Resource: Angelman Syndrome Foundation
Angelman Syndrome Foundation https://www.angelman.org Angelman Syndrome Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping families, care providers and medical professionals arm themselves with as much helpful information about Angelman syndrome as possible.
“Stimtastic” – Great Resource forChewable Jewelry, Stim Toys and Fidgets
Stimtastic - Chewable Jewelry, Stim Toys and Fidgets. Run by an autistic person, Cynthia Kim, of another resource we love, Musings of an Aspie. Description from the site: Stimtastic is affordable stim toys, chewable jewelry and fidgets for autistic adults and teens as well as individuals with SPD, ADHD/ADD, dyspraxia . . . everyone who stims! Run by an autistic person, Stimtastic celebrates stimming as a natural part of our lives. Every purchase you make at Stimtastic.co supports autistic individuals: 10% of proceeds from sales at Stimtastic.co go back to the autism community in the form of charitable donations and direct giving. All
We love “Love Explosions”
"Love Explosions" by the wonderful Beth Ryan is on our love list. The blog had us at the description - "When the love for your child overwhelms you." You may already be familiar with the enormously popular and helpful FB page - Parenting Autistic Children with Love and Acceptance, which had us at "name" :). Go check them both out.
Starting With Julius- reCasting Difference-Where Everyone Belongs
We love the folks at Starting With Julius! What They Stand For : We believe that the mainstream media is a powerful tool to stimulate cultural transformation for a world in which people with disability are recognised, respected and valued as equal citizens and unique individuals. We also believe that including people with disability in advertising and media makes commercial sense and work with the advertising and media industries to promote the benefits of an ethos that embraces diversity and inclusion. Starting w/ Julius is fabulous and Catia Malaquias' writing and advocacy will blow you away so check out the blog
Uniquely Human Neurotribe
This past summer two new autism books were released within days of each other. Each, of it’s own accord, is a game changer if readership becomes large enough. Together the two books could serve to alter the course of autism history in terms of who is given the stage to tell the autistic story. NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman does exactly what the title says – lays out lots of history. There are so many interesting parts that I never knew existed that have impacted what we believe we know about autism.
Autonomous Press
Autonomous Press (also known as AutPress) is an independent publisher focusing on works about disability, neurodivergence, and the various ways they can intersect with other aspects of identity and lived experience. We are a partnership of disabled workers including writers, poets, artists, musicians, community scholars, and professors. Each partner takes on a share of the work of managing the press and production, and all of our workers are co-owners. Our Mission “Autonomous Press seeks to revolutionize academic access.” But what does that mean? Does it mean access to academic work, so that the public can better understand scholarship? Does it
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NEUROCOSMOPOLITANISM
A must, must have resource -NICK WALKER'S NOTES ON NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM, AND COGNITIVE LIBERTY. NEUROCOSMOPOLITANISM http://neurocosmopolitanism.com
National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion
National Catholic Board of Full Inclusion has a vision of full inclusion in Catholic schools for students with disabilities. Our mission is to inspire schools to begin the process of becoming inclusive, to educate teachers, parents, principals and priests on what it takes to be an inclusive school and to provide the educational research and real life experiences that support it. National Catholic Board of Full Inclusion on Facebook
Respectfully Connected: Journeys in Parenting and Neurodivergence
We are all about respect, so of course, Respectfully Connected is a Resource We Love!
#IMREADY for Inclusive Media and Advertising
Hey JCREW #IMREADY for change. We want YOU to include models with disabilities in 2015. We want YOU to be part of the #15in2015 . 15 retailers including models with disabilities in 2015. Note: Changing the Face of Beauty quickly met its #15in2015 so now it's #15in2015 x 2! We want YOU to be part of the #15in2015 x 2 retailers including models with disabilities in 2015. We're thrilled to take part in the #IAMREADY campaign by Changing the Face of Beauty to promote inclusion in advertising. We believe everyone should see themselves reflected in all aspects of their community
Disability Visibility Project
Ollibean is very proud to be a media partner of the Disability Visibility Project. Please join us in spreading the word about this important project dedicated to "Recording Disability History, One Story at a Time".
What’s the Social Model of Disability?
What is the social model of disability and why is it important ?
ASL University
We love this free American Sign Language resource- ASL University !
Cheryl Jorgensen
Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen's website is an excellent resource for information about inclusive education, best practices, differentiated instruction, universal design, curriculum adaptation, writing standards based IEPs, facilitating social relationships and much more!
DCMP: Described and Captioned Media Program
Explore the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) Website to learn it promotes and provides equal access to communication and learning for students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. The DCMP is an idea that works thanks to funding by the U.S. Department of Education and administration by the National Association of the Deaf.
Resource We Love : YogaKids
We love YogaKids and their foundation Go Give Yoga! Their mission is " to promote peace, health, empowerment and education" . Ok, sign us up!
Take Action to Keep All Students Safe at School! || Stop Hurting Kids
Stop Hurting Kids needs all supporters of the Keeping All Students Safe Act to take action and urge members of the U.S. Senate to co-sponsor this bill.
Welcome to the Autistic Community
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the Autism Now Center have created "Welcome to the Autistic Community! " It is a must read for anyone who wants to learn about autism.
30 Second Message for Bullies
AAPD's PSA features three real students sharing a simple message: people with disabilities are powerful, self-determined individuals—not victims.
Creating Equal Opportunities For ALL Students to Participate in School Athletics
Educators should use the appropriate equipment properly to ensure that physical education programing for students with students with disabilities is safe, effective, and inclusive. EQUIPMENT Appropriate equipment can help children and youth with disabilities participate in appropriate physical activity. Athletic equipment might need to be modified for safe use by some children and youth with disabilities. For other students with disabilities, specialized equipment may be needed. Activities involving the use of modified or specialized equipment can replace other less safe activities. Treadmills, for example, are effective in providing predictable walking and running conditions, which can be necessary and appropriate for
ASL-STEM: Expanding American Sign Language’s Place in the Sciences
The ASL-STEM (Enabling American Sign Language to grow in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Forum is up and running! The purpose of ASL-STEM's online community is to bring educators, interpreters, captioners, students, and others together in order to help build ASL's technical vocabulary from the ground up.
How to Ignore the Media and Learn to Love Autism
Here are some suggestions on how to tune out the media's negativity and learn to love autism: 1) Read Jim Sinclair’s “Don’t Mourn for Us”. 2) Tell your parents, family and friends that are close (maybe even your boss) about your child's diagnosis, as you are going to need support. 3) Let go of any preconceived ideas for birthday parties, trips to the supermarket and vacations. Don’t worry if an event doesn't turn out exactly as planned. Sometimes the unexpected is just as wonderful. 4) Discover what motivates your child and learn as much as you can about those topics.
I Care By
If you care, you act. Do something positive to help a young person with emotional challenges.
American Society for Deaf Children
We believe deaf or hard-of-hearing children are entitled to full communication access in their home, school, and community. We also believe that language development, respect for the Deaf, and access to deaf and hard-of-hearing role models are important to assure optimal intellectual, social, and emotional development. We believe that consideration of communication opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children should be based on facts. Research consistently demonstrates that fluency in sign language and English offers deaf children (including those with cochlear implants) and hard-of-hearing children optimal opportunities for social and academic success, and thus both should be part of their language-rich
Autistic Aloha
Amazing resource we love- Autistic Aloha!
The AbleGamers Foundation
The AbleGamers Foundation, also known as AbleGamers Charity, is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit public charity that aims to improve the overall quality of life for those with disabilities through the power of video games.Video games allow individuals with disabilities to experience situations that may be difficult or limited in the real world, provide social networking opportunities to maintain mental and emotional health, and participate in one of the world’s largest pastimes. With a three-step approach, AbleGamers works and advocates on behalf of the disability community to increase the accessibility of video games and to achieve further inclusion by those who need
Issy Stapleton: Emergency Information and Autistic Community Response
Emergency information is on here, followed by commentary. Emergency information for disabled victims is first, since they are in the most immediate danger. Unfortunately, many disabled victims of violence are at the mercy of their would-be-killers. Emergency information for people who are concerned that they might murder or otherwise injure a disabled person follows. Some links are en español. Read More Here.
Judith Snow
Judith Snow, MA is a social innovator and an advocate for Inclusion – communities that welcome the participation of a wide diversity of people. Inclusion is an opportunity for EVERYONE!
The Power of Presuming Competence
"Thasya", a mini film by Dan Habib, highlights the power of presuming competence, differentiated instruction and augmentative and alternative communication. Inclusion works.
EveryBody: An Artifact History of Disability in America
The Smithsonian's Web exhibit of the history of people with disabilities in America shown through photos.
National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA)
National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA) is a national cross-disability coalition that represents the authentic voice of people with disabilities. NDLA is led by 14 national organizations run by people with disabilities with identifiable grassroots constituencies around the country. The NDLA steering committee includes: ADAPT, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Council of the Blind, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Hearing Loss Association of America, Little People of America, the National Association of the Deaf, the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, the National Council on Independent Living, the
Resource : Yes, That Too
Resource we love- "Yes, That Too" !
