Directory > Directory List > Resources & Support > National Organizations
Welcome to Your Special Needs Directory List
When you're caring for a family member with special needs, having extra help is always appreciated. Here you'll find an abundance of useful resources to help you in every aspect of the care and development of your loved one.
Abilities Expos
http://www.abilitiesexpo.com
Abilities Expos have seved the Community of people with a disability since 1979. In 2016 events will be held in NY Metro (4/29-5/1), Chicago (6/24-6/26), Houston (8/5-8/7), Boston (9/16-9/18) Bay Area (11/18-11/20), DC Metro (12/2-12/4) and Los Angeles (3/24/17-3/26/17).
16501 Ventura Blvd., Suite 510 Encino, CA 91436
Ability First
http://www.abilityfirst.org/
AbilityFirst provides programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1926 as the Cripples Children's Society of Southern California, our mission is to help people with disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.
Acoustic Neuroma Association
http://www.anausa.org
The mission of ANA is to inform, educate and provide national and local support networks for those affected by acoustic neuromas, and to be an essential resource for health care professionals who treat acoustic neuroma patients.
600 Peachtree Pkwy. Suite 108 Cumming, GA 30041
Alstrom Syndrome International
http://www.alstrom.org/
To provide support, information, and coordination world-wide to families and professionals in order to treat and cure Alström Syndrome.
14 Whitney Farm Road Mount Desert, Maine 04660
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
http://www.aamr.org
THE AAIDD is the professional association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
501 3rd Street, NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)
http://www.apdaparkinson.org
APDA provides education, support, information, and referrals to people with Parkinson's disease, their family members, friends, and healthcare providers, while at the same time raising money for scientific research. APDA is known as the largest grassroots PD organization and has a network of centers, chapters, and support groups throughout the country. APDA also operates two Centers dedicated to serving special populations: Veterans and those with young onset Parkinson's disease.
135 Parkinson Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305
Arc of Chester County
http://arcofchestercounty.org
The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. The Arc offers programs and services in the following areas: early intervention, employment, advocacy, life skills training, community habilitation, camps, housing, transportation, autism training and support and housing options.
900 Lawrence Drive West Chester, PA 19380
Batten Disease Support and Research Association
http://www.bdsra.org
The Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA) began in 1987 by a group of parents looking for strength and support in a disease that only gives fear and uncertainty to those it affects. Our organization focuses on three things: Providing information, Supporting families, Promoting research efforts. We are the only family support organization in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, as well as other nations, which is specific to Batten Disease.
1175 Dublin Road. Columbus, OH 43215
Brain Injury Association of America
http://www.biausa.org
The Brain Injury Association of America's mission is to be the voice of brain injury, and to offer help, hope and healing to people with brain injury, family members and the professionals that serve them. Founded in 1980, with a network of over 40 state affiliate offices around the country, it is the only national advocacy organization dedicated solely to people with brain injury
CARF International
http://www.carf.org
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of human service providers in the areas of aging services, behavioral health, child and youth services, employment and community services, medical rehabilitation, and opioid treatment programs. The CARF family of organizations currently accredits more than 5,400 providers at more than 19,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, South America, and the South Pacific. For more information, visit www.carf.org or call (888) 281-6531.
6951 East Southpoint Road Tucson, AZ 85756-9407
Cerebral Palsy Group
https://cerebralpalsygroup.com/cerebral-palsy/
Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, birth injuries, or brain injuries. Our team was created so we can provide answers and all types of assistance needed to help improve the quality of life for loved ones and family members with cerebral palsy.
Children and Adults with Hyperactivity/Attention Deficit Disorder
http://www.chadd.org
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is a national non-profit, tax-exempt (Section 501 (c) (3) ) organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. In addition to our 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. These materials include Attention! magazine, the CHADD Information and Resource Guide to AD/HD, News From CHADD, a free electronically mailed current events newsletter, as well as other publications of specific interest to educators, professionals and parents.
