Community Resources to Help Support You During Your Journey
This is a dynamic resource to help families. This is not designed to be all inclusive, but rather give some referrals to community resources that could be used to support families in their journey.
Crisis Services
Mercy Care
Support is available. You’re not alone.
If you or a loved one are facing a behavioral health crisis, you can call one of the crisis lines serving all of Arizona. Someone is available 24 hours day, 7 days a week to provide crisis intervention, support and referrals.
You should always call 911 in life threatening situations.
Central Arizona Crisis Line (serves Maricopa County):
+1 (602) 222-9444 or +1 (800) 631-1314 (toll-free)
TTY: +1 (602) 274-3360 or +1 (800) 327-9254
Northern Arizona Crisis Line (serves Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties):
+1 (877) 756-4090
Southern Arizona Crisis Line (serves Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties or the San Carlos Apache Reservation):
+1 (866) 495-6735
Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities:
+1 (800) 259-3449
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community:
+1 (855) 331-6432
Contact the Crisis Response Network northern Arizona crisis hotline at +1 (877) 756-4090. For central Arizona call +1 (800) 631-1314. The warm line can be reached at +1 (602) 347-1100. All numbers can be reached 24/7
Dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Arizona. The same number will connect callers to Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program.
The National Suicide Prevention Line is available 24/7 at +1 (800) 273-8255 in English and +1 (888) 628-9454 in Spanish. It's free and confidential for those in distress who need prevention or crisis resources for themselves or loved ones.
Other Arizona resources:
La Frontera Empact Suicide Prevention Center's crisis line serves Maricopa and Pinal counties 24/7 at +1 (480) 784-1500.
Teen Lifeline 24/7 crisis line at +1 (602) 248-8336 for Maricopa County and +1 (800) 248-8336 statewide.
Maricopa County Suicide and Crisis Hotline at +1 (800) 631-1314 or +1 (602) 222-9444
.
National 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines
Suicide and Crisis Hotlines by County
Especially for Teens
Especially for Veterans
About Arizona’s Crisis Services
Arizona has a robust behavioral health crisis services network available to any Arizona resident regardless of health insurance coverage. Services include:
Disability Benefits
Transportation Services
Valley Metro does its best to make getting around on local bus routes and light rail a smooth process. But we take it a step further by providing free training for passengers with disabilities who need help navigating routes.
Mercy Care Transportation for medical appointments
If you need help getting to a medical appointment or to the pharmacy and you don’t have a friend or family member who can take you, we can help you get there. We want to make getting to and from your health care visits as easy as possible.
All you need to do to schedule a ride is call Mercy Care Member Services at
+1 (602) 263-3000 or +1 (800) 624-3879 (TTY/TDD 711).
Advocacy
Raising Special Kids is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization that provides support and information for parents of children, from birth to age 26, with a full range of disabilities and special health care needs. Programs are offered at no cost to families, and are available in English and Spanish.
Phone: +1 (520) 441-4007
Toll Free:+1 (800) 237-3007
Email: [email protected]
Address: 5025 E. Washington St. Suite 204
Phoenix, AZ 85034
The Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) is a not for profit public interest law firm, dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory and cognitive disabilities. We provide a variety of legal services to people with disabilities and/or disability-related problems. We focus primarily on those cases in which individuals have nowhere else to go for legal support.
Phone: +1 (520) 327-9547
Toll Free: +1 (800) 922-1447
Email: [email protected]
Address: 177 N. Church Ave. Suite 800
Tucson, AZ 85701
Fax: +1 (520) 884-0992
Family Involvement Center
When you or someone in your family has emotional, physical or behavioral health challenges, getting help (or even asking for it) can be hard. So we simplify the process for you, ensuring you get the care you need, regardless of where you live in Arizona.
Regardless of where you live in Arizona, we’re available to support you and your family.
FIC’s services are free for AHCCCS members. If you’re not already enrolled or need to renew, we take care of the entire process for you. Contact us today at +1 (877) 568-8468 to get started.
You see, we’re a family-run organization driven by parents who’ve been in your position. Whether you’re struggling with a child diagnosed with autism, working to regain custody from DCS raising your grandchildren, or just need parenting classes to refine your skills, we know what you’re going through
Parent/Family Support
D.A.M.E.S. was created for mothers, by mothers of differently abled children. It’s goal is to provide mothers with:
- Access to a community of peers via an online forum.