ADAPT
ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom. The ADAPT Youth Summit will take place on in Chicago, Illinois. We are training young people with disabilities on direct action and nonviolent civil disobedience. If you are interested in supporting this year’s event or participating in next year’s group, please email Josue at adaptyouthsummit@yahoo.com.
The Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education – 07/12/13
This week, Carol Quirk who is the Co-Executive Director for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, will return to the podcast. Carol is going to talk, on behalf of the MCIE, about ways in which we can support inclusive education. The Maryland Co
Much Needed Resource: “We Are Like Your Child”
"We are like your child. Your child is like us. And we may have difficulties, we are disabled--but there is no denying that we are also awesome."
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for Autistic people.
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
We love Thinking Person's Guide to Autism, a community of autistics, professionals, and parents sharing what you need to know about autism.
Stop Hurting Kids
Join the Stop Hurting Kids campaign to end restraint and seclusion abuse in schools.The easiest way to make a meaningful contribution is to take a stand.
PrAACtical AAC | Presuming Competence and Using The Least Dangerous Assumption
PrAACtical AAC's latest post on the importance of presuming competence.
Everyone Communicates
One of our favorite resources for all things AAC!
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability
Great resource promoting increased participation in physical activity among people of all abilities.
Autism Acceptance Month
"Acceptance is an action." Autism Acceptance Month from the brilliant folks at ASAN, is beyond incredible. We could read the About page again and again- and probably will. Check it out. Take the Pledge. What is Autism Acceptance Month? Autism Acceptance Month is about challenging ignorance, prejudice, fear, and hysteria about autism and autistic people. Autism Acceptance Month spreads the word that autism is both a neurological disability and a natural part of human diversity, and centers the voices of autistic people in the conversation about us. Autism Acceptance Month promotes acceptance of autistic people as family members, sons, daughters, spouses, friends, classmates, co-workers,
Great Resource: Musings of an Aspie
who and what some things about me was 42 when I discovered that I have Asperger’s Syndrome. When I visit the zoo, I always leave thinking that maybe I was a primatologist in another life. Or a monkey. I’ve been my own boss since I was 18. Statistics fascinate me. I own three pairs of running shoes and no dress shoes. Somehow I managed to find the one person in 7 billion who understands me and marry him. And stay married for 25 years. The single most frequent response I got from professors: “I never thought of it that way.” Usually
Tiny Grace Notes: Open Heartedness
Because I am a person who prepares special ed teachers and doc students for a living, I meet a lot of people, and a lot of them are parents of kids, and a lot of the kids these parents have are kids with autism. I get to know them over time, and see the wonderful work they do as pre-service teachers, and often keep in touch with what they are doing after they graduate. These are good and loving people, dedicated to life-long learning. This is my general background knowledge of other people’s parents. This is hundreds or maybe by now a thousand-odd of
We Love Emma’s Hope Book
Ariane Zurcher is definitely one of our favorite writers. She writes with exceptional honesty, insight, and beauty.
Understanding Hearing Ability
What does speech sound like to deaf and hard of hearing children? Do deaf children hear anything? Some deaf children do in fact have no measurable hearing, but most children have some degree of residual or remaining hearing. Every child is unique in the sounds he or she can hear and his or her ability to understand them. No two children are alike. Two children who perform similarly on their hearing tests may understand or use sounds in very different ways. It is important never to assume how a student should or will communicate because of hearing test results. Whether
Grit Media
Grit Media promotes the rights and aspirations of people with disabilities by creating opportunities to be seen and heard in a range of media productions. Our productions bring disability awareness into peoples' homes through the depiction of realistic, compelling and entertaining content, that encourages audiences to see disability as a natural part of life. The organisation provides training opportunities for people with disabilities and aims to encourage the wider media industry to join our battle against a culture of harmful misconception and ignorance about disability. Welcome to Grit Media.
Joubert Syndrome Foundation & Related Cerebellar Disorders
Joubert Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by decreased muscle tone, difficulties with coordination, abnormal eye movements, abnormal breathing pattern and cognitive impairment. These issues are due to abnormal brain development, resulting in decreased size of the cerebellar vermis and other brain abnormalities that appear as the "molar tooth sign" on a brain MRI. Although rare, several hundred individuals with Joubert Syndrome have been reported in the medical literature. Mutations in at least 10 genes cause Joubert Syndrome, accounting for ~50% of patients. Subsets of individuals with Joubert Syndrome can also have polydactyly (extra fingers or toes), as well
Ido In Autismland
We love Ido In Autismland, a blog by Ido a young autistic advocate who types to communicate.
Awesome Resource : Tiny Grace Notes (AKA Ask an Autistic)
We absolutely love Tiny Grace Notes. Check it out, you will too. Elizabeth (Ibby) Grace is brilliant, kind, and all around wonderful. Got a question about autism? Send it to Dear Ibby! Ibby is an education professor, a researcher, a mom, and Autistic. There is something about Ibby. She is one of those people who are easily able to convey warmth, respect, goodness, and so much information in just in a couple of paragraphs. Read her blog, you'll see. But, carve out some time, you won't read just one.
Raising Rebel Souls
We are huge fans of Raising Rebel Souls. Heather is an incredible writer and advocate, and stood firmly with Henry:) Here's a bit about Raising Rebel Souls: Rebel Mommy: I am Rebel Mommy, also known as Heather. I have been given a lot. I am lucky in love. Yes, my hands are full, yes, I drink too much coffee, yes, my dishes are currently piled up and no, I am not a good housewife, but yes, I am a damn good Mother. I was born to do it. I swear to you, my life before my sons, was just me
The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE)
The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings. Vision When students with disabilities are provided appropriate instruction and supports, they can learn grade-level general education curriculum, communicate in ways that are commensurate with their same-age peers without disabilities, have meaningful social relationships, and graduate from high school—college and career ready.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology ( FAAST)
About FAAST Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for all Floridians with disabilities through advocacy and awareness activities that increase access to and acquisition of assistive services and technology. We value each individual's right to achieve their highest potential and the possibilities that can be realized through collaborative efforts focused on the goal of improving life for Floridians with and without disabilities. FAAST has worked with thousands of people with and without disabilities throughout the state to provide: Hands on assistive technology demonstrations and trainings Financing for assistive technology purchases Assistive device lending programs Community outreach to rural and
International Hip Dysplasia Institute
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) is a collaborative, international, not-for-profit effort to improve the health and quality of life of those affected by hip dysplasia. Our goal is to provide education to patients, families, and physicians as the most comprehensive and reliable resource for knowledge about hip dysplasia in its various forms. What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip Dysplasia means that the bones of the hip joint are not aligned correctly. It affects thousands of children and adults each year and is known by many different names: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) Hip Dislocation Congenital Dislocation of the Hip (CDH)
Chromosome Disorder Outreach, Inc.
Chromosome Disorder Outreach, Inc. is a non–profit organization, founded, supported, and run by parents just like you. Our children are affected by a wide range of chromosome disorders, including deletions, duplications, trisomies, inversions, translocations, and rings. Sometimes these disorders are so unusual that doctors tell us, "You’re the only one out there." But now using our newly introduced web application we have the capability to specifically categorize chromosomal karyotypes and finally begin to understand more about the genes involved in each rare chromosome rearrangement. We hope to eventually improve specifically tailored treatments to help affected individuals.
National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
Inclusive Solutions
Together they have a combined experience of over 50 years experience as educational psychologists working across the UK. Previously as Principal and Senior strategic Educational Psychologists in Nottingham City LEA, they bring a wealth of practical, applied solutions and processes from their work with children and young people with exceptional needs aged between 0-19. Between 2001 and 2008 together they have written several books such as 'Keys to Inclusion' (2011) and published a number of books including: Incurably Human,Seeing the Charade and Dear Parents. Most recently they have set up a Community Interest Company together with Cat Wilson called "A Place in the
Chosen Families
ChosenFamilies.org is a non-profit, charitable organization registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia and approved by the Internal Revenue Service to provide information to parents, family members, religious leaders and the general public on effective solutions to living in families with hidden disabilities. The purpose of ChosenFamilies.org is to help families living with hidden disabilities become fully incorporated into the body of Christ. Our mission is to provide resources, connections and encouragement to families with hidden disabilities and to educate and provide resources to religious leaders as they minister to families with these needs. ChosenFamilies.org is a community where people can
Spectrum Society
Mission Spectrum Society’s mission is to support people with disabilities to experience full citizenship and genuine belonging in community. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement through research into leadership and best practice. As a service providing agency, our focus is on strengthening the capacity of individuals and their personal networks, augmenting rather than replacing natural supports. Vision Spectrum Society for Community Living believes that community is enriched by the presence and contributions of its citizens with disabilities. We believe that together we can create a world where all people are valued, their voices heard, their choices respected. Values
The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials
The National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials! This site serves as a resource to state- and district-level educators, parents, publishers, conversion houses, accessible media producers, and others interested in learning more about and implementing AIM and NIMAS. AIM Center at a Glance For students with sensory, physical, cognitive, or learning differences and their teachers, accessible instructional materials (AIM) may open doors to teaching and learning that ordinary print-based materials have closed. Accessible instructional materials or AIM are specialized formats of curricular content that can be used by and with students who are unable to read or use standard print materials.
