Community Organizations Supporting Individuals with Special Needs & their Families
Durham Special Needs Advisory Council (D-SNAC)
We are a group of families working in collaboration with education professionals and community members to support and improve the educational experience and outcomes of students with special needs in Durham Public Schools.
The major focus of DSNAC is system-wide matters as opposed to individual concerns.
Core Beliefs:
-Given appropriate support, all students can achieve growth in academics and the skills that will enable them to maximize their potential and meaningfully participate in the community.
-Providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students with special needs benefits all students and the community as a whole.
-All students are more successful when families and DPS work together.
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC)
Mission
- Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) is a private, nonprofit parent organization, committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children through a special emphasis on children with disabilities and special healthcare needs
- ECAC affirms the right of all individuals, from all backgrounds and cultures, with or without disabilities, to an appropriate education and other needed services.
- ECAC seeks to make that right a reality by providing information, education, outreach, and support to and for families with children across the state of North Carolina.
Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development
Mission Statement
To provide exceptional, compassionate care to families so that each individual with autism will realize his or her fullest potential and to expand our impact through education, innovative research, and public policy.
Our Vision
For each person on the autism spectrum to reach his or her full potential, living a life of meaning, purpose, and dignity
Meals and Nutrition
DPS Meals Program
Durham Public Schools Nutrition Services
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 1, meals will be available for pickup from sites across Durham county. See map or Durham Nutrition services website for specific site information. Families can pick up meals from the most convenient site, and meals are available for all children in Durham, regardless of school lunch status.
NOTE: Parents/Guardians of #WeAreDPS students, who are unable to pick up meals from one of our meal distribution sites, can sign up for EAT NC’s weekly home meal deliveries. Click the link for more details. LINK: eatnorthcarolina.org/dpsschoolmeals
Low-cost Technology
Low-cost Computers
Kramden Institute, Durham, NC
Call (919) 293-1133 or visit their website
- Provides free or low-cost devices to students, low-income adults, and nonprofits
Requirements:
- Adults: income-based qualifications with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program; photo ID and proof of eligibility
- School-Aged Children: must be a student in grade K-12 and not have access to a working home computer
PCs for People
Call (651) 354-2552 or visit their website
- Refurbished desktops and laptops ranging from $0 to $150
Requirements:
- Income-based qualifications for household with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program
- A photo ID
- Eligibility proof documentation, like a tax return, with the recipient’s name
Low Cost-Internet
This website is the product of a partnership between Durham Public School Exceptional Children Services Department, the Durham Special Needs Advisory Council, and the Community Equity, Data & Information Lab at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science.
