Special Education Resources
LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS
This list reflects local programs that families & therapists have recommended. If you have edits or would like to be added to the list, please contact: cristina.restrepo-harner@k12.dc.gov
Summer Opportunities: We will share local summer program updates as we learn more! Some family-favorite programs from prior years include:
Step-By-Step Therapeutic Camp (In the past, summer updates are shared on their IG page @stepbysteptherapeutic).
DPR KEEN (not a summer-specific camp, but has ongoing programs for students with disabilities)
HELPFUL LINKS & CONTACT
Denise Dantley, Special Education Coordinator & LEA and denise.dantley@k12.dc.gov
Cristina Restrepo-Harner, Program Coordinator & BCBA cristina.restrepo-harner@k12.dc.gov
COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION SUPPORT
The CES program integrates an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) instructional framework, which includes a variety of teaching approaches rooted in the science of learning and behavior. We place a strong emphasis on promoting independence, honoring all forms of communication, and empowering a neurodiverse community within our classrooms and broader school environment.
CES & SLS FAMILY LEARNING SESSIONS
CES Families are invited to participate in Family Learning Sessions. These sessions are virtual opportunities to connect and learn with on another. Check out a session, The Power of Sensory Bins, presented by the Tyler Related Service Provider team.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
The following resources are recommended by our SLP team at Tyler to bring the learning home!
ReadWorks– (All Ages) A free website providing fiction and non-fiction reading passages by grade level. It will read a passage to a student and also includes pre-picked vocabulary that you can target in the passage. You can also get comprehension questions with answer choices for each passage.
Language Playroom– (All Ages) A website focused on different aspects of communication. Mainly for older elementary language users and articulation students. It includes activities and games for parents/ children to use at home.
Storyline Online – (All Ages) This is a channel that has celebrities read popular children’s books out loud. There are lots of read-aloud books on there.
Songs for Speech– (All Ages) A great YouTube channel with songs for early language development (including a Wh question song and a he/she song).
Simon’s Cat Wordless Videos– (All Ages) These cute little clips are awesome for sparking narration. None of these videos have words, so you can watch a video with your student and have them retell the events that had just happened.
KID’S NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC– (All Ages) This website has high interest stories, especially for elementary-aged students. There are readings, videos, games and more here. This is also a great spot to find high interest stories and videos to teach vocabulary and comprehension.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
DC Autism Parents- Parent Support Group: “Looking for a support group where you can talk with other autism parents? Do you want to participate in a group while in your comfort zone? Join DCAP for our monthly support group! This event is free, space is limited, and registration is required.” Learn more & register on their website.
Fathers of Superheroes (IG @fathers_of_superheroes): Founded by a Tyler parent, “Empowering fathers (male caregivers) of children with developmental and sensory differences through education, financial support and advocacy.
Skills on The Hill: Skills on the Hill offers parent workshops on a variety of topics. Learn ore on their website.
Museums, Community Arts, & More: Many of our local museums and performing art centers offer sensory-friendly and autism-friendly experiences.
The National Gallery of Art offers a sensory-friendly program for families of children with sensory processing disorders during a Family Day community program.
Smithsonian Morning at the Museum is a free, sensory-friendly program for families of children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities including intellectual disabilities, autism, sensory processing disorders, and other cognitive disabilities. See their website for more information and contact access@si.edu to be on the mailing list for Morning at the Museum.
The Kennedy Center hosts sensory-friendly performances, designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcome to all families with children with autism or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.
The Baltimore National Aquarium provides express entry to guests with special needs, as well as early entry on the first Saturday & Sunday of each month.
Imagination Stage in Bethesda offers ASL-interpreted & sensory-friendly experiences. Experiences include pre-visit social stories, videos, reduction in sound level, limited crowds, low lighting, designated break spaces, and more!
Check Eventbrite! There are many local organizations that offer free sensory-friendly experiences and often post their events to Eventbrite. Enter “sensory-friendly” or “autism” in the search tab for upcoming events.
