ABCs of Healthy Pregnancy, NCBDDD, CDC Not all birth defects can be prevented, but a woman can take some actions that increase her chance of having a healthy baby.  Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant.  Remember that about half of all pregnancies are unplanned. 

AMA (Genetics) Family History Describes the importance of family medical history in disease prevention and provides links to resources oh how to collect family history information and generate a simple pedigree.

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) web-based tool designed to recruit motivated consumers who will advocate for the family health issues they care about. The new site, The Family Health Advocate, shares information on issues such as the cost of health insurance and patient-centered medical homes, providing links for consumers to contact their elected officials and tips for making effective contact.

The Arc, Upper Valley An advocacy organization for children and adults with mental retardation and related disabilities (Down Syndrome, Autism, etc.).  Provides support groups for parents and siblings as well.

AutismND North Dakota Asperger Syndrome family support group. 

Children's Special Health Services Serves children with special health care needs and their families. To access website click on departments human services children's special health services

Dakota Center for Independent Living Recognizes self-determination for people with disabilities and creates the environment in which it is achieved.

Disease InfoSearch by Genetic Alliance Primary resource for a range of critical users (affected individuals, family members and friends, health professionals, teachers, and the public) to understand medical diagnoses; find additional medical, support, research and resource organizations; and, ultimately, assist users in making important health care decisions.

Down Syndrom Links Recommended links for Down Syndrome by parents with a child who has Down Syndrome.

Easter Seals Assists individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families by helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. To locate Easter Seals nearest you, search in your state. A list of offices will appear.

Family-To-Family Network The Family to Family Network is a support network based on the philosophy that parents of children with special needs, who have successfully adapted to their child's disability, are the best guides for new parents. Experienced families serve as "Veteran families" to provide a unique resource for other families with children who have recently been diagnosed with a disability.

Family Voices A North Dakota Chapter of families speaking out for children with special needs.

Fragile X Research Foundation
Learn more about Fragile X syndrome and the Fragile X Research Foundation which supports research to find a treatment and a cure for Fragile X.

Genetics Home Reference
The information provided is current and is useful for all healthcare professionals, patients, family members and members of the public about genetic conditions and the genes responsible for those conditions. This information was updated August 9, 2006.

H.O.P.E. Provides mobility, educational and recreational opportunities to physically and mentally challenged children, adults and their families.

Independence, Inc. Nonprofit consumer driven organization for individuals of any age with a disability. No charge for services. Provides information, referral serices, assist with obtaining adaptive equipment, advocacy, IEP assistance, independent living skills, ADA assessibility surveys.

IPAT (Interagency Program for Assistive Technology) Technical assistance to reduce barriers and build the support systems necessary for individuals in North Dakota to obtain and use AT devices and services.

Learning Disabilities Online LD OnLine has gathered together an extensive collection of resources on learning disabilities and ADHD. We hope these links, organizations, and books provide the information you need.

Legal Assistance of North Dakota Legal assistance in civil, non fee-generating cases for low income residents in North Dakota. Tollfree: 1-877-232-5263

Lutheran Social Services A statewide, not-for-profit social service agency providing a wide variety of services such as A.A.S.K., family based services for families in which one or more children are at risk for being placed outside the home, independent living skills, healthy families, and other programs working with families are available.

Make-A-Wish Foundation Serves the entire state of North Dakota, (701) 280-9474 or Toll Free North Dakota Only: (800) 362-9474 E-Mail: ndakota@wish.org

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality through programs, research, community services, education and advocacy.

Mental Health Association Addresses all aspects of mental health and mental illness. NDMHA works to improve the mental health through advocacy, education, research and service.

National Birth Defects Prevention Network
The mission of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network is to establish and maintain a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research to assess the impact of birth defects upon children, families, and health care; to identify factors that can be used to develop primary prevention strategies; and to assist families and their providers in secondary disabilities prevention.

National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) works to raise public awareness of the basic components of prenatal care--early care, good nutrition, avoidance of drugs including alcohol and tobacco, and promotion of breastfeeding.

North Dakota Division of Community Services Provides the people of North Dakota with effective, efficient and customer oriented administration of federal and state programs for: Community Development, Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy, Housing and Self Sufficiency.

North Dakota Spcial Education The mission of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is to ensure a uniform, statewide system for effective learning as illustrated through its goals.

Spina Bifida Association of America
The mission of the Spina Bifida Association of America is to promote the prevention of spina bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected individuals.

The Hospital for Sick Children
Provides information about science in a friendly format for kids. Also includes a section called "Ability Online" for kids with disabilities and chronic and acute illnesses to meet others with similar experiences.

KidsHealth
Created by The Nemours Foundation, KidsHealth provides families with accurate, up-to-date, and jargon-free health information they can use