor through the Division of Medical Assistance. This means that the person with a disability or their family hires the PCA directly and has much more opportunity to design the type of services which are needed. There are some PCAs who work out of an agency, such as Home Care Alaska. In this case the agency is the employer rather than the individual with a disability or their family. This means that the amount of direction and control on the part of the person with a disability or their family will be affected. Wanting to have a greater or lesser degree of control over work direction of a PCA will be a matter of personal preference depending on individual need, desire and circumstance.

The other difference in these three providers is the type of services they provide in order to give assistance to a person with a disability.

A chore service provider assists primarily with household chores – from shopping, hauling water, and chopping wood, to meal planning and preparation. They also perform limited personal hygiene tasks.

A Home Health Aide performs health-related tasks and is under the supervision of a Registered Nurse so that they may administer medications and change dressings. Services from a Home Health Aide are on a time-limited basis and do not normally include any household tasks.

A PCA provides services on an ongoing, regular (sometimes live- in, 24 hour) basis which include household tasks and personal hygiene. Services performed by a PCA enable a person with a disability to live independently, eliminating the need for placement in a nursing home or other institutional program or reliance on their family. Access Alaska and the Older Persons Action Group provide PCA referrals and training. Access Alaska offices also provide services to train a person with a disability how to act as an employer of a PCA so as to more effectively control their own life. The organizations listed below provide referrals for PCAs who work contractually.

Access Alaska Anchorage
3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH (907) 248-4777 & (800) 770-4488 FAX (907) 248-0639
TDD (907) 248-8799 Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access
Fairbanks
3550 Airport Way, Suite 3, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH: (907) 479-7940 FAX (907) 474-4052 TDD: (907) 474-8619
Older Persons Action Group (OPAG)
325 East 3rd Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-1059 FAX: (907) 278-6724
Toll Free: (800) 478-1059

Agencies which provide chore service providers, Home Health Aides and PCAs are listed below. Note: These providers work for the agency and are not independent contractors.
Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association
401 E,. Fireweed Lane, #201, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 276-2700 FAX: (907) 276-4894

Alzheimer’s Association Alaska Chapter Anchorage and Statewide Services
240 E. Tudor Rd. Suite 110, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-3313 FAX: (907) 561-3315 Toll Free (800) 478-1080
Caregiver Information System – 24 hour prerecorded messages (907) 561-3322 or Toll Free (800) 478-2022
Fairbanks

P.O. Box 72791, Fairbanks, AK 99707 PH: (907) 452-2277
Juneau/Southeast Senior Services
3200 Hospital Drive Suite 201, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-6044 FAX (907) 586-6084
Email [email protected]
The Arc of Anchorage
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Bethel Home Health Care, Nursing Manager
Box 1048, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2110 FAX: (907) 543-5271
Bristol Bay Health Corporation – Home Health Care Program
P.O. Box 310, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-5201 FAX: (907) 842-9354 Tollfree (800) 478-4139
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]
P.O. Box 420 Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3891 FAX: (907) 826-3892
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 1128, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4099 FAX: (907) 772-4098 Email [email protected]
Denali Home Health
3935 Reka Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504
PH: (907) 272-1275 FAX: (907) 272-1311
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Home and Community Care
1650 Cowles Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 458-5410 Home Care FAX: (907) 451-3512
PH: (907) 458-5421 Home Medical Equipment email: [email protected]
Geneva Woods Health Care Services.

501 W. International Airport Rd Suite 1A, Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 565-6100 & (800) 478-0005 FAX: (907) 565-6112

Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center 1915 E. Rezanof Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 481-3281 FAX: (907) 481-2336
Salvation Army Program Older Alaskans Program
401 W. International Airport Rd Suite 19 PH: (907) 349-0613 FAX: (907) 522-7894
Email [email protected]
Petersburg Medical Center Home Health
P.O. Box 589, Petersburg, AK 99833
PH: (907) 772-4291 ext. 152 FAX: (907) 772-9271
Providence Home Health Care
4175 Tudor Centre, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-0130 FAX: (907) 563-0135
Senior Citizens of Kodiak
302 Erskine Avenue, Kodiak, AK 99614
PH: (907) 486-6181 FAX (907) 486-4503
email: [email protected]
Sitka Community Hospital Home Health Agency
209 Moller Avenue, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-1750 FAX: (907) 747-1760
South Peninsula Hospital Community Health Service

4300 Bartlett Street, Homer, AK 99603
PH: (907) 235-0369 FAX: (907) 235-0810
Valley Hospital Home Care Program/Hospice of Mat-Su
3051 Palmer-Wasilla highway, Wasilla, AK 99654
PH: (907) 352-4800 FAX: (907) 352-4801

Independent Living & Residential Services

Independent living programs provide support services which assist an individual with a disability to make their own choices (or their family’s in the case of a child) about lifestyle. These organizations can help to
determine what will be needed in order to live as independently as possible and provide the services necessary to make it happen. Services may include individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, peer counseling and mentorship, personal care attendant (PCA) management, transportation, interpreters, housing and other types of referrals, and financial management.

Life skills training is training in daily living skills, such as cooking, laundry, house cleaning, budgeting, banking, shopping, riding the bus, subsistence skills, or any similar skills needed in order to live more independently.

Access Alaska Anchorage
3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH (907) 248-4777 & (800) 770-4488 FAX (907) 248-0639
TDD (907) 248-8799 Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access
Fairbanks
3550 Airport Way, Suite 3, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH: (907) 479-7940 FAX: (907) 474-4052 TDD: (907) 474-8619
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
122 First Avenue Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-6434 FAX: (907) 452-6598 TDD: (907) 452-6375
Email [email protected] http://www.adultlearning.org

Alaska Center for Blind Adults
3903 Taft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH/TDD: (907) 248-7770 FAX: (907) 248-7517
Toll Free (800) 770-7517 Email [email protected] http://www.alaskablind.com
Alaska Independent Blind
1102 W. International Airport Rd., Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 563-2525 FAX: (907) 562-5951
The Arc of Anchorage – Community Support Network
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Arctic Access
P.O. Box 930, Kotzebue, AK 99752 PH: (907) 442-3021
Bethel Community Services
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 & (800) 943-2762 FAX: (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]
602 Dock St #105, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-6960 & (800) 247-6960 FAX: (907) 223-6960
8800 Glacier #108B, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 790-3650 & (800) 790-3650 FAX: (907) 790-3651
Central Peninsula Counseling Services
506 Lake Street, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-7501 FAX: (907) 283-9006
Email [email protected]
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 420 Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3891 FAX: (907) 826-3892
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 1128, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4099 FAX: (907) 772-4098 Email [email protected]

Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center Homer
P.O. Box 2474, Homer, AK 99603
PH/TTY (907) 235-7911 Fax (907) 235-6236
Toll Free (800) 770-7911 Email [email protected]
Soldotna
P.O. Box 1907, Soldotna, AK, 99669
PH/TTY: (907) 262-6333 FAX: (907) 260-4495
Toll Free: (800) 770-7911 Email [email protected]
National Service Dog Center, Delta Society
PH: (800) 869-6898 TDD: (800) 809-2714
Dogs can often be trained as companions and helpers to individuals who experience disabilities. This organization provides information on how to adopt a dog which has been trained to meet specific disability needs.
Norton Sound Community Mental Health Center – DD Program
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-3344 FAX: (907) 4435645
Older Persons Action Group (OPAG)
325 East 3rd Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-1059 FAX: (907) 278-6724
Toll Free: (800) 478-1059

OPAG publishes the Directory for Older Alaskans: A Guide to Senior Services throughout Alaska and provides some direct services and provider training.
People First of Anchorage
2210 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 272-8270

A local self-advocacy groupencouraging people with disabilities to work together and help each other become responsible for their lives.

Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
P.O. Box 528, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-6300 FAX: (907) 543-6006

Although living at home in one’s own community is always the best environment for a child or an adult, under certain circumstances residential care may be necessary for a person with a disability for a period of time. Prior to making the decision to place a family member in a residential program, it is important to explore alternative possibilities for keeping that person living at home (see sections on Respite Services; and Home Health Aides, Chore Service Providers, and Personal Care Attendants). Although it may presently feel like the best option for a family member with a disability to be placed in a residential program, six months or a year from now it may no longer be appropriate. Individuals with the most severe disabilities usually live in their natural homes. Attitudes toward people with disabilities are much more accepting than they once were. When adequate family and community services are available and when communities and the public are committed to independent living, often residential placement does not need take place.

Which residential setting a family chooses depends on many factors: type of disability; needs of the individual; availability of local medical, educational, vocational, and recreational services; which facilities have space; and how much the family wants to have continuing and frequent contact with the individual.

There are a variety of alternatives available for out-of-home placements. One option is specialized foster care, which provides short and long-term placements in a family home setting, either in one’s own or another community. Often such care can provide a needed “breather” for the family. Shared care is a new program in which the natural family and another family or caregiver share responsibilities for care of an individual with disabilities. For example, the person with a disability stays with the natural family during the week and with an alternative caregiver on weekends.

Contact the State of Alaska, Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities at their main office to arrange residential alternatives such as shared care/foster care through the following agencies.

Northern Regional Office
751 Old Richardson Hwy., Suite 123, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 451-5045 & (800) 770-1672
FAX: (907) 451-5046 TDD: (907) 451-5093
Southcentral Regional Office
851 Westpoint Drive Suite 310, Wasilla, AK 99654
PH: (907) 352-6301 & (800) 755-0712 FAX: (907) 352-6330
Southeastern Regional Office
350 Main Street, P.O. Box 110620, Juneau, AK 99811-0620
PH: (907) 465-3370 & (800) 465-4828 FAX: (907) 465-2668
TDD: (907) 465-2225
Assets, Inc.
2330 Nichols Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 279-6617 FAX: (907) 274-0636 TDD: (907) 278-8766
The Arc of Anchorage
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]
P.O. Box 420 Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3891 FAX: (907) 826-3892
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 1128, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4099 FAX: (907) 772-4098 Email [email protected]
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171
Hope Community Resources, Inc.
http://www.hopealaska.org
Anchorage/Southcentral
540 W. International Road, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 561-5335 FAX: (907) 564-7429 TDD: (907) 564-7445

Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Inc. 5050 Dunbar Street, Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99654 PH: (907) 373-1400 FAX: (907) 376-9207
Email [email protected]
REACH, Inc.
P.O. Box 34197, Juneau, AK 99803-4197 PH/TDD: (907) 586-8228 FAX: (907) 586-8226
Seward Life Action Council
302 Railway, P.O. Box 1045, Seward, AK 99664
PH: (907) 224-5257 FAX: (907) 224-7081 TTY/TDD: (907) 224-5258
Email [email protected] Toll Free (888) 224-5257
South Peninsula Community Mental Health Center
3948 Ben Walters Lane, Homer, AK 99603 PH: (907) 235-7701 FAX: (907) 235-2290

Another residential alternative is a group home setting, in which up to five children or adults may live together in a supervised family-like environment. There are many different types of group homes, depending on the individual needs of the residents.

Alaska Children’s Services, Inc..
4600 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
PH: (907) 346-2101 FAX: (907) 346-2748
Assets, Inc.
2330 Nichols Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 279-6617 FAX: (907) 274-0636 TDD: (907) 278-8766
Bautista House, Bethel Community Services
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 & (800) 943-2762 FAX (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]
602 Dock St #105, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-6960 & (800) 247-6960 FAX: (907) 223-6960
8800 Glacier #108B, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 790-3650 & (800) 790-3650 FAX: (907) 790-3651
Community Care Licensing Unit, State of Alaska
550 West 8th, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 265-5080
DDARES Incorporated
P.O. Box 870166, Wasilla, AK 99687 PH: (907) 373-3110
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171
Frontier Community Services
43335 K. Beach Rd. Ste. 36, Soldotna AK 99696
PH: (907) 262-6331 FAX: (907) 262-6294
Hope Community Resources, Inc.
http://www.hopealaska.org
Anchorage/Southcentral
540 W. International Road, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 561-5335 FAX: (907) 564-7429 TDD: (907) 564-7445

Bristol Bay/Dillingham
P.O. Box 715, Dillingham, AK 99576
Toll Free: (800) 478-2117 FAX: (907) 842-5007
Email [email protected]
Kodiak/Aleutian Region
1623 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-5011 FAX: (907) 486-5019
Seward
P.O. Box 1933, Seward, 99664
PH: (907) 224-3540 FAX: (907) 224-2063
Southeast
9109 Mendenhall Mall Rd Suite 5-D, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 463-3602 FAX: (907) 463-3605
Horizons Unlimited Incorporated
P.O. Box 1310/ 310 Egan St Suite 220, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-4504/2025/2024 FAX (907) 835-4527
Kodiak Island Mental Health Center
717 East Rezanof Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-9100 FAX: (907) 486-9119
REACH, Inc.
P.O. Box 34197, Juneau, AK 99803-4197 PH/TDD: (907) 586-8228 FAX: (907) 586-8226
Alaska Psychiatric Institute
2900 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH/TDD: (907) 269-7105 FAX: (907) 269-7128

Residential services for people who experience a mental or emotional illness are provided through local Community Mental Health Centers. For a complete listing of Community Mental Health Centers, please see page 146 or contact Alaska Psychiatric Institute, a state- operated institution for individuals with mental illness:

For people who require 24 hour medical supervision, nursing homes may be an option. Nursing homes are found in most communities in Alaska and can be found in the Yellow Pages of your phone book, or contact your health care provider.

For further information on the residential programs listed here or for additional listings of private residential facilities that may accept payment through either Medicaid or Medicare contact:

Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD) Home and Community Based Waivers Programs
Anchorage Office
701 E. Tudor Road, Suite 260, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 269-3600 & (800) 770-3930 FAX: (907) 269-3623
TDD: (907) 269-3624
Northern Regional Office
751 Old Richardson Hwy., Suite 123, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 451-5045 & (800) 770-1672
FAX: (907) 451-5046 TDD: (907) 451-5093
Southcentral Regional Office
851 Westpoint Drive Suite 310, Wasilla, AK 99654
PH: (907) 352-6301 & (800) 755-0712 FAX: (907) 352-6330
Southeastern Regional Office
350 Main Street, P.O. Box 110620, Juneau, AK 99811-0620
PH: (907) 465-3370 & (800) 465-4828 FAX: (907) 465-2668
TDD: (907) 465-2225
Health & Human Services, Municipality of Anchorage
P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-9650
PH: (907) 343-6718 FAX: (907) 343-6740 TDD: (907) 343-4797

In addition, individuals and families who require accessible housing may contact the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for information on availability of local housing. Contact the main office below, or look in your phone book under State of Alaska to see if there is an office in your community.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (formerly Alaska State Housing Authority – ASHA)
Public Housing Division
P.O. Box 200008, Anchorage, AK 99520-0008 PH: (907) 330-6100 FAX: (907) 274-7176

The U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barrier Compliance Board, commonly referred to as the Access Board, offers free technical information regarding accessibility of facilities, buildings, and other structures. Other sources of free information regarding ADA compliance and other ADA issues are:

Access Board – U.S. Architectural & Transportation Barrier Compliance Board
1331 F Street NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111
PH: (202) 272-5434 FAX: (202) 272-5447 Toll Free: (800) 872-2253
TTY: (202) 272-5449 TTY Toll Free: (800) 993-2822
Northwest Disability Technical Assistance Center
P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA, 98507-9046 PH: (800) 949-4232
ADA Partners Project
3710 Woodland Dr. Suite 900, Anchorage, AK, 99517-2555
PH: (800) 770-4488 TTY: (907) 249-8799 FAX: (907) 248-0639
Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access

The State Independent Living Council coordinates activities with state and private agencies regarding independent living issues, including the development of a state plan and an operating plan for public and private funding. They also evaluate the implementation of the plan.
State Independent Living Council (SILC)
1016 W. 6th Ave., Suite 205, Anchorage, AK 99501
V/TTY: (907) 269-3571/ 269-3575 FAX: (907) 269-3633 Toll Free:
(888) 330-6488
email: [email protected]

Frail elders and persons with dementia may receive services or some type of assistance from local senior centers. The Division of Senior Services provides information about programs for seniors and referrals to appropriate agencies for independent living.

