If you or a loved one is living with disabilities, it can be quite tough to navigate through the mountains of information about living with disabilities. There are many aspects in life that you may need help with, such as assisted living, assistance with employment discrimination or technology assistance.
Having the right information about these things can really make your life so much easier, as some of these provisions require lots of planning and preparation. So, it is important to stay on top of these things as early as possible, so that you don’t miss out on something that could have made a huge difference to your life.
The good news is that there are tons of government bodies, NGOs and schemes to help out those with disabilities. Whether it is physical or intellectual, there are lots of resources to help you, no matter where you live in the US. Here are 50 great resources and links for people with disabilities:
Local And Global Organizations Relating To Disabilities
American Associations of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Dissociations of People with Disabilities is the biggest government organization in the US for many different types of disabilities. It works with many other local disability groups to enact legislation that empowers over 50 million people with disabilities in the US.
Contact info:
2013 H STREET, NW, 5TH FLOOR, WASHINGTON, DC 20006
800-840-8844
Disability Information From Medline Plus
This is a great resource page for anyone looking for reputable medical information relating to disabilities. It has links to clinical trials and studies, as well as statistics and research in disabilities.
Office For People With Developmental Disabilities
For New Yorkers living with developmental disabilities, this is a great organization to stay informed about services in New York for persons with developmental disabilities.
Contact info:
44 Holland Ave. Albany NY 12229
866-946-9733
Americans with Disabilities Act
A good place for information on the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can find information about the responsibilities of the Department of Justice with regards to the ADA. This is a great resource for those wanting to stay up to date on legal information relating to ADA.
Contact info: It also provides DOJ Information Line specifically for ADA enquiries:
800-514-0301 (voice)
800-514-0383 (TTY)
National Council on Disability (NCD)
The National Council on Disability is a federal body headquartered in Washington DC, which provides recommendations and advice to the President and Congress about disabilities. The 15 members of the NCD are appointed by the President.
Contact info:
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 850 Washington, DC 20004
202/272-2004 (voice)
202/272-2074 (TTY)
National Organization on Disability
The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a non-profit organization based in New York that seeks to improve job opportunities for those with disabilities. For example, they have a free assessment tool for organizations to see how they compare to others on disability policy and practices.
Contact info:
77 Water Street, Suite 204 New York, NY 10005
646-505-1191
United Nations Enable: Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
The Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the branch of the United Nations that tackles initiatives relating to empowering persons with disabilities. It falls within the purview of the Division of Social Policy and Development.
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
Official branch of the Department of Labor that deals specifically with employment policies for persons with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability who is looking for financial assistance and job assistance, this is a great place to start.
Contact info:
200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20210
1-866-487-2365
The World Institute on Disability (WID)
Established in 1983, the WID is a private, non-profit organization that centers on the policy implementation for the disabled community. This is a great resource for those wanting information on disability policy initiatives across the US including technical assistance, independent living and affordable health care for the disabled persons.
Contact info:
510/225-6400 (Voice), 510/225-0478 (TTY)
World Health Organization (WHO): Disability Information and Resources
Resource page to find out about initiatives from the World Health Organization for people with disabilities. A great place to find out global disability statistics and data, as well as disability policy initiatives around the world.
The International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (ICDRI)
ICDRI is a US-based non-profit organization set up in 1998 that seeks to level the playing field in opportunities for persons with disabilities. This public policy center was founded by persons with disabilities. Find information about financial aid, assistive technology, product reviews and more on their site.
Contact info:
5212 Covington Bend Drive, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27613
9193496661
Disabled People’s International (DPI)
Started in 1981 in Canada, DPI is a global network of organizations representing various disabilities that are joined in their efforts to protect the rights of disabled persons of various disabilities. This is a great organization to find out about disability programs and initiatives across the world, in both developing and developed countries.
Civil Rights And Disability Acts
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
This section of the Department of Transportation (DOT) contains information about DOT regulations when it comes to air travel for disabled persons.
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)
You can find information about provisions for disabled persons in public transport, disability provisions within buildings and built environments. It has details on the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), which makes compulsory provisions for disabled people for facilities funded by federal dollars.
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA)
Links to a section of the Department of Justice website which details CRIPA, which are guidelines for disabled persons who are institutionalized. This includes facilities like nursing homes and mental health institutions.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Details about the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on the US Department of Education website. Find out about the responsibilities of the state with regards to vocational rehabilitation programs for disabled persons.
Voting Rights For People With Disabilities
Find out information on provisions for disabled persons at voting facilities and the voting process.
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
You can download the full text of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act from this section of the US Department of Education website. This goal of this act is to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to free appropriate public education.
Education
Office of Special Education And Rehabilitative Services
This part of the US Department of Education contains detailed information about OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs). Find out about education and rehabilitation programs that help children and young persons with disabilities.
The Rehabilitation Services Administration
A US Department of Education resource page containing information about the RSA and its programs. This branch of the US Department of Education, OSER deals with the evaluation, implementation and monitoring of federal programs for vocational rehabilitation and employment education for disabled persons.