- Access to monthly webinars with experts in education rights and disability rights, financial wellness and self-care.
- Access to weekly meditation, yoga and exercise classes that mothers can take whenever they find time in their busy schedules'
Phone: +1 (602) 320-6556
Email: [email protected]
Address: 9920 S. Rural Rd, #108-141
Tempe, AZ 85284
AZ ASSIST, Inc. is a group of parents in the Greater Phoenix area who, through experience, are a wealth of information and eager to ASSIST each other through the process of our children growing up and away. Our mission is to provide education, strategies, and support related to transition into the community after high school to parents of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum and to provide transition education and create opportunities for social skill development for teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum.
Email: [email protected]
AZ Autism Moms is a private closed facebook group offering support for moms (female primary caregivers) of someone with autism that have a connection to Arizona.
Arizona Autism Network of the West Valley will primarily assist families in the West Valley seek services, networking opportunities, & education resources.
-Contacts:
Kerrie Mallory-Thompson | [email protected]
Yvonne Marquez | [email protected] | +1 (623) 252-1258
Arizona Autism United Parent Support Group
AZA United believes in a family-centered approach to services where parents and professionals work together to develop effective plans to help their children. The Parent Support Group is designed to provide a safe venue to speak freely about struggles as well as triumphs. Join moms and dads who are eager to make a meaningful connection. Our group is facilitated by a counselor, clinical staff, and outreach staff to bring parents together in a welcoming environment where those affected by autism can share experiences, ask questions, and receive support.
-Meetings: Last Monday of Every Month
-Address: At the AZA United’s main office
located in the Ability 360 Center
5025 E. Washington St. Suite 212
Phoenix, AZ 85034
-Contact: Paulina Tiffany at [email protected] or +1 (602) 773-5780
Connecting, Learning, and Special Education Support (Ahwatukee, Chandler, Tempe) CLASS ACT Support Group
Do you have a child with special needs? Are you looking for support and local information about schools, therapists, and social
interactions for your child? Come join other parents of special needs children for support, information, and networking.
-Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm
-Address: Melissa Shahʼs House 16041 S. 27th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85048 (near Chandler Blvd and 28th Street)
-Contact: Melissa Shah
Contact information:
– Address: 12701 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254
– Phone: +1 (480) 629-5343
– Email: [email protected]
Dads 4 Special Kids
A network of support, resources and encouragement by men caring for children with special needs.
Contact information:
Phone: +1 (602) 909-5463
Contact: Ray Morris
-Email: [email protected]
East Valley Autism Support Group for Spanish-Speakers
Group meets with experts from different fields related to autism. Group shares valuable information and offers support to families.
Contact information:
– Phone: +1 (480) 831-1009
– Contact: Alberto Serpias
– Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month
E.V.A.N. (East Valley Autism Network) formerly S.A.N.E. (Supporting Autism Now through Education)
Contact information:
– Address: Gilbert, AZ 85296
– Phone: +1 (480) 782-8960
– Email: [email protected]
Family Fundamentals Parent Training Program
This program is a 7-week training course for parents to learn strategies that will improve their child’s communication, socialization, and/or behavior. The class alternates between lecture-based discussions to focus on theory and individual coaching sessions to focus on implementing practical strategies.
Contact information:
– Meets: Contact for upcoming schedule
– Address: At the Arizona Autism United main office, located in the Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington St., Suite 212, Phoenix, AZ 85034
– Email: [email protected]
Fountain Hills, In Teaching Our Unique Children (FH-InTOUCH)
A support group for parents and caregivers of special needs children living in Fountain Hills.
Contact information:
– Meets: Monthly, time and day to be determined for this next school year
– Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Provides information on Fragile X.
Contact information:
– Address: 3418 W. Lucia Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85085
– Phone: +1 (623) 587-7580/ +1 (602) 502-4765
– Email: [email protected]
GANE, Grupo de apoyo para nios especiales (West Valley)
-Address: 7102 W. Thomas Road, Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85323
-Phone: +1 (623) 478-7277
-Contact: Gabriela Orozco
High Functioning Autism & Aspergers Family Support Network-Life issues in a supportive and tolerant environment for the Phoenix area.
Meets last Thursday of each month at Scottsdale Bible church, 7601 E Shea Blvd Rm E102. It follows the school year generally. See website for exact dates as they sometimes change.