Transition Services

As children grow to adulthood, they begin a very necessary process of taking charge of their lives and making decisions about their future. This process of making useful and effective choices, which allows each young adult to live the independent lifestyle of their own choosing, is referred to as transition.

Children with disabilities and their families may receive a variety of education recreation, transportation, respite, and personal care attendant services. A number of services, which the family grows to depend on, are provided by the public school system. Entitlement to these services, part of a free and appropriate public education, does not continue beyond graduation or the age of twenty-two. It can be challenging to both young adults and their families when they leave the structured environment of the school system and confront a maze of public an private agencies in their local community. Early planning for this time of transition will help youth and their families learn what resources are available, eligibility criteria, how to overcome potential gaps in service, and how best to support each young adult in realizing their hopes and dreams for the future. Transition planning, a life-line to adulthood, should begin by the age of fourteen.

Likewise, by age 14, the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process will include transition goals and activities. At each stage, the transition process should: 1) focus on identifying the most appropriate learning (working and/or living) environments for your child (or young adult), 2) specify the skills needed to function successfully in the new environment, and (3) include an assessment of your child’s needs in relation to the specified skills. The set of activities identified for each student is based on individual needs, preferences, and interests; “and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post school adult living objectives, and if appropriate, the acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation (P.L. 105-17).”

Areas recommended by the Department of Education and Early Development for transition services (if applicable) are listed below. They encourage these areas to be assessed on an annual basis.
• Academic/Functional Skill Training • Transportation/Mobility
• Vocational Evaluation/Training • Recreation/Leisure
• Work Experience/Employment • Health Care

• Continuing Education • Financial/Income
• Living Arrangements • Self-advocacy/Legal Services
• Independent Living Skills • Long-term Support
• Personal/Family Relationships

For young children preparing to go into the public school system from Infant Learning Programs, effective transition planning must be fully integrated into your child’s Inividualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) before age three. The Alaska Transition Training Team (ATTI) provides training statewide for community teams in developing the support systems necessary to make transition into the school system easier for children at the age of three. ATTI assists community agencies to develop collaborative transition models that include: 1) family involvement in decision making, 2) identification of referral agencies and services, 3) interagency agreements, 4) transition timelines and activities, 5) evaluation of transition procedures.

There are no agencies that provide only transition services The scope of transition planning is so broad and inclusive that many agencies, friends and family will be involved as part of your child’s transitions. Groups that are involved in self-advocacy, such as PARENTS, encourage families to create a “transition team” that includes people from the various agencies from which you are receiving services. This way you and your child have the maximum amount of control in defining what the future will hold. Many groups have experience in transition services, so you need not feel overwhelmed.

Alaska Transition Training Initiative
C/O REACH Infant Learning Program
P.O. Box 1484, Haines, AK, 99827
PH/TDD: (907) 766-2750 FAX: (907) 766-2753
PARENTS, Inc.
Anchorage Parent Resource Center
4743 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 337-7678 & (800) 478-7678 FAX: (907) 337-7671
TDD: (907) 337-7629
http://www.parentsinc.org E-mail: [email protected]
Mat-Su Parent Resource Center
PO Box 874243, Wasilla, AK 99645
PH: (907) 745-1901 FAX: (907) 745-1902
Toll Free (800) 745-1901

Southwestern Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 1142, Dillingham 99576
PH: (907) 842-1380 FAX: (907) 842-1381
Toll Free (888) 842-1379 Email [email protected]
Western Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 162, Aniak, AK 99557
PH/FAX: (907) 675-4434 & (800) 981-2833
Interior Parent Resource Center
535 Second Ave Suite 103C, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-6770 & (888) 456-6770 FAX: (907) 451-1169
Juneau Parent Resource Center
P.O. Box 32613, Juneau, AK 99803-2613 PH/TDD: (907) 586-6171 FAX: (907) 586-6433
Toll Free (888) 837-5537 Email [email protected]
Alaska Transition Initiative
1016 W. 6th Ave Suite 205, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-3572 /269-3575 FAX: (907) 269-3575
www.sesa.org/ati

Other agencies which may be able to assist in the transitional process and/or provide referrals include:

Access Alaska Anchorage
3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH (907) 248-4777 & (800) 770-4488 FAX (907) 248-0639
TDD (907) 248-8799 Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access
Fairbanks
3550 Airport Way, Suite 3, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH (907) 479-7940 FAX (907) 474-4052 TDD (907) 474-8619
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
122 First Avenue Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH (907) 452-6434 FAX (907) 452-6598 TDD (907) 452-6375
Email [email protected] http://www.adultlearning.org

Alaska Center for Blind Adults
3903 Taft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH/TDD: (907) 248-7770 FAX (907) 248-7517
Toll Free (800) 770-7517 Email [email protected] http://www.alaskablind.com
ACCA
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4003 FAX (907) 456-6124 TDD: (907) 456-2640
email: [email protected]
The Arc of Anchorage – Supported Employment Program
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Bethel Community Services
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 & (800) 943-2762 FAX: (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]
602 Dock St #105, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-6960 & (800) 247-6960 FAX: (907) 223-6960
8800 Glacier #108B, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 790-3650 & (800) 790-3650 FAX: (907) 790-3651
Central Peninsula Counseling Services
506 Lake Street, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-7501 FAX: (907) 283-9006
Email [email protected]
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]
P.O. Box 420 Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3891 FAX: (907) 826-3892
Email [email protected]

P.O. Box 1128, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4099 FAX: (907) 772-4098 Email [email protected]

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center The Arc of Anchorage
731 Gambell Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-3456 FAX (907) 279-0341 TDD: (907) 258-2232
Tollfree (800) 770-3456 (outside Anchorage)
Deaf Community Services
475 Hall St., Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-5913 FAX: (907) 456-2604 TTY: (907) 451-4889
Toll Free (800) 847-0939
Email [email protected] www.ptialaska.net/~padcs
Dream Based Transition Alliance
2210 Arca Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 787-3886 FAX: (907) 4802
Contact person: Jan Glines
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171
Interpreter Referral Line
Anchorage – The Arc of Anchorage
731 Gambell, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 277-DEAF FAX: (907) 279-0341 TDD: (907) 277-0735
Tollfree (800) 770-3456 Email [email protected]
Fairbanks
475 Hall Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-5913 FAX: (907) 456-2604 TDD: (907) 451-4889
Tollfree (800) 847-0939
Juneau / Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL)
P.O. Box 35097 / 2490 Industrial Blvd., Juneau, AK 99803-5097 PH: (907) 789-9665 FAX: (907) 789-9747 Tollfree (800) 478-7245 Email [email protected] Emergency Pager (907) 789-8969

A local self-advocacy groupencouraging people with disabilities to work together and help each other become responsible for their lives.

Youth Leadership Project
2210 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 272-8270 FAX: (907) 274-4802
Email [email protected]
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
P.O. Box 528, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-6300 FAX: (907) 543-6006

Vocational Services

Vocational services are essential to economic self-sufficiency. Your child will greatly benefit by being aware of jobs and careers appropriate to their personality and abilities, and by having training and
education available.

Vocational skills and opportunities are essential to adults who experience a disability. Gaining access to job training and to employment are priorities for most people. The agencies and organizations listed below can provide direct services and/or referrals. It is important to consider what types of opportunities are available in each community. Changing technology, shifts in the job market, and many other factors may result in the need for retraining of a person with a disability at some point in order to gain new job skills.

Vocational evaluation and training can begin as early as 14 years of age in public schools. To begin planning for this transition, high school teachers and counselors, admissions personnel at colleges, universities, and trade schools can assist a person in selecting an appropriate educational/vocational program to be included in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Additionally, the state’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides services to assist eligible individuals with a disability become employed and self-sufficient. DVR will need information on complete employment history and medical records certifying disability in order to determine if an individual qualifies for services. Services are individualized to meet the needs of the consumer with a disability. The process may include identifying capabilities, abilities and interests; providing financial assistance for job training and education; and providing financial assistance for adaptive equipment (or outright purchase of adaptive equipment) to make a job site accessible. The eligibility process can be lengthy and certain types of documentation are required; calling an office ahead of time is suggested. For additional information contact a Vocational Rehabilitation office nearest you:

STATE OF ALASKA, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Central Office
801 West 10th St., Ste. 200, Juneau, AK 99801
PH/TTY: (907) 465-2814 FAX: (907) 465-2856
Toll Free (800) 478-2815
Anchorage Administrative Office
1016 W. 6th St Suite 205, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH/TTY: (907) 269-3570 FAX: (907) 269-3632
Toll Free: (800) 478-3387
Counseling Center Suite 102
PH: (907) 269-3580 & (888) 330-6468FAX: (907) 269-3636
Anchorage Bragaw Branch Office
3600 S. Bragaw, Anchorage, AK 99508-4688
PH/TTY: (907) 561-4466 FAX: (907) 562-7746 Tollfree (800) 478-4467
Anchorage Disability Determination Service
701 E. Tudor Rd Suite 250, Anchorage, AK 99503-7498
PH: (907) 562-0460 FAX: (907) 261-8181 TDD (907) 261-8100
Tollfree (800) 577-3334
Anchorage Metro Branch Office
1016 W. 6th Suite 105, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH/TTY: (907) 269-3500- FAX (907) 269-3630
Bethel Branch Office
180A 6th Avenue, P.O. Box 1507, Bethel, AK 99559-1507
PH/TTY: (907) 543-4444 FAX (907) 543-4418 Tollfree: (800) 764-2387
Fairbanks Branch Office
751 Old Richardson Hwy., Teamsters Bldg., Ste. 102, Fairbanks, 99701 PH/TTY (907) 451-6261 Fax (907) 452-7271 Toll Free (800) 478-2839
Juneau Branch Office
10002 Glacier Hwy. Suite 101., Juneau, AK 99801
PH/TTY: (907) 465-8943 FAX (907) 465-6857
Toll Free: (800) 478-2387

Kenai Branch Office
145 Main Street Loop Suite 143., Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-3133 FAX (907) 283-3814 TDD: (907) 283-4322
Toll Free: (800) 478-3136
Ketchikan Branch Office
Tongass Comm. Ctr., 2030 Sea level Dr., #220-A, Ketchikan, AK 99901 PH: (907) 225-6655 FAX: (907) 225-3364 Toll Free: (800) 478-5387
Kodiak Branch Office
P.O. Box 3389, 305 Center Avenue, Ste. 5, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-5787 FAX (907) 486-2734 Toll Free: (800) 478-5787
Kotzebue Branch Office
P.O. Box 129, Eskimo Bldg, 1st Floor Shore Ave, 5th St., Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH/TDD (907) 442-3884 Fax (907) 442-3920 Toll Free (800) 478-3884
Sitka Branch Office
700 Katlian, Ste. F. Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-4788 FAX (907) 747-6452 Toll Free (800) 478-2726
Wasilla Branch Office
901 W. Commercial Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654-6938
PH: (907) 352-2545 FAX (907) 352-2547 Toll Free: (800) 770-4124

Some employers are willing to provide on-the-job training. If the family member with a disability has a particular area of interest, try contacting appropriate companies to see if on-the-job training would be a possibility, and ask what skills would be needed in order to be considered for employment.

The following listings are of private and public agencies and organizations which offer supported employment training and other work-related services. Even if they don’t provide the service needed they can often provide information and referrals.

Fairbanks
3550 Airport Way, Suite 3, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH: (907) 479-7940 FAX: (907) 474-4052 TDD: (907) 474-8619
Adult and Vocational Education, Department of Education
801W. 10th, #200, Juneau, AK 99801-1894
PH: (907) 465-4685 FAX (907) 465-3436
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska
122 First Avenue Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-6434 FAX: (907) 452-6598 TDD: (907) 452-6375
Email [email protected] http://www.adultlearning.org
Alaska Center for Blind Adults
3903 Taft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH/TDD: (907) 248-7770 FAX: (907) 248-7517
Toll Free (800) 770-7517 Email [email protected] http://www.alaskablind.com
Assets, Inc.
2330 Nichols Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 279-6617 FAX: (907) 274-0636 TDD: (907) 278-8766
Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1901 S. Bragaw, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH/TTY: (907) 787-3028 FAX: (907) 787-3814
TTY Message: (907) 787-3814
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
P.O. Box 889, Seward, AK 99664
PH: (907) 224-3322 FAX: (907) 224-3380
http://www.eed.state.ak.us/avtech/home.htm
The Arc of Anchorage
Supported Employment or CE/QL Program
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Bethel Community Services
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2762 & (800) 943-2762 FAX: (907) 543-2796
Email [email protected]

Career Development & Training, Municipality of Anchorage
235 E. 8th Ave 1st Floor, Anchorage, AK 99501 PH: (907) 343-6560 FAX: (907) 343-6584
Center For Community
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]
602 Dock St #105, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-6960 & (800) 247-6960 FAX: (907) 223-6960
8800 Glacier #108B, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 790-3650 & (800) 790-3650 FAX: (907) 790-3651
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive #350, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center The Arc of Anchorage
731 Gambell Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-3456 FAX (907) 279-0341 TDD: (907) 258-2232
Tollfree (800) 770-3456 (outside Anchorage)
Fairbanks Community Mental Health Center
122 First Avenue, #5, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-1575 FAX: (907) 452-2173 TDD: (907) 452-5785
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA)
805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171
Frontier Community Services
43335 K. Beach Rd. Ste. 36, Soldotna AK 99696
PH: (907) 262-6331 FAX: (907) 262-6294
Hope Community Resources, Inc.
http://www.hopealaska.org
Anchorage/Southcentral
540 W. International Road, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 561-5335 FAX: (907) 564-7429 TDD: (907) 564-7445

Bristol Bay/Dillingham
P.O. Box 715, Dillingham, AK 99576
Toll Free: (800) 478-2117 FAX: (907) 842-5007
Email [email protected]
Kodiak/Aleutian Region
1623 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-5011 FAX: (907) 486-5019
Seward
P.O. Box 1933, Seward, 99664
PH: (907) 224-3540 FAX: (907) 224-2063
Southeast
9109 Mendenhall Mall Rd Suite 5-D, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 463-3602 FAX: (907) 463-3605
Horizons Unlimited Incorporated
P.O. Box 1310 / 310 Egan St Suite 220, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-4504/2025/2024 FAX (907) 835-4527
Martin Luther King Jr. Career Education Center
2650 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99504
PH: (907) 278-9631 FAX: (907) 278-6559 TDD: (907) 278-9631
Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Inc.
5050 Dunbar Street, Suite A, Wasilla, AK 99654
PH: (907) 373-1400 FAX: (907) 376-9207 Email [email protected]
REACH, Inc.
P.O. Box 34197, Juneau, AK 99803-4197 PH/TDD: (907) 586-8228 FAX: (907) 586-8226
Situs Inc.
1549 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 PH: (907) 563-0950 FAX: (907) 563-0951
www.situsinc.com
Work Adjustment Works
P.O. Box 232481, Anchorage, AK 99523-2481 PH: (907) 222-2953

Services provided specifically for veterans and their families are:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Anchorage
2925 DeBarr Road, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 257-4700 Toll Free (800) 829-4033
Managed Care Office – Juneau
Federal Bldg., 709 W. 9th, #263
P.O. Box 20069, Juneau, AK 99802
PH: (907) 586-7472 FAX: (907) 586-7469 Toll Free (888) 308-7890
Veterans Resource Centers
4201 Tudor Center Drive, Suite 115, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-6966 FAX: (907) 561-7183
529 E. 5th Avenue, #102, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4238 FAX: (907) 456-0475
445 Coral, Kenai AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-5205 FAX: (907) 283-5406
851 E. Westpoint Dr., #111, Wasilla, AK 99687
PH: (907) 376-4318 FAX: (907) 373-1883

Job Service Centers throughout the state offer programs for people with disabilities. Check your phone directory under State of Alaska for an office in your area. There are also programs offered for indigenous people . Talk with your school counselor or contact:

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Anchorage
1675 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 271-4115 FAX: (907) 271-4083
National organizations and associations Listings begin on page
128 may also have information regarding education/vocational opportunities and financial assistance.