4601 Presidents Drive, Suite 300 Lanham, MD 20706
Christopher & Diana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center
https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/about-the-paralysis-resource-center
The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is the support side of the Reeve Foundation's twin missions to provide "Today's Care" and to strive for "Tomorrow's Cure". We are a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for people living with paralysis and their caregivers. Our primary goals are to foster involvement in the community, promote health and improve quality of life. Our information specialists are trained to help anyone – from newly paralyzed individuals and their family members, to persons who have lived with disabilities for quite some time – as they attempt to navigate their changing world and the services available to them. We pull from a wide array of information and expertise to devise personalized plans and approaches to getting individuals living with paralysis back into their communities and a place of well-being quickly.
636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A Short Hills, NJ 07078
CRTASA – International Registry of Therapy and Service Animals
http://www.crtasa.com
Canadian Registry of Therapy Animal & Service Animals (CRTASA) is a centralized registry operating in Canada & US since 2010. It registers service & therapy animals and extends annual memberships to verified applicants that also receive a valid CRTASA Photo ID Card to readily confirm their rightful ownership of their official animal to a place of business. Service animals registered by CRTASA include guide dogs and other trained species (eg. helper monkeys, miniature seeing guide horses, etc..) CRTASA does not certify service animals – it only registers those already officially trained/certified to assist their owner with a disability. The standardized CRTASA Photo ID Card alleviates past confusion that variety of ID Cards (issued by different states, provinces and training facilities) posed for businesses across North America – many of whom were unfamiliar with the issuing body. CRTASA members also benefit from point of purchase discounts on animal products/services extended by participating CRTASA corporate fellows.
North York, Ontario M2H 1J8
Department of Social Services & Health Services
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a helping hand and lifeline for one out of every four Washington residents.As a single agency, DSHS is able to provide services from several programs to meet the multiple needs of the majority of clients.
Devereux Santa Barbara
http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sb_index
Devereux is a non-profit organization providing services around the nation for persons with emotional, developmental & educational disabilities.
Down Syndrome, National Association
http://www.nads.org/
NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
1460 Renaissance Drive, Suite #405 Park Ridge, IL 60068
Easter Seals of Tennessee
http://www.tn.easter-seals.org
The mission of Easter Seals Tennessee is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their community.
750 Old Hickory Blvd, #2-260, Brentwood, TN 37027
Easter Seals Wisconsin
https://www.eastersealswisconsin.com/
Easter Seals Wisconsin has been creating life-changing solutions for individuals with disabilities and their families for nearly seven decades. Whether providing recreational opportunities for children, respite care for families, assisting farmers continue to farm, or gaining greater independence in everyday living, Easter Seals Wisconsin offers a variety of services to address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
101 Nob Hill Rd, Suite 301 Madison, WI 53713
Easter Seals, Bay Area
http://bayarea.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=CABY_whoweare&s_esLocation=wwa_
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
391 Taylor Boulevard, Suite 250, Pleasant Hill CA 94523
Elwyn Delaware
elwyn.org
Elwyn is a unique organization. Founded in 1852, Elwyn has been providing services to people with special needs for over 150 years. Today, Elwyn is nationally recognized as a pioneer in developing groundbreaking programs for children and adults with disabilities and disadvantages. Our innovative culture and dedicated staff enable us to help more than 12,000 people build more independent, productive lives.
111 Elwyn Road, Media, PA 19063
http://www.greendoor.org/
Green Door is a community program that prepares women and men with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses to work and live independently in the District of Columbia. Green Door is recognized nationally as one of the most successful programs for people with mental illness.
1221 Taylor Street, NW Washington DC 20011
Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled, Inc.
http://www.monkeyhelpers.org
Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled, Inc. is a 501(c )3 non-profit organization that breeds, raises and trains capuchin monkeys as service animals for people living with paralysis due to spinal cord injury and mobility limiting disease. Established in 1979, Helping Hands provides service animals and lifetime support of each placement free of charge to recipients across the country.
541 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02134
Horizons for the Blind
http://www.horizons-blind.org
A not-for-profit organization founded in 1977 to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired by increasing acessibilty to culture, education, recreation and consumer information on a national basis.
125 Erick Street, A103 Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Imagine: Innovative Resources for Cognitive & Physical Challenges
http://www.imaginecolorado.org/
The mission of Imagine! is to create and offer innovative supports to people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical, and health related needs so they may live fulfilling lives of independence and quality in their homes and communities.
