Disabilities Resources for Adult Learning Professionals
Learning Disabilities Organizations
Psychiatric & Medical Disabilities Organizations
Attention Deficit Disorder Organizations
Vision Impaired Organizations
Speech & Hearing Impaired Organizations
National Resources
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA Information Line
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TDD)
www.ADA.gov
The Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted July 26, 1990 prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
107 Commerce Center Drive, Suite 204
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 947-7779 (Voice/TDD)
(704) 948-7779 (fax)
http://www.ahead.org
AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. AHEAD promotes leadership and exemplary practices; provides professional development, disseminates information; and orchestrates resources through partnership and collaboration
The Job Accommodations Network (JAN)
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
(800) 526-7234 · v/TTY in the US or (800) ADA-WORK · v/TTY in the US
Voice 800-526-7234
TTY 8-781-9403
(304) 293-5407 · fax
http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/
JAN represents the most comprehensive resource for job accommodations available. JAN provides information on job accommodations and information on the Americans with Disability Act. JAN’s work helps employers, people with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals, and people affected by disability.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Main Office
2013 H Street, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(800) 840-8844 fax 866-536-4461
(202) 457-0046 · v/TTY
http://www.aapd.com
AAPD is the largest, national, nonprofit cross-disability member organization in the US, dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency & political empowerment for the 56 million Americans with disabilities. AAPD works in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation & enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws, particularly the ADA of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
8400 Corporate Drive, Suite 500
Landover, MD 20785
(800) 346-2742
(301) 459-43263 fax
(301) 459-5984 · TTY
http://www.naric.com
NARIC is an on-line, information Center funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to serve members, health professionals, educators, rehab counselors, students, librarians, administrators, researchers, and other professionals.
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013-1492
(800) 695-0285 · v/TTY
(202) 884-8441 · fax
http://www.nichcy.org
NICHCY, a national information & referral center, provides information on disabilities/disability-related issues for families, educators, and professionals. NICHCY provides information and makes referrals in areas related to: specific disabilities, early intervention, special disability organizations, professional associations, educations rights, transitions to adult life, etc.
Effective 9/30/14 NIHCY no longer in existence. Redirected to www.parentcenterhub.org
The National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities (HEATH)
The George Washington University
HEATH Resource Center- 2134 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052-0001
askheath@guu.edu
HEATH is a center for information exchange about educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, and opportunities at American campuses, vocational-technical schools, and other postsecondary training entities for individuals with disabilities. HEATH publishes resource papers, fact sheets, directories, and fosters a network of professionals in the arena of disability issues.
National Association for Rare Disorders (NORD)
55 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06813
(203) 744-0100 · v
(203) 798-2291 · fax
http://www.rarediseases.org
NORD is a unique federation (NOT a government agency) of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. It is a non-profit, voluntary health agency that exists to serve rare-disease patients and their families. Our primary sources of funding are contributions, membership fees, and revenues from the sale of our products, such as our books and Rare Disease Database reports. Most of the money donated to NORD goes directly to programs and services.
Learning Disabilities Organizations
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
(412) 341-1515 · v, (412) 344-0224 · fax
http://www.ldaamerica.org
LDA is a national, non-profit volunteer organization advocating for individuals with learning disabilities. LDA is devoted to defining and finding solutions for the broad spectrum of learning disabilities. LDA has a local chapter in all fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
381 Park Avenue South Suite 1401
New York, NY 10016
(800) 575-7373, (212) 545-7510 · v
(212) 545-9665 · fax
http://www.ncld.org
The mission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is to increase opportunities for all individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their potential and to have opportunities to participate fully in society. NCLD accomplishes its mission by increasing public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, conducting educational programs and services that promote research-based knowledge, and providing national leadership in shaping public policy.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
PO Box 233
Brooklanville, Maryland 21022 USA
(800) 509-4980 · v
info@idamd.org
IDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them. IDA, the oldest learning disabilities organization in the nation, provides a comprehensive forum for parents, educators, and researchers to share their experiences, methods, and knowledge.