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) has counselors that act as ombudsmen for any program funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, like the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or Access Alaska. They will review client’s concerns and mediate and/or advocate for services or a change in policy. They will refer concerns which are beyond

CAP’s scope to the appropriate resource. Contact the nearest CAP office or call (800) 478-0047 (Voice/TTY).

Client Assistance Program (CAP) Anchorage CAP Office
2900 Boniface Parkway #100, Anchorage, AK 99504
PH/TTY: (907) 333-2211 FAX: (907) 333-1186 (800) 478-0047
Bethel CAP Office
P.O. Box 1321, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-3805 & (888) 543-3805
Fairbanks CAP Office
P.O. Box 79023, Fairbanks, AK 99707-0223 PH: (907) 457-4576 & (800) 478-2960
Juneau CAP Office
P.O. Box 32526, Juneau, AK 99803-2526 PH: (907) 790-3616 & (800) 966-0047

Many employers express concern about the cost of making modifications to accommodate employees with disabilities, but the fact is that most modifications cost very little. According to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), 31% of modifications suggested cost nothing, 19% cost between $1 and $500, and another 19% cost between $501 and $1000. Some changes are as simple as adjusting working hours for the employee or moving furniture to accommodate a wheelchair. And some modifications cost very little and can be beneficial to all employees, such as electric staplers or 3 hole punchers.

Job Accommodation Network – West Virginia University
918 Chestnut Ridge #1, PO Box 6080, Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
PH: (800) 526-7234 FAX: (304) 293-5407 TDD: (800) 526-7234
Email [email protected] http:.//janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/

The Americans with Disabilities Act was designed to prevent discrimination in hiring, among other things. If someone experiences discrimination in employment and hiring because of their disability, contact the Disability Law Center of Alaska or the Human Rights Commission to file a complaint. Be sure to document significant events by writing down all relevant information, including employer names, addresses and dates of interviews.

Human Rights Commission, State of Alaska
800 A Street, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99501-3669
PH: (907) 274-4692 FAX: (907) 278-8588 TDD: (907) 276-3177
Toll Free/Voice: (800) 478-4692 Toll Free/TDD: (800) 478-3177
Equal Rights Commission, Municipality of Anchorage
620 E. 10th Avenue, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 343-4342 FAX: (907) 276-4630 TDD: (907) 343-4894

Disability Law Center of Alaska Anchorage
615 East 82nd Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 344-1002 FAX: (907) 349-1002 TDD: (907) 344-1002
Toll Free: (800) 478-1234
Bethel
P.O. Box 2303, Bethel, AK, 99559
PH: (907) 543-3357 FAX: (907) 543-3359
Physical Location: BNC Office Complex Suite 203
Fairbanks
250 Cushman, Suite 3H, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-1070 FAX: (907) 456-1080 TDD: (907) 456-1070
Email [email protected]
Juneau
230 South Franklin, Suite 209, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-1627 FAX: (907) 586-1066 TDD: (907) 586-1627

You may call the national Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Hotline or write the Federal Department of Justice, Office of the ADA. Detail your experience in clear, precise language for expediency. If you need assistance in documenting and writing your complaint contact the Disability Law Center of Alaska.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Hotline
PH: (800) 514-0301 TDD: (800) 514-038
www.usdoj/crt/ada/adahom.1.htm
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Civil Rights Division
P.O. Box 66738, Washington, DC 20035-6738

Assistive Technology

When Congress passed Public Law (P.L.) 100-407, the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, it recognized the significant impact assistive technology has on the lives of persons with disabilities. Assistive technology makes it possible for people with disabilities to function more independently on a daily basis, thereby becoming more fully integrated members of society.

Assistive technology is the term used to describe a wide array of services and equipment used to assist people with disabilities at home, work, or at play. The law defines it as “… any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Services are designed to assist a person in identifying what equipment may best meet a person’s needs; where to find needed equipment; and determine the cost and sources of financial assistance available to purchase equipment. Assistive technology includes all types of equipment that is used adaptively to assist a person where they need assistance. For example, eyeglasses can be defined as assistive technology, as well as a wheelchair. Other types of equipment can include environmental control devices, communication devices, modified eating utensils, ramps, expanded doorways, large print computer screens, artificial limbs, and even adaptive fishing rods.

Many modifications can be made to accommodate employment for people with disabilities. Most modifications cost nothing or very little. Modifications which utilize assistive technology may be more expensive but can enable a person with a disability to become independently productive. For example, computer software companies are constantly finding new ways to accommodate a variety of disabilities, such as responding to a persons voice or eye movements. For information on employment modifications and accommodations contact any organization that offers information and referral on assistive technology and the Job Accommodation Network, a national organization specializing in employment modifications for people with disabilities.

If you do not qualify for financial aid but need help to obtain assistive technology such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchair, walker, or other adaptive devices, consider contacting service and fraternal organizations such as Lions Club, Elks or Shriners, or youth organizations such as Boy or Girl Scouts in your area. Many of these organizations may have funds for community service projects or can help you by organizing a fund raiser.

Assistive Technologies of Alaska provides information and referrals as well as training and public awareness.

Assistive Technologies of Alaska
701 E. Tudor Road Suite 5, Anchorage, AK 99507-1068
PH/TDD: (907) 563-0138 FAX (907) 563-0699 Tollfree (800) 770-0138
email: [email protected]

The agencies listed below may provide information and referral, assessments, advocacy, equipment lending libraries, design and fabrication of various assistive technologies, and adaptive materials. Call for additional information.

Assistive Technology Library of Alaska (ATLA)
2217 E. Tudor Road #4, Anchorage, AK 99507
PH: (907) 563-2599 FAX: (907) 563-0699
Toll Free: (800) 723-ATLA (2852)
Http://www.alaska.net/~atla email: [email protected]
Access Alaska – Anchorage
3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH (907) 248-4777 & (800) 770-4488 FAX (907) 248-0639
TDD (907) 248-8799 Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access
Center For Community/ACAT
700 Katlian Street, Suite B. Sitka, AK 99835 PH/TDD: (907) 747-6960 FAX: (907) 747-4868
email: [email protected]

Challenge Alaska
P. O . Box 110065, Anchorage, AK 99511 PH/TDD: (907) 344-7399 FAX: (907) 344-7349
Deaf Community Services
475 Hall St., Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-5913 FAX: (907) 456-2604 TDD: (907) 451-4889
Toll Free (800) 847-0939
Email [email protected] www.ptialaska.net/~padcs
Geneva Woods Health Care Services.
501 W. International Airport Rd Suite 1A, Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 565-6100 & (800) 478-0005 FAX: (907) 565-6112
Hope Community Resources, Inc.
http://www.hopealaska.org
Anchorage/Southcentral
540 W. International Road, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 561-5335 FAX: (907) 564-7429 TDD: (907) 564-7445
Bristol Bay/Dillingham
P.O. Box 715, Dillingham, AK 99576
Toll Free (800) 478-2117 FAX: (907) 842-5007
Email [email protected]
Kodiak/Aleutian Region
1623 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-5011 FAX: (907) 486-5019
Seward
P.O. Box 1933, Seward, 99664
PH: (907) 224-3540 FAX: (907) 224-2063
Southeast
9109 Mendenhall Mall Rd Suite 5-D, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 463-3602 FAX: (907) 463-3605
Outdoor Recreation and Community Access (ORCA)
P.O. Box 35097, Juneau, AK 99803-5097 PH: (907) 790-2218 FAX: (907) 789-9747

Providence Alaska Medical Center, Rehabilitation Services 3200 Providence Drive, 5W-Rehab, Anchorage, AK 99519-6604 PH: (907) 261-3050 FAX: (907) 261-4897

The Technology Connection
327 6th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH/TTY: (907) 451-6944 FAX: (907) 451-6947

University of Alaska, Anchorage – Services for Students with Disabilities
3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 786-1592 FAX: (907) 786-1590 TDD: 786-1406
Additional sources of assistive technologies are:
ACCA
1020 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-4003 FAX (907) 456-6124 TDD: (907) 456-2640
email: [email protected]
Alaska Center for Blind Adults
3903 Taft Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH/TDD: (907) 248-7770 FAX: (907) 248-7517
Toll Free (800) 770-7517 Email [email protected] http://www.alaskablind.com

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center The Arc of Anchorage
731 Gambell Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-3456 FAX (907) 279-0341 TDD: (907) 258-2232
Tollfree (800) 770-3456 (outside Anchorage)

Elks Help
P.O. Box 3430, Palmer, AK 99645-3430 PH: (907) 745-7290 FAX (907) 745-7294
Email [email protected] www.elkshelp.org

Special Education Service Agency (SESA)
2217 E. Tudor Road, Suite 1, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 562-7372 FAX (907) 562-0545 TDD: (907) 563-8284
http://www.sesa.org

Transportation Services

Accessible local transportation services are available in many communities in Alaska. Due to the recent passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), communities (depending on size) are obligated to provide accessible public transportation. The U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted regulations that require all communities which use Department of Transportation funds for local public transportation systems to make those systems accessible to people with disabilities. In fact, the current regulations require that every new vehicle purchased after January 6, 1992, with Department of Transportation funds, must have a wheelchair lift.

Some communities, like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, have developed door-to-door transportation services for people with disabilities in order to deal with extreme weather conditions in Alaska.

The U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barrier Compliance Board, commonly referred to as the Access Board, offers free technical information regarding accessibility of facilities and transportation. Other sources of free information regarding ADA compliance and other ADA issues are:

Access Board – U.S. Architectural & Transportation Barrier Compliance Board
1111 18th St. NW Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036
PH: (202) 272-5434 FAX: (202) 272-5447 Toll Free: (800) 872-2253
TTY: (202) 272-5449 TTY Toll Free: (800) 993-2822
Northwest Disability Technical Assistance Center
P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA, 98507-9046 PH: (800) 949-4232
ADA Partners Project
3710 Woodland Dr. Suite 900, Anchorage, AK, 99517-2555
PH: (800) 770-4488 TTY: (907) 248-8799 FAX: (907) 248-0639
Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access

Also, community organizations which have purchased vans and other vehicles with UMTA (Urban Mass Transit Administration) funds must make those vehicles available for transportation of people with disabilities.

For information on local transportation services, call your city or borough government offices. You may also want to inquire about special fares, since some communities have reduced fares available to people with disabilities. Mass transit services are available through:

Capital Transit
10099 Bentwood Place, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 789-6901 FAX: (907) 789-2132
Care-A-Van Transportation Service
3200 SE Hospital Drive Suite 102, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-4482 FAX: (907) 586-1879 TTY: (907) 586-6234

MACS (Metropolitan Area Commuter System) Transit Van Tran Paratransit Service
3175 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709-5499
PH: (907) 459-1011 FAX: (907) 459-1004 TDD: (907) 459-1009
PH: (907) 459-1010 Van Tran
Municipality of Anchorage Public Transportation
Email [email protected] http://www.people
People Mover Passes for the Elderly or Disabled
700 W. 6th Ave, P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650 PH: (907) 343-6543 FAX: (907) 343-4042
Anchor RIDES (formerly Munilift)
P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650 PH: (907) 343-8445 FAX: (907) 343-4042
Alaska Associates
3098 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH: (907) 474-9292

Transit services offered to specific groups of people are listed below. Contact the agency to determine if they are able to meet your needs.

Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association
1057 W. Fireweed Ln Suite 102, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 276-4880 FAX: (907) 263-2051
email: [email protected] http://www.alaskan/ www.alaskanaids.org
Swan Lake Senior Citizen Van

402 Lake Street, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-8617
Health & Human Services, Municipality of Anchorage
P.O. Box 199650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
PH: (907) 343-6718 FAX (907) 343-6740 TDD: (907) 343-4797
Horizons Unlimited Incorporated
P.O. Box 1310 / 310 Egan St Suite 220, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-4504/2025/2024 FAX (907) 835-4527
Hospice of Anchorage
3305 Arctic Boulevard, #105, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 561-5322 FAX (907) 561-09334
email: [email protected]
Salvation Army, Alaska Division Headquarters
143 E. 9th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 PH: (907) 276-2515 FAX: (907) 276-1424

Division of Senior Services Juneau Office
P.O. Box 110209, Juneau, AK 99811-0209
PH: (907) 465-3250 FAX: (907) 465-4716 TTY: (907) 465-2205
Anchorage Office
3601 C Street Suite 310, Anchorage, AK 99503-5984
PH: (907) 269-3666 FAX: (907) 269-3689
Toll Free: (800) 478-9996
Southeast Senior Services/ Caholic Community Service
419 Sixth Street #131, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-4300 FAX: (907) 586-3329

If your transportation needs are not being met and you want to know what your rights are under the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact an Disability Law Center office at one of the following locations:

Disability Law Center of Alaska Anchorage
615 East 82nd Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 344-1002 FAX: (907) 349-1002 TDD: (907) 344-1002
Toll Free: (800) 478-1234

Bethel
P.O. Box 2303, Bethel, AK, 99559
PH: (907) 543-3357 FAX: (907) 543-3359
Physical Location: BNC Office Complex Suite 213
Fairbanks
250 Cushman, Suite 3H, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-1070 FAX: (907) 456-1080 TDD: (907) 456-1070
Juneau
230 South Franklin, Suite 213, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-1627 FAX: (907) 586-1066 TDD: (907) 586-1627
Email [email protected]

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Hotline
PH: (800) 514-0301 TDD: (800) 514-0381
www.usdoj/crt/ada/adahom.1.htm
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Civil Rights Division
P.O. Box 66118, Washington, DC 20035-6118

Recreational Services

Exercise and recreation are essential to everyone. Recreational activities provide the opportunity to develop self esteem, make friends, improve social skills, and develop independence. Inactivity not only limits growth and development, but can also leave a person more susceptible to illness.

The following organizations provide recreation activities for people who experience a physical, developmental or neurological disability. Activities may include adaptive downhill and cross-country skiing, kayaking, camping, wheelchair basketball and other competitive opportunities. The focus with these groups is on independence with opportunities for learning particular activities through training and clinics. Challenge Alaska, for example, offers ski clinics and competitive skiing through National Ski Championships.

