Services, associations, agencies, and support groups in the Treasure Valley, as well as national resources, to help families with special needs.

Specific Challenges
 
Autism Spectrum Disorders

IDAHO CENTER FOR AUTISM, LLC
5353 Franklin Rd., Boise 83705
342-0374
www.idahocenterforautism.com
The only developmental disability agency in the Valley to specialize in treating children affected by autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Society Treasure Valley Chapter
P.O. Box 44831, Boise 83711
336-5676
www.asatvc.org
Their mission is to serve the needs of all  individuals in Idaho with autism and their families through advocacy, education, and public awareness.

Idaho Asperger’s Support Group
P.O. Box 683, Nampa 83653
322-2911
www.idahoasg.org/index.html
Dedicated to providing support for those affected by Asperger’s Syndrome and other high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.

Idaho Autism
www.Idahoautism.com
An online resource guide which helps Idaho families find the resources they need to help their loved ones suffering with autism.

Idaho Autism Consultation
6075 N. Stafford Pl., Boise 83713
(802) 233-6582
Provides direct service to children diagnosed with autism, in-home training to parents, and works directly with schools or other agencies.

National Autism Association  
(877)  NAA-AUTISM
www.nationalautismassociation.org
Their mission is to respond to needs of the autism community, providing help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.

Blindness/Visual Impairment

Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI)
341 W. Washington St., Boise 83702
334-3220
icbvi.state.id.us
The agency assists blind and visually impaired persons to achieve independence by providing education, developing work skills, and increasing self-confidence.

Idaho State Talking Book Library
325 W. State St., Boise 83702
334-2150
libraries.idaho.gov/landing/talking-book-service
Loans books and magazines in audio format for people unable to read standard print material due to a physical disability.

National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments 
(800) 562-6265
http://www.spedex.com/napvi/
Organization that enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy

UCP of Idaho
5420 W. Franklin Rd., Ste A, Boise 83705
377-8070
www.ucpidaho.org
UCP educates, advocates, and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities.

Deafness/Hearing Impairment

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
www.asha.org
Search this national association’s website for local certified audiologists.
 
Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1720 N. Westgate Dr., Ste A, Boise 83704
473-2122
cdhh.idaho.gov
Their goal is to provide timely information that empowers the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to make informed decisions regarding their quality of life. 

Idaho Hands & Voices
450 W. State St., FL-5, Boise 83720
www.idhandsandvoices.org
A nonprofit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing without a bias as to communication choice.

Idaho Sound Beginnings
450 W. State St., FL-5, Boise 83720
334-0983
babyhearing.idaho.gov
Ensures that every baby born in Idaho is screened at birth or by one month of age for hearing loss.

Idaho Speech & Hearing Association
1411 E. Amity Ave., Nampa 83686
467-4829
www.idahosha.org
A nonprofit professional organization comprised of audiologists and speech language pathologists in Idaho.

TREASURE VALLEY FAMILY SIGNING
Held at Just Kidn’ Around
2374 E. Cinema Dr., Meridian 83642
559-6042
www.treasurevalleyfamilysigning.com
Offers classes in American Sign Language Vocabulary utilizing the catchy tunes, fun tools, and memorable characters from the PBS award-winning show Signing Time.

Diabetes

American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

HODIA - Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs
1701 N. 12th Ave., Boise 83702
336-6829
www.hodia.org
Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs Inc. is a nonprofit organization that sponsors different camps and programs for all children and teens with diabetes.

Humphreys Diabetes Center    
- 1226 River St., Boise 83702
331-1155
- 520 S. Eagle Rd., Ste. 1229, Meridian 83642
884-4220
- 4400 E. Flamingo, (2nd floor, Saint Alphonsus Health Plaza) Nampa 83687
884-4220
www.hdiabetescenter.com
A free-standing diabetes center, providing education programs for diabetes self-management and prevention to people with or at-risk for diabetes.

Down Syndrome

National Down Syndrome Society   
(800) 221-4602
www.ndss.org
Their mission is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.

Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association (TVDSA)
P.O. Box 1404, Meridian 83680
www.idahodownsyndrome.org
Offers encouragement, support, and valuable information through meetings, community resources, books, newsletters, events, and more.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation of America  
(800) 332-1000
www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure.

