In the 2001-02 Directory for Exceptional Children, our editors have endeavored to employ more sensitive and inclusive language in describing various special needs, as those who work with special-needs individuals have made a concerted effort over the past decade to change the language all of us utilize when discussing special-needs conditions and disorders. To this end, the chapter headings, the condition abbreviations and references to disorders in the textual descriptions have been significantly revised.

Since the publication of the previous edition, there has been a growing emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment as the best means of helping special-needs children achieve to potential. In recognition of the increasing prevalence of early intervention programs for preschool-age children, our editors have included a higher number of such programs in the 14th Directory than in previous editions.

Intended to serve as a resource for both parents and professionals, Directory listings encompass the entire range of developmental, organic and emotional conditions. Free listings within the 14th edition are produced by a means of electronic composition. Each listing conforms to a standardized format, making for convenient reference and easy comparison of programs.

A careful reading of the Table of Contents and How to Read the Program Descriptions will enable the user to learn the general organization of the book. Within each of the 15 sections, states are in alphabetical sequence, and within each state, towns and then facilities appear alphabetically. This arrangement permits ready comparison of programs in the same geographical area.

In order to present as many facts as possible in a concise format, it has been necessary to abbreviate statistical information that appears throughout the Directory. In all cases, we have attempted to use simple and straightforward abbreviations. A Key to Abbreviations on pages 19-22 assists the user in gaining familiarization with them.

Directory chapters, ranging from Schools for Individuals with Learning Disabilities to Speech and Hearing Clinics, provide comprehensive data on facilities throughout the United States serving individuals with special needs under age 21. Detailed information describing each program is presented at no cost or obligation to the facilities. Statistics are printed as supplied in response to our questionnaire, enabling smooth and rapid computerization of the facts. From an aggregate of information, aspects that impartially and objectively depict programs and services are selected for paragraph descriptions.

Facilities that reserve advertising space in the distinct Illustrated Announcements section are able to emphasize those program features they consider to be most significant. A personalized statement of each facility’s philosophy and goals afforded through an Illustrated Announcement is a valuable complement to the objective account given free listings.

Although we strive for maximum information in each free listing, length and content of entries are solely dependent on the material elicited from each facility. The quality of a facility therefore should not be measured by the length of its listing; nor does a facility’s purchase of space in the Illustrated Announcements section affect the length or content of its free listing.

Two sections following the descriptive listings–Associations, Societies and Foundations and Federal and State Agencies–provide a sampling of private and public research, information and service organizations dedicated to special-needs children and their families.

Parents should view this book as a preliminary source for appropriate programs for their children’s special needs. Finding the right environment for each person is an individual search. Inclusion in the Directory does not constitute an endorsement. It is vitally important to gather as much firsthand information as possible before a decision is made. Visit the facilities and talk with administrators and staff. The more thorough your research, the more likely you are to choose the proper setting for your child’s growth and development.

We hope this Directory will enjoy the popularity and wide usage that it has received in past editions, and that it may serve to meet the requirements of those concerned with special-needs children. Our readership’s comments on facilities listed in this volume and notification of those closed, omitted or newly established will be invaluable in ensuring that forthcoming editions may continue to present the most complete and accurate data on facilities for exceptional children, adolescents and young adults.