Office of Special Education Program’s Discretionary Grants Public Database
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21. To this end, OSEP provides leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts, including funding approximately 1,000 grants and contracts each year. If you'd like to know what grants and contracts OSEP has funded as part of its initiatives to improve results for children with disabilities, you've come to the right place! (If you're looking for OSEP's grants opportunities, we would direct you to OSEP itself, at: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/index.html)
Data Accountability Center (DAC)
This website provides public access to data about children and youth with disabilities served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - Part B and C; technical assistance (TA) materials to support the collection, analysis and reporting of IDEAdata; and the forms and spreadsheets used for collection. DAC was funded in October 2007 by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education to provide information and TA to improve the quality of all state-reported data required by the IDEA. Westat and its subcontractor, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–Human Development Center, operate DAC as a 5-year cooperative agreement with
Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network
The Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network (or “TA&D Network”) is a network of approximately 45 Centers (this fluctuates as old projects end or new ones begin) funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). These projects provide information and technical assistance to states, schools, educational professionals and families, on topics such as autism, deafness, disproportional representation, dispute resolution, learning disabilities, parenting children with special needs, positive behavior support and transition. The TACC works with the TA&D Network to coordinate and support the work of these projects. ABOUT THE TACC The Technical Assistance Coordination Center (TACC) was formed in 2008 to facilitate coordination, collaboration,
Life After IEPs
Welcome ! If you’re a parent or mentor of a young person with disabilities, Life After IEPs is for you. Whether your child is an elementary student or a high school graduate, you’ll find information, resources, and support you’ll need along the way. A challenging journey There’s joy on the path to adulthood. But it ain’t always easy. Perseverence, grace, and a good sense of humor are needed. It can be a bumpy road. Supports available during the IEP years will end after high school Unfamiliar laws, systems and jargon lie ahead Resources exist, but they’re scattered in
Purple
At Purple, we're dedicated to developing fast, easy and convenient communications solutions and services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and businesses using a variety of different platforms. As a leading provider of on-site interpreting services, video relay services (VRS), text relay services and video remote interpreting (VRI), Purple has built an excellent reputation for developing products and services that open communications between all people, regardless of differences in abilities, languages and locations. Because of our many innovations and firsts, including Internet relay, wireless relay, mobile communication apps, real local 10-digit number access for video and text relay customers and interpreting
Autism Cares Foundation
The Autism Cares Foundation (ACF) was founded by the parents of a child with autism and other concerned parents, professionals and friends. The foundation was started as a means of helping others through the “puzzle” that is autism. At virtually every level, there are “twists and turns” in one’s attempt to reach the answers that many parents are seeking. As the founders discovered with their own child, answers are few, frustrations are many, and there are few places to turn to for answers. It is the intention of the Autism Cares Foundation to assist in “unwinding” the twists and turns
MyVoice AAC
MyVoice is a new app, available for Apple and Android devices, that helps people with a variety of speech and language challenges communicate more quickly and easily. MyVoice has groundbreaking features like location-awareness, downloadable phrase books and wireless customization from any web browser. With its lifelike voices and beautiful interface, MyVoice is the affordable communication aid app you've been waiting for. MyVoice is changing the world, one voice at a time. It can be a vital aid for children and adults living with: • ALS • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Aphasia, Apraxia, Ataxia, Dysarthria • Brain Cancer • Cerebral Palsy
Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts
The Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts is the nation’s leading advocate for full diversity as a key to the vitality and dynamism of American theatre, film, and television. We promote authentic dialogue about race, culture, and disability that embraces the complexity of underlying social and historical issues.
SEN / ICT
The sen / ict directory began life in August 2011 to act as a directory for Special Educational Needs and Information Communication Technology Resources. Companies can showcase their business, the products they produce and services they provide. There are also hundreds of FREE online resources from fun/educational games, activities and printable resources to tools that help disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology. The sen / ict directory aims provide a central location for all your favourite resources, as well as introduce you to new ones you might not have found otherwise for your child
Kris’ Camp
Kris' Camp is a non-profit organization first established in 1995 as a therapy intensive/respite camp for children with special needs (thus far focusing on children with autism/autistic-like challenges) and their families. It is motivated by three mutually enforcing goals: To provide therapy for special kids, and To provide respite and support for the siblings and parents of special kids. To provide theoretical and hands-on education and training to students, caregivers, and professionals working in the field of autism and other developmental disabilities. The camps are named after Kris Moore (5/30/1988 - 11/9/1993), a wonderful little boy who touched many people
HALO
MISSION Helping Autism Through Learning and Outreach is a non-profit organization supported by parents and professionals nationwide who are dedicated to the use of Soma® Mukhopadhyay's Rapid Prompting Method for improving academic success and communication for persons with autism and similar disorders. http://www.halo-soma.org
AudioBookCloud
AudioBookCloud:Your Online Audio Library is an online audio book library collection of streaming audio books for public libraries. A subscription to AudioBookCloud gives your patrons UNLIMITED remote access to your audio book collection. Like our TumbleBookLibrary and TumbleReadables collections, AudioBookCloud are launched from a link on your library or school website. Your patrons can access the entire collection from any computer with an Internet connection. Your audio are never all checked out, never on hold. As many people can listen to the same book at the same time as you like!!! Here's how it works. Once you have previewed AudioBookCloud and are
TumbleBookLibrary
TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of TumbleBooks � animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. The TumbleBookLibrary is a collection of licensed titles from children's book publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Press, Harcourt, Little Brown, Walker & Company, Lerner Books, and HarperCollins Publishers, amongst others. The TumbleBookLibrary provides enrichment to students who are reading independently with a variety of
Fit Kids Playground
Our mission is to decrease the burden of childhood obesity and its associated potential chronic diseases in the Tampa Bay area. Through parental education, early childhood intervention through fun education and community awareness about the simple steps that can be implemented to teach healthy habits for life, the Tampa Bay community will be healthier for years to come.
Love and Logic ®
What Is Love and Logic All About? The Love and Logic Institute is dedicated to making parenting and teaching fun and rewarding, instead of stressful and chaotic. We provide practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children. All of our work is based on a psychologically sound parenting and teaching philosophy called Love and Logic. What Is Love and Logic? Children learn the best lessons when they're given a task and allowed to make their own choices (and fail) when the cost of failure is still small. Children's failures must be coupled with love
Asha Bal Bikash Sewa (“Children’s Hope Development Service”)
Asha Bal Bikash Sewa (“ABBS”) is a day care ministry for children with physical and learning difficulties under the age of 16. The ministry was founded by a Norwegian Missionary Family who were living and working in Nepal. They had a severely disabled child who was cared for by a Nepali woman, Tulsa Sharma. Tulsa is now the Co-Ordinator of the ABBS programme. The ministry has grown from a single centre in Dhobighat, attended by three children which opened in 1993, to operating three centres serving approximately ninty five children with dedicated staff and volunteers. Two centres are based in
Kanti Children’s Hospital
MISSION To realize the vision, the Board has established its mission as the followings: To support GON plan to cut down children’s death rate by two-third by the year 2015. To be a leader in the field of quality child health education, training and research within the region. To develop professional exchange programs with other like-minded child health institutes within or outside the region. To exchange experience and knowledge with regional, zonal district hospitals and health centers on trainings and research. To provide expertise to government for the development of children’s hospital in the country. To set up a standard
Special Education and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children (SERC)
Established in 2009, and located in a peaceful neighborhood of midtown Kathmandu, SERC has a goal of providing most effective education to its students. All our students are either differently able or have individual special education needs. Every pupil in SERC has a specific and complex education needs, and our goal is to provide them with the best possible education methodologies and environment for them to flourish and bring out the best buried deep within. We believe that a perfect match between proper education methodology and rehabilitation therapies is the only way to go ahead. We, at SERC, try to
Nepal Physiotherapy Association (NEPTA)
Nepal Physiotherapy Association (NEPTA), which represents over 120 physiotherapists around Nepal and abroad. NEPTA works with governments and educational bodies to try to ensure that a quality physiotherapy service is available when and where you need it.
Association on University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is an incredible resource. The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. The AUCD network includes: 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), funded by the Administration on Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) 52 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Programs funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) 15 Developmental Disability Research Centers (IDDRC), most of which are funded by the National Institute for Child Health and Development (NICHD) AUCD Program Locations and Network
Whizz-Kidz
Our aim is to ensure that every disabled child has an opportunity to be something special…a kid. There are an estimated 70,000 disabled children and young people in the UK waiting for a wheelchair that fits their young lives. That’s where we come in. Whizz-Kidz provides disabled children with the essential wheelchairs and other mobility equipment they need to lead fun and active childhoods.
NOAH
NOAH is a U.S. based nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that offers information and support to people with albinism, their families and the professionals who work with them. NOAH is operated by its members on a volunteer basis and is funded primarily by dues and contributions of its members. NOAH has also received grants from foundations and organizations for specific projects.
