Chapter 7: Information Sources
Section 3: Specific Disabilities – Information Sources
Subsection: National Disability Organizations
American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation
Email:
[email protected]The Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC) of AAPAR is dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting creative and active lifestyles through meaningful, inclusive physical activity, recreation and fitness experiences across the lifespan with particular focus on community-based programs.
Voice:
Fax:
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 60 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.
Voice:
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, (formerly AAMR -- American Association on Mental Retardation) is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and others concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Voice:
Fax:
American Bar Association (ABA) - Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
Email:
[email protected]The Commission works to promote the American Bar Association's commitment to justice and the rule of law for people with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities, and to promote their full and equal participation in the legal profession.
Voice:
Fax:
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Email:
[email protected]The American Council of the Blind's (ACB) mission is to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people.
Voice:
Toll Free:
Fax:
American Diabetes Association
Email:
[email protected]The moving force behind the work of the American Diabetes Association is a network of more than 565,000 volunteers, a membership of more than 540,000 people with diabetes, their families and caregivers, a professional society of nearly 20,000 health care professionals, as well as more than 400 staff members.
Toll Free:
American Epilepsy Society
The American Epilepsy Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. Membership in the Society is made up of clinicians and researchers investigating basic and clinical aspects of epilepsy, and other health-care professionals interested in seizure disorders.
Voice:
Fax:
American Foundation for the Blind
Email:
[email protected]The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. They mobilize leaders, advance understanding, and champion impactful policies and practices using research and data.
Voice:
Toll Free:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.
Voice:
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
Email:
[email protected]The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is a national trade association committed to providing high quality, unprecedented business services and products to Orthotic & Prosthetic professionals.
Voice:
Fax:
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is an individual membership professional organization representing more than 100,000 member physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and students of physical therapy.
APTA seeks to improve the health and quality of life of individuals in society by advancing physical therapist practice, education, and research, and by increasing the awareness and understanding of physical therapy's role in the nation's health care system.
Voice:
TTY:
Toll Free:
Fax:
American Psychological Association (APA)
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States.
Voice:
Toll Free:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 204,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students.
Voice:
TTY:
Toll Free:
Fax:
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists.
Voice:
APSE: The Network on Employment
Email:
[email protected]APSE is the only national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to Employment First, a vision that all people with disabilities have a right to competitive employment in an inclusive workforce.
Voice:
Fax:
Arthritis Foundation
Email:
[email protected]The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research that has a comprehensive list of local Arthritis Foundation local chapters and support groups.
Voice:
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Email:
[email protected]The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) is a professional membership organization dedicated exclusively to professionals who provide services to persons with vision loss.
Voice:
Fax:
Association of Tech Act Projects (ATAP)
The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based non-profit organization, comprised of state Assistive Technology Act Programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act).
Voice:
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
Email:
[email protected]The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs.
Voice:
Fax:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
Email:
[email protected]The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world.
Voice:
Toll Free:
Autism Society of America (ASA)
The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. They provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates.
The AutismSource database features thousands of resources with listings in all 50 states. ASA continues to add programs and users can recommend resources to be added by following the prompts on the site. Listings include physicians, psychologists, speech, occupational and behavioral therapists, schools, camps, training programs, government agencies, and much more. To access AutismSource, follow this link: http://209.200.89.252/search_site/
Toll Free:
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has been a legal advocate for people with mental disabilities for three decades. Their precedent-setting litigation has outlawed institutional abuse and won protections against arbitrary confinement. In the courts and in Congress, their advocacy has opened up public schools, workplaces, housing and other opportunities for people with mental disabilities to participate in community life. Legal advocacy for the rights of persons with mental disabilities; issue information; issue alerts.
Voice:
Brain Injury Association of America
Email:
[email protected]The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is a national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with its network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates, as well as hundreds of local chapters and support groups across the country, the BIAA provides information, education and support to assist the 5.3 million Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families.
Voice:
Fax:
Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP)
Email:
[email protected]The Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP) provides public education, leadership development and training, technical assistance and information dissemination, and conducts action-research and analysis of public policy issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Voice:
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD)
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD)is a membership organization, produces the bi-monthly Attention! magazine (for members), and sponsors an annual conference.
Tulsa CHADD: Hardesty Library at 93rd Place & Memorial., Tulsa, OK
http://www.chadd.net/template.cfm?affid=117&p=about
Voice:
Fax:
Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD)
Email:
[email protected]CEASD provides an opportunity for professional educators to work together for the improvement of schools and educational programs for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The organization brings together a rich composite of resources and reaches out to both enhance educations programs and influence educational policy makers.