Northeast Technical Assistance Center 9
(Perceptions for People w/ Disabilities)
NYS Downstate
27 E. 124th Street, Suite 4-E
New York, NY 10035
(212) 860-3731
Psychiatric and Medical Disabilities Organizations
Autism Society of America (ASA)
4340 East-West Highway, Suite 350
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(800) 328-8476
(301) 657-0881 · v
http://www.autism-society.org
The Autism Society of America was founded in 1965 by a small group of parents working on a volunteer basis out of their homes. Over the last 35 years, the Society has developed into the leading source of information and referral on autism. The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
300 Woodley Road
Merion Station, PA 19066-1413
(267) 251-6240 · v
http://www.nami.org
NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support/advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, etc. NAMI today works to achieve equitable services & treatment for more than 15 million Americans (& their families) living with severe mental illnesses
National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, Virginia 22311
(800) 969-NMHA (6642), (703) 684-7722 · v (Main Switchboard)
(703) 684-5968 · fax
www.mentalhealthamerica.net
NMHA was established in 1909 by former psychiatric patient, Clifford W. Beers. The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million people with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service. We have educated millions about mental illnesses and reduced barriers to treatment and services. As a result of our efforts, many Americans with mental disorders have sought care and now enjoy fulfilling, productive lives in their communities
Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA)
8301 Professional Place East
Landover, MD 20785-2237
(800) 332-1000, (301) 459-3700 ·
www.epilepsy.org
EFA is a national, charitable organization, founded in 1968. The only such organization wholly dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy, our mission is simple: to work for children and adults affected by seizures through research, education, advocacy and service. EFA has a national Epilepsy Library available to allied health professionals and the general public. EFA is a member of the National Health Council and the International Bureau for Epilepsy.
National Chronic Pain Outreach Association, Incorporated (NCPOA)
P.O. Box 274
Millboro, VA 24460
(540) 862-9437 · v (9am-6pm Eastern)
www.giveback.org
NCPOA is a non-profit organization established in 1980. Its purpose is to lessen the suffering of people with chronic pain by educating pain sufferers, health care professionals, and the public about chronic pain and its management. NCPOA helps people with chronic pain regain control of their lives, spreading the message, "You can lead a fulfilling life despite the pain." NCPOA is funded entirely by membership fees, donations, foundations, corporate gifts, along with federal, state, and local government employee contributions.
Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
1608 Spring Hill Road, Suite 110
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 761-0750 · v
(703) 761-0755 · fax
http://www.biausa.org
Brain injury info only (800) 444-6443
The Brain Injury Association of America encompasses a national network of more than 41-chartered state affiliates across the country, as well as hundreds of local chapters and support groups. BIAA is proud to be a national nonprofit organization working on behalf of individuals with brain injury and their families. The Association recognizes the tireless accomplishments of its constituents across the country—from individuals with brain injury, medical professionals and family members to educators, attorneys and corporate partners. Much of the Association’s success is due to the support of these courageous people.
The American Association On Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
501 3rd Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001
Fax: 202/387-2193
http://www.aaidd.org
Telephone: 202/387-1968
Formerly:
American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)
444 North Capitol Street, NW
Suite 846
Washington, D.C. 20001-1512
(800) 424-3688, (202) 387-1968 · v
(202) 387-2193 · fax
Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA)
1600 Wilson Blvd. , Suite 8050
Arlington, VA 22209
(202) 944-3285 · v
(202) 944-3295 · fax
sbaa@sbaa.org
http://www.sbaa.org
SBAA exists to promote the prevention of spina bifida, and enhance the lives of all affected. The Association was founded in 1973 to address the specific needs of the spina bifida community, and serves as the national representative of almost 60 chapters. SBAA's efforts benefit thousands of infants, children, adults, parents and professionals each year. The SBAA is a §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. SBAA provides services such as toll free (800) Information and Referral Service, bi-monthly newsletters, insights, legislative updates, publications, scholarship fund, etc.
Tourette Syndrome Association, Incorporated (TSA)
42-40 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, NY 11361
(718) 224-2999 · v
(718) 279-9596 · fax
http://www.tsa-usa.org
The Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. (TSA) was founded in 1972 in Bayside, New York. TSA is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field. Its mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for, and control the effects of this disorder. Today, TSA has grown into a major national health-related organization with approximately 50 U. S. Chapters and 300 support groups, and international contacts around the world. TSA develops and disseminates educational material to individuals, professionals, and to agencies in the fields of health care, education and government; coordinates support services to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS; funds research that will ultimately find the cause of and cure for TS and, at the same time, lead to improved medications and treatments.
