POMPANO BEACH, FL (6.13.08)-Having a child diagnosed with physical or mental disabilities is a bewildering and isolating experience for many families who often do not know where to turn for help.

Solving this problem was the motivation behind Broward Children’s Center’s creation of an online resource guide for caregivers of children with special needs.

The Pompano Beach-based nonprofit that serves infants, children, and young adults with special needs developed the resource guide in an attempt to connect caregivers to community resources and each other.

“There are a lot of great resources out there for those with special needs,” said Center Director, Thor Barraclough. “The problem is that caregivers don’t know where these agencies are or even how they can help them.”

The Family to Family Resource guide on the Center’s website focuses on providing information based on the experiences of other families with special needs.

“This resource was put together after asking individuals and families what their biggest challenges were and are in finding resources and support services,” said Barraclough. “It’s a resource for caregivers, by caregivers that strips away medical jargon and focuses on information helpful to families facing the everyday challenges of caring for a child with special needs.”

Visitors to the Center’s site can navigate the resource list in a number of ways, including finding answers to frequently asked questions. The site also provides information regarding specific support groups, common diagnosis, and special needs services.

“At the end of the day who knows what assistance a family with special needs requires than a family who has already faced the same challenges.”

For more information visit http://www.bcckids.org/resources.htm or call 954.410.4410.

For more than 37 years, Broward Children’s Center has been providing medical, educational, and advocacy services to infants, children, and young adults with special needs.