Advocacy

ACT -- Advocating Change Together

ACT is a twenty-four-year-old self-advocacy disability rights organization that distributes tools and materials that help individuals promote self-advocacy in their lives and work.  Look for the Self-Advocacy Declaration of Independence and other helpful information at their web site, or call for a catalog at 1-800-641-0059. Mail: ACT Self-Advocacy Resource Network, Advocating Change Together, 1821 University Avenue, Suite 306 S., St. Paul, MN 55104. 

ADA Compliance and Technical Assistance Resource Directory

The National Arts and Disability Center [NADC] would like to inform you about our new State Resource Directories on ADA Compliance and Technical Assistance. Each state has its own directory that contains listings of organizations and agencies that provide technical assistance regarding the ADA and the Arts. Included in these listings are disability agencies and organizations for creating an access advisory committee for conducting outreach to the disability community.

The NADC is a resource, training and information center dedicated to
promoting the full inclusion of artists and audiences with disabilities into the arts community. You can visit our web site at http://nadc.ucla.edu.  For additional information, contact Beth Stoffmacher, Technical Assistance Coordinator, National Arts and Disability Center, Phone: (310) 825-5054 Email: bstoffmacher@mednet.ucla.edu

ADAPT

It's hard to imagine a group of people who know better how to move mountains.  If Rosa Parks had used a wheel chair, chances are she would have belonged to ADAPT.

Arc--National

There is often a huge difference between the positions of the national Arc and the Arc state chapters. Formerly known as the "Association for Retarded Citizens," national Arc has taken giant steps forward on behalf of all people with disabilities. Find out what your state chapter could be/should be doing.

Autism National Committee

There are a lot of ways to "see."  The perspective that many people have of folks who experience autism is that they need to be fixed or changed to fit society.  The Autism National Committee sees the person first.

Center for Public Representation

CPR was founded in 1972 as a non-profit public interest law firm. It's mission is to protect and strengthen the civil rights and opportunities of people and especially children with disabilities -- physical, developmental, or psychiatric -- through policy analyses, advocacy, and litigation.

The Community Imperative

In 1979, the Center on Human Policy developed, The Community Imperative, a declaration supporting the right of all people who experience disabilities to live in community.   Twenty-one years later, they have rewritten the Imperative. Join the growing movement of people across the world who are calling for the closure of all institutions.

Disabled Peoples' International

The purpose of Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) is to promote Human Rights of People with disabilities through full participation, equalization of opportunity and development.  DPI is a grassroots, cross-disability network with member organizations in over 158 countries, half of which are in the developing world.

Down Syndrome Congress

The NDSC began in 1972 as an advocacy organization dedicated to creating opportunities and assuring the rights of all people with Down syndrome.  Throughout its 30 year history, it has always been a family member organization and today retains strong grassroots ties.  From humble beginnings as an all-volunteer organization, the NDSC has established a strong national and international voice on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families.

Everybody Can Serve

Martin Luther King, Jr. said "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve…"  So begins the introduction to Everybody Can Serve a video and presentation guide for self-advocates from the Institute on Disability at The University of Georgia.

Grants for Individuals Who Experience Disabilities

Maintained by the Michigan State University Libraries Social Sciences Division, this site contains information about numerous foundations and grant sources geared to individuals who experience disabilities.  Check it out! 

Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

The folks at the Governor's Council do great work. Check out "Parallels in Time," an historical perspective of disability.  And there's much, much more!

Mouth Magazine

Without a doubt, one of the best disability rights magazines available.  Hard hitting, never blinking, Mouth Magazine holds on and never lets go.

NAMI Virginia

Formerly known as the Virginia Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NAMI is a statewide self-help, support, and advocacy organization for families and friends of individuals with serious mental illnesses.  Directed by one of Virginia's most effective advocates -- Val Marsh -- NAMI of Virginia provides valuable information about medications, housing, research, community-based care, and much more.  Check out their good work.

Not Dead Yet

If you're reading this, you're not dead yet.  But are you a part of one of America's most forceful advocacy groups?  Check out this important web site.

Partners In Policymaking

First started by the folks of the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Partners is now a world-wide organization that helps people who experience disabilities and family members to partner with policy makers for real change.

People First

One of the first and most enduring self-advocacy groups, People First has been instrumental nationally in closing institutions.  Check out the Tennessee chapter's site for information about their successful effort to close the TN institution.

Self-Advocacy.Com

A good source of publications for self-advocates and change agents.

Mayer Shevin Consulting

Mayer Shevin is a good friend.  A teacher for me.  A teacher for many.  For years, he has led the fight to help people who communicate differently to be heard.  Mayer listens deeply.  Visit his helpful site for great resources, great links, and information about his consultation services.

Speaking for Ourselves

A great self-advocacy group based in Pennsylvania. Speaking for Ourselves is now offering training for other self-advocacy groups on important topics such as organizing and self-determination.

TASH

While other advocacy groups were sitting on the fence about important issues such as the need to abolish institutions and aversive treatment, TASH took action.  I am a proud member.  Get involved today!  (See also Virginia TASH).


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