Alaska Independent Blind supports a camp for children who are blind or have a visual impairment, and has current and popular movies described on video cassette and also has games adapted for people who are blind or have a visual impairment.

Alaska Independent Blind
1102 W. International Airport Rd., Anchorage, AK 99518 PH: (907) 563-2525 FAX: (907) 562-5951
Email [email protected]

Alaska Information Radio Reading and Education Service (AIRRES) provides receivers for access to a 24 hour broadcast that provides information in the form of newspapers, magazines and advertisements for local and national news to people who are blind, have a visual impairment or otherwise have a use for the program.

AIRRES (Alaska Information Radio Reading & Education Service)
1102 W. International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 563-2121 TDD: (907) 563-2121 FAX: (907) 562-5951
Email [email protected]

Alpine Alternatives
2518 E. Tudor Road, #105, Anchorage, AK 99507
PH/TDD: (907) 561-6655 FAX: (907) 563-9232
Email [email protected]
The Arc of Anchorage
Arctic Resource Center – Individuals 16 & Over Summer Enrichment Program – Children 3 – 16 2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345
Challenge Alaska
720 W. 58th Avenue, P.O. Box 110065, Anchorage, AK 99511-0065 PH/TDD: (907) 344-7399 FAX: (907) 344-7349
Outdoor Recreation and Community Access (ORCA)
P.O. Box 35097, Juneau, AK 99803-5097 PH: (907) 790-2218 FAX: (907) 789-9747

The Arc of Anchorage operates an activity center for adults over 18 who experience a developmental disability.
The Arc of Anchorage
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345

Special Olympics is a national program which promotes sports training and competition for individuals who experience a developmental disability and are 8 years and older.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Special Olympics, Alaska
21-410 2nd Street, Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506 PH: (907) 753-2182 FAX: (907) 753-2192
http://www.specialolympicalaska.org
Akiachak
P.O. Box 100, Akiachak, AK 99551 PH: (907) 825-4929
Allakaket
Allakaket School, Allakaket, AK 99720 PH: (907) 968-2205 FAX: (907) 968-2250

Anchorage
P.O. Box 142091, Anchorage, AK 99514 PH: (907) 258-3344
Atmautluk
Atmautluk School, Atmautluk, AK 99559 PH: (907) 553-5112
Bethel
P.O. Box 1249, Bethel, AK 99559 PH: (907) 543-4813
Buckland
P.O. Box 69, Buckland, AK 99727 No Phone
Central Kenai Peninsula
2540 Seine Ct., Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-3726 FAX: (907) 283-2394
College
P.O. Box 82425, College, AK 99708
PH: (907) 452-4595 FAX: (907) 456-3163
Cordova
P.O. Box 140, Cordova, AK 99574 PH: (907) 424-3266
Delta Junction
P.O. Box 142, Delta Junction, AK 99737 PH: (907) 895-4657
Dillingham
P.O. Box 889, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-2445 FAX: (907) 842-5691
Elmendorf AFB
21-410 2nd Street, Elmendorf AFB, AK, 99506 PH: (907) 753-2182 FAX: (907) 753-2192
Haines
P.O. Box 528, Haines, AK 99827 PH: (907) 766-3337

Juneau
618 6th Street, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 463-5037
Kaltag
Kaltag School, Kaltag, AK 99748 PH: (907) 534-2204
Katchemak Bay/Homer
P.O. Box 1161, Homer, AK 99603 PH: (907) 235-2372
Ketchikan
P.O. Box 8311, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-4591 FAX: (907) 247-0619
Kodiak
P.O. Box 4143, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-4265 FAX (907) 486-6545
Koyuk
P.O. Box 9, Koyuk, AK 99753 PH: (907) 963-3071
Nanwalek
P.O. Box 8096, Nanwalek, AK 99603 PH: (907) 281-2210
Nenana
P.O. Box 309, Nenana, AK 99760 PH: (907) 832-5594
Nome
P.O. Box 966, CMHC, Nome, AK 99762 No Phone
Northwest Arctic
P.O. Box 256, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3311 FAX: (907) 442-2381
Norton Sound
P.O. Box 130, Unalakleet, AK 99684 PH: (907) 624-3444

Port Graham
P.O. Box PGM, Port Graham, AK 99603 PH: (907) 284-2209
Sitka
P.O. Box 2184, Sitka, AK 99835 PH: (907) 747-3267
Tanana Valley
P.O. Box 82424, Fairbanks, AK 99708-2425 PH: (907) 452-4295 FAX: (907) 452-5770
Valdez
P.O. Box 487, Valdez, AK 99686 PH: (907) 835-2189
Venetie
P.O. Box 801105, Venetie, AK 99785 PH: (907) 849-8415
Wasilla
P.O. Box 870798, Wasilla, AK 99687 PH: (907) 376-2770
Wrangell
P.O. Box 373, Wrangell, AK 99929 PH: (907) 874-2347

Your community may also have its own recreation program for people with a disability. Contact your local government for information.

Parks & Recreation Dept.
Therapeutic Programs, Fairbanks North Star Borough
P.O. Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK 99707 PH: (907) 459-1070 FAX: (907) 459-1072
Parks & Recreation Division
Therapeutic Recreation, Municipality of Anchorage
P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519
PH: (907) 561-0108 FAX: (907) 278-6595 TDD: (907) 343-6457

Barrier Free manages and maintains the Beach Lake Lodge and Recreation Site located within the Municipality of Anchorage’s Beach Lake park. The site is available to the public at low cost and to community organizations which demonstrate a commitment to the full inclusion of Alaskans with disabilities in all their programs.

Barrier Free Recreation, Inc..
P.O. Box 101039, Anchorage, AK 99510-1039 PH: (907) 229-0381 TDD: (907) 274-6002

The Head Injury Support Group offers social opportunities to people who have experienced a head injury.
Head Injury Support Group, Alaska
3710 Woodland Dr. Suite 900, Anchorage, AK
PH: (907) 248-4777 & (800) 770-4488 FAX: (907) 248-0639
TTY: (907) 248-8799 Email [email protected]
3550 Airport Rd #3, Fairbanks, AK 99709
PH/TTY: (907) 479-7940 FAX: (907) 474-4052
People First of Anchorage
2210 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 272-8270

A local self-advocacy groupencouraging people with disabilities to work together and help each other become responsible for their lives.

Some communities offer recreational workshops and/or summer camp programs through churches or charitable organizations. These course offerings and community parks and recreation activities depend on community interest and often can be arranged if a group of individuals requests them.

Your school-age child with a disability may be eligible for summer school summer education services. Contact your local school district special education office for eligibility.

Legal & Protective Services

Protecting Rights – Individuals with disabilities are sometimes denied the rights to which they are entitled as citizens because of their disabilities. Sometimes their rights to important services are violated.

Individuals with disabilities have the same rights as other citizens of the same age and should be considered capable of exercising those rights unless they are legally proven to be incapable of doing so. Those rights include, but are not limited to, the right to life, equal access to educational opportunity, the right to own and dispose of property, to vote, to marry, to be paid in accordance with legal wage requirements for work performed, and the right to an education in the least restrictive environment. No right should be limited or modified without due process, and rights should be limited only to the extent necessary by the person’s inability to be responsible for himself or herself.

When it is felt that civil or human rights are being violated, there are organizations to contact which can help interpret laws and regulations, investigate complaints, and, if necessary, intervene on a person’s behalf. These organizations can help an individual become his or her own advocate, help file a grievance, appeal what may be unfair administrative practices, ask for a fair hearing, or help take any other necessary action to remedy the situation. Agencies which can help are:

Physical Location BNC Office Complex Suite 213
Fairbanks
250 Cushman, Suite 3H, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-1070 FAX: (907) 456-1080 TDD: (907) 456-1070
Juneau
230 South Franklin, Suite 213, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-1627 FAX: (907) 586-1066 TDD: (907) 586-1627
Email [email protected]

The state ombudsman staff investigates complaints about state agencies and officials. If you are having a problem with a state agency or official, call or write the ombudsman. They can investigate your problem and determine whether you have been treated fairly according to the law. Be prepared to provide them with any copies of any documentation about your problem which will help them look into it. Your complaint will be kept confidential.

State Ombudsman Offices
http://www.state.ak.us/ombud/
Anchorage
P.O. Box 102636, Anchorage, AK 99510-2636 PH/TTY: (907) 269-5290 FAX: (907) 269-5291 Toll Free: 800-478-2624
Juneau
240 Main Street, #202, Box 113000, Juneau, AK 99811-3000
PH/TTY: (907) 465-4970 FAX: (907) 465-3330
Toll Free: 800 478-4970
Interior (800) 478-3257
Alaska Lawyer Referral Service
P.O. Box 279, Anchorage, AK 99510 Physical: 510 L Street #602
PH: (907) 272-0352 Toll Free: (800) 770-9999

Alaska Legal Services handles civil rights matters for people with a low income. They hold regular classes on will preparation and also have a booklet entitled “How to Prepare Your Will.”

Alaska Legal Services
Anchorage and Statewide Office
1016 W. 6th Avenue, #200, Anchorage, AK 99501

PH: (907) 272-9431 FAX (907) 279-7417 TDD: (907) 258-2266
Toll Free: (800) 478-9431
Barrow Law Office
P.O. Box 309, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-2311 FAX: (907) 852-5801
Bethel Law Office
P.O. Box 248, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2237 FAX: (907) 543-5537 Tollfree (800) 478-2230
Dillingham Law Office
P.O. Box 176, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-1452 FAX: (907) 842-1430 Toll Free (800) 391-1475
Fairbanks Law Office
1648 Cushman Suite 300, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-5181 FAX: (907) 456-6359 Tollfree (800) 478-5401
Juneau Law Office
419 6th Street, Suite 322, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-6425 FAX: (907) 586-2449 Tollfree (800) 789-6426
Ketchikan Law Office
306 Main Street, NBA Building, Suite 218, Ketchikan, AK 99901 PH: (907) 225-6420 FAX: (907) 225-6896
Nome Law Office
P.O. Box 1429, Nome, AK 99762-1429
PH: (907) 443-2234 FAX: (907) 443-2239 Toll Free (800) 495-6663
Human Rights Commission, State of Alaska
800 A Street, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99501-3669
PH: (907) 274-4692 FAX: (907) 278-8588 TDD: (907) 276-3177
Toll Free/Voice: (800) 478-4692 Toll Free/TDD: (800) 478-3177 Investigates discrimination and other human rights abuses statewide.
Equal Rights Commission, Municipality of Anchorage
620 E. 10th Avenue, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 343-4342 FAX: (907) 276-4630 TDD: (907) 343-4894
Investigates discrimination and other human rights complaints under the Municipality of Anchorage Charter.
Older Persons Action Group (OPAG)
325 East 3rd Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501

PH: (907) 276-1059 FAX: (907) 278-6724
Toll Free: (800) 478-1059

The U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barrier Compliance Board, commonly referred to as the Access Board, offers free technical information regarding accessibility of facilities and transportation. Other sources of free information regarding ADA Compliance and other ADA issues are:

Access Board – U.S. Architectural & Transportation Barrier Compliance Board
1111 18th St. NW Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036
PH: (202) 272-5434 FAX: (202) 272-5447 Toll Free: (800) 872-2253
TTY: (202) 272-5449 TTY Toll Free (800) 993-2822
Northwest Disability Technical Assistance Center
P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA, 98507-9046 PH: (800) 949-4232
Project
3710 Woodland Dr. Suite 900, Anchorage, AK, 99517-2555
PH: (800) 770-4488 TTY: (907) 248-8799 FAX: (907) 248-0639
Email [email protected] http://www.alaska.net/~access

Abuse and Neglect

Another area of concern under legal and protective services is the problem of abuse and neglect. When parents feel anger, despair, confusion, and frustration, and direct those feelings toward their children or any other member of the family, they need help. Abuse happens when a person is harmed because of physical beatings, sexual misuse, cutting, burning, severe mental stress, or dependency on drugs at birth. Neglect happens when a person is not given needed food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, or supervision, or when a child is emotionally deprived.

Service providers are mandated by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of children or adults. Instances of neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children should be reported promptly to the Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS) office nearest you (see listings on page 151). If there is not a DFYS office in your community, contact your community health aide, public health nurse, community mental health center, a local crisis line or center, or look in the yellow pages of your phone book for “crisis intervention organizations.” If you are on a military base, contact the community services office or any of the above resources. In an emergency, call the police.

Instances of neglect, abuse, or exploitation of all vulnerable adults, including elders, should be reported to the Division of Senior Services office at (800) 478-9996 (in Anchorage, 269-3666) or by fax at (907) 269-3689. A vulnerable adult means a person 18 years of age or older who, because of a physical or mental impairment, is unable to meet their own needs or to seek help without assistance.

Protection services can include emergency shelter, complaint investigation, counseling, homemaker and child care services, legal advocacy and assistance, medical or psychiatric care, residential care, transportation, and participation in self-help groups such as Parents Anonymous.

Preparing a Will

When you plan for the future of your son or daughter with a disability, you will want to make sure that his or her needs are provided for if something should happen to you. You will want to write a will and plan your estate so that the special needs of your child are considered. While it is legal for a person to make his or her own will in Alaska, it is not advised. Fees charged by attorneys are small compared to the technical errors, time, trouble, and costs which are often involved in settling estates when wills are not properly prepared. If you write your own will, you may think your words are absolutely clear. Remember that your words may not mean the same to others who read them after your death. An attorney can answer questions and give you advice on matters such as tax consequences, full or partial guardianship, probate, trusts, and estate planning. Keep in mind, a child who inherits money or other property of value may lose important state and federal benefits as a result, leaving them worse off than before. Beware of irrevocable trusts, which may have the same effect. Without a will your property will be distributed according to the laws of Alaska. You lose the privilege of naming an executor or guardian; you might face higher taxes on your estate; and you may be leaving your property to persons other than those of your choice.

Guardianship Services

Guardianship is a legal relationship between a competent adult (the guardian) and any minor child or adult who has been determined to be incapable of handling all or some of her or his decision making The relationship gives the guardian the legal right and the legal responsibility to act on behalf of the ward in making decisions affecting his or her life or property.

Parents are the legal guardians of their children until their children reach 18. After the eighteenth birthday, a person is legally an adult and is responsible for handling his or her own finances, giving consent for medical treatment, signing contracts, and so forth. The natural parent is no longer the legal guardian.

If a person lacks the ability to understand or is unable to make or communicate responsible decisions about his or her care or well-being, then parents or other responsible adults can file a petition in court asking that they be named as legal guardian, or asking that another legal guardian be appointed. While a guardian has legal rights and responsibilities for their ward, the guardian is not financially responsible for her or his support or for paying for needed services. It is also possible to assume partial guardianship, with the legal duties and powers clearly delineated.

Guardianship is a legal matter and can have long far-reaching effects. The proceedings and legal language can be very confusing To provide the best possible protection of the civil and legal rights of those involved in a guardianship issue, you will need to seek advice, ask many questions and follow the due process. If you are considering guardianship for your child, begin looking into it before they reach 18.

A very helpful booklet is Guardianship in Alaska which includes information about guardianship as well as sample and blank petition forms. You can obtain this booklet at either the Office of Public Advocacy in Anchorage or at any of the Disability Law Center of Alaska offices.

