Arguably,  the best way to learn exactly how this search function works is to play with it.  Before you go any further, we encourage you (if you are already a member) to sign in then go to one or both of those pages and simply click on some of the characteristics listed.  Usually instructions tell you to read first and do what the instructions say, but in this case you can do no harm by experimenting.  And if you do that, you will understand the instructions better as you read them.

Ok,  You have done some random clicking?  Good!  Now you are ready to see how it really works.

In order to understand the terminology here and the actual workings, we suggest you get familiar with Posts, Categories, and Tags. If you understand the explanation of posts, tags, and categories there, this search function will make better sense.

The quick explanation here is that the name of each characteristic is a link.  If you click on it, what is returned is series of posts. They look almost like pages like this, but they interact with the programming of the website quite differently.  We have chosen to using categories for very narrow linkage to schools and programs.   We have chosen to use tags for a broader reference to schools and programs.  The programming of this website requires that all categories get listed on each page of the website if the lead to a post. However, tags are accessible to our members only where we have create links, such as we have done on the four pages that list the search characteristics.  For example, diagnoses as categories lead to schools and programs that focus specifically on that diagnosis.   Diagnoses as tags lead to any schools or programs where those diagnoses might be found.  "Male" or "female" as categories lead to gender specific programming; "male" or "female" as tags lead to schools and programs that admit males and females.   "Wilderness" as a category leads to programs that simply are wilderness programs. "Wilderness as tag leads to schools and programs with wilderness elements and programs that could serve as a substitute for wilderness programs.

Note: If the Category or tag you select produces a long list, not all will appear at once.    At the very bottom of the page that appears you will find in the lower left corner, "<< Older posts." Click on that to see additional schools and programs applicable to that category or tag. You may need to do this several time in order to see all applicable search posts.

We call the Posts that are returned in the Search Function "Search Posts."    Each  Search Post includes:

• A link to further information about that school or program, perhaps our review of that school or program, if there is one; and  the school or program's own website.
• If applicable, one or more "notes" providing more information on how the definition of the category and tag  fits this school or program.
• Lists  of  all Categories and Tags that apply to the school or program described in the search post.  The software generates a list automatically, in a form that uses small print.  We are hoping to get a software change that shows those more clearly, in a larger font.  But making that change is not within our ability without help from people with technical experience we lack.

Some hints for more efficient use:  

• If the Category or tag you select produces a long list, not all will appear at once.    At the very bottom of the page that appears you will find in the lower left corner, "<< Older posts." Click on that to see additional schools and programs applicable to that category or tag.  You may need to repeat this several times in order to see all relevant search posts.
• If you want to search geographically, rather than using the search feature described here, enter the name of the state you want to look at in the search box near the upper left of this page. Currently that box is entitled "Member Content."  We will change that name in the future to better reflect the purpose of the box.   Anywhere that state name appears in  a publicly accessible page of the NEW FORMAT of this website, that page will appear.  However search posts are members only.  If you are a member and sign in first, the return from that search will include everything in the in Members' Area also, including Search Posts for schools and programs in that state.
• When using the Search Function, use a category or tag that you think will bring the fewest responses.   For example if you are looking for a program for a 15 year old with a serious brain injury,  you probably will waste time by clicking on "adolescent services." The majority of the returns will not be appropriate to traumatic brain injury.   But if you click on Traumatic Brain Injury, you will get a much shorter list of responses, all will serve Traumatic Brain Injury and most will serve 15 year-olds.  You can find out by looking for the words "adolescent services" in the lists of categories and tags at the bottom of each Search Post or see if the notes contain a specific age range.
• If you have already selected a list of programs from a category or tag (or location) and want to narrow your list based upon another category or tag (or location), use your browser's search function.  All search posts contain a list of categories and tags that point to them.  With the list of search posts your choice of category, tag, or location request produced, enter the additional desired trait in the search function of your browser.  It will go to each occurrence of the word you entered on the page your original search selection produced.   Supposed you are looking for a program for a seven year old with attachment issues.   Click on "attachment" as a category (shorter list) or attachment as a tag (longer list).    Then on each page that search produces, use your browser search function to search on the word "child."   You will now see which programs have programming for younger children with a attachment issues.

Return to main School and Program Search Function page

Last updated May 2, 2014