Jesse A. Saperstein
Jesse A. Saperstein is a best-selling author, autism advocate and motivational speaker. He is considered one of the most respected leaders in the Anti-Bullying movement of his generation. Jesse also has a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome (AS). Individuals with Asperger's are impaired by a profound lack of social skills, common sense, and resistance to change in routine.
Autism NOW: The National Autism Resource and Information Center
Autism NOW: The National Autism Resource and Information Center will be a dynamic and interactive, highly visible and effective central point of quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, and other targeted key stakeholders.
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Georgetown University
The mission of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) is to promote self-determination, productivity, independence and inclusion of individuals with developmental and other disabilities across the life span, and in all aspects of community life. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, P.L. 106-402, authorizes the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD). The University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDDs) are funded through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) to provide leadership, advise federal, state and community policy makers about, and promote opportunities for people
Nordic Network on Disability Research
NNDR is a multidisciplinary network of disability researchers interested in cultural, societal and environmental dimensions of disability and marginalization. The purpose of NNDR is to advance research and development in the field of disability. NNDR provides a forum for researchers, particularly from the Nordic countries, to meet, present and discuss their research,, as well as encouraging Nordic and international exchange and collaboration. NNDR was established in Fredrikshavn, Denmark in 1997. In just a few years it has grown into a large network of disability researchers, reflecting the growing interest in and importance of disability research in the Nordic countries. The
Kathleen McClaskey
EdTech Evangelist, innovative leader, consultant, presenter and trainer of tools! Truly amazing resources for Founded on the vision that every child should have the opportunity to develop a foundation of 21st Century learning skills, EdTech Associates provides services to empower all students to succeed.
UC Davis MIND Institute
The UC Davis MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) is a collaborative international research center, committed to the awareness, understanding, prevention, care, and cure of neurodevelopmental disorders.
National Primary Immunodeficiency Resource Center
INFO4PI is designed for patients and their families, physicians, researchers, government officials, pharmaceutical companies, industry, and the general public to be able to quickly and seamlessly access information on Primary Immunodeficiency diseases and to realize earliest precise diagnoses, appropriate treatments and sometimes cures of the more than 150 different PI diseases affecting more than 10,000,000 children and adults worldwide.
The Center for Courageous Kids
The Center for Courageous Kids, also known as CCK, is a world class medical camp located in Scottsville, KY, serving children and families from across the country who are living with a variety of medical challenges. We are open year round and can host 120 kids at a time. When you add our counselors, volunteers, trained Programs and Medical staff, our mascot, Dr. Cubby the Courageous Lion, and our top notch facility, you start to see just how "We Prescribe Fun!" What makes The Center for Courageous Kids spectacular? *We are a 20 million dollar facility. *Our 168 acre campus encompasses an onsite
The Autistic Global Initiative (AGI)
The Autistic Global Initiative (AGI), a program of ARI, is comprised of a committee of adults diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions. Our members hail from all regions of the United States, representing the broad life span of autistic experience and expression. We are active as professionals and consultants in many fields within the autism community, including education, social work, medicine, employment, fitness and wellness, rehabilitation counseling and the visual and graphic arts.
Understanding Our Differences
In 1978, a group of parents of children with disabilities in Newton, Massachusetts founded Understanding Our Differences (UOD) as a nonprofit organization to increase information, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities and individual differences. The Understanding Our Differences disability awareness curriculum has grown rapidly in recent years and has been disseminated to more than 200 schools and youth organizations nationwide. More than 27,000 elementary school students and some 8,000 adult, high school and college students have participated as trained, volunteer instructors. The nationally recognized, award-winning program uses a hands-on, participatory curriculum to foster respect, tolerance, and compassion in elementary
The Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies
The Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies (CHPLDS) is an expansion of the Center on Human Policy, which was founded by Dr. Burton Blatt in 1971. The Center is a network of academic programs, centers, student organizations, and affiliated faculty whose research, teaching, and advocacy seeks to promote the rights of people with disabilities locally, nationally, and globally, and to facilitate a critical examination of disability as an aspect of diversity in society.
National Disability Rights Network
NDRN’s mission is to promote the integrity and capacity of the P&A/CAP national network and to advocate for the enactment and vigorous enforcement of laws protecting civil and human rights of people with disabilities. The Protection and Advocacy (P&A) network was created by Congress after the Willowbrook scandal unearthed the horrible conditions in that institution. Read more about the Network's history here. The newly created P&A agencies began to realize that in order to be able to advocate for their clients, they needed a national voice in Washington, DC for their own protection, survival and growth. This was especially true, as soon
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Georgetown University
The mission of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) is to promote self-determination, productivity, independence and inclusion of individuals with developmental and other disabilities across the life span, and in all aspects of community life.
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT is founded on two core beliefs: This generation has a historic opportunity and responsibility to transform medicine by using systematic approaches in the biological sciences to dramatically accelerate the understanding and treatment of disease. To fulfill this mission, we need new kinds of research institutions, with a deeply collaborative spirit across disciplines and organizations, and having the capacity to tackle ambitious challenges. The Broad Institute is essentially an “experiment” in a new way of doing science, empowering this generation of researchers to: Act nimbly. Encouraging creativity often means moving quickly,
Institute on Human Development and Disability
The Institute on Human Development and Disabililty (IHDD) has been Georgia’s University Center for Excellence in Disability Research, Education and Service (UCEDD), and ranks as one of The University of Georgia’s oldest continuously-funded federal programs. The IHDD works with people who have disabilities and others, to ensure that all people can achieve their highest capacity and quality of life.
LADDERS
The LADDERS program is under the direction of Dr. Margaret L. Bauman. Dr. Margaret L. Bauman is a distinguished pediatric neurologist, who is greatly respected for the outstanding clinical care she provides to children and adults, and for her research and teaching on developmental disorders.
A D A Audio Conference Series
The ADA Audio Conference Series provides in-depth information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This program is designed to enhance an individual's existing knowledge base or facilitate continued learning regarding regulations and trends under the ADA.
Judy Endow
Judy Endow, MSW, maintains a private practice in Madison, Wisconsin, providing consultation for families, school districts and other agencies. Besides having autism herself, she is the parent of three now grown sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Judy does workshops and presentations on a variety of autism-related issues, is part of the Wisconsin DPI Statewide Autism Training Team and a board member of both the Autism Society of America, Wisconsin Chapter and the Autism National Committee. In addition, Judy is a member of the Autistic Global Initiative (AGI), a program of Autism Research Institute.
1Voice – Communicating Together
"A world where the voice of every child and adult, however they communicate, is listened to and heard" 1Voice takes a family and social perspective on communication and recognises the great need for adult role models to inspire children and families alike. 1Voice promotes families supporting each other to overcome the isolation that being unable to speak can bring.
Accessible Leeds
Nathan Popple is a 14 year old, self-advocate and editor of Accessible Leeds, this is the description of his incredible site. I have cerebral palsy so I use a wheelchair and I also use a communication aid to help me speak. I am a Whizz Kidz Ambassador and I support the charity 1voice. I believe strongly in fairness and do not think that the world should be able to disable people by not providing access to places.
KIT – Kids Included Together : Recognizing the Ability in Every Child
Kids Included Together (KIT) is a registered 501(c)(3) non–profit organization founded in San Diego, California in 1997. The mission of Kids Included Together (KIT) is to provide learning opportunities that support recreation, child development and youth enrichment programs to include children with and without disabilities. KIT’s goals are to enrich the lives of all who participate and to increase understanding and acceptance of disabilities as a natural part of life. We invite you to explore our site and learn more about our work with out–of–school time programs across the United States and internationally.
Williams Syndrome Association
The WSA is the most comprehensive resource for people and families living with Williams syndrome as well as doctors, researchers and educators. The WSA provides resources, support and the latest medical information to help your child today and throughout his/her life. By joining, you’ll become part of the largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with WS. No matter the age or stage of your family member with WS, you are not alone. The WSA offers support and will help you navigate the challenges from diagnosis through adulthood.
Extreme Kids & Crew
Extreme Kids & Crew is a parent-run non profit dedicated to causing a great scene for Brooklyn’s kids with disabilities, their families and friends. They are all about creating a warm and encouraging atmosphere where children and adults of every ability and disability can relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience of being deeply accepted and celebrated for the people that they are. We offer workshops in the arts and movement with insightful and practiced teachers, parent education nights, free family concerts, and much more.
2012 Accessible Technology Webinar Series
All sessions are free and scheduled for 2-3:30pm Eastern/1-2:30pm Central/12-1:30pm Mountain/11-12:30pm Pacific utilizing the ElluminateLive! webinar platform. The Great Lakes and Pacific ADA Centers on behalf of the ADA National Network are pleased to announce the 2012 Accessible Technology Webinar Series. Electronic information and communications technology have become essential tools in all areas of our lives and working environments today, and are particularly important to people with disabilities by providing equal access to the workplace and social media. The 2012 webinar series will explore some of the latest technological trends and their accessibility to people with disabilities. Registration is available
P2PUSA::Parent to Parent USA
Emotional & Informational support for families of children who have special needs.For over 36 years Parent to Parent programs across the country have been providing emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained 'Support Parent'.
