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People with disabilities, young and old, who live in rural areas where essential services are often limited or non-existent face difficulties seldom encountered in urban areas. Access to housing, transportation, employment, educational programs, and specialized health care are some of the challenging issues found throughout rural America. It is said that where there is a will there is a way. Communities can help people with disabilities by looking for ways to partner and creatively use limited resources to provided needed services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tools
ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments
Web site
A technical assistance document designed to assist state and local officials to improve compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their programs, services, activities, and facilities.
ADA Business Connection
Web site
Provides technical assistance and information to help businesses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA Home Page
Technical assistance
Information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Web site includes many publications on ADA topics. A toll-free information line is also available:
800.514.0301 (voice)
800.514.0383 (TDD)
American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center
Technical assistance
Provides information and technical assistance to American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages that helps their members with disabilities live healthy, integrated lives within their communities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network
Web site
Comprised of 10 regional ADA Centers that provide information on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Includes links to contact information for the 10 regional ADA Centers.
Americans with Disabilities Act and You: Frequently Asked Questions on Taxicab Service
Web site
Offers a list of FAQs that answer questions about taxi services for customers with disabilities. Questions address service animals, providing non-discriminatory services, the affects of ADA on taxi services, and demand-responsive transportation.
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
Web site
Assists people in finding out what benefits they are eligible for from any of the programs Social Security administers.
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004
Web site
A web site that provides resources and information regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law which ensures services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.
Career Preparation and Work-Based Learning Experiences (for Youth)
Web site
Resources on career preparation and work-based learning experiences to help youth and students with disabilities make informed choices about careers and job options.
Catalyst Center State-at-a-Glance Online Chartbook
Web site
Provides selected indicators on key aspects of health coverage and health care financing for children and youth with special health care needs in each state plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Children with Special Needs: Internet Guide for Parents and Professionals
Web site
Lists and describes web sites that address topics relevant to children with special needs. Covers topics like sibling relationships, adaptive toys, general disability sites, and much more.
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center
Web site
Promotes the health and well-being of people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment, and paralysis by providing comprehensive information, resources and referral services.
Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)
Web site
Provides assistive technology and services to people with disabilities, Federal managers, supervisors, and IT professionals. CAP increases access to information and works to remove barriers to employment opportunities by eliminating the costs of assistive technology and accommodation solutions.
Department of Defense Special Needs Parent Toolkit
Web site
A guide from the Department of Defense (DoD) to help military families with special needs children navigate the maze of medical and special education services, community support, and benefits and entitlements.
Directory of Independent Living Centers and State Independent Living Councils
Web site
State-by-state directory of independent living centers, with address, phone and email contact information.
Disability Counts
Web site
Contains disability data for rural and urban U.S. counties. Data topics include people with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), metro & non-metro county maps, urban and urbanized area maps, congressional district maps, and disability statistics resources.
Disability Employment 101
Web site
Guide for small- and medium-sized businesses interested in increasing their hiring pool by recruiting well-qualified employees with disabilities.
Disability Statistics
Web site
Includes data from community and population surveys related to people with disabilities. Also offers access to disability status reports for each state.
Disability.gov
Web site
An interactive, community-driven information network of disability-related programs, services, laws and benefits from federal, state and local government agencies, education institutions, and non-profit organizations to ensure that people of all disabilities can participate in the workplace and in their communities.
Easter Seals Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation in Our Nation)
Technical assistance
Provides training and technical assistance to members of the disability and transportation communities to help address diverse accessibility issues. Provides a clearinghouse of free publications and a database of available transportation services that can be searched by city or zip code.
Easter Seals Project ACTION Travelers Database
Database
Index of accessible transportation providers that is searchable by state, city, and zip code.
Emergency Preparation and People with Disabilities
Web site
Provides emergency preparation information for people with disabilities including emergency notification methods, accessible shelters and recovering after an emergency.
Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN)
Web site
A free service that connects employers looking for quality employees with skilled job candidates who are disabled. A one-stop source for disability employment information including: recruiting services, tools and resources, and employer success stories. Website includes a toll free number (Voice & TTY).