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF IDAHO
310 W. Idaho St., Boise 83706
344-4340
www.epilepsyidaho.org
Serves Idaho as the principal advocate for the epilepsy community.  See the website for information on monthly day camps.

Mental Health Disorders

The Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
704 N. 7th St., Boise 83702
433-8845
www.idahofederation.org
A family-run nonprofit organization that actively promotes and seeks solutions for mental health well-being for our children and youth.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
-Boise Chapter: 376-4304
-Canyon County: 340-8248
www.nami.org
NAMI’s support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority.

Multiple Sclerosis

Idaho Division of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
6901 W. Emerald, Ste. 207, Boise 83704
388-1998 (x 2)
www.nmss.org
The Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter provides a wide variety of programs, fundraisers, activities, and services through-out the region to people with MS, their families, and friends.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society 
(800) 344-4867
www.nationalmssociety.org
Mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy Association of Idaho
- 6485 W. Interchange Ln., #101, Boise 83709
327-0107 
- Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital
600 Robbins Rd., Boise 83702
498-4444
www.idahoelksrehab.org
A not-for-profit hospital dedicated to the physical rehabilitation of patients with stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and neurological or orthopedic disorders.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), USA   
(800) 572-1717
www.mdausa.org
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.

Serious Illness

Make-A-Wish Foundation
of Idaho
4355 Emerald St., #280, Boise 83706
345-WISH (9474) or
(877) 405-WISH (9474)
idaho.wish.org
Strives to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Association
of America (SBA)
(800) 621-3141
www.spinabifidaassociation.org
SBA serves adults and children who live with the challenges of spina bifida.

St. Luke’s Regional
Medical Center
100 E. Idaho, Ste. 200, Boise 83712
381-7122
www.stlukesonline.org
Offers a Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida) Clinic for children and adults.

Adaptive Services  

Community Transportation Association of Idaho   
913 W. River St., Ste. 440, Boise 83702
344-2354
www.ctai.org
CTAI is constantly working to promote greater transportation and mobility options for all of Idaho.

Treasure Valley Transit
1136 W. Finch Dr., Nampa 83651
463-9111
www.treasurevalleytransit.com
TVT provides transportation for the developmentally disabled in Canyon County along with individual Medicaid trips.

Advocacy & Legal Services

The Arc, Inc.
4402 Albion St., Boise 83705
343-558
www.thearcinc.org
The Arc’s vision is that every individual and family has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active members in our community.

Brain Injury Alliance of Idaho (BIAID)
1055 N. Curtis Rd., Boise 83706
367-2747 or
Family Helpline: (800) 444-6443
www.biaid.org
BIAID promotes awareness, understanding and prevention of brain injury through support, advocacy and education based on the expressed needs of persons affected by brain injury.

DisAbility Rights Idaho
4477 Emerald St., Ste. B-100, Boise 83706
336-5353
www.disabilityrightsidaho.org
Assists people with disabilities to protect, promote and advance their legal and human rights, through quality legal, individual, and system advocacy.

Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc.  (IPUL)
500 S. 8th St., Boise 83702
342-5884
(800) 242-IPUL (4785)
www.ipulidaho.org
Supports, empowers, educates, and advocates, enhancing the quality of life for Idahoans with disabilities and their families.

Idaho Infant Toddler Program
334-0900
healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
The program serves children birth to three years of age with developmental delays and disabilities and is offered statewide. 

Childcare & Respite

SANDCASTLES LEARNING CENTER
(Owned & operated by Community Partnerships
of Idaho, Inc.)
3214 Acre Ln., Boise 83704
376-7846
A nationally accredited program which offers a safe and nurturing environment for children partnering with parents to provide the best care.

SELECT SITTERS
P.O. Box 32, Eagle 83616
939-8680
www.select-sitters.com
At Select Sitters their professional sitters are qualified and willing to be there for your elderly loved one or special needs child or adult.

Education 

FRAMEWORK LEARNING
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890-0008
Provides one-on-one academic therapy programs and parent resources to support children with learning difficulties.

Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB)
1450 Main St., Gooding 83330
(208) 934-4457
isdb.idaho.gov/
ISDB’s residential and outreach programs provide a continuum of educational opportunities, services, and supports designed to ensure these children achieve their highest potential.

Idaho State Department of Education - Special Education
650 W. State St., Boise 83720
(800) 432-4601
sde.idaho.gov/site/special_edu/
The Special Education Team works collaboratively with districts, agencies, and parents to ensure students receive quality, meaningful, and needed services.

LEARNING RX BOISE WEST
105 E. Idaho St., Meridian 83642
258-2077
www.learningrx.com
Boise LearningRx Brain Training Center exists to serve students wanting enhanced ability to learn, read, and succeed at a broad range of academic challenges.

Madison Early Childhood Center
2215 W. Madison Ave., Boise 83702
854-5520
www.sd01.k12.id">www.sd01.k12.id.us/schools/madison.html
A cooperative effort between the Boise School District’s Early Childhood Special Education Program & Head Start. Provides services to developmentally disabled preschool children ages 3-5, and support to their families.

Information & Assistance Organizations

Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD)
322 E. Front St., Boise 83702
364-9931
www.idahocdhd.org
The CDHD is improving lives for people with disabilities and their families through exemplary and innovative education, outreach, research, and service.

Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities
700 W. State St., 1st Floor, Boise 83702
334-2178
icdd.idaho.gov
Their mission is to promote the capacity of people with developmental disabilities to determine access and direct the services and supports they need to live the lives they choose.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Boise:
Children Disability Services:  334-6900
Developmental Disabilities/Infant Toddler:  334-0900
Mental Health Services: 
334-0808
- Caldwell/Nampa:
Developmental Disabilities Program / Infant Toddler: 
465-8460
Mental Health Services /
Adult & Children: 
459-0092
healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
Promoting and protecting the health and safety of all Idahoans.
    
Idaho HELP
www.idahocdhd.org/dnn/idhelp/
An online directory of services, resources, and information designed to help locate resources and supports in their communities.

Idaho Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation Inc.
1090 N. Cole Rd., Boise 83704
338-5466
www.idaholions.org
Primary services of the foundation include the Idaho Lions Eye Bank, the Lions Mobile Screening Unit, Diabetes Awareness, the Lions Hearing Aid Assistance, the Lions Personal Assistance Fund, and Eyeglass Recycling.

Idaho Project for Children and Youth with Deaf-Blindness
322 E. Front St., Ste. 440,
Boise 83702
364-4012
www.idahocdhd.org
The Project provides statewide technical assistance to support parents, service providers, and other agencies, meeting the educational needs of children who are deaf-blind.

2-1-1 Idaho CareLine
P.O. Box 83720, Boise 83720
(800) 926-2588
www.idahocareline.org/
Agents at the 2-1-1 Idaho Careline connect people in need with government, faith-based, and community resources.

Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
 Rehabilitation Services (STARS)
1055 N. Curtis Rd., Boise  83706
367-2121
www.saintalphonsus.org
Offering both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services including specialty programs for people recovering from brain or spinal cord injury, or stroke.

St. Luke’s-Elks Pediatric
Abilities Clinic (PAC)
600 Riverpark Ln., Ste 105, Boise 83706
489-5880
PAC provides a team evaluation by different medical and rehab providers that identifies your child’s abilities across multiple areas of their development.

Recreation

Adventure Island Playground
3245 N. Meridian Rd.
(In Meridian’s Settler’s Park)
www.adventureislandplayground.org
A universally accessible playground featuring ramp accessibility, play panels at ground level, and surfacing that walkers and wheelchairs can easily ride over.

ADAPTIVE RECREATION SERVICES - BOISE PARKS AND RECREATION
AdVenture Program
608-7680
www.cityofboise.org/parks
Provides a wide range of programs for youth and adults with disabilities, including a variety of classes, camps, clubs, and a “Seeker Program,” with more adventurous adaptive programs and offerings.

Special Olympics Idaho
199 E. 52nd St., Garden City 83714
(800) 915-6510
www.idso.org
Provides training and athletic competition in 15 Olympic-type sports, year-round and free of charge to over 2,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout Idaho.