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
A society where all people are valued and respected, and where all people have the knowledge, opportunity and power to improve their lives and the lives of others. MISSION The Institute on Disabilities leads by example, creating connections and promoting networks within and among communities so that people with disabilities are recognized as integral to the fabric of community life.
The Arc of Pennsylvania
The Arc is the largest advocacy organization in the United States for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. The Arc of Pennsylvania is the state chapter of The Arc. For more than 60 years, The Arc has been working to include all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community. We promote active citizenship and inclusion in every community setting. The Arc of Pennsylvania has been dedicated to the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular education classrooms since its founding in 1949. Parents wanted to raise their children at home rather than institutionalize
UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities. The broad goals and concrete objectives of the international community – as set out in the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – underpin all UNESCO’s strategies and activities. Thus UNESCO’s unique competencies in education, the sciences,
Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society
The Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society is a British Columbia-based not-for-profit organization formed in 2002 for the purpose of promoting mutually rewarding friendships between children with autism spectrum and related social-communicative disorders and their peers, classmates and siblings. Our goal is to help children develop to the best of their abilities through the play and socialization that results from these friendships. We do this by providing direct services for children by visiting schools and other community settings to explain the sensory and communication challenges of autism spectrum and related disorders. We use a fun and interactive approach while teaching
The Golden Hat Foundation
The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with autism around the world, and creating an environment that holds these individuals as intellectually capable. The mission of the Golden Hat Foundation is the establishment of innovative campuses that offer people with autism the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, receive an education, job training and enjoy recreational activities, all within a supportive social network. When given a suitable education and the means to communicate effectively, people with autism can truly realize their dreams.
Ralph James Savarese | essayist, poet, scholar, and activist
Ralph James Savarese is the author of Reasonable People: A Memoir of Autism and Adoption (Other Press 2007), which Newsweek called a “real life love story and a passionate manifesto for the rights of people with neurological disabilities.” It won the Independent Publishers Gold Medal in the category of health/medicine/nutrition, and a chapter was selected as a “notable essay” in the Best American Essays series of 2004.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH).NIH is the Federal government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. NIH's mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1988, NIDCD is mandated to conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training
Challenger Division
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.
The Miracle League
The Miracle League is proud to serve over 200,000 children and young adults with disabilities.Presently there are 250 Miracle League Organizations across the country including Puerto Rico, Canada and our newest member in Australia. Our goal is to offer this program to every city in the country so children, young adults and adults alike with special needs around the globe will have this same opportunity to play baseball. The Miracle League believes; “Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball.” To find a league or start a league
Brian Skotko
A Board-certified medical geneticist at Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Skotko has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and development disabilities. He is one of the specialists in theDown Syndrome Program at Children's Hospital Boston. In 2001 he co-authored the national award-winning book, Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome and, most recently, Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters. He is a graduate of Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Dr. Skotko recently authored major research on how physicians deliver
Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a national network of more than 400 young disabled people who work together on a national and local level to highlight and address the issues that are important to them. We aim to fight the social injustices experienced by young disabled people and to ensure we can gain access to education, employment and the services we require. We are part of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, the leading UK charity focusing on muscular dystrophy and other related conditions. Our mission To fight against the social injustices experienced by young people living with muscle disease or a related condition. Our
World Institute on Disability
The mission of the World Institute on Disability (WID) in communities and nations worldwide is to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care for persons with disabilities.
Think Inclusive — Where education meets advocacy…
Think Inclusive is dedicated to inclusive schools and communities for everyone. Think Inclusive is a wonderful resource that promotes the full and authentic inclusion of people with disabilities in their school and communities through education and advocacy. Think Inclusive's founder, Tim Villegas, has created a bridge between educators, parents, and advocates to promote ideas, innovation and inspiration to change our world to be more accepting and value each and every human being. Check out Tim's guest posts for Ollibean The Case for Inclusion: Does All Really Mean All? , The Case for Inclusion Part Two: What Does Inclusion Look Like?, and The Case for
Don’t Play Me Pay Me
The Don't Play Me Pay Me campaign seeks to: Actively encourage disabled people to follow their chosen creative career path. Remove the barriers of prejudice that disabled actors face in finding work. Provide a forum for all disabled actors to encourage debate and empower them to have their voice heard and listened to. Encourage programme makers to feature disabled actors in all storylines to reflect real life. Encourage programme makers not to use non-disabled actors (even if a “name” means funding) to portray disabled characters. Encourage advertisers to feature disabled people in all advertising. http://www.dontplaymepayme.com
Partners in Policymaking
Nearly twenty five years ago, the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities created a ground-breaking, innovative training program called Partners in Policymaking® to teach parents and self-advocates the power of advocacy to change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. During the past two decades, important issues have been confronted and dramatic changes have been made.
Aid for Autistic Children Foundation
Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc.™ mission: Reduce the financial burden on poverty stricken and disenfranchised families and caretakers coping with autism, through debt forgiveness, so attention and resources can be focused on creating a proper living and learning environment for their autistic loved one. How the Program Works After thorough evaluation of your completed application and assessment from our board and an independent consumer credit counseling service, the debt forgiveness will directly target the financial burden the family deems most obstructive in allowing them to focus solely on giving their autistic loved one the best tools and skills for
The Coffee Klatch
The Coffee Klatch started on a whim. I often speak and write about the isolation, stigma and confusion of parents raising a special needs child. Many of those parents are on twitter to share information, seek support or find a friendly ear. Twitter is where it all began. It is where I met my incredible team of moderators and thousands of special needs parents. It is where we created a morning chat for parents both newly diagnosed and those who have navigated the muddy waters to meet and share. It became very apparent to me, very quickly, that many of
Team Hoyt
Team Hoyt is an inspirational story of a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country. Team Hoyt strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community. .
Advocates Incorporated
Advocates is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) parent-directed organization providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. As an organization, we were started by parents of children with developmental disabilities with the goal of full inclusion for their children.
Nepal SEEDS
Nepal SEEDS helps people improve their health and welfare by supporting grassroots projects that involve community partnerships in the areas of education, water, health services, and the environment.
New Voices Foundation
New Voices is a short-term, intensive, individualized educational program for elementary-aged children with physical and communicative disabilities. Inclusion in all aspects of school, home and community life with transition back to a local school is our guiding philosophy. New Voices will: · Provide an educational program to increase literacy and communication skills (following the NC Standard Course of Study) · Equip and support students in the most advanced communication technology appropriate to their unique needs · Provide specialized, in-depth assessment and intervention · Provide supplemental healthcare maintenance and support, and ensure each child has a medical home · Maximize student’s
Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at UNC
The Center’s mission is to promote literacy and communication for individuals of all ages with disabilities. It is the belief of the CLDS that disabilities are only one of many factors that influence an individuals ability to learn to read and write and to use print throughout their life and across their living environments.All individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, have the right to an opportunity to learn to read and write in order to increase and enhance their educational opportunities, vocational success, communicative competence, self-empowerment capabilities, and independence.
CEC Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities
The Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities is an organization composed of persons committed to enhancing the quality of life of individuals, especially children and youth, with autism, intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities. The Division seeks to further the knowledge base of the field, thus ensuring the continued advancement of positive educational and life outcomes for those with autism and developmental disabilities.
E-Learning for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Launched by the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf (SJI) – an institution with a 175-year history of innovation in deaf education – iHear is the world's first e-learning program created with optimum security measures to ensure privacy and compliance with federal HIPAA regulations and educational FERPA regulations. Hear gives families in rural areas the choice to pursue their child's development of auditory and speech skills without the burdens of extensive travel and cost," says Deborah Wilson, president of SJI. "This access to spoken-language therapy opens the doors for children with hearing impairments to remain on grade-level with their peers
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist who experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain in 1996. On the afternoon of this rare form of stroke (AVM), she could not walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. It took eight years for Dr. Jill to completely recover all of her functions and thinking ability. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey (published in 2008 by Viking Penguin). In 2008, Dr. Jill gave a presentation at the TED
Advocates for Children of New York
At Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), we are dedicated exclusively to protecting every child’s right to an education, focusing on students from low-income backgrounds who are struggling in school or experiencing school discrimination of any kind. For more than 40 years, our staff of attorneys and education specialists have successfully helped hundreds of thousands of families by providing free legal and advocacy services, including representation at school-related hearings and appeals, and teaching families what they need to know to stand up for their children’s educational rights. AFC also works to change education policy so that the public school
Edudemic
Edudemic is a great resource. Edudemic is a great resource for teachers, homeschooling families, and students. They cover how technology positively shapes education and so much more. Edudemic provides innovative, informed, and engaging tech resources. It is a one stop shop to discover and engage with information about the newest technology, data trends, and digital tools available to them in order to enhance education. Check out Edudemic at http://www.edudemic.com
TenMarks | Online Math Program for Grades 2-10
TenMarks was started to create a better way for students to learn - one that focuses on the student and their individual needs, is interactive and engaging, takes advantage of new technologies, and caters to the changes in student expectations and behavior. Their mission is to positively impact the lives of 20 million students in 5 years.