Federal Relay Service (FedRelay)
Hotline/Toll Free Telephone
Provides telecommunications services to allow individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or have speech disabilities to conduct official business with and within the federal government. Provides service to the public and to federal agency personnel.
Final Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Primary Language, Sex, and Disability Status Required by Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act
Web site
Provides the published standards for data collection on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status, as required by Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act. Includes explanation and fact sheets regarding these standards.
Guidelines: Making Health Settings & Information Accessible
Web site
Information on developing guidelines for making health venues, events and facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
Information for Disabled Persons
Web site
One-stop resource on housing for people with disabilities. Includes a directory of links from the HUD website as well as outside sites.
Knowledge Path: Children and Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs
Web site
A collection of resources about caring for children and adolescents with special health care needs for health professionals, policymakers, program administrators, and families.
Medicaid Waivers and Demonstrations List
Web site
State-specific Medicaid waiver and demonstration programs. Includes 1915(c), home and community-based services waivers. Users can access fact sheets, copies of proposals, approval letters, and other documents related to specific programs.
Medicare Interactive Counselor
Web site
Includes information about health care rights, options and benefits. Helps older and disabled Americans, their caregivers and the professionals who serve them, understand their health care rights and benefits.
National Rehabilitation Information Center's Online Gateway
Database
Searchable database of organizations, publications and web sites on disability issues. Includes guides on many topics.
Office of Disability Employment Policy: Disability Data Resources
Web site
Provides statistical and research resources regarding people with disabilities.
Parent Technical Assistance Center Network
Technical assistance
Assists and coordinates parent training and resource centers under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The project has one national and six regional TA centers. Site includes publications and other resources, as well as links to parent centers in each state.
Parent Technical Assistance Center Network
Web site
Directory of parent centers that provide training and information to parents of infants, toddlers, school-aged children and young adults with disabilities, and to the professionals who work with their families. Includes phone, address, email and web site information.
Parent to Parent Programs
Web site
National non-profit organization committed to assuring access and quality in Parent to Parent support across the country. Provides a state-by-state list of support programs that connect parents of children with disabilities with other parents. Includes contact information for state and local programs.
Recovery & Employment Assistance Lifelines (REAL)
Web site
Provides recovery and employment assistance for wounded and injured service members and their families when they return to the homes and lives they left prior to their service to the United States. Contact toll free: 1.888.774.1361.
Research and Training Center on Community Living
Web site
Provides research, evaluation, training, technical assistance and dissemination to support the aspirations of persons with developmental disabilities to live full, productive and integrated lives in their communities.
Rural Health Research: Disabilities
Web site
Provides summaries of current and completed rural health research projects and related publications addressing the topic of disabilities, produced by the Office of Rural Health Policy's funded rural health research centers.
SEEDS: Empowering Rural Students with Disabilities through Assistive Technology
Web site
Discusses assistive technology needs for school-age children with disabilities. Describes legal requirements for rural schools to meet students' needs. Lists resources and funding sources.
Social Security Online
Web site
Identifies programs and online services of the Social Security Office, including information on qualifying and applying online for disability and survivorship benefits.
State (Disability) Organization - Search by State
Database
Lists organizations and agencies in each state that address disability-related issues. Includes state agencies, state chapters of disability organizations, and independent living resources.
State Employment Specialists in Vocational Education
Web site
Lists state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies that assist individuals, with disabilities, to become employed.
Supported Employment Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) KIT
Web site
Provides practice principles about supported employment, an approach to vocational rehabilitation for people with serious mental illnesses. Available by downloading from website or order by DVD.
Ticket to Work
Web site
Provides information on the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program which is for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. Includes a database of Employment Networks that provide vocational rehabilitation services, searchable by ZIP code, city, county, and state.
Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities
Web site
A compilation of current information including research briefs and resources designed to improve instruction, assessment, and accountability for students with disabilities to help states move forward in improving results for all students with disabilities. The Tool Kit will assist state personnel, schools, and families in their efforts to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a quality education.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Web site
Assists service members leaving active duty by providing information and resources to be used as part of a comprehensive program of transition and employment assistance.
