Online Resources
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) provides information, support, and advocacy for individuals with learning disabilities, as well as their families and educators. They conduct research, offer resources, and advocate for policies and practices that support the needs of individuals with learning disabilities, to ensure that they have access to high-quality education and support services, as well as opportunities to succeed in the workforce and their communities. NCLD also works to raise awareness about learning disabilities and promote inclusive and equitable policies and practices that benefit individuals with learning disabilities.
The Special Education Advocacy Center (SEAC) provides advocacy and legal services to families of children with disabilities in Virginia. Their mission is to ensure that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible. They offer services such as information and referral, advocacy, and legal representation, as well as training and educational programs for parents, advocates, and professionals on special education law and advocacy. SEAC works with families and schools to promote policies and practices that support the educational needs of children with disabilities.
The Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center helps families of children with disabilities. They offer services such as information and referral, individual assistance, workshops and training, publications and resources, and advocacy and public policy. Their mission is to create opportunities and expand possibilities for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.
National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement is a federally funded organization that provides information, resources, and training to improve parent, family, and community engagement in early childhood education programs. Their focus is on promoting positive outcomes for children and families by building strong partnerships between educators, families, and communities.
Understood provides resources and support for individuals with learning and attention issues, their families, educators, and healthcare professionals. They offer personalized support, practical tools, informative articles and videos, and advocacy for better policies and practices to support individuals with these conditions in schools, workplaces, and communities.
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) serves to protect and advocate for the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. COPAA works to ensure that children with disabilities receive the education and resources they need to succeed by providing legal representation and advocacy services, conducting training and education programs for parents and professionals, and engaging in policy and legislative advocacy at the state and federal levels. Overall, COPAA aims to promote the rights of students with disabilities and to improve their access to high-quality education and related services.
The Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (SENIA) supports individuals with special needs and their families, educators, and communities in the Asia-Pacific region. SENIA aims to promote inclusive education practices and create a network of support for individuals with special needs by providing resources, training, and advocacy. SENIA also works to raise awareness and understanding of special needs and inclusion through community events and outreach programs. Overall, SENIA strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society for individuals with special needs.
The Advocacy Institute provides training and support to individuals and organizations working to advocate for social change. The organization offers a range of programs and resources designed to build advocacy skills and promote effective advocacy strategies, including training workshops, online courses, coaching and mentoring services, and consulting services. The Advocacy Institute focuses on various advocacy issues, including civil rights, environmental justice, healthcare access, and education reform. Its mission is to empower advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization in the United States that works to protect and advance the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. DREDF engages in litigation, policy advocacy, and public education to promote equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities in all areas of life, including education, employment, transportation, housing, and healthcare. The organization also provides legal assistance and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as training and technical assistance to professionals and advocates working in the disability rights field. DREDF's goal is to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in society and live with dignity, respect, and independence.
Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization based in the United States that works to advance the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. DRA focuses on impact litigation to challenge systemic discrimination against people with disabilities in a variety of areas, including education, employment, transportation, and public accommodations. The organization also engages in policy advocacy, public education, and community outreach to promote awareness and understanding of disability rights issues. DRA works to ensure that individuals with disabilities have full and equal access to all aspects of society and can live with independence and dignity.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that is run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of individuals with autism and to advocate for policies and practices that respect their rights and dignity. The organization engages in public policy advocacy, community outreach, and education to promote the rights of autistic individuals and to challenge discrimination and stigma. ASAN also provides resources and support to autistic individuals and their families, including information on autism acceptance, self-advocacy, and access to services and support. The goal of ASAN is to empower autistic individuals to speak for themselves and to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) serves as the national membership association for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. NDRN supports and strengthens the P&A and CAP programs by providing training, technical assistance, and legal and policy advocacy support. NDRN also engages in public education and awareness-raising campaigns to promote disability rights and inclusion. The organization works to protect the legal and civil rights of individuals with disabilities, including access to education, employment, healthcare, and community living. Overall, NDRN aims to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of society
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization based in the United States that works to advance the rights of individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities. The organization engages in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public education to promote equal access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment for individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities. Bazelon Center focuses on challenging discriminatory policies and practices, advocating for improved access to community-based services and supports, and promoting the rights of individuals to make decisions about their own lives. The organization also provides legal assistance and training to individuals and organizations working on mental health and disability rights issues. Overall, the Bazelon Center aims to ensure that individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities are treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.
Disability Rights California works to protect and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities in California. DRC engages in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public education to promote equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and other services and supports. The organization also provides legal assistance and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families, including information on disability rights, advocacy, and self-determination. DRC's goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently, make their own choices, and participate fully in their communities, with dignity and respect.
Disability Rights Texas works to protect and advance the rights of individuals with disabilities in Texas. DRTx engages in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public education to promote equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and other services and supports. The organization also provides legal assistance and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families, including information on disability rights, advocacy, and self-determination. DRTx's goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently, make their own choices, and participate fully in their communities, with dignity and respect.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) works to advance the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities. AAPD focuses on policy advocacy, public education, and leadership development to promote equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and other services and supports. The organization also provides resources and support to individuals with disabilities and their families, including information on disability rights, employment, and community living. AAPD's goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of society and to promote the full inclusion and diversity of individuals with disabilities in leadership positions across all sectors.
Autism Speaks advocates for individuals with autism and their families. They focus on raising awareness, funding research, and providing resources and support for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
National Down Syndrome Society advocates for the rights and opportunities of individuals with Down syndrome. They focus on advocacy, public policy, and awareness-raising, and provide resources and support for individuals and families affected by Down syndrome.
Learning Disabilities Association of America advocates for individuals with learning disabilities and their families. They provide education, support, and resources to promote understanding, access to services, and full inclusion in society.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) advocates for individuals and families affected by mental illness. They focus on advocacy, education, and support, promoting awareness and access to mental health care and resources.
Family Voices supports families of children and youth with special healthcare needs by providing advocacy, education, and support services to help them navigate the healthcare system and access services and support.
The Arc advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families by promoting policies and programs that support their full potential. They also provide resources and support to individuals with IDD and their families.
Center for Parent Information and Resources provides information, training, and resources to parents of children with disabilities, as well as professionals who work with them. Their goal is to ensure that parents have the tools and information they need to participate effectively in their children's education and development.
Disability Scoop covers news and trends related to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their focus is on reporting news that affects individuals with IDD, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Disability Scoop covers a wide range of topics, including education, employment, health, technology, and policy. Their goal is to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage of disability-related news and to promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting individuals with IDD.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a federal agency that conducts and supports research on mental illness, to improve the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a professional association of educators dedicated to improving the education of individuals with disabilities.
Special Olympics is an international organization that provides sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is a professional organization that provides resources and support for special education teachers.
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) The federal agency responsible for administering programs and policies related to special education.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a national center that provides information and resources to help parents navigate the special education system.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) is an organization that advocates for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, including in education.
National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ) provides resources and training to journalists on how to report on disability issues.
Special Education Guide provides resources and information on special education, including laws, advocacy, and support.
Travel Accessibility and Tips for Travelers with Disabilities provides resources and information on accessibility and tips for travelers with disabilities.
Supporting Neurodivergent People in Personal Finance provides resources for doing and understanding Financial tasks, such as budgeting, investing, and calculating money.
Indiana Family to Family provides information, training, and one-on-one support to Indiana families of children and youth with additional health and education needs and the professionals who serve them.
Cerebral Palsy Guide is a national support organization dedicated to educating individuals and their families about cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. They strive to provide answers and guidance to ensure that families receive the assistance they need to help improve their overall quality of life.