According to the National Institutes of Health, in the United States, a rare disease is defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people. Definition of rare disease vary from country to county. In Europe affect 1in 2,000 people and in Canada, more than 3.5 million or 10percent of the population are diagnosed with a rare disease.

Although rare, special education teachers and habilitation specialist are more than likely to have a student or an individual diagnosed with a rare disease disorder. In most cases the person is also likely to have an intellectual developmental disorder, which qualified the student to have an iep or an adult attending a day program to qualify for a Medicaid Waiver.

The foundation website’s provide information that can help you understand the rare disease and the impact it has on the student. Further information provides current research on the disorder as well.

The websites can help you in the following ways:

1. Provides detailed diagnosis information including clinical features, characteristics, and frequently asked questions.
2. Facebook groups are available where you can join a group to ask questions and share stories.
3. Printed material included factsheets, booklets, newsletters and ebooks.
4. Educational information includes webinars, video’s conferences and seminars.

The following are links to rare disease website:

Aicardi Syndrome Foundation– Incorporated in 1991, the foundation is dedicated to provided assistance to those affected and their families.

Angleman Syndrome Foundation- Commitment to research to discover Angelman Syndrome treatment and a cure and supporting families.

CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder(International Foundation for CDKL5 Research)- Committed to funding research, both scientific and clinical, raising awareness. Also provides support to newly diagnosed through adulthood..

Cerebral Palsy Foundation– Collaborates with researchers to better understand the disorder. The website offers information through factsheets and a video library.

Chromosome 22 Ring- (Chromosome 22 Central)- Includes information and support for all Chromosome 22 disorders including research, support and events.

Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion- (The International 22q11.2 Foundation) Provides resources and connections to experts regarding medical, psychosocial and educational needs. The foundation also organizes awareness events, educational conferences and supports legislative advocacy.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation– Provides a host of services including information to families, professionals, and researchers.

Dravet Syndrome– A non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for Dravet Syndrome. Also provides educational videos and webinars on website.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-(Cure Duchenne)– The mission is to improve the lives of everyone affected by Duchenne through accelerating researchers to find the cure, improve care and empowering the Duchenne community.

Fragile X Syndrome Foundation- Serves all those living with Fragile X syndrome with a focus on community, awareness, and research in the pursuit of treatment and a cure. The website includes information on Fragile X and the relationship with Autism. The website also provides a free e-book on adults with Fragile X Syndrome.

Hydrocephalus Association- Provides resources to families, communities, professionals and researchers. Sponsors a yearly educational days and advocacy.

Kabuki Syndrome- The mission is to drive research efforts that show promise to treat, prevent or cure Kabuki syndrome through fundraising, knowledge-sharing and collaboration with researchers

Lowe Syndrome Association– The mission is to improve the lives of persons with Lowe syndrome and their families through fostering communication, providing education and supporting research.

Prader Willi Syndrome Association– The mission is to enhance the quality of life and empower of those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome. The website includes educational resources such as webinars and a resource library.

Rett Syndrome Organization– The mission is to empower families with information, knowledge and advocacy and to raise awareness.

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America– The mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organization to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while searching for a cure.

Trisomy 18 Foundation- Provides information and educational resources to families, medical professionals and the general public.

Turner Syndrome Foundation- Supports research initiatives and facilitates education programs that increase professional awareness and enhance medical care.

Williams Syndrome Association– Founded by families of individuals with Williams syndrome to provide resources to doctors, researchers, and educators