National Advocacy Resources
The Arc of the U.S.
Click here to find your local chapter.
The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It has more than 140,000 members and nearly 700 state and local chapters nationwide.
Easterseals
Easterseals provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy to all people with disabilities.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
AAIDD promotes policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Website
Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, including filing a complaint, laws and regulations and technical assistance.
The Special Needs Alliance
The Special Needs Alliance is a national, non-profit organization committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them.
The 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.
Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Find your state’s council.
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are federally funded, self-governing organizations charged with identifying the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in their state or territory. Councils are committed to advancing public policy and systems change that help these individuals gain more control over their lives. There are 56 Councils across the United States and its territories
National Disability Rights Network – State Protection & Advocacy
Learn more here.
Disability Rights agencies are federally mandated organizations responsible for advocating and advancing the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities. Programs and initiatives vary by state. There are agencies in every state and U.S. territory as well as one serving the Native American population in the four corners region.
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) works to accomplish a shared vision that foresees a nation in which all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, participate fully in their communities. Independence, productivity, and community inclusion are key components of its vision. Currently there are sixty-seven UCEDDs in every state and territory.
National Adult Protection Serves Association
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program provided by municipalities nationwide serving seniors and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance. APS workers frequently serve as first responders in cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, working closely with a wide variety of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers.
Disability Specific Organizations
Search for your loved one’s diagnosis on the internet and you will most likely find a national organization that can offer a wide variety of services and advocacy resources. Below are some examples: