Helpful info for you
Information to help you learn more and do more for special children in your life
Useful Resources
Financial Education Video Series
This video series was created by Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs as a service to parents of children with special needs to help them learn to manage their financial resources to best care for their entire family. We are grateful to our talented hosts from WBIR-TV and to RIVR Media for filming and production!
Financial Education Modules
In these sessions, the financial education series is further explained through informational modules hosted by Lee Roberts, a local financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services. Learn how to organize financial and medical information and how to budget for appropriate spending and cashflow.
Early Interventionist Video Series
This video series was created by Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs as a service to professionals who serve children with special needs. The series covers best practices for coaching, holding successful home visits, promoting language development, understanding unique family systems, and more.
POP: Potential, Opportunity, Power!
When a child is diagnosed with a disability, often the parents’ first reaction is “our bubble has burst!” How much more useful it is to think of a life challenge as a kernel of popcorn. It’s tough, and almost impossible to eat unless you apply some heat. And then it is transformed, releasing the delightful promise inside.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Videos
This video series covers all aspects of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), beginning with this useful reference document on the condition. Hear from a medical professional on symptoms and health risks associated with NAS, as well as intervention strategies for dealing with the lasting effects of NAS in the lives of children.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
This comprehensive database offers information in English and Spanish about services across the state for all age groups and disabilities. The site is made possible by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Kidcentral TN
Kidcentral TN is a state-supported website offering a one-stop shop for families looking to raise happy, healthy kids.
Tennessee Guide By Your Side
Tennessee GBYS offers emotional support following the diagnosis of hearing loss and provides information specific to hearing loss, including parent support opportunities and valuable appointment/evaluation tips. Tennessee GBYS is a joint effort of Tennessee Hands & Voices and Family Voices of Tennessee and supported by Tennessee Disability Coalition.
TNDisability.org/newborn-hearingprogram
Sesame Street in Communities
This site has tons of resources for caregivers and professionals who work with autistic children and celebrates the uniqueness of all children. It is produced by Sesame Workshop in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Joan Ganz Cooney Fund.
Sensory Overload Shopping Tips
From the editors of RetailMeNot.com, this article, “Reduce the Noise,” contains strategies for tackling a shopping adventure with children who deal with sensory processing disorder.
Special Needs Resources for Military Families
Support for military families with special-needs family members is provided through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
Estate Planning Checklist
This article covers estate planning basics for parents with children with special needs.
Creating a Backyard Sanctuary
This article from HomeAdvisor covers considerations for creating a safe and accessible play area for children with disabilities.
Adaptive Kids Clothing
These articles outlines adaptive clothing options and the retailers that carry them.
TheEveryMom – The New York Post – Momtastic
Financial Planning
This feature lists financial planning tools, as well as resources and tips for finding support and navigating challenges.
More About Us
To learn more about who we are and who we serve, take a minute to watch this explainer video featuring Bill Williams and this testimonial video featuring parents of children with special needs.
Check out our resource library!
Our organization’s library collection is available online – just click here to access the database and type FOT BABIES for the library name. No password is required.
Read on for a few tips and instructions for browsing and borrowing…
1. Enter your search terms – keyword, title, author, etc. – in the search bar at the top of the page and click the “search” button. There are additional advanced and simple options available on the main menu as well.
2. To find out more about an item, click on the title or Google Preview (if available). This will allow you to see a synopsis, subject headings and publishing information.
3. To place a hold on an item to be picked up later, select the “Request Hold” link to the right of the material. You will be then be asked for your name and email address (this address is needed if the librarian has any questions or needs additional information). In the “Comments” section, please indicate who will pick up the item. When finished, select “Request Hold.”
4. Material may be borrowed for 6 weeks, with additional renewals available if the user contacts the librarian, Martha Emrey, at m.emrey@tsdeaf.org. If an item is overdue, a notice will be sent to the email on file.
That’s What Friends Are For!
We are always looking for volunteers to help fulfill our mission. Whether you’re a special-needs professional or just someone with a heart for kids, we’d love to hear from you!
A few hours of time can make a huge difference in the life of a special child. Email us to learn more or click the link below to volunteer for activities. We’ve got a job for everyone!
Friends of Tennessee's Babies with Special Needs 