Resources for People with Disabilities
National Advocacy & Information
National Advocacy & Information
National Advocacy & Information
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- URL: https://www.aapd.com/
- Description: A national cross-disability rights organization that works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. They advocate for full civil rights and promote the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disa
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- URL: https://www.aapd.com/
- Description: A national cross-disability rights organization that works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. They advocate for full civil rights and promote the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities.
- The Arc of the United States
- URL: https://thearc.org/
- Description: The largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. They promote and protect the human rights of people with I/DD.
- National Council on Disability (NCD)
- URL: https://www.ncd.gov/
- Description: An independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on policies, programs, and practices affecting people with disabilities. Their website is a great source for disability rights laws and government resources.
- Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
- URL: https://dredf.org/
- Description: A leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by people with disabilities. They advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, and education.
Government Agencies & Benefits
National Advocacy & Information
National Advocacy & Information
- ADA.gov (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- URL: https://www.ada.gov/
- Description: The official website for the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing information and technical assistance on the ADA, including accessible design standards, regulations, and how to report discrimination.
- Social Security Administration (SSA) - Disability Benef
- ADA.gov (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- URL: https://www.ada.gov/
- Description: The official website for the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing information and technical assistance on the ADA, including accessible design standards, regulations, and how to report discrimination.
- Social Security Administration (SSA) - Disability Benefits
- URL: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/
- Description: Provides information on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, which offer financial assistance to eligible individuals with disabilities.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Housing for Persons with Disabilities
- URL: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/disability_resources
- Description: Offers resources related to housing rights, fair housing laws, and various programs (like Section 811 Supportive Housing) designed to help people with disabilities find affordable and accessible housing.
- U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
- URL: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep
- Description: Provides information and resources to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities, including workplace accommodations, employment laws, and career guidance.
- Administration for Community Living (ACL)
- URL: https://acl.gov/
- Description: A federal agency that works to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults and people with disabilities across the lifespan. They provide resources on independent living, assistive technology, and community services.
Employment & Vocational Support
National Advocacy & Information
Employment & Vocational Support
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- URL: https://askjan.org/
- Description: A free, expert, and confidential resource for employers and individuals on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability-related legislation.
- Ticket to Work Program (SSA)
- URL: https://www.ssa.g
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- URL: https://askjan.org/
- Description: A free, expert, and confidential resource for employers and individuals on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability-related legislation.
- Ticket to Work Program (SSA)
- URL: https://www.ssa.gov/work/
- Description: A program through the Social Security Administration that helps people who receive Social Security disability benefits find work, keep their benefits, and achieve financial independence.
- State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies
- URL: To find your state's agency, use this link: https://rsa.ed.gov/about-us/states-and-territories (Then click on your state for contact info)
- Description: These state-level agencies provide career counseling, job training, and job placement services for people with disabilities. They can be a critical resource for employment support.
Education & Independent Living
Education & Independent Living
Employment & Vocational Support
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- URL: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
- Description: The U.S. Department of Education's official site for IDEA, the federal law that ensures public schools provide free appropriate public education to children with disabilities. It's a key resource for parents and educators.
- Centers for Independent
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- URL: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
- Description: The U.S. Department of Education's official site for IDEA, the federal law that ensures public schools provide free appropriate public education to children with disabilities. It's a key resource for parents and educators.
- Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
- URL: To find your nearest CIL: https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory
- Description: Community-based, non-profit organizations that are run by and for people with disabilities. They offer services like peer support, independent living skills training, advocacy, and information & referral.
- Assistive Technology Act Programs (State AT Programs)
- URL: To find your state's program: https://www.at3center.net/state-at-programs
- Description: These state programs help individuals with disabilities of all ages understand, access, and acquire assistive technology devices and services that can improve their independence in various aspects of life, including education and employment.
- Think College
- URL: https://thinkcollege.net/
- Description: Dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities. Provides resources for students, families, and professionals.
Important Note for Users:
Education & Independent Living
Important Note for Users:
Many federal programs and resources have state or local counterparts. We encourage users to explore their specific state's Department of Health, Department of Education, or disability services agencies for local support and information for disability needs.