For more information you can contact the State of Alaska, Office
of Public Advocacy at one of the following listings:

Office of Public Advocacy 1st Judicial District
P.O. Box 110225, Assembly Bldg #103, Juneau, AK 99811-0225 PH: (907) 465-4173 FAX: (907) 465-3645
ccmail – [email protected]
3rd Judicial District
900 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 525, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH/TDD: (907) 269-3500 FAX (907) 269-3535
email: [email protected]
2nd & 4th Judicial District
100 Cushman Street, Suite 502, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4676
PH: (907) 451-6140 FAX: (907) 451-0239

Also contact Disability Law Center of Alaska for information. They are a private, nonprofit agency; it may be less confusing to talk with someone outside of the state legal system. Their focus is on self-advocacy and their staff is available to assist in that process. They also have attorneys on staff that can help to answer your questions and provide referrals.

Disability Law Center of Alaska Anchorage
615 East 82nd Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99518
PH: (907) 344-1002 FAX: (907) 349-1002 TDD: (907) 344-1002
Toll Free: (800) 478-1234
Bethel
P.O. Box 2303, Bethel, AK, 99559
PH: (907) 543-3357 FAX: (907) 543-3359
Physical Location BNC Office Complex Suite 213
Fairbanks
250 Cushman, Suite 3H, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-1070 FAX: (907) 456-1080 TDD: (907) 456-1070
Juneau
230 South Franklin, Suite 213, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 586-1627 FAX: (907) 586-1066 TDD: (907) 586-1627
Email [email protected]

Older Persons Action Group (OPAG)
325 East 3rd Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 276-1059 FAX: (907) 278-6724
Toll Free: (800) 478-1059

If you require a private attorney and are not sure who you would like to retain, call Alaska Lawyer Referral Service.
Alaska Lawyer Referral Service
P.O. Box 279, Anchorage, AK 99510
PH: (907) 272-0352 Toll Free: (800) 770-9999

Financial Assistance

Having a child or adult family member in need of special services makes you and your family eligible for certain programs and financial benefits. Ask your local Division of Public Assistance, Social Security Office, or other public and private agencies about financial assistance available. If you and your child are turned down for financial assistance when you first apply, consider applying again at a later time particularly if your situation changes. Eligibility requirements and funding levels change periodically. Another possibility is to appeal the decision. Ask the agency how to file an appeal.

Insurance Policies—Some insurance policies may cover certain additional expenses. Check with your insurance agent.
If you are having problems getting reimbursements, or if you have a pile of medical bills and just can’t figure out what’s what you might be interested in using the services of a claims assistance professional (CAP). These services are not free but they may be well worth the cost. For information on CAPs, contact the National Association of Claims Assistance Professionals, 4724 Florence Avenue, Downer’s Grove, IL, 60515 PH: (708) 963-3500.

Tax Deductions—You should be aware that the Internal Revenue Service permits certain deductions on your income tax forms. In general, there are two types of tax benefits: one is the medical deduction program; the other is the household and dependent care services program. The medical deduction program permits individuals to deduct payments for certain expenses, including medicine and drugs used for medical care. The household and dependent care services program allows deductions to an individual maintaining a household for a member who is “a dependent of the taxpayer and physically or mentally incapable of caring for him or herself.” There are other special deductions for which you may be eligible. The best place to go for information is your tax consultant or contact a district office of the Internal Revenue Service. Look in the telephone book under United States Government, Internal Revenue Service. Tell them you have a child or adult family member who has a disability and ask about all of the possible deductions. Keep a detailed record of your expenses.

Supplemental Security Income—Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a national program which provides direct cash payments to people with financial need (low income, high medical bills, few assets like savings accounts). It guarantees a minimum income to persons who experience blindness or a disability, including children under 18 who have a disability. Eligible individuals receive one check per month.

In order to be eligible for SSI benefits, an individual must experience a disability and have a low income. If an individual qualifies for these payments, benefits will vary according to the person’s living arrangements and financial situation.
It is important to apply for SSI even though a person may receive only a very small benefit because anyone who is eligible for SSI is automatically eligible for Family and Youth Services or Adult and Aging Services assistance (Title XX) and Medicaid (Title XIX), Vocational Rehabilitation, EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment), medical checkups, and perhaps Children with Special Needs programs (formerly Handicapped Children’s Program) services. When you apply for SSI, make sure you ask about the other services you may be eligible for and where you can apply for them.

How to apply for SSI: Because it is sometimes difficult to apply, and because it can take months to start getting the money, many people who should don’t apply for SSI. Don’t be discouraged. Call your nearest Social Security Office to find out what information you need to bring with you and go apply. They will help you fill out an application. If you can’t get to the office, the Social Security Administration may interview you by telephone or you may send someone to apply for you.

Because the Social Security Office requires a substantial amount of information to complete an application, it is suggested you call before going to the office to save yourself unnecessary frustration. Here is some information you should take with you:

Your social security number, if you have one.
Birth certificate or some other proof of age. Proof of place of birth.
Medical records. This means written reports from your doctor or clinic that tell about your disability or that of your child. Ask the Social Security Office exactly what reports they need and how current the records must be.
Your pay stubs, rent receipts, and bank book, if you have them.

It may take months for the Social Security Office to look at these financial and medical records and decide if you or your child are eligible for SSI support. If you are in critical need, ask if you qualify for “presumptive disability funds”—money that they might be able to give you while they are looking over your records. If they decide that you or your child do not qualify for SSI, you do not have to pay this money back. You also have the right to appeal any decision made on your case.

Medicaid – Medicaid is the entitlement program created by the federal government under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide payment for medical services and long-term care for low-income citizens. The program is focused on coverage for pregnant women, families and children with a low income, elders, persons who are blind and persons with a permanent disability. Contact your local Division of Public Assistance office (see listing on page 154) to see if you or your child might qualify for this type of assistance.

General Relief Medical – GRM is a state funded program providing payment for limited hospital, physician, and pharmacy services for indigent adults who have an immediate need for a GRM covered service and do not have any other resources.

Home and Community Based Waivers were implemented December 20, 1993 by the Division of Mental Health and Developmental. Disabilities. Over a two and one half year period 150 people with developmental disabilities, 120 children with complex medical conditions and 75 adults with physical disabilities will receive Home and Community Based Waiver services. Individuals may apply for Home and Community Based Waiver services by contacting the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities regional program specialist office nearest them.

TEFRA Option (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) is a process for a child living in their parent’s home to become Medicaid eligible. The child must require the level of care necessary for admission to a hospital, nursing home, or an ICF/MR. Under this option, only the disabled child’s income will be used to determine Medicaid eligibility. Individuals can apply for the TEFRA Option at their local Division of Public Assistance office or the nearest regional program specialist within the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance – Another program under the Social Security act which provides monthly payments to:

Aged persons who have retired;
Surviving dependents of workers with a disability;
Workers with a disability; or
Disabled dependents of deceased, retired, or disabled workers.

The program is called Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI). Basically, this program is a national insurance program paid for by tax contributions of workers and employers.

A child is eligible for this Social Security cash benefit based on the earnings of the parent. Benefits are paid to, or on behalf of, a child to replace the income lost if the parent retires, dies, or becomes too disabled to work. The program becomes especially important for a person disabled in childhood (before age 21). When this person with a disability turns 18, s/he is then eligible for benefits for as long as s/he experiences a disability. The definition of “disability’ for this program is the same as the one for SSI.

To obtain more information about SSI, or RSDI, contact one of the following offices of the Social Security Administration:

Social Security Administration Anchorage
222 West 8th, Rm. #66, Anchorage, AK 99513
PH (907) 271-4455 TDD: (800) 325-0778
Fairbanks
101 12th Avenue, Box 9
Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 456-0391 TDD: (800) 325-0778
Juneau
P.O. Box 21327, 709 W. Ninth Street, Room 231, Juneau, AK 99802 PH: (907) 586-7070 TDD: (800) 325-0778

Ketchikan
P.O. Box 5837, 109 Main Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901 PH: (907) 225-5200 TDD: (800) 325-0778

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) – The added finances of having a child with a disability might qualify you for “Aid to Families with Dependent Children” benefits. Families with a low income may receive cash benefits under this program if they have one or more dependent children (under age 18) who are deprived of parental support or care due to the death, absence, or physical or mental incapacity of one of the parents. To apply, or for additional information, contact the Division of Public Assistance office nearest you. The offices are listed on page 154 of this booklet, or contact the central office at:

Division of Public Assistance Department of Health & Social Services P.O. Box 110640, Juneau, AK 99811-0640
PH: (907) 465-3551 FAX: (907) 465-5238 Toll Free: (800) 478-3551

When you contact the Division of Public Assistance, also check to see if you qualify for other state aid programs such as “Aid to the Disabled” or “Food Stamps.”

Tricare (formerly CHAMPUS – Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Uniformed Services – Financial aid may be available to military persons or their dependents through the Tricare Program, depending upon the available public services and the nature of the disability. Check with the military hospital or outpatient clinic to see what specific services they provide and whether Tricare aid is applicable.

Housing Assistance – People with disabilities who have a low income can get part of their rent paid by the “Housing Assistance Payments Program.” This is also called the “Section 8 Program.” Those eligible are people who experience a disability and who live alone; who live with a spouse if their combined income is low enough; who live with other people with disabilities; or who live with another person who provides personal care services but is not related to them.
A person with a disability may live in an apartment or independent living group home with other people with disabilities and still receive Section 8 assistance in paying rent. Some people in the apartment or home may not qualify for housing assistance because of their income or for other reasons, but this does not mean that others cannot receive assistance. Contact the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (formerly Alaska State Housing Authority), the HUD office, or your local government.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
P.O. Box 200008, Anchorage, AK 99520-0008 PH: 330-6100 FAX: (907) 274-7176
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
949 E. 36th Suite 401, Anchorage, AK 99508-4399
PH: (907) 271-4663 FAX: (907) 271-3667 TDD: (907) 2714328
Toll free (800) 569-4287
Federal Housing Equal Opportunity Complaint Line (800) 877-0246

Child Care Assistance – The state Child Care Program provides financial aid to parents in both urban and rural communities so that their children can be properly cared for while they are working or attending school. Eligibility is based on income. Child care must be arranged through licensed centers or homes. Supplemental assistance (higher subsidy rates) is available for children with disabilities. Ask your child care center or home about this program and where to apply.

Dept. of Education & Early Development Child Care Programs
333 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-4500 FAX: (907) 269-4520
CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Anchorage, Municipality of
P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519 PH: (907) 343-6700 FAX: (907) 343-6618
Bethel Child Care
P.O. Box 2188, Bethel AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-1762 FAX: (907) 543-3033
Cordova
P.O. Box 160, Cordova, AK 99574
PH: (907) 424-7300 FAX: (907) 424-8645
Craig Child Care
P.O. Box 447, Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-2327 FAX: (907) 826-3270
Fairbanks
P.O. Box 71267, Fairbanks, AK 99707 PH: (907) 459-1474 FAX: (907) 459-1280

Haines
P.O. Box 332, Haines, AK 99827
PH: (907) 766-2854 FAX: (907) 766-3179
Homer
3776 Lake Street Suite 100, Homer AK 99603
PH: (907) 235-7712 FAX: (907) 235-2733
Juneau
419 Sixth St CCS Wing, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 463-6124 FAX: (907) 586-2011
Kenai
11127 Spur Hwy Suite 204, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-4707 FAX: (907) 283-4681
Ketchikan
344 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 228-6636 FAX: (907) 247-6625
Kodiak
710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-9375 FAX: (907) 486-9374
Kotzebue
P.O. Box 1130, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-7879 FAX: (907) 442-7876
Metlakatla
P.O. Box 8, Matlakatla, AK 99926
PH: (907) 886-5872 FAX: (907) 886-4469
Palmer
403 South Alaska Street, Palmer, AK 99645 PH: (907) 745-6098 FAX: (907) 746-6868
Petersburg
P.O. Box 1431, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-4447 FAX: (907) 772-4254
Seward
P.O. Box 1045, Seward, AK 99664
PH: (907) 224-5257 FAX: (907) 224-7081

Sitka
403 Lincoln Street Suite 240, Sitka, AK 99835
PH/FAX: (907) 747-6955
Skagway
P.O. Box 501, Skagway, AK 99840
PH: (907) 983-3200 FAX: (907) 983-3759
Valdez
P.O. Box 2231, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-5599 FAX: (907) 835-5896
Wrangell
P.O. Box 1977, Wrangell, AK 99929
PH: (907) 874-3071 FAX: (907) 874-3952

National Associations & Organizations

American Association on Mental Retardation
444 N. Capitol St NW #846, Washington, DC 20001-1512
PH: (800) 424-3688 FAX (202) 387-2193
http://www.aamr.org email [email protected]
American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 PH: (800) 227-2345
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th Street, NW, #720, Washington, DC 20005
PH (202) 467-5081 FAX (202) 467-5085 Tollfree (800) 424-8666
http://www.acb.org email [email protected]
American Diabetes Association
1660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
PH: (800) 232-3472 FAX (703) 836-7439
ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today)
201 S. Cherokee, Denver, CO 80223
PH: (303) 733-9324 FAX: (303) 733-6211 TTY/TDD (303) 733-0047
American Foundation for the Blind
11 Penn Plaza Suite 300, New York, NY 10001
PH: (800) 232-5463 FAX (212) 502-7777 TDD: (212) 502-7662
http;//www.afb.org/afb email [email protected]
American Heart Association National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231-4596
PH: (214) 373-6300 FAX (214) 706-1341
American Kidney Fund
6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD PH: (301) 881-3052 FAX (301) 881-0898
American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane Suite 603, New York, NY 10038
PH: (800) 465-4837 GO LIVER (888) 443-7222 4 HEP ABC
Email [email protected] http://www.liverfoundation.org

American Society for Deaf Children
P.O. Box 1510, Olney, MD 20830 PH: (800) 942-ASDC
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
PH: (301) 897-8682 FAX (301) 571-0457 TDD: (800) 6388255
http://www.asha.org email [email protected]
Angelman Syndrome Foundation
414 Plaza Drive Suite 209, Westmont, IL 60559-1265
PH: (800) IF-ANGEL FAX: (630) 655-0391
http://www.chem.ucsd.edu/asf
The Arc – U.S.
500 E Border Street Suite 300, Arlington, TX 76010
PH: (817) 261-6003 FAX (817) 277-3491 TDD (817) 277-0553
Toll Free (800) 433-5255 Email [email protected] www.thearc.org
Association for Birth Defect Children
930 Woodcock Road Suite 225, Orlando, FL 32803-3752
PH: (407) 245-7035 FAX: (407) 895-0824 Tollfree (800) 313-2232
http://www.birthdefects.org
Association for the Care of Children’s Health (ACCH)
P.O. Box 25707, Alexandria, VA 22313 PH: (703) 68406179 FAX (703) 684-1589 http://www.acch.org
AT&T National Special Needs Center – Lucent Technologies
1224 Fern Ridge Parkway, Creve Couer, MO 63141
PH: (800) 233-1222 FAX (201) 299-6561 TDD: (800) 896-9032
Autism Research Institute
4182 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
PH: (619) 281-7165 FAX (619) 563-6840 http://www.autism.com/ari/
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Suite 650, Bethesda, MD 20814
PH: (301) 657-0881 & (800) 3AUTISM FAX (301) 657-0869
Http://www.autism.society.org/
Brain Injury Association, Inc.
105 North Alfred St, Alexandria, VA 22314
PH (703) 236-6000 Fax (703) 236-6001 Toll Free 800 444-NHIF (6443)

www.biausa.org In Alaska: PH/FAX: (907) 337-1441
Canadian Association for Community Living
Kinsmen Bldg., 4700 Keele Street, North York, Ontario, Can M3J1P3,
PH: (416) 661-9611 FAX (416) 661-5701
www.cacl.ca
Cancer Information Service, National Cancer Institute
Building 31, Room 10A30, Bethesda, MD 20892 PH: (800) 422-6237