United Cerebral Palsy Association, Incorporated (UCP)
1825 K Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
(800) 872-5827, (202) 776-0406 · v
http://www.ucp.org
For 50 years UCP has been committed to change and progress for persons with disabilities. The national organization and its nationwide network of more than 100 affiliates in 37 states, and the District of Columbia, strive to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society—from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, through our commitment to the principles of independence, inclusion and self-determination.
Attention Deficit Disorders Organizations
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
4601 President’s Drive, Suite 300
Lanham, MD 20706
(800) 233-4050
(301) 306-7070 · v
(301) 306-7090 · fax
http://www.chadd.org
CHADD, founded in 1987, is a national non-profit, tax-exempt §501(c)(3) organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to an informative web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. The organization has a small national staff, which manages the day-to-day responsibilities, while its Board of Directors sets policy and oversees the organization's well being. CHADD is composed of dedicated volunteers from around the country who play an integral part in the association's success by providing support, education and encouragement to parents, educators and professionals on a grassroots level through CHADD chapters.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
P.O. Box 7557
Wilmington, DE 19803-9997
(800)939-1019 · v
www.add.org
info@add.org
ADDA is a national nonprofit organization as defined by §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It has been in existence since 1989. The mission of ADDA is to provide information, resources and networking to adults with AD/HD and to the professionals working with them. In so doing, ADDA generates hope, awareness, empowerment and connections worldwide in the field of AD/HD through bringing together science and the human experience.
Vision Impairment Organizations
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650
Arlington, VA 22201
(800) 424-8666
(202) 467-5081 · v
(202) 467-5085 · fax
http://www.acb.org
ACB is the nation's leading membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities, etc. ACB offers a number of services such as toll-free information on all aspects of blindness, scholarship assistance, public education and awareness training, support to consumer advocates, legal assistance on matters relating to blindness, etc.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102
New York, NY 10121
(212) 502-7600 · v, (888) 545-8331 · fax
http://www.afb.org
AFB, to which Helen Keller devoted her life in 1921, has been eliminating barriers that prevent the ten million Americans who are blind or visually impaired from reaching their potential. AFB is dedicated to addressing the most critical issues facing this growing population: independent living, literacy, employment, and technology. AFB is a one-stop information and referral resource for people who are blind or visually impaired, the organizations and individuals that serve them, and the general public. AFB is the leading publisher of professional materials on blindness and low vision.
Learning Ally (formerly RFB&D)
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
(866) 732-3585 · v, (800) 221-4792 · member services
(609) 987-8116 · fax
http://www.learningally.org
RFB&D is an organization that serves all people with “print disabilities” by providing recorded textbooks and other school related materials to individuals who cannot read standard print because of a disability.
Speech/Hearing Impairment Organizations
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
2200 Research Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20852-3289
(800) 498-2071 · Professionals/Students
301-296=-5700 Voice
(800) 638-8255 · Consumer Line, (301) 897-7355 · fax
http://www.asha.org
ASHA is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for over 110,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. ASHA's mission is to ensure that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders have access to quality services to help them communicate more effectively.
American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB)
PO Box 8064
Silver Spring, Maryland 20907-8064
(301) 563-9064 · Video phone
http://www.aadb.org
aadb-info@aadb.org
AADB endeavors to enable deaf-blind persons to achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity and integration into the community. AADB has deaf-blind members from all walks of life with diverse educational, vocational, social, and ethnic/racial backgrounds.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-1789 · TTY
(301) 587-1788 · v
(301) 328-1443, (301) 587-1791 · fax
http://www.nad.org
NAD, established in 1880, is the oldest and largest constituency organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans in education, employment, health care, and telecommunications. A private, non-profit organization, NAD is a dynamic federation of 51 state association affiliates including the District of Columbia, organizational affiliates, and direct members.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
333 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-0030 · v
http://www.rid.org
It is the goal of RID to promote the professions of interpreting and transliterating American Sign Language and English. RID provides international, national, regional, state, and local forums and an organizational structure for the continued growth and development of the professions. Information on speakers, workshops, and classes are offered for the following: the American with Disabilities Act, the interpreting profession, Interpreter Preparation Programs, National Testing and Certification, Certification Maintenance Program for professional development, national Ethical Practices System, Testimony/Technical Assistance, Interpreter Referral Services, career opportunities, mentoring, internships, and scholarships to cover testing fees.