EdTech Associates
Founded on the vision that every child should have the opportunity to develop a foundation of 21st Century learning skills, EdTech Associates provides services to empower all schools and students to succeed. EdTech Associates was established by Kathleen H. McClaskey, M.Ed., a well-respected and recognized professional and innovative leader in educational technology. Kathleen has almost three decades of experience in educational technology with a firm philosophy that technology is a tool that can improve teaching and learning. In her long career, she has been a computer teacher, technology integration specialist, K-12 technology director and graduate instructor for in online and
Apps in Education
Greg Swanson is a Visual Arts teacher who is interested in Computer Integration, Web 2.0 and engaging students in their own learning through innovative technology and collaborative classroom practices. One of the hardest thing with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. Apps in Education has started to list some of the apps they've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.
SoulTouchin’ Experiences
Keith Jones & SoulTouchin' Experiences SoulTouchin' Experiences is a Resource We Love! SoulTouchin' Experiences is an endeavor founded on the belief that in order to build a stronger community, there must be a heart and soul commitment to those who need assistance in order to begin caring for themselves and in turn caring for others. This is achieved through collaborative partnerships and progressive advocacy efforts, aimed at community empowerment along with systemic policy change for persons with and without disabilities on a local and national leve.l Keith P. Jones, started SoulTouchin' Experiences to bring a perspective to the issues
Minnesota Gov’s Council on Dev. Disabilities: Organ Transplants
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Lives Worth Saving: Organ Transplantation and People with Disabilities In 1995, Sandra Jensen was denied a heart/lung transplant. The transplant had been recommended by her attending physician. It was the only way to save her life. The transplant had even been approved by her insurer, MediCal. The problem - two California transplant centers refused to save Sandra's life.The good news - Sandra got her heart and lung transplant. She was the first person with Down Syndrome in the world to do so. With the help of friends and supporters, Sandra attracted national
E.A.S.E. Sri Lanka
E.A.S.E. Sri Lanka E.A.S.E. campaigns to educate the public on the rights and the abilities of people with disabilities. They do presentations to interested groups, workshops targeting parents and professionals and disseminate knowledge of alternative communication techniques. Most importantly E.A.S.E. changes people's minds about what is possible for a person with significant disabilities. Chandima is a powerful voice for the hidden competencies of people with disabilities. After his presentation “On Autism” Dr. Shavindra Dias, Psychiatrist and Lecturer, Dept. of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya said; “We have been walking in darkness you have enlightened us. You are
Scratch: Create & share your own interactive games, music & art
Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the web. Scratch As young people create and share Scratch projects, they learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, with financial support from the National Science Foundation, Microsoft, Intel Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Google, Iomega and MIT Media Lab research consortia.
MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning
MetLife Center for Special Needs PlanningSM is dedicated to helping families secure both lifetime care and quality of life for their dependents with special needs. Our mission is to help families plan for the future of their dependents with special needs, including preserving government benefits and providing insurance and other financial solutions which can help provide lifetime quality care. The planning process begins with a complete review of your dependent's needs, future care plans, assessment of government benefit eligibility, and finally a review of your family's current financial and legal plans. Critical areas that must be addressed are: 1.Government benefit
Protected Tomorrows
Protected Tomorrows founder, Mary Anne Ehlert, CFP, had a successful career in financial planning when she decided to act on her lifelong desire to specialize in serving the families of the disabled. The source of her inspiration was very dear to her heart. Mary Anne herself had come from such a family. Her younger sister, Marcia, to whom she felt especially close, suffered severe mental handicaps due to cerebral palsy. And, although their parents were naturally determined that Marcia should get the best possible care, they had also for years been understandably confused how best to plan and provide for
Children Across Borders
Children Across Borders is a charitable organization that paves the way for children of the world to a brighter future by providing sustained support in the form of education, health, housing, and wellness to under-privileged children while enabling the educational and cultural enlightenment of all children. They create a network of support for under-privileged children around the world by partnering with people and organizations who have chosen to dedicate their lives to helping these children lead healthy, fulfilling lives.Their work is personally driven with adherence to high standards and accountability, leading to a positive impact on our community and country.
The Global Genes Project
Rare Disease affects over 350 million people worldwide, and the largest percentage are children. There are over 7,000 rare diseases that have been identified all with very unique needs, but many with little to no support. Although each individual disease may only impact a few, together the impact is in the millions. Rare disease is not so rare. The Global Genes Project is broadly promoting the needs of the rare disease community, engaging the general public, garnering corporate support, under the "unifying symbol of hope" – the blue denim ribbon. The Global Genes Project is a program of R.A.R.E. Project, a
Addi & Cassi Fund
Our names are Addison and Cassidy Hempel and we are 7 year old identical twin girls who live in Reno, Nevada. In October 2007, after a two year medical odyssey, we were diagnosed with a ultra rare and fatal cholesterol disease that affects only 500 people worldwide. The disease is called Niemann Pick Type C (NPC) and the condition is frequently referred to as “Childhood Alzheimer’s.” NPC is ultimately fatal in childhood and we are in a battle for our lives.
Autism Support Network
The mission of Autism Support Network is conveyed in our tagline: connect, guide and unite. Our goal is to short-cut the uphill battle individuals and families undertake when faced with autism – whether that means the initial diagnosis, the day-to-day living and coping needed, relationship and therapeutic strategies and the latest information.
Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef
Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef is amazing site with incredible recipes and great writing. Love their love for life!
Jules Gluten Free
In addition to heading product and recipe development at Jules Gluten Free, Jules travels the country speaking to thousands of people annually, teaching cooking classes and educating and inspiring people about her no-compromise approach to living gluten-free.
Chef Jean-Christophe
All proceeds from the sale of our Spice Blend are donated to the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine to give hope and a future for all affected by those disorders, including Sebastien. The mission of Chef Jean-Christophe is also a very personal one; his son Sebastien was diagnosed in 2004 with a Mitochondrial Disease. Those diseases have no cure and affect 1 out of 4000 children. The proceeds from the sales of Provencal Meat and Poultry Rub are entirely donated to the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine to help find new treatments and save the lives of hundreds of children, including Sebastien’s. As
Fruit of the Vine Organics
We're crazy about Vera Farmen's, Fruit of the Vine. They have the freshest organic fruit and vegetable baskets. Weekly seasonal offerings including recipes, storage instructions and tips. Fresher and more affordable than your local grocer.
Gluten-Free Goddess
We love this site! Karina has amazingly delicious gluten-free recipes all delivered in her wonderfully poetic voice.
Super Healthy Kids
Teaching parents and kids how to eat better, feel better, and live longer. Feeding your kids healthy food can be a challenge, but so rewarding! Amy and Natalie are both nutrition educators who want to make it easier to feed your kids better, in less time, and with less complaint!
Disability and Abuse Project
The Disability and Abuse Project focuses on individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities who are victims of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. This includes all aspects of crime, such as crime victimization, reducing the risk of becoming a victim, support to the individual and family members when crime does occur, as well as providing guidance for psychotherapy and legal support. The project works with those who respond to crime reports, including police and sheriff personnel at all levels (patrol, investigators, detectives, dispatchers), prosecutors, protective services professionals, SANEs, victims advocates, and any others. It provides technical assistance, training programs, and training
The Family Center on Technology and Disability
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. We offer a range of information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. Whether you're an organization, a parent, an educator, or an interested friend, we hope you'll find information that supports you in your efforts to bring the highest quality education to children with disabilities.
The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
NECTAC is the national early childhood technical assistance center supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to strengthen service systems to ensure that children with disabilities, from birth to 8 years, and their families receive and benefit from high quality, culturally appropriate and family-centered supports and services.
UNH Institute on Disability
The Institute on Disability/UCED (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire was established in 1987 to provide a coherent university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families.
Inclusive Schools Network
The Inclusive Schools Network offers a forum for educators, students, family, and community members to share experiences and ideas with each other. It is important for the Inclusive Schools Network to model an inclusive approach in welcoming and valuing all perspectives and opinions regarding the practice of inclusive education. We hope you will communicate with us directly to improve this website and our services to you.
Disability is Natural
The mission of Disability is Natural is to encourage new ways of thinking about developmental disabilities, in the belief that our attitudes drive our actions, and changes in our attitudes and actions can help create a society where all children and adults with developmental disabilities have opportunities to live the lives of their dreams, included in all areas of life.
Broadreach Training and Resources
Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift have spent the last 25 years working to ensure that people with disabilities are able to take their rightful place in schools, workplaces, and communities. Although they are well known advocates within the disability rights community, they prefer to think of themselves as modern day storytellers, continuing the long held tradition of using humour and narrative to initiate self-reflection and social change.
