Gladys L. Benerd School of Education
Websites for Disability Categories
Please note the University of the Pacific does not endorse any products advertised on the following internet sites. Also, the content of these internet links is subject to change, and thus their appropriateness as a resource may also change.
(1) Autism:
National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml) reducing the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain and behavior.
Autism Society of America (www.autism-society.org) ASA exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org) Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle
Learn the Signs, Act Early (for diagnosing autism in young children) (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/default.htm) Do you know all the ways you should measure your child's growth? We naturally think of height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is, the earlier it's recognized the more you can do to help your child reach her full potential.
(2) Deaf-blindness:
American Association of the Deaf-Blind (www.aadb.org) The American Association of the Deaf-Blind has a mission to assure that a comprehensive, coordinated system of services is accessible to all deaf-blind persons enabling them to achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity and integration into the community. AADB provides basic services to its members such as print-to-braille or braille-to-print transcription of personal papers, shopping services, loan of Braille books, and other necessities.
(3) Deafness:
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (www.agbell.org ) The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advocating Independence through Listening and Talking!
American Society for Deaf Children (www.deafchildren.org) The American Society for Deaf Children supports and educates families of deaf and hard of hearing children and advocates for high quality programs and services.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (www.asha.org) The ASHA staff includes about 30 professionals in audiology or speech-language pathology, in addition to individuals with exemplary professional experience and credentials in the areas of: accounting and financial management, adult learning, association management, epidemiology, facilities management, graphic design, human resources, information systems, lobbying, marketing, meetings and conference management, postal operations, publications, public relations, research and survey methodology-just to name a few!
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse (www.nidcd.nih.gov/) The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the Federal government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. NIH's mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(4) Emotional disturbance:
National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml) reducing the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain and behavior.
National Mental Health Association (NMHA): (http://www.nmha.org) A national advocacy organization that is dedicated to addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.
(5) Hearing impairment:
Questions and Answers about Deafness and Hearing Impairments in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act: (www.eeoc.gov/facts/deafness.html) The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the employment provisions of the ADA. This document is part of a question-and-answer series addressing particular disabilities in the workplace. It explains how the ADA might apply to job applicants and employees with hearing impairments.
American Academy of Audiology: (www.audiology.org) More than 31 million Americans have some type of hearing problem. In this area, you'll find resources for consumers who want to learn more about hearing and balance, students thinking about a career as an audiologist, and professionals with questions about technical topics in audiology. You'll also find links to other related organizations.
Deafness and Hearing Impairments - General:
(www. disabilityresources.org/DEAF-GENERAL.html) Its website contains information about the organization and links. ... The nicely designed website was developed by a women with a hearing impairment.
(6) Mental retardation:
The Arc of the United States: (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.
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: (www.aaidd.org) AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP):
(http://www.aacap.org) A comprehensive site that is designed to serve both AACAP members, and parents and families. Information is provided as a public service to aid in the understanding and treatment of the developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders.
(7) Multiple disabilities:
Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH): (www.tash.org) TASH is an international membership association leading the way to inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy. TASH members are people with disabilities, family members, fellow citizens, advocates, and professionals working together to create change and build capacity so that all people, no matter their perceived level of disability, are included in all aspects of society.
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC): (www.naric.com) A gateway to an abundance of disability- and rehabilitation-oriented information organized in a variety of formats designed to make it easy for users to find and use. For the past 25 years NARIC staff members have been dedicated to providing direct, personal, and high-quality information services to anyone throughout the country. As a leader in providing interactive information to the disability and rehabilitation community, NARIC's Web site continues this tradition by putting the information into the hands of the users through online publications, searchable databases, and timely reference and referral data.
United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc.: (www.ucpa.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.
(8) Orthopedic impairment:
The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education: (www.napcse.org) is a national membership organization dedicated to rendering all possible support and assistance to parents whose children receive special education services, both in and outside of school. NAPCSE was founded for parents with children with special needs to promote a sense of community and provide a national forum for their ideas.