Center on Education & Training for Employment (ERIC Clearinghouse)
1900 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210
PH: (614) 292-4353 FAX (614) 292-1260
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081
PH: (913) 379-2690 FAX (913) 912-9433
Cleft Palate Foundation
104 S. Estes Dr Suite 204
PH: (800) 242-5338 FAX: (919) 933-9604
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
PH: (800) 344-4823 FAX: (301) 951-6378
http://www.cff.org email: [email protected]
D. T. Watson Rehabilitation Services
301 Camp Meeting Road, Sewickley, PA 15143 PH: (412) 741-9500 FAX: (412) 741-2323
http://www.dtw.org
Educator’s Publishing Service, Inc.
31 Smith Pl, Cambridge, MA 02138-1089
PH: (800) 225-5750 FAX: (617) 547-0412 www.epsbooks.com

Epilepsy Foundation National Headquarters 4351 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785 PH: (800) EFA-1000

ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
1920 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1589
Toll Free (800) 328-0272 TTY: (703) 264-9449
Email [email protected] www.cec.sped.org/eric.htm

Council for Exceptional Children , 920 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1589
PH: (703) 620-3660 FAX: (703) 264-9494 TDD: (703) 264-9446
Toll Free (V only): (888) CEC-SPED
Email [email protected] www.cec.sped.org
Foundation Center
79 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003-3076 PH: (800) 424-9836
HEATH Resource Center
1 Dupont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-1193
PH/TTY: (202) 939-9320 FAX: (202) 833-4760 Email [email protected]
Helen Keller National Center
111 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, NY 11050
PH: (516) 944-8900 FAX: (516) 944-7302 TTY: (516) 944-8637
http://www.helenkeller.org
Hemophilia Alaska Association
2810 Aspen Drive, Anchorage, AK 99517
PH: (907) 243-4045 FAX: (907) 243-4038
Toll Free (888) 909-0445 outside Anchorage

International Shriners Headquarters 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 PH: (813) 281-0300 FAX: (813) 281-0943
Job Accommodation Network – West Virginia University
918 Chestnut Ridge #1, PO Box 6080, Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
PH: (800) 526-7234 FAX: (304) 293-5407 TDD: (800) 526-7234
Email [email protected] http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu
Lung Line
1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206
PH: (800) 222- LUNG (5864)

Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.
1300 Piccard Dr Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850
PH: (301) 670-9292 (800) 558-0121
http://www.lupus.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718 PH: (520) 529-2000 & (800) 572-1717
http://www,mdausa.org
National Adoption Center
1500 Walnut St #701, Philadelphia, PA 19102
PH: (215) 735-9988 FAX: (215) 735-9410
Email [email protected] http://www.adopt.org
National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired
P.O. Box 317, Watertown, MA 02471-0317 PH: (800) 562-6265 FAX: (617) 972-7444 In Alaska: (907) 696-1821
National Association for Visually Handicapped (NAVH)
22 W. 21st Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010 PH: (212) 889-3141 FAX: (212) 727-2931
Email [email protected] http://www.navh.org
National Assn. of Developmental Disabilities Council (NADDC)
1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 103, Washington, DC 20005
PH: (202) 347-1234 FAX: (202) 347-4023
http://www.naddc.org
National Association of the Deaf
814 Thayer Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4500
PH: (301) 587-1788 FAX: (301) 587-1791 TTY: (301) 587-1789
http://www.nad.org email: [email protected]

National Association of the Deaf Captioned Films and Videos Program 1447 E. Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307
PH: (800) 237-6213 FAX: (800) 538-5636 TTY: (800) 237-6819
email: [email protected] http://www.cvf.org
National Center for Stuttering
200 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 PH: (212) 532- 1460 FAX: (212) 532-4445

Childhelp USA, National Child Abuse Hotline
15757 N. 78th St, Scottsdale AZ 85260 PH: (602 922-8212 FAX: (602) 922-7061
Toll Free (800) 4 A CHILD (422-4453
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
1916 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 209, Arlington, VA 22201
PH: (703) 525-3406 FAX: (703) 525-3409 TDD: (703) 525-4153
email: [email protected]
National Down Syndrome Congress
1605 Chantilly Dr Suite 250, Atlanta, GA, 30324
PH: (800) 232-NDSC (6372)
National Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
PH: (800) 221-4602
Easter Seals National Office
230 West Monroe St. 18th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
PH (800) 221-6827 FAX: (312) 726-1494 TDD: (312) 726-4258
Http://www.seals.com email: seals.com
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
PH: (410) 659-9314 FAX: (410) 685-5653
http://www.nfb.org email: [email protected]
National Fragile X Foundation
1441 York Street, Suite 303, Denver, CO 80206
PH: (303) 6155-6155 FAX: (303) 333-4369 Tollfree (800) 688-8765
email: [email protected] www.nfxf.org
National Health Information Center
P.O. Box 1133, Washington, DC 20013-1133
PH: (301) 565-4167 FAX: (301) 984-4256 Toll Free (800) 336-4797
National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities
P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013
PH/TTY: (202) 884-8200 & (800) 695-0285 FAX: (202) 884-8441
Email [email protected] www.nichcy.org

National Information Center on Deafness Gallaudet University Outreach Services National Center for Law and the Deaf
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
PH: (202) 651-5051 TDD: (202) 651-5052 FAX: (202) 651-5054
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
PH: (800) 344-4867 (FIGHT MS) FAX: (212) 986-7981
http://www.nmss.org email [email protected]
National Organization on Disability
9l0 16th Avenue NW #600, Washington, DC 20006-2988
PH: (202) 248-2253 FAX (202) 293-7999 TTY (202) 293-5968
National Organization for Rare Disorders
P.O. Box 8923, New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923 PH: (203) 746-6518 Toll Free (800) 999-6673
Email [email protected] www.rarediseases.com
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
8701 Georgia Ave Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910
PH: (800) 962-9629 FAX: (301) 588-9414
http://www.spinalcord.org email [email protected]
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
52 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623-5604
PH: (716) 475-6824 FAX (716) 475-5623 TDD: (716) 475-2894
http://www.rit.edu/NTID/CO
National Tuberous Sclerosis Association (NTSA)
8181 Professional Pl #110, Landover, MD 20785
PH: (800) 225-6872 FAX: (301) 459-0394
http://www.ntsa.org email [email protected]
North America Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 33150, Denver, CO 80233
PH: (800) 369-RIDE (7433) FAX: (303) 252-4610
Email [email protected] www.narha.org

International Dyslexia Association (formerly Orton Dyslexia) 8600 LaSalle Rd. Chester Bldg Suite 382, Baltimore, MD 21286-2044 PH: (410) 296-0232 FAX: (410) 321-5069
http://www.interdys.org
In Alaska: 3504 W 43rd Ave., Anchorage, AK 99517 PH: (907) 248-1944 FAX: (907) 248-8353
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
PH: (202) 872-1300 FAX: (202) 785-4452 TDD: (202) 416-7622
http://www.pva.org
Rehabilitation International
25 E. 21st Street, New York, NY 10010 PH: (212) 420-1500 FAX: (212) 505-0870
Resource Center for the Handicapped
500 SW 7th St., Renton, WA 98055-2917
PH: (425) 271-0587 FAX (425) 271-1096 TDD/TTY: (425) 430-2257
Email [email protected] www.rch.org
Retinitis Pigmentosa International
P.O. Box 900, Woodland Hills, CA 91365 PH: (800) 344-4877 FAX: (818) 992-3265
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc.
7910 Woodmont Ave Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814
PH: (301) 657-2248 FAX: (301) 913-9413 TDD: (301) 657-2249
http://www.shhh.org Email [email protected]
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
200 Corporate Pt #495, Culver City, CA 90230-7633
PH: (310) 216-6363 FAX; (310) 215-3722
Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation
5110 W. Goldleaf Cir #150, Los Angeles, CA 90056
PH: (323) 299-3600 FAX: (323) 299-3605
http://www.ourworld.compuserve.com/ email [email protected]/scdrf
Spina Bifida Association of America
4590 MacArthur Blvd., NW, #250, Washington, DC 20007
PH: (202) 944-3285 FAX: (202) 944-3295

TASH (formerly the Association for persons with Severe Handicaps)
29 W. Susquehanna Ave. Suite 210, Baltimore MD 21204
PH: (410) 828-8274 FAX: (410) 828-6706 TDD: (410) 828-1306
www.tash.org
Tripod Service for the Hearing Impaired
1727 W. Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506-1312 FAX (818) 972-2090 TDD: (818) 972-2080
United Cerebral Palsy Association
1660 L Street NW #700, Washington, DC 20036
PH: (800) 872-5827 FAX (202) 776-0414 TDD: (202) 973-7197
http://www.ucpa.org email [email protected]

Newsletters

The following are selected newsletters to give you an idea of the types of resources available. If you are interested in a particular group or topic and don’t see it here, reference the chapter on National Associations. Most organizations, both locally and nationally, are excellent sources for information and referral.

Access Alaska. Newsletter focuses on all aspects of in-depth living for persons with disabilities. Access Alaska, 3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517. Quarterly. Free. PH: (907) 248-4777 (Voice/ TDD) or Toll Free: (800) 478-4488 (Voice/TDD).

CSP Newsletter. Alaska Community Support Program through the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD) at 701 E. Tudor Rd Suite 260, Anchorage, AK 99503. PH: (907) 561-4247.

Health Tales. Published by the Health Education Office, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Services, PO Box 110610, Juneau, AK 99811.

Ideas. Fairbanks Rehabilitation Association (FRA) . Includes topics of local, statewide and national interest pertaining to people with disabilities and their families. Quarterly. Free. FRA, 805 Airport Road Suite 1, Fairbanks, AK 99701. PH/TDD: (907) 456-8901 FAX: (907) 452-5171.

Insights. Newsletter of The Arc of Anchorage. Focuses on all aspects of developmental disability issues. Includes legislative updates. The Arc of Anchorage, 2211-A Arca, Anchorage, AK 99508. Three times yearly. Free. PH:(907) 277-6677.

Newsline. Published by Challenge Alaska. Summary of recreational activities available through organization. Reports on local, statewide, and national sports competitions of people with disabilities. Bimonthly. Free with $25 annual membership. Challenge Alaska, P.O. Box 110065, Anchorage, AK 99511-0065. PH: (907) 344-7399.

OSERS News in Print. Published by the Department of Education, Office of Special Education Rehabilitation Services at the Switzer Bldg., Rm. 3132, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC, 20202-2524.
PH: (202) 205-8241 TTY: (202) 205-4208
www.ed.gov.OFFICES/OSERS

PARENTS News. Published by PARENTS, Inc.
4743 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 337-7678 & (800) 478-7678 FAX: (907) 337-7671
TDD: (907) 337-7629
http://www.parentsinc.org E-mail: [email protected]

Respite Release. Catholic Social Services Center at 3710 E. 20th, Suite 1, Anchorage, AK 99508. PH: 276-5590.

SESA Newsletter. Published each fall and spring by the Special Education Service Agency. Resources, programs, conferences, and other topics. A pull-out section titled “The Reference Shelf” provides in-depth information on a different special education topic each issue. Free. SESA, 2217 East Tudor Road, Suite 1, Anchorage, AK 99507. PH: (907) 562-
7372 http://www.sesa.org

Senior Voice. Newspaper published monthly by the Older Persons Action Group (OPAG) for seniors and senior service providers. Contact 325 E. Third Avenue Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501. PH: (907) 277-
0787 Toll Free: (800) 478-1059 FAX: (907) 278-1059

Silent Sourdough. Alaska Association for the Deaf at 1345 Rudakof Circle, Suite 107, Anchorage, AK 99508. PH: (800) 770-2234 TDD:
(907) 333-7545.

The Ragged Edge. In-depth coverage of disability issues from personal perspectives to societal observations. National publication. Written by and for people with disabilities. Activist-oriented bimonthly. $17.50/year for individual or $35/year organization. Also available in large print or on cassette. The Ragged Edge, Box 145, Louisville, KY, 40201. PH: (502) 894-9492 FAX: (502) 899-9562 Email circulation@ragged-edge- mag.com http://www.ragged-edge-mag.com

This Brain has a MOUTH; Voice of the Disability Nation A national newsmagazine by and for survivors of head injury. Quarterly. $12/year. Free to those unable to pay. MOUTH, P.O. Box 558, Topeka, KS 66601- 0558.

Transitions. Published by Hope Community Resources. Includes issues and happenings with the developmental disability community, legislative updates, and calendar of events. Quarterly. Free. Hope Community Resources, 540 W. International Airport Road Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518. PH: (907) 563-5335.

Lending Libraries

Many organizations have materials available to the public in lending libraries. They are an excellent resource for finding specific information in such medias as videos, tapes, journals, reports, newsletters, books, and miscellaneous publications.

Access Alaska Collection of materials concerning disabilities, assistive technology, consumers’ rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and more. Contact 3710 Woodland Drive, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99517. PH/ TDD: (907) 248-4777 Toll Free: (800) 478-4488.
The Arc of Anchorage
2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 277-6677 FAX: (907) 272-2161 TTY: (907) 277-3345

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC). NARIC maintains the REHABDATA bibliographic database of rehabilitation literature and the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology products. 1010 Wayne Ave Suite 800, Silver Spring, MD 20910. PH: (800) 346-
2742 & (301) 588-9284 FAX: (301) 562-2401 TDD: (301) 495-5626
Http://www.naric.com/ Email [email protected]

PARENTS, Inc.. Collection of books and videotapes concerning disabilities that are available by mail to members throughout Alaska. Contact PARENTS, Inc.
4743 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 337-7678 & (800) 478-7678 FAX: (907) 337-7671
TDD: (907) 337-7629
http://www.parentsinc.org E-mail: [email protected]
Alaska State Library Talking Book Center
344 W. Third Ave Suite 125, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-6575 FAX: (907) 269-6580

Internet Resources

A wealth of information is available through the internet. Most organizations, public and private, have web pages full of information. There are several comprehensive search engines that will find pages relative to your interest by looking for key words on each page. Most pages are easy to navigate through with a browser program. There are “chat rooms” which feature discussions regarding certain topics. With electronic mail or “email” you can communicate to people all over the states and the world.

If you have access to a computer and modem you may be able to connect to the internet. There are a variety of internet providers in Alaska and many of them provide free software in order to connect. A listing of access providers can be found in the yellow pages under Computers or Internet. Any of the providers can explain the internet and help you to get set up and connected.

If you do not own a computer, check with your local library, school district or disability provider to see if they will permit you to use their equipment. Throughout this book, URLs (uniform resource locator) and Email addresses are listed by agency when they are known. Many of these web sites have detailed information and resources for a specific topic.

They may also provide links to other related sites for more information.

