Exceptional Children's Assistance Center

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) is a private, nonprofit parent organization, committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children through a special emphasis on children with disabilities and special health care needs. ECAC affirms the right of all individuals, from all backgrounds and cultures, with or without disabilities, to an appropriate education and other needed services. ECAC seeks to make that right a reality by providing information, education, outreach, and support to and for families with children across the state of North Carolina.

ECAC’s Parent Educators are all parents of children with special needs. We approach this work with practical knowledge and personal experience. ECAC helps parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs in navigating health care systems, early intervention, special education and the transition to adulthood. We provide free information, support, training and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs from birth to age 26 so that they can make informed decisions. We know that families are their child’s first and most influential teacher. We assist families in becoming their child’s best and most effective advocate in school, the community and in life.  We also support youth and young adults with disabilities by providing leadership opportunities, job exploration counseling, workplace readiness and self-advocacy training.