Support

Idaho Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (or AimEarlyIdaho)
704 N. 7th, Boise 83702
939-0560
www.aimearlyidaho.org
Provides support to infants, young children and their families to develop positive relationships.

Easter Seals Disability Services
1465 S. Vinnell Way, Boise 83709
78-9924
www.easterseals.com
Provides services for children and adults with disabilities and other special needs, and support to their families

Safe Kids Treasure Valley
St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital
103 W. State St., Boise 83702
381-3033
www.safekids.org
Educates families, provide safety devices to families in need and advocate for better laws to help keep children safe, healthy and out of the emergency room.

Unbefuddled LLC
505 N. Midland Blvd., Nampa 83651
466-3900
www.unbefuddled.com
A service coordination agency for special needs kids and adults, helping families and individuals access all of the available resources.

Therapy & Medical Services                                      
      
Community Partnerships of Idaho, Inc.
-3076 N. Five Mile Rd, Boise 83713
 376-4999
-2585 Nampa-Caldwell Blvd., Ste. 105, Nampa 83651
 468-1077
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Offers developmental therapy, intensive behavioral intervention for children birth through age 21 (Boise), and a summer/Saturday program (Nampa).

Warm Springs Counseling Center (WSCC)
Children’s Home Society of Idaho
740 Warm Springs Ave., Boise 83712
343-7797 
www.childrenshomesociety.com
WSCC is an outpatient behavioral health clinic that offers an entire spectrum of services to children and those who care for them.

Art Therapy

VSA of Idaho (Very Special Arts)
500 S. 8th St., Boise 83702
342-5884
www.ipulidaho.org
VSA empowers and engages people with disabilities in the creative process through opportunities which are fully inclusive, educational and participatory. VSA operates under the umbrella of IPUL.

Equine Therapy

CARE-ousel Therapeutic
Riding, Inc.
8803 Hwy. 78, Marsing 83639
530-0021
www.care-ousel.com
Their mission is to enrich and enhance the lives of children and adults with special needs through equine-related activities.

Mini Joys, Inc.
15000 N. McFarland Creek Rd., Boise 83714
830-3227
www.Wix.com/minijoys/mini-joys
An outreach program using tiny, gentle, miniature horses to promote joy, hope and healing to those facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges.  Available to area nonprofit service organizations and support groups.

Ride for Joy Therapeutic
Riding Program, Inc.
P.O. Box 140295, Boise 83714
861-0879
www.rideforjoy.org
A nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that brings the joy and many therapeutic benefits, of horses to Treasure Valley children with special needs.

Health & Wellness

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, INC.
- 1675 S. Maple Grove Rd.,Boise 83709
377-9814
- 158 McClure Ave., Nampa 83687
461-9030
www.cciidaho.com
Offering developmental therapy, behavior therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, service coordination, and music therapy.

Idaho Association of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IADDA)
818 W. 15th St., Meridian 83642
888-5566
www.iadda.net
IADDA works with agencies to provide suitable therapies and services for persons with developmental disabilities.

Living Independently
Forever, Inc. (LIFE)
545 N. Benjamin Ln., Ste 155, Boise 83704
888-0076
www.lifeincidaho.com
LIFE provides center-, home-, and community-based developmental therapy program for children, ages 3-17 years.

Tomorrow’s Hope
- 1655 Fairview Ave., Ste. 100, Boise 83702
319-0760
- 1624 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 83642
888-4923
www.tomorrowshopeinc.org
Provides a comprehensive menu of quality services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Specialized Therapies    

CHILDREN’S THERAPY PLACE
6855 W. Fairview Ave., #120, Boise 83704
323-8888
www.childrenstherapyplace.com
Provides speech/language, occupational, physical, and developmental evaluation and therapy services for children of all ages.

St. Luke’s-Elks
Rehabilitation Services
489-5702
www.stlukesidahoelks.org
Provides outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as social services through a fun, structured play environment.  (See website for locations in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell)

© The 2011 Special Needs & Special Families Guide was compiled by Treasure Valley Family Magazine and is archived at www.treasurevalleyfamily.com. If we missed your agency, association, or support group, or would like to advertise your related business or service in this annual Guide, please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All listings in BOLD represent paid listings.