Special Needs Toolkit Brings Resources to Military Families: According to the Department of Defense (DoD), more than 100,000 military families have members with special needs. These include spouses, children, or dependent parents who require special medical or educational services. These family members have a diagnosed physical, intellectual or emotional condition. DoD invites families to explore the Special Needs module on its Military Homefront website (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_HOME_1?section_id=20.40.500.570.0.0.0.0.0) to learn about and find the resources that will support them. Families can also subscribe to the Military Homefront special needs e-mail newsletter so they can be alerted as new items about special needs are added to the website.

The newest addition to the Special Needs site is the DoD Special Needs Parent Toolkit. This web publication has comprehensive information and tools that are designed to help military families with special needs children navigate the maze of medical and special education services, community support and benefits and entitlements. The Toolkit is broken down into six colorful modules that families can easily download and print. Important facts, records, tools and sample letters have also been included. Modules included in the Parent Toolkit are:

• Module 1: Birth to Age Three
• Module 2: Special Education
• Module 3: Health Benefits
• Module 4: Families in Transition
• Module 5: Advocating for Your Child
• Module 6: Resources and Support
• Records and Tools

Whether you need to learn about early intervention services or want to learn how to be a more effective advocate for your child, you will find the information you are searching for in the Parent Toolkit!