Service

The concerns and needs of individuals and families are at the center of everything we do.

Disability-Related Information and Referral Services

New England INDEX, along with its Massachusetts Network of Information Providers for People with Disabilities (MNIP), provides information that empowers people with disabilities and their families to make choices about their needs and how they wish to live their lives. Information available includes:

  • disability-related topics including health and mental health resources
  • disability information on specialized training and education programs
  • assistive technology equipment and resources
  • disability-specific questions and concerns

The Autism Insurance Resource Center provides information on issues related to insurance coverage for autism-related treatments and services, including the new the Massachusetts ARICA bill (Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism) effective January 1, 2011.

Information is available at the New England INDEX website (www.disabilityinfo.org) and by calling 800-642-0249.

Clinical Evaluation, Treatment, and Consultation Services

Since 1997, the Shriver Center's LEND Program has partnered with the Center for Children with Special Needs (CCSN) in delivering interdisciplinary clinical care for children with special needs and their families. The CCSN provides in-depth, comprehensive and individual care while serving as a major clinical training site for graduate and post-graduate trainees in a variety of medical and allied health disciplines.

Shriver Center Emergency Preparedness Initiative

While all Americans remain vulnerable to natural or manmade disasters or emergencies, individuals with disabilities are even more vulnerable than the general population, as evidenced by their difficult experiences during the September 11, 2001 attacks and Hurricane Katrina. Since 2005, the Shriver Center's Emergency Preparedness Initiative has addressed the needs of children and adults with disabilities, fostering development of individual, family and organizational preparedness knowledge, skills, and resilience through research, training, community service, consulting, and systems change projects.