Transition of Students With Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators
Web site
Provides high school educators with answers to questions students with disabilities may have as they get ready to move to the postsecondary education environment.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (VR&E)
Web site
Assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs or to live as independently as possible if they are not able to work.
Work Site: Employment Support for People with Disabilities
Web site
Information about work incentives and other programs and services that facilitate entry into the workforce for people with disabilities.
Workplace Ergonomics Quick Reference Guide
Web site
Provides quick reference illustrations of proper workstation ergonomics. Ensuring proper ergonomics in the workplace is a smart business decision because it increases employee productivity and satisfaction.
Funding
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scholarships
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study for students with hearing loss.
CVS Caremark Community Grants
Grants to support children with disabilities and healthcare for the uninsured.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program -- Field Initiated Projects - Development
In carrying out a development activity under an FI project development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods, including designing and developing prototypes.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program--Field Initiated Projects - Research
Field-initiated projects for the development of methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology for individuals with disabilities.
Illinois Home Modification Program
Assistance is available to income-eligible elderly persons and persons with disabilities to modify or repair their homes to improve mobility.
Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation National Grant Program to Support Young People With Disabilities
Funding to nonprofit organizations that are working toward the full inclusion of young people (newborn to early 20s) with disabilities in society.
OkAT Assistive Technology Grant
Individual grants to Oklahoma farming families impacted by disability issues who need an assistive or adaptive device to live with increased independence, work, or participate in valued leisure activities.
Signature Employment Grant Program
Funding to find ways to increase training, education, and employment opportunities that help people with disabilities lead independent lives.
Inactive Funding
Inactive Funding Opportunities -
Lists additional funding programs for this topic that are not currently accepting applications. Programs that are inactive may be offered again in the future.
Maps & Map Collections
Disability Status
Interactive
Geographic coverage: United States
Printable map that shows the percent of population with disabilities nationwide by county. Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population and Housing, 2000.
Date: 2000
Regulations, Forms & Other Useful Documents
19 Million Working-Age Americans Have a Disability That Limits or Prevents Work
Author(s): Ellen O'Brien, Carlos Figueiredo
Sponsoring organization: AARP Public Policy Institute
Discusses the disadvantages people with disabilities experience in the labor market. Provides statistics identifying low income levels and lack of health insurance.
Date: 04 / 2009
Access To Medical Care For Individuals With Mobility Disabilities
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Assists health care providers to better serve persons with disabilities, protect persons with disabilities and your staff from injury, and comply with federal law.
Date: 07 / 2010
Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities
Sponsoring organization: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Information on purchasing and modifying a vehicle with adaptive equipment.
Aging Out of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT): Issues for Young Adults with Disabilities
Author(s): Bob Williams, Jennifer Tolbert
Sponsoring organization: Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured
Discusses Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) coverage offered through the Medicaid program, which has played an important role for low-income children with disabilities. Discusses the challenges and implications for young people with disabilities when they become adults and lose their EPSDT benefits.
Date: 01 / 2007
AgrAbility: Cultivating Success in Agriculture, Employment, and Rural Life for People with Disabilities and their Families, 1991 to 2011 and Beyond
Sponsoring organization: AgrAbility
Highlights AgrAbility's 20 year history of service and the program's impact in direct services, education, networking, and other areas. Contains a variety of client success stories.
Date: 09 / 2011
Americans Living With Disability and Their Technology Profile
Author(s): Susannah Fox
Sponsoring organization: Pew Internet and American Life Project
Summarizes results of a survey on the use of the Internet by adults with a disability.
Date: 01 / 2011
Americans with Disabilities Act: ADA Guide for Small Towns
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Justice
Presents an informal overview of some basic ADA requirements and provides cost effective tips on how small towns can comply with the ADA.
Date: 12 / 2007
Assuring Health Equity for Minority Persons with Disabilities: A Statement of Principles and Recommendations
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of Minority Health
HHS Advisory Committee on Minority Health published a report of targeted recommendations for improving the health of minorities with physical disabilities.
Date: 04 / 2011
Building Mobility Partnerships for People with Disabilities: Opportunities for Federal Funding and Promising Practices
Sponsoring organization: Easter Seals Project ACTION
Designed to help transportation providers, metropolitan planning officials, disability service providers, and individuals with disabilities identify the federal programs and services available to rural and urban areas.