(9) Other health impairment:
Youth may have limited strength, vitality or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems. These may include heart conditions, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, nephritis, asthma, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, epilepsy, lead poisoning, leukemia, or diabetes. These health impairments may impact the performance of the youth. Here are some web sites to help you more effectively work with youth with these other health impairments:
American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf)
American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org/children)
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (www.aaaai.org/)
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.leukemia.org)
American Sickle Cell Anemia Association (www.ascaa.org)
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) (www.add.org)
Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADDA, provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults and children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) lead better lives.
Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) (www.
The mission of the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. This website offers resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS.
(10) Specific learning disability:
Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD): (www.cldinternational.org) CLD is an international organization that promotes effective teaching and research. CLD is composed of professionals who represent diverse disciplines and who are committed to enhance the education and lifespan development of individuals with learning disabilities. CLD establishes standards of excellence and promotes innovative strategies for research and practice through interdisciplinary collegiality, collaboration, and advocacy.
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) (www.interdys.org/whoweare) The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is an international organization that concerns itself with the complex issues of dyslexia. We believe that all individuals have the right to achieve their potential, that individual learning abilities can be strengthened and that social, educational and cultural barriers to language acquisition and use must be removed. The IDA actively promotes effective teaching approaches and related clinical educational intervention strategies for dyslexics. We support and encourage interdisciplinary research. We facilitate the exploration of the causes and early identification of dyslexia and are committed to the responsible and wide dissemination of research based knowledge.
Learning Disabilities Worldwide (LDW) (www.ldam.org) LDW works to enhance the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, with a special emphasis on the underserved. LDW is a non-profit, volunteer organization including individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and professionals.
(11) Speech or language impairment:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) (www.asha.org) The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 130,000 members and affiliates who are speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (www.nidcd.nih.gov) NIDCD is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the Federal government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. NIH's mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Apraxia-KIDS (www.apraxia-kids.org) is the website of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association (CASANA), which offers information, support and training, and works for better public policy and research related to kids with apraxia. The Apraxia Library section of their website has a wealth of information, including tips about insurance coverage of services.
(12) Traumatic brain injury:
Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) (www.biausa.org) is the leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with its network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates, as well as hundreds of local chapters and support groups across the country, the BIAA provides information, education and support to assist the 5.3 million Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families.
Brain Injury Association of America
Traumatic Brain Injury National Data Center
The Brain Injury Information Network
Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide
Centre for Neuro Skills
Brain Injury Resource Center
The Brain Injury Recovery Network
The Anatomy of a Head Injury
Second Chance to Live
Headway
Cerbra Foundation for the Brain Injured Child
Brown-Karhan Health Care
Gulf Coast NeuroRestorative Centre
Florida Institute for Neurological Rehabilitation
Alabama Head Injury Foundation
(13) Visual impairment:
American Foundation for the Blind: (www.afb.org) The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies.
American Council of the Blind: (www.acb.org) 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; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.
Additional Mental Health Websites
* American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP):
http://www.aacap.org
A comprehensive site that is designed to serve both AACAP members, and parents and families. Information is provided as a public service to aid in the understanding and treatment of the developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders.
* American Psychiatric Association (APA):
http://www.psych.org
National medical specialty society whose physician members specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance use disorders.
* Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law:
http://www.bazelon.org
A nonprofit legal advocacy organization for people with mental illness and mental retardation.
* Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (FFCMH):
http://www.ffcmh.org
A national parent-run non-profit organization focused on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental disorders and their families.
* Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN):
http://www.mentalhealth.org
A national one-stop source of information and resources on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for mental illness.
* National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI):
http://www.nami.org
A national grassroots, self-help support and advocacy organization for individuals with severe mental illness.
* National Mental Health Association (NMHA):
http://www.nmha.org
A national advocacy organization that is dedicated to addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.