Special Needs Index

We are pleased to share an index, with Web links, for Duluth MN and Superior WI child-focused, special needs resources. This includes local providers, services, community events, and products. This is a growing list as our community is constantly expanding and evolving. I have included some Twin Cities providers that are heavily utilized by local families. If you know of resources not listed, or are looking for resource topics not listed, please email us at 3bluefireflies@gmail.com and we will do our best to expand this index! Note: We do NOT endorse any of the providers listed. We also reserve the right to not list a resource, if we so chose. In addition, we only post physical businesses, camps, and community activities at this time. We do not post blogs, articles, educational websites, etc.

​ABA Therapy MN Autism Center

​Adaptive Community Opportunities Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute; Stonehouse Martial Arts; The Gymnastics Academy; Great Lakes Aquarium; Marcus Theatres; North Country Ride; Seeds of Hope Youth Ranch; Minnesota Ballet;  Masonic Children’s Clinic; The ARC Northland; Access North; True North; Choice Unlimited, Arrowhead Soccer Association, Salt and Light Dance Studio Notes: There are lots of places not listed that might offer adaptive sports and community classes. If you hear of ones not listed, please let me know. 

​Advocacy Support Services and Opportunities Minnesota Disability Law Office; ARC Northland; City of Duluth Commission on Disabilities; St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Advisory Committee; MN Council on Disability; MN Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities; Access North

​Assistive Technology Access North

DBT Nystrom and Associates;  Amberwing

Disability Support Services (MA, waivers, PCA services) St. Louis County, Minnesota

Driver’s Education Access North

Durable Medical Equipment Bluefireflies (for custom covers); Midwest Medical Equipment; Lake Superior Medical Equipment; NuMotion; Heidi’s Mastectomy Shop

​Homeschool Organizations Northland CORE; Minnesota Homeschool Alliance; Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators; Wisconsin Parents Association

​Job Support Services Choice Unlimited; DRCC; Vocational Rehabilitation/Duluth Workforce Center; Pinewood

Music Providers Hamlin Music; Schmidt Music; University of MN-Duluth; Twin Ports Guitar Studio

Pediatricians Essentia Health; St. Luke’s Health System

​Pediatric Developmental Pediatrician Essentia Health

​Pediatric Eating Disorder Programs Human Development Center; The Emily Program

​Pediatric Genetics Providers Children’s Minnesota; Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare; University of Minnesota

​Pediatric Neurology Providers Essentia Health System; Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare; Children’s Minnesota

​Pediatric Neuropsychology Providers Essentia Heath System; Nystrom & Associates; University of Minnesota; Fraser Clinic, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

​Pediatric Occupational Therapy Providers Essentia Health System; St. Luke’s Health System; MN Autism Center; College of St. Scholastica

​Pediatric Orthopedic Providers Essentia Health System

​Pediatric Physical Medicine Providers Essentia Health System

​Pediatric Physical Therapy Providers Essentia Health System; St. Luke’s Health System; In Motion Therapy; College of St. Scholastica

Pediatric Psychological Service Providers Arrowhead Psychological Clinic; St. Luke’s Hillside Clinic; Nystrom & Associates; Human Development Center; Duluth Counseling Center; Amberwing; Essentia Health System; Arrowhead Psychological Clinic

Pediatric Sensory-Related Eating Therapy Service Providers Essentia Health System Notes: Eating therapy related to sensory issues can also be addressed through some occupational therapy providers

​Pediatric Orthotics Providers Gillette Children’s Specialty Duluth Clinic; Essentia Health System; Hanger Clinic; Northern Orthotic and Prothestic Center

​Pediatric Speech Therapy Essentia Health System; St. Luke’s Health System; MN Autism Center; Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders; Robert F. Pierce Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

​Pediatric Vision Therapy Bright Eyes Vision Clinic; Essentia Health; Minnesota Vision Therapy Center; Northern Minnesota Eye Care

​PCA Providers ARC Northland; ACCRA; Directions for Life; Heartland PCA; Access North

​Playgrounds (Accessible) PACER playground list

​Sensory Products Bluefireflies (MN/Family/Small Business!!); Therapy Shoppe; Autism Shop; EMS 4 Kids; Smart Knit Kids; Sensory Treat; WittFitt; Calming Clothing Company; Alert Me Bands; Move Play Thrive, Fun & Function, Sensory Goods

​Social Group Opportunities Nystrom and Associates;  Access North; ARC Northland; Amberwing

​Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Duluth Public Schools; Northern Lights Special Education Collaborative; Duluth Edison Charter Schools Notes: Special Education Advisory Councils are required by state law. You can learn about how they can help your school, and in turn your family, by visiting http://www.mnseacinfo.org/. 

​Special Transportation STRIDE; Custom Cab; ACC Midwest; Northern Access; Senior Connections-WI

​Support Groups and Resources Family Voices of Minnesota; ARC Northland; Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders; Dr. Susan Larson Kidd Consulting

​Summer Opportunities Autism Society of MN; Lake Superior Zoo; Great Lakes Aquarium

​Tutoring/Learning Disability Diagnosing Children’s Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin; Tutoring Duluth; Learning Institute for Excellence; Duluth Core Learning; Learning Disabilities Association of America Notes: school districts and developmental pediatricians can also help identify learning disabilities