Date: 01 / 2007
Consumer Voice in Medicaid Managed Care: State Strategies
Author(s): John Barth
Sponsoring organization: Center for Health Care Strategies
Outlines successful state strategies for engaging consumers and advocates in the planning, implementation, and oversight of managed care programs for people with disabilities.
Date: 03 / 2007
Creating a Path to Employment: Tips for Parents with Children with Disabilities
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Labor
Provides information for parents of children with disabilities to explore work options and the basic skills needed for employment.
Date: 09 / 2008
Current State of Health Care for People with Disabilities
Author(s): Mary Lou Breslin, Silvia Yee, Tyler Zoanni, et al.
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
Offers a broad range of recommendations for reforms that address some of the most significant obstacles to health, health care, disease prevention, and health promotion for people with disabilities in rural and urban environments.
Date: 09 / 2009
Demystifying the Rehabilitation Act: What Faith-Based and Community Organizations Need to Know About Using Federal Financial Assistance to Serve People with Disabilities
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Labor
Provides information for faith-based and community organizations that received financial assistance to serve people with disabilities from the United State Department of Labor. Includes a list of national resources that can help organizations deliver services to people with disabilities.
Date: 2008
Effective Emergency Management: Making Improvements for Communities and People with Disabilities
Author(s): Elizabeth Davis, Brenda Phillips
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
Offers information to assist all levels of government to establish evidence-based policies and practices across the life cycle of disasters. Provides examples of effective community efforts with respect to people with disabilities and evaluates emergency preparedness, disaster relief, and homeland security program efforts deployed by public and private sectors in rural and urban locations.
Date: 08 / 2009
Entering the World of Work: What Youth with Mental Health Needs Should Know About Accommodations
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Labor
A fact sheet that provides information on disclosure and examples of reasonable accommodations for youth with mental health needs entering the workforce.
Date: 2007
Future of Disability and Rehabilitation in Rural Communities
Author(s): Tom Seekins, Craig Ravesloot, Bethany Rigles, Alexander Enders
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Rural Futures Lab
Addresses the issue of social equity through the lens of disability in rural America.
Date: 07 / 2011
Going to Work: A Guide to Social Security Benefits & Employment for Young People with Disabilities (2011 Edition)
Sponsoring organization: Institute for Community Inclusion
Provides families and professionals working with young people some practical, hands-on information about Social Security disability and health benefit programs.
Date: 2011
Guideposts for Success
Sponsoring organization: National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
Publication designed to help youth with disabilities through the process of transitioning from school to higher education or the workforce.
Increasing Home Access: Designing for Visitability
Author(s): Jordana Maisel, Eleanor Smith, Edward Steinfeld
Sponsoring organization: AARP Public Policy Institute
Discusses the current housing deficiencies and presents the visitability concept as a viable solution that will enable advocates, builders, policymakers, and consumers to prepare for an aging population.
Date: 08 / 2008
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), Public Law 108-446 as printed in the Federal Register. This is the nation's law that works to improve results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
Journal citation: Federal Register Pages: 118
Date: 12 / 2004
Medicare and Nonelderly People With Disabilities
Sponsoring organization: Kaiser Family Foundation
Presents an overview of Medicare's role in providing health care to 8 million people under age 65 who qualify for coverage due to a permanent disability.
Date: 09 / 2010
National Disability Policy: A Progress Report
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
Looks at many issues affecting people with disabilities including access to health care, housing and technology, and negative public attitudes and stereotypes.
Date: 03 / 2009
National Report on the Use of Telecommunications to Deliver VR Services
Author(s): Catherine Ipsen
Sponsoring organization: Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities
Reports on a survey of vocational rehabilitation counselors using telecommunications when serving both rural and urban vocational rehabilitation consumers.