These sites contain a great deal of links and resource information and referrals:

AK Info – Information & Referral http://www.ak.org/
A comprehensive information and referral system incorporating over 1400 Alaskan programs, agencies, and nonprofits. Search keywords to locate specific information.
PARENTS, Inc.
http://www.parentsinc.org/
Calendar of events, a newsletter and links to other agencies. For more information contact them at:
4743 E. Northern Lights, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 337-7678 & (800) 478-7678 FAX: (907) 337-7671
TDD: (907) 337-7629
http://www.parentsinc.org E-mail: [email protected]

Special Education Service Agency (SESA)

http://www.sesa.org/
Newsletter and more, inclusing links to special eduction resources, descriptions of agency programs and services, and information useful to parents and educators. For more information contact them at 2217 East Tudor Road, Suite 1, Anchorage, AK 99507. PH: (907) 562-7372.

Community Mental Health Centers

The Community Mental Health Centers listed here are funded through the Alaska Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, providing specific services to people who experience a developmental disability.
Aleutian Counseling Center
P.O. Box 1130, Unalaska, AK 99685
PH: (907) 581-2742 FAX: (907) 581-2040
Alternatives Community Mental Health Center Inc.
1675 C Street Suite 117, Anchorage, AK 99501-5198
PH: (907) 274-8281 FAX: (907) 274-4055
Email [email protected]

Anchorage Community Mental Health Services Inc. Southcentral Counseling Center
4020 Folker Street, Anchorage, AK 99508
PH: (907) 563-1000 FAX: (907) 563-2045 TDD: (907) 563-1000
email: [email protected]
Bristol Bay Health Corporation – Mental Health Center
P.O. Box 130, Dillingham, AK 99576
PH: (907) 842-1230 FAX: (907) 842-5174
C.O.H.O. Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
P.O. Box 805, Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3662 FAX: (907) 826-2917
Email [email protected]
Central Peninsula Counseling Services
215 Fidalgo, Suite 102, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-7501 FAX: (907) 283-9006
Email [email protected]
Community Connections
P.O. Box 9586, Ketchikan, AK 99901
2030 Sealevel Drive#350, Ketchikan, AK, 99901
PH/TDD: (907) 225-7825 FAX: (907) 225-1541
Email [email protected]

Copper River Community Mental Health Center
Drawer H. Copper Center, AK 99573
PH: (907) 822-5241 FAX: (907) 822-5409
Eastern Aleutian Tribes
P.O. Box 527, Sand Point, AK 99661 PH: (907) 383-5421 FAX (907) 383-5420
Fairbanks Community Mental Health Center
122 First Avenue, #5, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-1575 FAX: (907) 452-2173 TDD: (907) 452-5785
Four Rivers Counseling Services
P.O. Box 229, McGrath, AK 99627
PH: (907) 524-3781 (800) 478-3781 FAX: (907) 524-3519
Email [email protected]
Gateway Center For Human Services
3050 Fifth Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-4135 FAX: (907) 247-4135
Iliuliuk Family & Health Services
P.O. Box 144, Unalaska.AK 99685
PH: (907) 581-1202 FAX: (907) 581-2331
Email [email protected]
Juneau Community Mental Health Center
3406 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 463-3008 FAX: (907) 463-5349
KNA Community Counseling Center
P.O. Box 155, Aniak, AK 99557
PH: (907) 675-4445 FAX: (907) 675-4456
Life Quest
230 East Paulson Avenue, Suite 68, Wasilla, AK 99687
PH: (907) 376-2411 FAX (907) 352-3282
Lynn Canal Counseling Services
P.O. Box 90, Haines, AK 99827
PH: (907) 766-2177 FAX: (907) 766-2977
Maniilaq Association
P.O. Box 256, Kotzebue, AK, 99752
PH: (907) 442-7400 FAX: (907) 442-7306

North Slope Borough Health & Social Services Agency
P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-0366 FAX: (907) 852-0315
Toll Free (800) 478-0266
Norton Sound Health Corporation
P.O. Box 966, Nome, AK 99762
PH: (907) 443-3344 FAX: (907) 443-5645
Petersburg Mental Health Services
P.O. Box 556, Petersburg, AK 99833
PH: (907) 772-3332 FAX: (907) 772-2122
Providence Kodiak Island Mental Health Center
717 East Rezanof Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-2400 FAX: (907) 486-9119
Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions
P.O. Box 159, Nenana, AK 99760
PH: (907) 832-5557 FAX: (907) 832-5564
Email [email protected]
Seward Life Action Council
302 Railway, P.O. Box 1045, Seward, AK 99664
PH: (907) 224-5257 FAX: (907) 224-7081 TTY/TDD: (907) 224-5258
Email [email protected] Toll Free (888) 224-5257
Sitka Mental Health Clinic
1310 A Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, AK 99835 PH: (907) 747-8994 FAX: (907) 747-6801
Sound Alternatives
P.O. Box 160, Cordova, AK 99574
PH: (907) 424-8300 FAX: (907) 424-8645
Southcentral Foundation- Behavioral Health
670 W. Fireweed Lane Suite 106, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 265-4812 FAX: (907) 265-4928

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Corporation (SEARHC) Behavioral Health Services
222 Tongass Drive, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 966-2451 FAX: (907) 966-8707

South Peninsula Community Mental Health Center
3948 Ben Walters Lane, Homer, AK 99603 PH: (907) 235-7701 FAX: (907) 235-2290
Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc.
122 First Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 452-8251 FAX: (907) 459-3850 TTY/TDD: (907) 459-3384
Toll Free (800) 478-6822
Tok Area Counseling Center
P.O. Box 398, Tok, AK 99780-0398
PH: (907) 883-5106 FAX: (907) 883-5108
email: [email protected]
Valdez Counseling Center
P.O. Box 1050, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-2838 FAX: (907) 835-5927
Yukon Flats Care Center
P.O. Box 21, Ft. Yukon, AK 99740
PH: (907) 662-2526 FAX: (907) 662-2627
Yukon-Koyukuk Mental Health/Alcohol Program
P.O. Box 17, Galena, AK 99741
PH: (907) 656-1617 FAX: (907) 656-1581
Email [email protected]
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
P.O. Box 528, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-6100 FAX: (907) 543-6159
Yukon-Tanana Counseling Services
1302 21st Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 459-3930 FAX: (907) 459-3833

The Alaska Alliance for the Mentally Ill is a self-help organization for families and friends of people who have a mental illness. The Alliance goals are mutual support, education and advocacy for people who experience severe mental illness, especially schizophrenia and manic depression.

NAMI Alaska
110 W. 15th Avenue Suite B, Anchorage, AK 99501 PH: (907) 277-1300 FAX: (907) 277-1400

Anchorage NAMI
P.O. Box 243302, Anchorage, AK 99524-3302 PH: (907) 566-4763
Fairbanks NAMI
P.O. Box 72543, Fairbanks, AK 99709-2543 PH: (907) 456-4704
Homer NAMI
P.O. Box 837, Homer, AK 99603 PH: (907) 235-6840 & 235-1081
Juneau AMI
P.O. Box 22090, Juneau, AK 99802-2090 PH: (907) 463-3303 FAX: (907) 463-6858 Email [email protected]
Kenai/Soldotna NAMI
P.O. Box 1632, Soldotna, AK 99669 PH: (907) 262-5701
Ketchikan NAMI
P.O. Box 8552, Ketchikan, AK 99901 PH: (907) 225-8552
Kodiak NAMI
P.O. Box 1914, Kodiak, AK 99616 PH: (907) 486-1990
Mental Health Consumers of Alaska
430 W. 7th Ave Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 277-3817 FAX: (907) 277-2193
Sitka NAMI
3509 Halibut Point Rd., Sitka, AK 99835 PH: (907) 747-3096

Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS)

The Division of Family and Youth Services is an intervention agency that handles situations involving neglect or abuse of children or adults. They provide many services through the agency as a whole, including crisis intervention, and placement, however services may vary from office to office because of staff size. Call a DFYS office for assistance.

DFYS Central Office
P.O. Box 110630, Juneau, AK 99811-0630
PH: (907) 465-3170 FAX:(907)465-3397
DFYS – Northern Regional Office
751 Old Richardson Hwy Suite 300, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 451-2650 FAX: (907) 451-2616
DFYS – Southcentral Regional Office
550 W. 8th Ave Suite 304, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-3900 FAX: (907) 269-3902
DFYS – Southeastern Regional Office
3025 Clinton Dr. 2nd Floor, Juneau, AK 99801 PH: (907) 465-3235 FAX:(907) 465-1669
DFYS Field Offices:
Aniak Field Office
Anyaraqmuite Office Center, P.O. Box 149, Aniak, AK 99557 PH: (907) 675-4377 FAX: (907) 675-4290
Barrow Field Office
P.O. Box 1079, Barrow, AK 99723
PH: (907) 852-3397 FAX: (907) 852-3392
Bethel Field Office
P.O. Box 328, State Office Building, Bethel, AK 99559 PH: (907) 543-3141 FAX: (907) 543-4143
Cordova Field Office
P.O. Box 1688, Cordova, AK 99574
PH: (907) 424-7133 FAX: (907) 424-7132

Craig Field Office
P.O. Box 254, Craig, AK 99921
PH: (907) 826-3266 FAX: (907) 826-3807
Delta Field Office
Box 686, Delta Junction, AK 99737
PH: (907) 895-4452 FAX: (907) 895-4769
Dillingham Field Office
P.O. Box 1290, Dillingham, AK 99576 PH: (907) 842-5237 FAX: (907) 842-5924
Fort Yukon Field Office
P.O. Box 149, Fort Yukon, AK 99740 PH: (907) 662-2331 FAX: (907) 662-2860
Galena Field Office
P.O. Box 239, Galena, AK 99741
PH: (907) 656-1667 FAX: (907) 656-1707
Haines Field Office
P.O. Box 189, Haines, AK 99827
PH: (907) 766-2608 FAX: (907) 766-3368
Homer Field Office
P.O. Box 1420, Homer, AK 99603
PH: (907) 235-7114 FAX: (907) 235-2484
Kenai Field Office
145 Main Street Loop Room 100, Kenai, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-3136 FAX: (907) 283-9087
Ketchikan Field Office
415 Main Street, Rm. 201, State Building, Ketchikan, AK 99901 PH: (907) 225-6611 FAX: (907) 247-6611
Kodiak Field Office
316 Mission Road, Suite 215, Griffin Building, Kodiak, AK 99615 PH: (907) 486-6174 FAX: (907) 486-4107
Kotzebue Field Office
P.O. Box 370, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3226 FAX: (907) 442-2426

Mat-Su Field Office
268 E. Fireweed, Palmer, AK 99645
PH: (907) 745-1701 FAX: (907) 745-1708
McGrath Field Office
Chai Mai Bldg, P.O. Box 81, McGrath, AK 99627 PH: (907) 524-3848 FAX: (907) 524-3610
Nome Field Office
State Office Bldg, P.O. Box 910, Nome, AK 99762 PH: (907) 443-5247 FAX: (907) 443-2100
Petersburg Field Office
P.O. Box 1089, Petersburg, AK 99833 PH: (907) 772-3565 FAX: (907) 772-4254
Seward Field Office
P.O. Box 148, State Building, Seward, AK 99664 PH: (907) 224-5236 FAX: (907) 224-7436
Sitka Field Office
210 “A” Moller, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-8608 FAX: (907) 747-5141
Unalaska Field Office
P.O. Box 490, Unalaska, AK 99685
PH: (907) 581-1236 FAX: (9070 581-3272
Valdez Field Office
P.O. Box 2740, Valdez, AK 99686
PH: (907) 835-4789 FAX: (907) 835-2651
Wrangell Field Office
P.O. Box 970, Wrangell, AK 99929
PH: (907) 874-3789 FAX: (907) 874-3790

Division of Public Assistance

The Division of Public Assistance offers financial assistance to qualified individuals and their families. The Medicaid program, which provides payment for medical services, is administered through Public Assistance. Contact the office closest to you for detailed information.

Central Office
P.O. Box 110640, Juneau, AK 99811-0640
PH: (907) 465-3347 FAX: (907) 465-5154 Toll Free: (800) 478-3551
Toll Free FAX: (800) 478-4372
Adult Public Assistance
235 E. 8th, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK, 99507
PH: (907) 269-6000 FAX: (907) 269-6004
Adult Public Assistance
675 7th Ave Station C, Fairbanks, AK 99701 PH: (907) 451-2850 FAX: (907) 451-2923
Anchorage District Office
400 Gambell, Anchorage, AK 99501
PH: (907) 269-6599 FAX: (907) 269-6450 TDD: (907) 271-4885
Bethel District Office
P.O. Box 365, Bethel, AK 99559
PH: (907) 543-2686 FAX: (907) 542-5912 Tollfree (800) 478-2686
Coastal Field Office
P.O. Box 240249, Anchorage, AK 99524-0249 3601 C Street Suite 410, Anchorage, AK 99503
PH: (907) 269-8950/8960/8970 FAX: (907) 563-0767
Toll Free (800) 478-4372 (800) 478-4364
Fairbanks District Office
675 7th St., Station G, Fairbanks, AK 99701
PH: (907) 451-2850 FAX: (907) 451-2923 Tollfree (800) 478-2850
Homer District Office
601 East Pioneer Ave, Suite 122, Homer, AK 99603
PH: (907) 235-6132 FAX: (907) 235-6176
Juneau District Office
10002 Glacier Hwy Suite 200, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-3551 FAX: (907) 465-5238 Tollfree (800) 478-3551

Kenai District Office
11312 Kenai Spur Hwy. Suite 2, Soldotna, AK 99611
PH: (907) 283-2900 FAX: (907) 283-2975 Tollfree (800) 478-2900
Ketchikan District Office
2030 Sea Level Dr Suite 301, Ketchikan, AK 99901
PH: (907) 225-2135 FAX: (907) 247-2135 Tollfree (800) 478-2135
Kodiak District Office
307 Center Street, Kodiak, AK 99615
PH: (907) 486-3783 FAX: (907) 486-3116
Kotzebue District Office
P.O. Box 1210, Kotzebue, AK 99752
PH: (907) 442-3451 FAX: (907) 442-2151
Mat-Su District Office
855 W. Commercial Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654
PH: (907) 376-3903 FAX: (907) 373-1136 Tollfree (800) 478-7778
Nome District Office
P.O. Box 2110, Nome, AK 99762
PH/FAX: (907) 443-2237 Tollfree (800) 478-2236
Sitka District Office
201 Katlian Suite 107, Sitka, AK 99835
PH: (907) 747-8234 FAX: (907) 747-8224 Tollfree (800) 478-8234
Southeast Adult Public Assistance and Specialized Med
10002 Glacier Hwy Suite 105, Juneau, AK 99801
PH: (907) 465-3537 FAX: (907) 465-4657 Tollfree (800) 478-3537

 155     155

Index

ACCA, 13, 31, 48, 81, 97

—A—

Access Alaska, 12, 63, 67, 80, 87, 95, 133, 135
Access Board – U.S. Architectural & Transportation Barrier Compliance Board, 77, 98, 111
ADA Partners Project, 77, 98, 111
ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), 124
Adult Learning Programs of Alaska, 37, 48, 56, 67, 80, 88
Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), 120
AIRRES (Alaska Information Radio Reading & Education Service), 102
Alaska Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 145
Alaska Associates, 99
Alaska Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired, 12
Alaska Association of the Deaf, 12
Alaska Center for Blind Adults, 12, 68, 81, 88, 97
Alaska Children’s Services, Inc., 74
Alaska Early Intervention Hearing Resource, 36
Alaska Federation of Natives, Inc., 10 Alaska Foster Parent Training Center, 13 Alaska Gateway School District, 40
Alaska Genetics and Birth Defects Clinics, 28
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, 76, 121
Alaska Independent Blind, 48, 68, 102
Alaska Kidney Center, 13
Alaska Lawyer Referral Service, 109, 115
Alaska Legal Services, 109
Alaska Mental Health Association, 13, 52
Alaska Native Health Board, 26 Alaska Orthopedics Inc., 31 Alaska Psychiatric Institute, 75
Al-Aska Shrine Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., 32
Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 13, 88
Alaska Transition Initiative, 80
Alaska Vocational Technical Center, 88 Alaska Youth and Parent Foundation, 52 Alaska Youth Initiative, 47, 52
Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, 12, 99
Aleutian Counseling Center, 142 Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, 63 Aleutian Region School District, 40
Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association, 10, 26, 37 Aleutians East Borough School District, 40 Alpine Alternatives, 103
Alternatives Community Mental Health Center, Inc., 52, 142
Alyeska Central School, 40
Alzheimer’s Association, 13, 63
American Association on Mental Retardation, 124
American Cancer Society, 124
156 156