Voice:
Fax:
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
Email:
[email protected]The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Voice:
Fax:
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Email:
[email protected]The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically under served individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
Voice:
Toll Free:
Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD)
The Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) is an international organization composed of professionals who represent diverse disciplines, is committed to enhancing the education and quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities across the life span. CLD accomplishes this by promoting and disseminating evidence-based research and practices related to the education of individuals with learning disabilities. In addition, CLD fosters (a) collaboration among professionals; (b) development of leaders in the field; and (c) advocacy for policies that support individuals with learning disabilities at local, state, and national levels.
Voice:
Fax:
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc. (DREDF)
Email:
[email protected]The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is a national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.
Voice:
TTY:
Fax:
Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago
For 100 years, Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families. Their 68 affiliates in communities nationwide serve 1.5 million people through high-quality programs including autism services, early intervention, workforce development, adult day care and more.
Toll Free:
Epilepsy Foundation
Email:
[email protected]The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.
Voice:
Toll Free:
Fax:
Genetic Alliance, Inc.
Email:
[email protected]Genetic Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages individuals, families, and communities to transform health.
Voice:
Fax:
Goodwill Industries International
Email:
[email protected]Goodwill Industries International is committed to providing employment, education, and skill-building opportunities to people around the world.
Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America exists to open the world of communication for people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support.
Voice:
Fax:
HEATH Resource Center
Email:
[email protected]The HEATH Resource Center is an online clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Since 2000, the HEATH Resource Center has served as a national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities, managed by The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
HEATH participates in national conferences, training sessions, and workshops; develops training modules; publishes resource papers, fact sheets, directories, and website information; and fosters a network of professionals in the arena of disability issues.
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults
Email:
[email protected]The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults (HKNC) offers intensive and comprehensive rehabilitation training to individuals who are deaf-blind.
HKNC Region 6: South Central
AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
P.O Box 78
East Moline, IL 61244
VP: 309-716-3657
[email protected] (interim)
https://www.helenkeller.org/hknc/south-central-region
This residential facility provides adaptive skills and vocational instruction to deaf-blind youths and adults. Regional Representatives provide consultation and technical assistance to individuals with deaf-blindness and their families, as well as to educators and adult service agencies. Reps also locate needed programs and resources and handle referrals to Helen Keller National Center.
Voice:
TTY:
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Email:
[email protected]The mission of International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is to create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need.
Voice:
Fax:
Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation
Email:
[email protected]The mission of the Kennedy Foundation is to provide leadership in the field of intellectual disabilities and service to persons with intellectual disabilities, and their families. Click on website link for more information.
Justice For All Email Network
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 60 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.
Voice:
Toll Free:
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
Through its Annual International Conference as well as state affiliate conferences and workshops LDA provides a forum for questions on learning disabilities and new technology and approaches for teaching individuals with learning disabilities.
Voice:
Fax:
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.
Email:
[email protected]The Lupus Foundation of America works to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy.
Voice:
Fax:
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.
Voice:
Toll Free:
Fax:
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Email:
[email protected]The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency -- a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
Toll Free:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Voice:
Toll Free:
National AMBUCS, Inc.
Email:
[email protected]National AMBUCS, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization with a diverse membership dedicated to inspiring mobility & independence.
Their mission is to inspire people to conquer challenges related to mobility and independence, through a nationwide network of volunteer chapters, working in partnership with physical, occupational and speech therapists; by providing Amtryke adaptive trykes, scholarships for therapists and many forms of community service
Toll Free:
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Email:
[email protected]The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities.
Voice:
National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC)
Email:
[email protected]NAPSEC member programs provide educational therapeutic services to both publicly and privately placed individuals that are not able to be successfully educated in the regular education environment. These services also include infants and toddlers served in early intervention programs and postsecondary college experience and adult living programs which serve individuals who have graduated or are over 21.
Voice:
National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (NARRTC)
The ultimate mission of NARRTC is to promote the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in American society through applied research, training, technical assistance, knowledge translation, development and demonstration activities.
National Association of the Deaf
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), is an organization that is safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans in education, employment, health care, and telecommunications.
Programs and activities include grassroots advocacy and empowerment, captioned media, certification of American Sign Language professionals; certification of sign language interpreters; deafness-related information and publications, legal assistance, policy development and research, public awareness, and youth leadership development.