1400 Dixon Avenue, Lafayette, CO 80026-2790
Maximum Potential Kids
http://www.maximumpotentialkids.com/
Maximum Potential has developed a video based autism training and curriculum platform that enables early intervention agencies or schools train their staff that works with children with autism. The program provides 5.5 hours of training that teachers staff best practices when working with students with ASD. The platform also contains 500+ fully customizable lesson plans that are compatible with the ABLLS-R.
5020 Mill Creek Ave Alpharetta, GA 30022
Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises (MORE)
http://www.morerehab.org/
MORE is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities. MORE was established by a group of parents, educators, rehabilitation professionals and concerned citizens and first began serving adults with disabilities in 1973. The organization has grown from serving less than ten to now over 200 individuals on a daily basis. Our services include direct training in social, living and vocational skills. In addition, we assist the community in providing real life opportunities, including work, for those we serve.
399 Placerville Drive Placerville, CA 95667
NAMI Indiana
http://www2.nami.org/
NAMI Indiana is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people afflicted by serious and persistent mental illness. NAMI Indiana consists of families, consumers, and professionals. We are dedicated to helping families through a network of support, education, advocacy, and promotion of research.
3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203
http://www.nami.org
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country.
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses. NAMI members and friends work to fulfill our mission by providing support, education, and advocacy.
National Association for Continence
http://www.nafc.org
National Association For Continence is a national, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and related pelvic floor disorders. NAFC's purpose is to be the leading source for public education and advocacy about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatments, and management alternatives for incontinence. NAFC sends out a free electronic newsletter and prints educational materials, including pamphlets,a Resource Guide, and booklets. These booklets are disease-specific, covering continence care of people living with Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. Visit our web site to find out more: www.nafc.org.
National Association of Private Special Education Centers
http://www.napsec.org/
Are you looking for an appropriate private special education placement for your child or client? Try NAPSEC's free referral service! NAPSEC offers this service to parents and professionals who are looking for a placement for their child or client. Call (202) 408-3338 or e-mail napsec@aol.com
601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 900 - South Building Washington, DC 20004
National Ataxia Foundation
http://www.ataxia.org
The National Ataxia Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of persons affected by ataxia through support, education, and research.
2600 Fernbrook Lane Suite 119 Minneapolis, MN 55447
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/
National Council members serve nearly six million adults, children, and families in communities across America. We offer a vital safety net to some of the poorest and most vulnerable in our society — Medicaid beneficiaries, the uninsured, the destitute and homeless, children in foster care, older adults, those with HIV/AIDS, veterans, and those in our criminal and juvenile justice systems. The people our members treat live with their families or alone; some are in hospitals, jails, or juvenile detention facilities and others are in residential programs, foster care, or group homes.
1400 K Street NW, Suite 400 Washington DC, 20005
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health. NIMH supports innovative science that will profoundly transform the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders, paving the way for a cure. The NIMH mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior.
NCI Affiliates
http://www.nciaffiliates.org/
We at NCI Affiliates are dedicated to providing services that encourage and support individuals with disabilities, so that they may successfully achieve their personal and professional goals. To create caring and supportive pathway to success for people with disabilities so that they may build upon their individual strengths and gain the confidence they need to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
496 Linne Road Paso Robles, CA 93446
Parents Helping Parents
http://www.php.com
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) provides lifetime guidance, supports and services to families of children with any special need and the professionals who serve them.
1400 Parkmoor Avenue Suite 100 San Jose, CA 95126
http://www.peopleservices.org/
The mission of People Services, Inc., is to serve as the local community agency, providing the delivery of quality services for people with disabilities. Our purpose it to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing services that promote life exploration and informed choices. To offer an array of service options that are designed to meet the needs, wants and desires of the person served.
4195 Lakeshore Blvd. Lakeport CA. 95453
Porterville Sheltered Workshop
http://www.pswrehab.com/
Our mission is to assist disabled individuals achieve a more independent and productive life.
194 West Poplar Avenue Porterville, CA 93257
Rocky Mountain Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center
http://www.adainformation.org/
The DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.