Date: 12 / 2010
Public Health Preparedness and Response for At-Risk Populations: Harnessing the Power of Health Information and Communication Technologies
Author(s): Anne Rader, Margo Edmunds, Joan Bishop
Sponsoring organization: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
Outlines the preparedness challenges for people with disabilities and other at-risk groups, describes the information and communications technologies being used by healthcare providers and consumers, and gives examples of ways state governments and local communities are using technology to reach those who are most at risk.
Date: 2010
Rural America and the South Have the Highest Percent of Veterans with Service-Related Disabilities
Author(s): Marybeth J. Mattingly, Michelle L. Stransky
Sponsoring organization: Carsey Institute
Presents data from the 2008 American Community Survey which shows that a higher number of disabled veterans reside in the South and in rural areas. In general, a higher number of veterans live in these areas and face additional challenges such as gaining access to care.
Date: 2009
Service Animals in Places of Business: Commonly Asked Questions
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Justice
Fact sheet answering commonly asked questions about the use of service animals by people with disabilities in places of business.
Date: 01 / 2008
State by State Comparison: 3 Ways to Count Rural People with Disabilities
Author(s): Alexandra Enders, Zach Brandt
Sponsoring organization: Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities
Provides statistics and comparisons of the national distribution of Americans with disabilities using three different rural definitions.
Date: 03 / 2007
State of Housing in America in the 21st Century: A Disability Perspective
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
A comprehensive overview of the state of housing in the 21st century and provides answers to important questions about the current housing needs and options for people with disabilities living in the United States.
Date: 2010
Strengthening Employment Outcomes for Rural Women With Disabilities
Author(s): Martha Carstensen
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota
Examines the difficulties and opportunities particular to seeking rural paid employment, factors in achieving positive employment 0utcomes, and options for support networks to enhance work opportunities for women with disabilities.
Date: 2008
Text of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Senate
Text of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, PUBLIC LAW 101-336, JULY 26, 1990, 104 STAT. 327. An Act to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability.
Date: 07 / 1990
Toolkit for Serving Diverse Communities
Sponsoring organization: Administration on Aging
Highlights a method for providing respectful, inclusive and sensitive services for any diverse community. Consists of a four-step process and a questionnaire that assists professionals, volunteers and grassroots advocates with every stage of program planning, implementation and service delivery for older adult communities, their families and caregivers, including rural populations.
Date: 06 / 2011
Transportation Section 5310: Where are we Going?
Author(s): Alexandra Enders
Sponsoring organization: Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities
Summarizes the current accessible transportation options for people with disabilities and provides recommendations for the future.
Date: 08 / 2011
Workforce Infrastructure in Support of People with Disabilities: Matching Human Resources to Service Needs
Sponsoring organization: National Council on Disability
Presents recommendations to address the shortage of qualified workers to meet the needs of the disability population in both urban and rural settings.
Date: 01 / 2010
Organizations
2-1-1
Nonprofit/Foundation
A telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. 2-1-1 is lead by United Ways and information and referral agencies in states and local communities.
AgrAbility
National organization
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Consists of the National AgrAbility Project and State/Regional Projects, serving 24 states. Helps farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, arthritis, back impairments, and behavioral health issues.
American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD)
National organization
A national nonprofit cross-disability member organization in the United States, dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities. AAPD works in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation and enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES)
National organization
Organization of special educators, general educators, related service providers, administrators, teacher trainers, researchers, and parents who are committed to the enhancement of services to students and individuals living in rural America.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
National organization
Provides information and resources for people with vision loss.
Arc of the United States (ARC)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Works to include all
children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and
developmental disabilities in every community.
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
National organization
Assists and promotes the development of quality respite and crisis care programs. Helps families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities. Includes the National Respite Locator Program.
Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA)
National organization
Works to influence public policy by advocating for informed choice, quality care, and accessibility for all Americans. Provides an interactive directory of professionally managed senior living communities.
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)
National organization
The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) is a national network of rural centers for independent living (CILs) and other organizations and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living. APRIL is organized to promote independence and strive for full rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities living in rural environments.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
National organization
Promotes and supports the national network of university centers on disabilities, which includes University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (DDRC).
Center for Children with Special Needs (CSHCN)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Focuses on improving care for children with special needs by providing information to families and health care professionals throughout the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho). Focuses on children who have chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions such as asthma, cancer, autism, or cerebral palsy.
Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Works to promote high quality health care services for low-income populations and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)
National organization
Works to maintain and enhance a strong, effective and efficient national program of public vocational rehabilitation services which empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into our communities.
Courage Center
Nonprofit/Foundation
Empowers people with physical disabilities to reach for their full potential in every aspect of life.
Easter Seals
National organization
Provides services to children and adults with disabilities and other special needs, and support to their families. Easter Seals has 450+ service sites nationwide.
Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE)
National organization
Provides information and training to families and advocates on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law.
Family Voices
National organization
Works to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities.
Helping Paws
Nonprofit/Foundation
A volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to further the independence of people with physical disabilities (other than blindness or deafness) through the use of service dogs.
Hire Heroes Program
National organization
Designed to help military veterans who were wounded find careers within the healthcare industry after serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations around the world.
Kessler Foundation
Nonprofit/Foundation
A public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with physical disabilities caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, injuries to the brain and spinal cord, and other chronic conditions.
MUMS Parent-to-Parent Network
National organization
A national Parent to Parent Network to help parents who have a child with any disorder, medical condition, mental or emotional disorder or rare diagnosis make connections with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition. If possible matches are made according to age, geographical location, gender, and severity of the symptoms.
National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH)
National organization
Works to develop and enhance rural mental health and substance abuse services, and to support mental health providers in rural areas.
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NADDDS)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Nonprofit organization, established in 1964, to improve and expand public services to people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
National organization
Promotes, protects, and preserves the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD)
National organization
Information center concerned with physical activity and disability
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD)
National organization
Assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve youth with disabilities.
National Council on Disability (NCD)
Federal government
An independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting Americans with disabilities. Promotes policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities.
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
National organization
Advances the independent living philosophy and advocates for the human rights of, and services for, people with disabilities to further their full integration and participation in society.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NDCCD)
National organization
Provides information on disabilities in children and youth, including information on federal legislation, programs and services, and research.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
Federal government
Provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. Part of the U.S. Department of Education.
National Organization on Disability (NOD)
National organization
Provides information on the latest in disability-related news, information and resources.
ODEP Alliance Initiative: Disability Employment Policy Resources by Topic
Federal government
Cooperative program that enables organizations committed to improving disability workplace practices to work with The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to develop and implement model policies and initiatives that increase recruiting, hiring, advancing, and retaining workers with disabilities.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
Federal government
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. Part of the U.S. Department of Education.
Pacer Center
State/regional organization
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.
Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc. (PYD)
National organization
Committed to empowering young people with disabilities to reach their full potential for personal development through one-to-one and group mentoring programs.
Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC)
Academic/Research
Conducts research on issues of access to transportation and housing, employment and self-employment, independent living services, health and wellness facilities, and inclusion in community planning and activities of people with disabilities. Provides information and training to rural communities on disabilities.
Through the Looking Glass (TLG)
National organization
National center for parents with disabilities and their families with the goal of improving their quality of life by focusing on priority issues through research, development, training, technical assistance and dissemination activities.
U. S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Federal government
Works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin.
United Way Worldwide
Nonprofit/Foundation
Works to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. Includes contact information and links for local United Way organizations.
Terms & Acronyms
Accessibility The extent to which facilities are barrier free and usable by persons with disabilities. Equal access to information and the ability to complete a task with supporting tools or assistive technologies.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, telecommunications, and public accommodation.
Flexroute Transit route that combines aspects of a fixed route with paratransit.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Federal law that spells out broad mandates for services to all children with disabilities.
Independent Living The belief that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives as people without disabilities.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) A written education plan for a child with a disability that is developed by a team of professionals and the child's parents. It is reviewed and updated yearly and describes how the child is doing, what the child's learning needs are, and what services the child will need.
Paratransit Comparable transportation service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for people with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route transportation systems.
Reasonable Accommodation Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications provided by an employer to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Provides need-based cash benefits to individuals 65 and older and individuals with disabilities, including children.
Ticket to Work The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) A program funded by the Department of Energy that reduces heating and cooling costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
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