Contact Information:
– Phone: +1 (602) 225-0052
– Email: [email protected]
This Facebook support group was created for moms and dads of children with autism in the West Valley in order to connect, learn and share experiences. They hold play dates several times a month and welcome others to do the same.
Support Group for Adults with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger’s
Contact information:
– Tempe Contact: [email protected]
– Phoenix Contact: Tom at +1 (602) 340-8717
– Tuscon Contact: Newport at [email protected], +1 (520) 770-1591
West Side Autism Support Group Sponsored by Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
Contact Information:
– Phone:+1 (480) 940-1093
– Contact: [email protected]
– Where: Wee Care Corp., 12409 W. Indian School Rd. #C306, Avondale, AZ 85396 (East of Dysart on Indian School in the Indian School Crossings Building on the south side of the road).
West Valley Autism Parent Support Group
Contact information:
– Phone: +1 (623) 572-5289
– Contact: Shelly V.
– Email: [email protected]
– Meets: 2nd Monday of each month from 7-9pm
– Location: New Life Community Church located at 8155 W Thunderbird Rd.
Peoria AZ 85381.
Support Group for Adults with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger’s
Contact information:
– Tempe Contact: [email protected]
– Phoenix Contact: Tom at +1 (602) 340-8717
– Tuscon Contact: Newport at [email protected], +1 (520) 770-1591
West Valley Autism Parent Support Group
Contact information:
– Phone: +1 (623) 572-5289
– Contact: Shelly V.
– Email: [email protected]
– Meets: 2nd Monday of each month from 7-9pm
– Location: New Life Community Church located at 8155 W Thunderbird Rd. Peoria AZ 85381.
-Address: 399 West 32nd Street
Yuma, AZ 85364
-Meeting Information: We generally meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm at the YRMC Corporate Center located at 399 West 32nd Street in Yuma, Az (between Mervyn’s and Spragues). Please visit our site for more details and exact dates.
Parent Support Arizona offers education and civil rights advocacy; connects families with local resources and supports families as they navigate the public education system, state developmental disability system and behavioral health system. Is your child struggling at school? You do not have to go through this alone, let us help. If you would like to discuss your child’s unique needs, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Phone: +1 (480) 382-4020
Email: [email protected]
Address: 625 W. Southern Avenue, Suite E-173
Mesa, AZ 85210
Contact Phone: +1 (480) 382-4020
Grandparents Support
SARRC’s Grandparents Group
Informational group focused on educating grandparents of children with autism. Discussion-based group meets monthly to learn from experts on autism and volunteer.
Contact information:
Phone: +1 (602) 340-8717
Contact: Kathy Bosco
About Sibshops
Sibshops is a fun and energetic program for siblings of individuals with special needs. Sibshops are individual events that allow participants to acknowledge their life-long concerns and meet other siblings in a relaxed and recreational setting. Activities include discussing common joys and concerns, learning how to handle situations commonly experienced by others in the group, and learning more about the implications of having a sibling with special needs.
Education Support (IEP)
Arizona - Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
Special Education Funding
Powerpoint guide on Arizona Special Education Funding
OSEP's Monitoring & State Improvement Planning Division (MSIP) State Leads: Part B and Part C
Contacts for Special Education State Leads by state
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website
the U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website, which brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and our grantees.
Whether you are a student, parent, educator, service provider, or grantee, you are here because you care about children with disabilities and their families and want to find information and explore resources on infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
IEP Advocacy
Parent Support Arizona, Special Education Advocacy, Education Advocate
IEP Rights, evaluation process - page 34
Understanding Your Child's Educational Rights
Arizona Center for Disability law - Educational Rights. IEP process
Choosing a School - U.S. Department of Education
Choosing A School For Your Child -- TOC
Arizona Charter School
Arizona State Board for Charter Schools | To improve public education in Arizona by sponsoring charter schools that provide quality educational choices
Community Support
Ability360 continues a 40-year tradition offering and promoting programs to empower people with all disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. The independent living philosophy states that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities.
Ability360 Center
The Ability360 Center is a 62,000-square-foot universally designed, accessible and transit-oriented non-profit resources center serving the disability community in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area. A national model for accessible design and collaborative programming, the Ability360 Center is located in the heart of Phoenix, less than two and a half miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and situated conveniently on the Valley Metro light rail system.
Dentists for special needs
Haircuts for special needs
Puzzle Piece Hair Salon in Chandler