Employment Rights
Employment Discrimination Information
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has important information on how to identify employment discrimination on the basis of disability. You can also find the process of filing a complaint here.
Job Accommodation Network
This website from the Job Accommodation Network provides detailed information on workplace accommodation provisions that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Ticket To Work
The Ticket To Work initiative by the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides options, advice and support on finding new jobs, increasing disposable income and how to rely less on benefits for people with disabilities.
Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
This initiative by the Office of Disability Employment Policy provides dedicated support to employers on including people with disabilities in their workplace. EARN includes information to employers about recruiting, retaining and advancing people with disabilities through their careers.
Financial Assistance For Disabled Persons
Social Security Benefits for Disabled Persons
This report contains detailed information about what benefits are available to disabled persons from the Social Security Administration. Find information here on who qualifies for these benefits and how to apply for disability benefits.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families seeks to improve financial independence for needy families. This includes support for parents to find work, care for children and maintain a stable family unit.
Food Stamps
Find information here about financial assistance for providing healthy food and nutrition for families in need. It answers questions about eligibility, where to use food stamps and the application process.
Health Care Resource Pages
Center For Disease Control And Prevention: Disabilities
Information from the Center For Disease Control And Prevention website on how to maintain good physical health as a disabled person. It includes vital information such as preparing for medical or health emergencies as a disabled person.
Helping Children With Disabilities Cope With Trauma
Another useful resource page from the Center for Disease Control And Prevention on how to help children with disabilities tackle traumatic events.
Mental Health Services Locator
This useful tool from the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helps you find mental health services near you, in every state.
National Center on Health, Physical Activity And Disability
This initiative aims to help persons with disabilities maintain healthy, physically active lifestyles. It builds links between persons with disabilities and fitness, aquatic, recreational and sports programs.
Housing
Fair Housing Act
This section of the Department of Justice website contains the complete Fair Housing Act, where you can learn how it makes housing provisions for people with disabilities.
Housing Discrimination Of Disabled Persons
This website from the Department of Housing and Urban development provides details on the rights to housing for persons with disabilities. It also includes information on housing discrimination on the basis of disability, and compulsory housing provisions for disabled persons.
Center For Independent Living Locator By State
This webpage contains an extensive directory of centers for independent living (CILs) in each state. A CIL provides vital services such as independent living skills training, peer counseling and referrals.
Technology
Telecommunications Accessibility For Disabled Persons
This is a great resource page to find out about accessibility to telecommunication services and products for people with disabilities. This includes information on internet services, emergency technology, and assistive technology.
Technology For People With Disabilities
This is a great resource page listing helpful apps for people with disabilities. There is a list of apps for the deaf, visually impaired and those with learning disabilities.
This site provides a detailed guide on different types of assistive technology in cars and vehicles for people with disabilities. This is a good resource to check out before purchasing new cars or vehicles for people with disabilities.
Center on Technology And Disability
The Center on Technology And Disability has a myriad of resources on using technology for people with disabilities. It contains information on using assistive technology for various purposes such as teaching disabled persons, finding job opportunities, and technology information for parents and service providers.
Resources For Specific Disabilities
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
The National Federation of the Blind webpage contains useful information on dedicated programs and services for the blind and visually impaired. You can find programs such as NFB Youth in Science, Braille Certification, Career Mentoring, Scholarships And Programs specifically for the visually impaired.
American Foundation For The Blind
Find important information pertaining to employment, education and aging relating to visually impaired or blind individuals. They provide consulting services on education, app usability testing, job interview training, assistive technology and retirement for visually impaired people.
Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation website provides useful information about living a healthy life for individuals with arthritis. They provide important advice on nutrition, treatment options, pain management, physical activity and emotional wellbeing for individuals with arthritis.
The American Diabetes Association website provides useful guidance on maintaining a healthy life with diabetes. Find information on treatment, nutrition, fitness and prevention for diabetes.
Assistive Technology For Autistic Students
This site provides useful digital resources and information on assistive technology for students with autism. It contains information on teaching people with autism and other technology tools for autistic individuals.
Asperger/Autism Network of New England
The Asperger/Autism Network of New England website provides a host of useful resource pages for individuals, professionals and families for helping people with aspergers and autism. You can find useful support groups and discussion forums here as well.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The National Association of the Deaf provides useful information on various aspects of living with hearing impairment—education, emergency preparedness, fair housing, and employment. It includes information for families, youth and seniors with hearing impairment.
Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America’s web page provides important guidance for living with hearing impairment. You can find information about assistive technology and financial assistance for people with hearing impairment.
New England Paralyzed Veterans
The New England Paralyzed Veterans website provides information on living as a veteran with disabilities. You can find information about outreach programs, volunteering activities, and information on things like housing, peer mentoring, and scholarships for veterans.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The website of the Muscular Dystrophy Association provides useful information on research, community education, care services and other initiatives designed for individuals with muscular dystrophy.
Starting A Business With Disabilities
This website provides useful information for budding entrepreneurs with disabilities wanting to start a small business. You can find information relating to business development and entrepreneurship programs for people with disabilities.