3630 Sinton Road, Suite 103 Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Rocky Mountain Resource & Training Institute
The DBTAC: Rocky Mountain ADA Center is one of 10 regional centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Our mission is to provide information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals and organizations. Our core services include: Materials dissemination, Technical assistance on the ADA, Training, Referrals to experts, and Research.
South Bay Vocational Center
http://www.sbvc1.com/
South Bay Vocational Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1952. Our mission is to provide vocational training, advocacy, counseling, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
20706 Main Street, Carson, CA. 90745
Speech Communication Assistance By Telephone, Inc.
http://www.speechtospeech.org
Do you have a speech disability and live in the USA (including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico)? If so, you can now use a free telephone service 24 hours a day. "Speech to Speech" (STS), provides communication assistants (CAs) for people with difficulty being understood by the public by telephone. Many STS users have Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or stroke. Other users stutter or have had a laryngectomy.
515 P Street #207 Sacramento, California 95814
The Arc of Bergen & Passaic Counties
http://www.arcbergenpassaic.org/
The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties is a private not-for profit organization of families, self advocates, professionals and community members dedicated to assisting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
223 Moore Street Hackensack, NJ 07601
The Arc of Gloucester County
http://www.thearcgloucester.org/
developmental disabilities and their families through education, advocacy and direct services. The vision of The Arc Gloucester is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities thereby resulting in improved quality of life for the families.
1555 Gateway Blvd. West Deptford, NJ 08096
The Arc of Racine
http://www.thearcofracine.org/
The Arc of Racine's mission is to advocate for and provide information and services to improve lives. Our vision is that people with disabilities will exercise their civil rights by being fully integrated and included in the community with lives that are as independent, productive and self -determined as possible.
6214 Washington Ave, Suite C-9, Racine, WI 53406
The Arc of The United States
http://www.thearc.org
The Arc is the world's largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 850 state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006
The Simon Foundation for Continence
http://www.simonfoundation.org/index.html
The Simon Foundation for Continence is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to: Bringing the topic of incontinence out into the open, removing the stigma surrounding incontinence, and providing help and hope for people with incontinence, their families, and the health professionals who provide their care. The Simon Foundation is known throughout the world for its innovative educational projects and tireless efforts on behalf of people with loss of bladder and bowel control. Toll free Information Number: 1-800-23Simon (237-4666) or write us at info@simonfoundation.org.
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucp.org/
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. As one of the largest health charities in America, the UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network.
1825 K Street NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20006
United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County
http://www.ucp-oc.org/UCP/
Founded in the early 1950s by parents and volunteers to serve the needs of children with cerebral palsy, UCP of Orange County now serves children with all types of developmental disabilities and provides vital support to families. Each year, we provide direct services to more than 3,800 people, with disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome muscular dystrophy and other developmental disabilities. Our staff of highly trained professionals includes leaders in inclusion, early intervention, advocacy and community resources, providing services and materials in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
980 Roosevelt, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92620
United Spinal Assocation
https://unitedspinal.org/
United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals. United Spinal transforms the lives of people with SCI/D by:
advocating for greater access to healthcare, mobility equipment, public transportation, rehabilitation, community services and supports, and the built environment
Empowering our members with resources, one-on-one assistance, and peer support
Promoting independence through employment opportunities and community integration of wheelchair users into mainstream society
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
http://kc.vanderbilt.edu
Provides exemplary model services and technical assistance, offers interdisciplinary training, conducts research, and disseminates information and resources related to developmental disabilities. Also a national Intelllectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. We work with and for people with disabilities and family members, service providers and advocates, researchers and policy makers.
110 Magnolia Circle Nashville, TN 37203
Variety, the Children's Charity of Illinois
http://www.varietyofillinois.org
Variety's mission is to provide funding and services for programs that strive to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for children who are mentally and physically challenged, abused, sick, homeless or underprivileged. Through a network of 43 chapters in 13 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with disabilities.
1001 W 75th St. #153 Woodridge, IL 60517
Voulunteers of America
http://www.voasoutheast.org/
Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by Christian social reformers Maud and Ballington Booth. They envisioned a spiritual movement in the United States in which devotion to God and country could be expressed through service to one's fellow man. Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, spiritually based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement.
600 Azalea Road Mobile, Alabama 36609