American Cancer Society, Alaska Area, 14 American Council of the Blind, 124 American Diabetes Association, 124
American Diabetes Association – Alaska Affiliate, 14
American Foundation for the Blind, 124 American Heart Association – Alaska Affiliate, 14 American Heart Association National Center, 124 American Kidney Fund, 124
American Liver Foundation, 124
American Society for Deaf Children, 125
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 125 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Hotline, 93, 101 Anchorage Area Joint Sight, 14
Anchorage Center for Families, 53
Anchorage Community Mental Health Services Inc., Southcentral Counseling Center, 142
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, 28 Anchorage Public Health Nurse, 28 Anchorage School District, 41, 49 Anchorage Stroke Club, 15
AnchoRIDES, 99
Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 125 Aniak Day Care Association, 60 Annette Island School District, 41 Arc – U.S., the, 125
Arc of Anchorage, The, 15, 56, 64, 68, 72, 81, 88, 103, 133, 135
Arctic Access, 68
Assets, Inc., 53, 72, 74, 88
Assistive Technologies of Alaska, 95
Association for Birth Defect Children, 125
Association for the Care of Children’s Health (ACCH), 125
AT&T National Special Needs Center, 125
Autism Research Institute, 125
Autism Society of America, 125

—B—
Barrier Free Recreation, Inc., 107
Bering Strait School District, 41
Bethel Community Services, 15, 34, 56, 60, 68, 74, 81, 88
Bethel Home Health Care, 64 Bethel Public Health Center, 28 Brain Injury Association, Inc., 125
Bristol Bay Borough School District, 41
Bristol Bay Health Corporation, 27, 34, 64, 142
Bristol Bay Native Association, 10, 37, 56
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Anchorage, 91

—C—
C.O.H.O. Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, 142

Canadian Association for Community Living, 126
Cancer Information Service, National Cancer Institute, 126
Capital Transit, 99
Care-A-Van Transportation Service, 99
Career Development & Training, Municipality of Anchorage, 89
Catholic Social Services, 56, 59, 134
Center For Community, 15, 34, 56, 68, 74, 81, 89, 95
Center for Psychosocial Development, 15
Center on Education & Training for Employment, 126
Central Peninsula Counseling Services, 53, 68, 81, 142
Challenge Alaska, 96, 103, 133
Chatham School District, 41
Child Care and Family Resources, 60 Child Care Assistance Programs, 121 Child Care Connection, 60
Child Care Programs, 61, 121
Child Care Training, 60
Childhelp USA, National Child Abuse Hotline, 129
Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (Ch.A.A.D.), 15
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, 126
Chugach School District, 41
Chugachmiut, 10, 27, 37
Chugiak Children’s Services, Inc., 37
Cleft Palate Foundation, 126
Client Assistance Program (CAP), 92
Columbia Alaska Regional Hospital Neonatal/Perinatal Services, 31
Community Care Licensing Unit, State of Alaska, 74 Community Connections, 15, 34, 53, 64, 68, 72, 81, 89, 142 Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., 10
Copper River Community Mental Health Center, 53, 143
Copper River Native Association, 10, 27 Copper River School District, 41 Cordova City School District, 41 Cordova Respite Care, 56
Council for Exceptional Children, 127
Craig City School District, 42 Craig Public Health Center, 28 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 126

—D—
D. T. Watson Rehabilitation Services, 126
Day Break, (Senior Respite) Southcentral Counseling Center, 57
DDARES Incorporated, 74
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, 12, 69, 82, 89, 97
Deaf Community Services, 16, 69, 82, 96
Delta/Greely School District, 42 Denali Borough Schools, 42 Denali Center, 31
Denali Home Health, 31, 64
Department of Education & Early Development, 39

Dillingham City School District, 42
Dillingham Public Health Center & Itinerant Nursing, 29 Disability Law Center of Alaska, 49, 53, 93, 100, 108, 114 Division of Family and Youth Services, 147
Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (DMHDD), 25, 47, 52, 55, 71,
76, 118, 133
Division of Senior Services, 77, 100, 111 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 86 Dogs for the Deaf, 69
Dream Based Transition Alliance, 82

—E—
Easter Seal Alaska, 16
Easter Seals National Office, 129
Eastern Aleutian Tribes, 11, 143
Educator’s Publishing Service, Inc., 126
Elks Help, 97
Epilepsy Association of Southeastern Alaska, 16
Epilepsy Foundation National Headquarters, 126
Epilepsy Society of Anchorage/Brain Injury Assn of AK, 16 Equal Rights Commission, Municipality of Anchorage, 93, 110 ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, 127 Exceptional Family Member Program, 9

—F—
Fairbanks Community Mental Health Center, 89, 143 Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Home and Community Care, 64 Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Neonatal/Perinatal Services, 31 Fairbanks Native Association, 38
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, 42
Fairbanks Regional Public Health Center, 29
Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA), 16, 57, 60, 69, 72, 74, 82, 89, 133
Family Centered Services of Alaska, 17, 53
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Program, 17
FOCUS, Inc. (Family Outreach Ctr for Understanding Special Needs), 17, 34, 57
Fort Yukon Public Health Center, 29
Foundation Center, 127
Four Rivers Counseling Services, 143
Frontier Community Services, 35, 57, 74, 89

—G—
Galena City School District, 42
Galena Itinerant – Interior Region, 29 Gateway Center For Human Services, 143 Geneva Woods Diagnostic Services, 31
Geneva Woods Health Care Services, 17, 32, 64, 96
Glennallen Public Health Center, 29
Golden Heart Head Start, 37

Griest Family Services, 32

Haines Borough School District, 42
Haines Public Health Center, 29

—H—

Head Injury Support Group, Alaska, 17, 107
Head Start Programs, 37
Health & Human Services, Municipality of Anchorage, 57, 76, 100 Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs, 26 Healthy Alaskans Information Line, 7
HEATH Resource Center, 127 Helen Keller National Center, 127 Hemophilia Alaska Association, 127 Homer Children’s Services, 35 Homer Public Health Center, 29 Hoonah City School District, 42
Hope Community Resources, Inc., 17, 57, 72, 74, 89, 96, 134
Horizons Unlimited Incorporated, 18, 57, 75, 90, 100
Hospice and Home Care Juneau, 65
Hospice of Anchorage, 32, 57, 100
Human Rights Commission, State of Alaska, 93, 110
Hydaburg City School District, 43

Iditarod Area School District, 43

—I—

Iliuliuk Family & Health Services, 29, 143 Infant Learning Programs, 33 International Dyslexia Association, 131 International Shriners Headquarters, 127 Interpreter Referral Line, 18, 82

—J—
Job Accommodation Network – West Virginia University, 92, 95, 127
Juneau City School District, 43
Juneau Community Mental Health Center, 143
Juneau Public Health Center, 29
Juneau Youth Services, Inc, 53

—K—
Kake City School District, 43 Kashunamiut School District, 43 Kawerak, Inc., 11, 38
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, 43
Kenai Peninsula College – Student Services, 48
Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center, 18, 65, 69, 83
Kenai Public Health Center, 29
Kenaitze Indian Tribe Head Start Program, 38

Kenaitze Indian Tribes, 53
Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, 43
Ketchikan Public Health Center, 30 Kids’ Corps, Inc. Anchorage, 38 Klawock City School District, 43
KNA Community Counseling Center, 143 Kodiak Area Native Association, 11, 27 Kodiak College – Student Services, 49 Kodiak Infant Learning Program KANA, 35 Kodiak Island Borough School District, 44 Kodiak Island Mental Health Center, 73, 75 Kodiak Public Health Center, 30 Kuskokwim Native Corporation, 54
Kuspuk School District, 44

—L—
Lake & Peninsula Borough School District, 44 Learning Disabilities Association of Alaska, 19 Life Program, 32
Life Quest, 143
Lower Kuskokwim School District, 44 Lower Yukon School District, 44 Lung Line, 127
Lupus Foundation of America – Alaska Chapter, Inc., 19
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 128
Lynn Canal Counseling Services, 143

—M—
MACS (Metropolitan Area Commuter System) Transit, 99
Maniilaq Association, 11, 27, 30, 58, 143
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Career Education Center, 90 Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, 44 Matanuska-Susitna College – Student Services, 48 Maternal, Child and Family Health, 26
Maternal, Child and Family Health – Early Intervention/lnfant Learning Programs, 33
Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults, Inc., 35, 58, 73, 90
McGrath Health Center, 30
Medical Arts Pharmacy Sickroom Services, Inc., 32
Medical Pathfinders, 32
Metlakatla Indian Community, 11, 27, 38 Mt. Edgecumbe High School, 44 Muscular Dystrophy Association, 128
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Alaska, 19

—N—
National Adoption Center, 128
National Assn. of Developmental Disabilities Council (NADDC), 128

National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired, 128 National Association for Visually Handicapped (NAVH), 128 National Association of the Deaf, 128
National Center for Stuttering, 128
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), 129
National Down Syndrome Congress, 129
National Down Syndrome Congress – Alaska Chapter, 19
National Down Syndrome Society, 129 National Federation of the Blind, 129 National Federation of the Blind of Alaska, 19 National Fragile X Foundation, 129
National Health Information Center, 129
National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities, 129
National Information Center on Deafness, 130
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 130
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alaska Division, 19 National Organization for Rare Disorders, 130 National Organization on Disability, 130
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), 135
National Senior Service Corps – Fbks Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion & RSVP, 57
National Service Dog Center, Delta Society, 69 National Spinal Cord Injury Association, 130 National Technical Institute for the Deaf, 130 National Tuberous Sclerosis Association (NTSA), 130 Native Health Services – Alaska Area, 26
Native Village of Tyonek Head Start, 38 Nenana Slope Borough School District, 44 Nome City School District, 45
Nome Health Center, 30
North America Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc., 130
North Slope Borough Health & Social Services Agency, 11, 27, 30, 35, 144
North Slope Borough School District, 45
North Slope Borough Specialized Child Care Center, 60
Northern Orthopedics, 32
Northwest Arctic Borough School District, 35, 45
Northwest Disability Technical Assistance Center, 77, 98, 111
Norton Sound Community Mental Health Center, 19, 54, 70, 83
Norton Sound Health Corporation, 11, 26, 27, 35, 58, 144

—O—
Office of Public Advocacy, 113, 114
Older Persons Action Group (OPAG), 63, 70, 110, 115
Outdoor Recreation and Community Access (ORCA), 96, 103

—P—
PARENTS, Inc., 20, 50, 79, 134, 135, 140
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), 131
Parks & Recreation, 106

Pelican City School District, 45
People First of Anchorage, 70, 83, 107
People Mover Passes for the Elderly or Disabled, 99
Petersburg City School District, 45 Petersburg Medical Center Health, 65 Petersburg Mental Health Services, 144 Petersburg Public Health Center, 30 Pilot Parents, 20
Pribilof School District, 45
Prince William Sound Community College – Student Services, 49
Programs for Infants & Children, Inc., 36
Providence Alaska Medical Center, Rehabilitation Services, 96
Providence Extended Care Center, 32, 58 Providence Home Health Care, 65 Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, 65
Providence Kodiak Island Mental Health Center, 54, 144
Psychology Resources, 20
Public Assistance, DHSS Division of, 120, 150

—R—
Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions, 144
REACH, Inc., 20, 36, 58, 73, 75, 90
Regional Health Corporations, 10 Rehabilitation International, 131 Resource Center for the Handicapped, 131 Retinitis Pigmentosa International, 131 RuralCAP, 38

—S—
Salvation Army Program Older Alaskans Program, 65
Salvation Army, Alaska Division, 21, 100
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc., 131
Senior Citizens of Kodiak, 65
Seward Health Center, 30
Seward Life Action Council, 36, 58, 73, 144 Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, 131 Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation, 131 Sitka Borough School District, 45
Sitka Community Hospital Home Health Agency, 65
Sitka Health Center/Itinerant, 30
Sitka Mental Health Clinic, 54, 144
Situs Inc., 90
Skagway City School District, 46 Social Security Administration, 119 Sound Alternatives, 58, 144
South Peninsula Community Mental Health Center, 58, 73, 145 South Peninsula Hospital Community Health Service, 65 Southcentral Foundation, 11, 27, 38, 144
Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL), 21, 70, 83

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Corporation, 27
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Corporation (SEARHC) Behavioral Health Services, 144
Southeast Island School District, 46
Southeast Regional Resource Center, 21, 50
Southeast Senior Services, 14, 64, 70, 100
Southwest Region School District, 46
Special Education Service Agency (SESA), 47, 83, 97, 134, 140
Special Olympics, Alaska, 103
Spina Bifida Association of America, 131
St. Mary’s School District, 45
State Independent Living Council (SILC), 77
State Ombudsman Offices, 109 Stone Soup Group, 21 Supplemental Security Income, 117
Supported Employment & Living Services, 54
Swan Lake Senior Citizen Van, 99

—T—
Tanana Chiefs Conference, 11, 27, 36, 39, 145
Tanana School District, 46
TASH, 132
The Technology Connection, 97
Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, 11, 37
Tok Area Counseling Center, 145 Tok Public Health Center, 31 Tricare, 120
Tripod Service for the Hearing Impaired, 132
Tuberculosis Control Program, Sect. of Epidemiology, 26

—U—
U.S. Department of Justice, 93, 101
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 121
Unalaska City School District, 46
United Cerebral Palsy Association, 132
University of Alaska, Anchorage – Services for Students with Disabilities, 48, 97
University of Alaska, Fairbanks – Disability Services, 48 University of Alaska, Southeast – Student Services, 48 Upper Tanana Head Start Program, 39

—V—
Valdez City School District, 46
Valdez Counseling Center, 21, 54, 145
Valdez/Cordova Itinerant, 31
Valley Hospital Home Care Program, 66 Van Tran Paratransit Services.), 99 Veterans Affairs, Department of, 16 Veterans Affairs. U.S. Department of, 91

Veterans Resource Centers, 21, 91
Village Council Presidents, Association of, 11
Vision Impairment Services for Infants and Toddlers (VISIT), 36

—W—

Work Adjustment Works, 90 Wrangell City School District, 46 Wrangell Public Health Center, 31

Yakutat City School District, 46 Youth Leadership Project, 84 Yukon Flats Care Center, 145 Yukon Flats School District, 47

—Y—

Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Audiology Program, 26
Yukon/Koyukuk School District, 47
Yukon-Koyukuk Mental Health/Alcohol Program, 145 Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, 28, 71, 84, 145 Yukon-Tanana Counseling Services, 145
Yupiit School District, 47

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