If your child has a disability, and you do not know where to find help, check out this list of essential resources available in your state. These essential contacts offer the most commonly needed services and can provide you with referrals to other appropriate services as well. If you have difficulty contacting any of these resources, please feel free to email me at: learningdisabilities.guide@about.com.
Department of Education - Special Education - Ages 3 - 21
States' departments of education oversee disability education services to children. It monitors school districts for compliance with IDEA and state special education regulations. The Department of Education handles formal complaints, due process hearings, and mediation on special education issues.
Minnesota Department of Education
Special Education Policy
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266
Telephone: (651) 582-8590, TTY: (651)582-8201
Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers with Disabilities
Services to children with disabilities include instruction, speech, physical, and occupational therapies.
Birth - 2:
Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266
Telephone: (651)582-8883
Toll Free: (800)728-5420
Website: Early Childhood Services
3 - 5
Early Learning Services
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55112
Telephone: (651) 582-8473
Website: Special Education and Early Intervention
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities live independently with education, support, and employment assistance. The department works with middle schools, high schools, and higher education to help students with disabilities access appropriate supports for employment and independence.
Rehabilitation Services Branch
Department of Employment and Economic Development
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, #E200
St. Paul, MN 55101
Toll Free Telephone: (800)328-9095
Telephone: (651)296-7510
Website: Vocational Rehabilitation
Mental Health Services Agency
State mental health agencies provide services to individuals and families dealing with mental illness, mental retardation, and substance abuse. Services include advocacy, nursing home screening, psychiatric services, intervention, coordination of treatment, case management, and more.
Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64988
201 Townsend Street
St. Paul, MN 55164-0988
Telephone: (651) 431-2368
Website: Child Mental Health Services
Adult Mental Health Services
Disability Advocacy Services
Protection and advocacy offices offer information and referrals relating to disability issues, a resource database for self-advocacy, education and training in disability rights, and individual case advocacy.
Minnesota Disability Law Center
430 First Avenue, North, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1780
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 292-4150
TTY Line: (517)487-1755
Website: Disability Advocacy