Association on University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
AUCD envisions a future in which everyone, including people living with developmental and other disabilities, are fully integrated, participating members of their communities. We envision a future in which culturally appropriate supports that lead to independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life are universally available across the life span. AUCD's mission is to advance policy and practice for and with people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, and service activities that achieve our vision. AUCD values the participation of people with disabilities, family members, and a culturally diverse
Autism Society
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Love and Logic
The Love and Logic Institute is dedicated to making parenting and teaching fun and rewarding, instead of stressful and chaotic. They provide practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children. All of their work is based on a psychologically sound parenting and teaching philosophy called Love and Logic. What Is Love and Logic? Children learn the best lessons when they're given a task and allowed to make their own choices (and fail) when the cost of failure is still small. Children's failures must be coupled with love and empathy from their parents and teachers.
Hannah’s Buddies
The Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic began in 2000 with John Bell of Widespread Panic deciding to help his goddaughter and tens of thousands of children in their fight against SMA. Today, the golf tournament, silent/auction and concert lineup attracts more than 2,000 participants and has raised nearly $2 million for SMA research. Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neuromuscular disease that affects between 1 in 6,000 and 1 and 20,000 births. Over time, SMA causes muscles to become weak and considerably smaller. On average, 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers.
Fight SMA
Founded in 1991, FightSMA is a US-based international nonprofit organization working to find a cure for spinal muscular atrophy, (SMA), a neuromuscular disease that is the leading inherited killer of children under two.
Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine
The Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine pledges to support the development of the most promising mitochondrial disease research and treatments of the many forms of mitochondrial dysfunction. Formed in 2005 and renamed in 2010, their Atlanta-based non-profit organization financially supports the first FDA-approved drug treatments that began in early 2010. Stated simply: they're funding the cures. The foundation's stewards and founders are parents of patients and medical experts. The Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine was created to accelerate the development of the most viable mitochondrial disease treatments and therapies.
The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
The UMDF's mission is to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families. The UMDF's website provides the latest news and information about issues relating to mitochondrial disease research and information. The UMDF also holds an annual international symposium that brings together the best physicians and researchers for patients and family members to gain valuable information. The UMDF also provides information about local fundraisers and educational programs. The UMDF advocates on the national level and empowers members to advocate on the local level regarding issues of medical
Mito Action
MitoAction's vision is to create a community of support that reaches every child, adult, and caregiver affected by a mitochondrial disease. Effective awareness and advocacy will guarantee that every patient has access to specialized care and a network of support and information that improves the journey for every individual affected.
Office of Rare Diseases
The ORDR Web site aims to answer questions about rare diseases and the activities of the ORDR for patients, their families, healthcare providers, researchers, educators, students, and anyone with concern for and interest in rare diseases. The site provides information about ORDR-sponsored biomedical research, scientific conferences, and rare and genetic diseases. It also serves as a portal to information on major topics of interest to the rare diseases community.
Hydrocephalus Association
The Hydrocephalus Association provides support, education and advocacy for people whose lives have been touched by hydrocephalus and the professionals who work with them. We strive to ensure that families are empowered with educational materials, informed about the latest research, and have access to quality health care. We advocate for increased research and funding to advance understanding, improve diagnosis and treatment, and find a cure.
Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation of America® is the national voluntary agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the almost 3 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; to improve how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and to promote research for a cure.
International Rett Syndrome Association
The core mission of the IRSF is to fund research for treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome while enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with Rett syndrome by providing information, programs, and services.
The Foundation for Children with Microcephaly
The Foundation for Children with Microcephaly is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to helping children and adults diagnosed with Microcephaly, Polymicrogyria, Lissencephaly and other closely related neurological disorders often get overlooked as well.
Squag
Squag [skwag] is an innovative social platform designed specifically for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum. Their goal is to facilitate the opportunity for organic relationships; driven by kids, supported by parents. (What could be better?)
Including Samuel
Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Shot and produced over four years, Habib’s award-winning documentary film, Including Samuel, chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film honestly portrays his family’s hopes and struggles as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.
Inclusion Network
This wonderful resource provides resources for Training, Consulting and Networking Facilitators.foster the development of inclusion. The focus is the development of future leadership for inclusion through the creation of focused programs, materials and research that will create a world where Everyone Belongs.
The Inclusive Class
We are crazy about the Inclusive Class! Nicole Eredics is pretty incredible, and her blog and podcasts are informative, interesting, and always just what we need. The inclusive classroom best demonstrates that message as it begins with the belief that all children belong. Each child can demonstrate and achieve success, in various ways, according to their abilities, strengths and areas for growth. Inclusive Class' Livebinder has an abundance of resources.
Paula Kluth: Toward Inclusive Classrooms and Communities
This website is dedicated to promoting inclusive schooling and exploring positive ways of supporting students with autism an other disabilities. Most of Paula Kluth's work involves collaborating with schools to create environments, lessons, and experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible for all learners.
Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw's mission is to provide parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys with accurate, up-to date information about special education law and advocacy so they can be effective catalysts. * Information for parents about their rights and responsibilities * Information for teachers about professional training so they can meet the diverse needs of their students * Information for advocates about laws, regulations, and advocacy strategies * Information for attorneys who want cases, pleadings, and tactics and strategies
Office of Special Education Programs
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes formula grants to states, and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations to support research, demonstrations, technical assistance and dissemination, technology and personnel development and parent-training and information centers. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 3, 2004. As the nation's special education law, IDEA serves approximately 6.8 million children and
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) understands the many challenges still facing individuals with disabilities and their families. Therefore, OSERS is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages. OSERS supports programs that serve millions of children, youth and adults with disabilities. OSERS is comprised of the Office of the Assistant Secretary (OAS) and three program components: the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), theNational Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), and theRehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
US Department of Education
The mission of the U.S. Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. It engages in four major types of activities: Establishes policies related to federal education funding, administers distribution of funds and monitors their use. Collects data and oversees research on America's schools. Identifies major issues in education and focuses national attention on them. Enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in programs that receive federal funds.
US DOE Associations and Organizations Resource Page
The Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) contains information on more then 3,000 national, regional and state education organizations and associations. The directory helps you identify and contact these organizations that provide information and assistance on a broad range of education-related topics.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM)
OMIM is a comprehensive, authoritative, and timely compendium of human genes and genetic phenotypes. The full-text, referenced overviews in OMIM contain information on all known mendelian disorders and over 12,000 genes. OMIM focuses on the relationship between phenotype and genotype. It is updated daily, and the entries contain copious links to other genetics resources.
United States International Council on Disabilities
The U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD) is a non-profit, membership, constituent-led organization committed to building bridges between American and international disability communities and cultures. Through a wide range of projects and programs, USICD promotes the inclusion of disability perspectives in U.S. foreign policy and aid and provides opportunities for domestic disability rights organizations to interface with their international counterparts. USICD’s major initiatives leverage a membership that spans organizations and individuals in more than 30 U.S. states and a number of foreign countries. USICD's Board of Directors includes leading experts in domestic and international disability issues.
World Institute on Disability
The mission of the World Institute on Disability (WID) in communities and nations worldwide is to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care for persons with disabilities. The World Institute on Disability (WID) creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public education, training and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance. The World Institute on Disabilities spearheads initiatives in four main categories: health and wellness, employment and benefits, climate change and disaster prep, and international. The Values of the World Institute on Disabilities are listed below. Working toward Equality The World Institute on Disability aspires to work
United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. UCP and its nearly 100 affiliates have a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities by providing services and support to children and adults every day—one person and family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society.
Technology & Telecommunications Task Force
The Telecommunications and Technology Task Force, part of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities deals with issues related to access to telecommunications and assistive technology in education, employment and independent living.
Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA)
The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) serves adults and children who live with the challenges of Spina Bifida. Since 1973, SBA has been the only national voluntary health agency solely dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. Its tools are education, advocacy, research, and service.
SABE – Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) is the self-advocacy organization of the United States. Founded in 1990, we have been working hard for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community throughout the 50 states and the world for 21 years. Our non-profit advocacy organization is run by a board of self-advocates representing 9 regions of the country.
RESNA
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) RESNA's goal is "To maximize the health and well being of people with disabilities through technology." The purpose of RESNA is to contribute to the public welfare through scientific, literary, professional and educational activities by supporting the development,dissemination, and utilization of knowledge and practice of rehabilitation and assistive technology in order to achieve the highest quality of life for all citizens.
Rights Task Force
The Rights Task Force is part of The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities and focuses on civil rights and protections for people with disabilities, and for enforcement of rights provisions by federal agencies. Issues covered include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and protections secured through the Individuals with Disablities Education Act (IDEA)
President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
The mission of PCPID is to provide advice and assistance to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a broad range of topics that impact people with intellectual disabilities and the field of Intellectual Disabilities. Undergirding the Committee’s mission is the goal to improve the quality of life that is experienced by people with intellectual disabilities, by upholding their full citizenship rights, independence, self-determination, and life-long participation in their respective communities.
Office for Civil Rights
The mission of the Office for Civil Rights is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. An important responsibility is resolving complaints of discrimination. OCR also provides technical assistance to help institutions achieve voluntary compliance with the civil rights laws that OCR enforces. An important part of OCR's assistance is partnerships designed to develop creative approaches to preventing and addressing discrimination.
NORD – National Organization for Rare Disorders
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a 501(c)(3) organization, is a unique federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.
National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on: ■disabilities in children and youth; ■programs and services for infants, children, and youth with disabilities; ■IDEA, the nation’s special education law; and ■research-based information on effective practices for children with disabilities.
National Fragile X Foundation
The National Fragile X Foundation unites the Fragile X community to enrich lives through educational and emotional support, promote public and professional awareness, and advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for Fragile X.
The National Down Syndrome Society
The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.
The National Down Syndrome Congress
The mission of the NDSC is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.The vision of the NDSC is a world with equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.It is the purpose of the National Down Syndrome Congress to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.
The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
NADD is a not-for-profit membership association established for professionals, care providers and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The mission of NADD is to advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care. NADD's Mission "To advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care."
The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education
The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE) is a national membership organization dedicated to rendering all possible support and assistance to parents whose children receive special education services, both in and outside of school. NAPCSE was founded for parents with children with special needs to promote a sense of community and provide a national forum for their ideas.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. The mission of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.
Special Olympics International
The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968. Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Mission Statement The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the
Institute on Communication and Inclusion
The Institute on Communication and Inclusion (ICI) is a research and training center that is part of the Inclusion Institutes of the School of Education at Syracuse University. Formerly the Facilitated Communication Insitute, our new name - the Institute on Communication and Inclusion - represents a broadened focus developed over the past 20 years, reflecting lines of research, training and public dissemination that focus on school and community inclusion, narratives of disability and ability, and disability rights, as well as research and training on faciltiated communication. Its initiatives stress the important relationship of communication to inclusion. Led by Director
Kit( Kids Included Together)
Kids Included Together (KIT) specializes in providing best practices training for community–based organizations committed to including children with and without disabilities into their recreational, child development and youth development programs. Utilizing a blended learning style with interactive eLearning components, KIT’s services are provided free of charge to its 63 affiliate organizations representing over 304 sites in San Diego County. Since its inception in 1997, Kids Included Together (KIT) has trained over 25,000 youth providers in the best practices of inclusion. Over 15,000 children with disabilities have been co–enrolled with over 265,000 children without disabilities at KIT affiliate sites. 72% of
People First
People First is an organization run by and for people with learning difficulties to raise awareness of and campaign for the rights of people with learning difficulties and to support self advocacy groups across the country. People First promotes the social model of disability. This is a way of thinking about disability that says it is society that needs to change to include disabled people. We should not have to change to fit in with society. We are against the medical model of disability, which is the view that being disabled means there is ‘something wrong’ with you. Doctors and
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The NAD is the nation's premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. Established in 1880, the NAD was shaped by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is a national membership organization representing the 55 State and Territorial Councils on Developmental Disabilities. NACDD is a 501(c) 3 organization with the purpose of promoting and enhancing the outcomes of our member councils in developing and sustaining inclusive communities and self directed services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
National Arts and Disability Center
The National Arts and Disability Center (NADC) is a project of the University of California: their mission is to promote the full inclusion of audiences and artists with disabilities into all facets of the arts community. The NADC is a leading consultant in the arts and disability community, and the only center of its kind. Recipients of our technical assistance include museums, performing arts organizations, art centers, film and television companies and unions, universities and colleges, national publications, disability specific groups, artists with disabilities, arts educators, students, arts administrators and government policy makers.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, MDA http://www.mda.org/ MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. With national headquarters in Tucson, MDA has more than 200 offices across the country, sponsors some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics and supports more than 330 research projects around the world. MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector
Institute for Community Inclusion
The Institute for Community Inclusion offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research, and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities. For over 40 years, the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) has worked to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunity to dream big, and make their dreams a fully included, integrated, and welcomed reality. As a leader not only in Massachusetts, but also nationally and internationally, the Institute for Community Inclusion strives to create a world where all people with disabilities are welcome and fully included in valued roles wherever
Disability.gov
Disability.gov is a federal government website that provides an interactive, community-driven information network of disability-related programs, services, laws and benefits. Through the site, Americans with disabilities, their families, veterans, educators, employers and many others are connected to thousands of resources from federal, state and local government agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations.
TASH- Disability Advocacy Worldwide
TASH is an international leader in disability advocacy. Founded in 1975, TASH advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs – those most vulnerable to segregation, abuse, neglect and institutionalization. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates. The inclusive practices TASH validates through research have been shown to improve outcomes for all people. TASH is governed by a board of directors and is supported by a network of members, volunteers, committees and chapter organizations. The TASH membership includes a diverse
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates’ mission is to be a national voice for special education rights and to promote excellence in advocacy. Their primary goal is to secure high quality educational services for children with disabilities. The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) is premised on the belief that the key to effective educational programs for children with disabilities is collaboration -as equals- by parents and educators. This is the premise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the federal statutes that guarantee children with disabilities a free, appropriate
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children is an international community of professionals who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. CEC's mission is to improve, through excellence and advocacy, the education and quality of life for children and youth with exceptionalities and to enhance the engagement of their families. The Council for Exceptional Children is a premier education organization, internationally renowned for its expertise and leadership, working collaboratively with strategic partners to ensure that children and youth with exceptionalities are valued and full participating members of society. As a diverse and vibrant professional community, CEC is a trusted
The Council on Quality and Leadership
The Council on Quality and Leadership is leader for person-centered supports and services for people with disabilities, people with mental illness and older adults. Through our services, publications and public presence, we establish real connections between theory and practice and help organizations and systems take the important step from innovative ideas to everyday action. Our goal is to be partners and mentors to our customers, showing them how they can become even better at ensuring that all people lead lives of dignity and quality.
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) envisions an American society in which all individuals, aided by an enabling government, have the freedom and opportunity to exercise individual decisions concerning their own lives, welfare and personal dignity. CCD envisions a society in which communities are fully accessible to all individuals with disabilities and their families, where
Best Buddies International
Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. Best Buddies’ seven formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies, Jobs
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was launched in an effort to provide citizens with easy, online access to government benefit and assistance programs. The program's mission is to reduce the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government while increasing citizen access to government benefit information. The site's core function is the eligibility prescreening questionnaire. Answers to the questionnaire are used to evaluate and compare with the eligibility criteria for more than 1,000 Federally-funded benefit and assistance programs. Each program description provides citizens with the next steps to apply for any benefit program of interest.
Autism Support Network
The mission of Autism Support Network is to connect, guide and unite. Their goal is to short-cut the uphill battle individuals and families undertake when faced with autism – whether that means the initial diagnosis, the day-to-day living and coping needed, relationship and therapeutic strategies and the latest information. Their support community collectively pools global knowledge and support from all those touched by ASD. Designed as a place by those living with ASD, for those with ASD, and those seeking social connection, peer guidance, and a feeling of community with those that understand.
Autism Society of America
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs
The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is a national, member-based organization, comprised of state Assistive Technology Act Programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act). ATAP was established in 1997 to provide support to state AT Program members to enhance the effectiveness of AT Programs on the state and local level, and promote the national network of AT Programs. ATAP facilitates the coordination of state AT Programs nationally and provides technical assistance and support to its members. ATAP represents the needs and interests of the state AT Programs and is the national voice of the AT Programs.
The Arc of the United States
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law. The Arc believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society and supports their self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and
ADA Portal
The ADA Document Portal Allows users to search a collection of ADA-related documents that have been produced by federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funds.
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. These programs are located in every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers and serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change. AUCD programs also train the next generation of leaders in disability-related research, training, service delivery, and policy advocacy to insure that this essential work continues.
American Association of People with Disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest cross-disability organization. They promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Their members, including people with disabilities and their family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Over 50 million Americans with disabilities and their supporters have the power to achieve full civil rights for all. They are powered by their vision of a community whose voice is heard through the halls of government, in our culture, and in our communities.
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a Coalition of national consumer, advocacy, provider and professional organizations headquartered in Washington, D.C. Since 1973, the CCD has advocated on behalf of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities and their families. CCD has worked to achieve federal legislation and regulations that assure that the 54 million children and adults with disabilities are fully integrated into the mainstream of society. CCD does this by: Identifying and researching public policy issues, developing testimony and policy recommendations and encouraging innovative solutions to public policy concerns. Educating members of Congress in an effort
Ad Hoc Developmental Disabilities Task Force
The Ad Hoc Developmental Disabilities Task Force monitors the Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights Act and the administration of the program through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The Act is authorized every three years and regulations and policy guidelines are developed based on the statute. The Task Force also reviews other developmental disability related issues.
AAIDD
The American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Inclusion Movement Around the Globe
There's a great podcast and article about UNICEF in Russia's efforts to foster the right for all children to receive an inclusive education. UNICEF podcast moderator Femi Oke talked to Ms. Elina Lehtomaki, Researcher at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and a pioneer in the field of inclusive education.
Sprout
For more information about incredible films related to disabilities, check out Sprout, programs for people with disabilities. Sproutflix features films from around the world that focus on the lives and accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities.
The Advocacy Center
The Advocacy Center empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for themselves and realize their personal goals. Together we build strong, inclusive communities by increasing the ability of community members to support and value all individuals.
