Resources

The following is a collection of helpful resources to support individuals with disabilities in various areas, including legal assistance, employment support, education, and more.

If you’d like to share your experiences with disability, mental health, inclusion, and stigma, feel free to fill out our “What Do You Wish Others Knew?” survey.

Legal Rights & Advocacy

ADA.gov – Disability Rights Guide: Clear explanations of disability rights laws in the U.S.
ADA.gov – Main Page: Info on the ADA, enforcement, and access requirements.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): Free or low cost legal advocacy through state Protection and Advocacy agencies.
U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR): For education access issues and civil rights complaints.
EEOC – Disability Discrimination: Workplace disability discrimination rights and how to file a complaint.
Find Your Legislator (FiscalNote): Quickly look up your elected representatives to contact them about disability policy or advocacy.
Harvard Law – Project on Disability (HPOD): Research, global advocacy, and resources for strengthening disability rights.

Mental Health & Accessible Services

FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA): Directory of local mental health and substance use treatment services.
SAMHSA – Behavioral Health Resources: National mental health information and programs.
Crisis Text Line: Free 24/7 crisis support by text.
Psychology Today – Therapist Directory: Search for therapists with options for telehealth and accessibility.
RTT for Android (Real-Time Text): Step-by-step setup for text-based phone calls.
RTT/TTY for iPhone: Guide for enabling real-time text or TTY on iPhone.

Community, Connection & Support Networks

Centers for Independent Living Directory (ILRU): Local disability-run centers offering peer support, skill building, and community programs.
Best Buddies International: Friendship, leadership, and community-building programs to reduce isolation.
Disability:IN: Inclusion and employment programs for disabled youth and adults.
Neurodiversity Alliance: Student-led clubs and peer networks supporting neurodivergent youth and college students.
Friendship Line – Institute on Aging: Emotional support hotline for disabled adults and older adults.

Education, Youth Inclusion & Early Belonging

PYD – Partners for Youth with Disabilities: Programs promoting inclusion, confidence, and youth leadership.
PYD Online Learning Platform: Courses for inclusive teaching, disability communication, and youth support.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Framework that helps educators design accessible and flexible learning environments.
UDL Guidelines: Practical tools for creating inclusive lesson plans and classroom materials.
Parent Training & Information Centers (PTIs): Supports families with disability rights, IEPs, and inclusive education strategies.
Learning for Justice – Disability & Ableism Education: School resources for teaching respect, disability history, and inclusion.

Social Life, Dating & Identity

Love Is Respect – Healthy Relationships: Guides on boundaries, communication, respect, and safety.
What Respect Looks Like in Relationships: A simple visual breakdown of healthy vs unhealthy dynamics.
Dating & Disability Articles (Psychology Today): Stories and advice written by disabled people about dating, stigma, and identity.

Isolation, Peer Support & Connection

Centers for Independent Living: Many CILs run peer groups, social events, and skill-building workshops.
Neurodiversity Alliance Clubs Directory: Campus-based support for connecting with peers and building community.
Friendship Line: A direct emotional support line for anyone who experiences isolation.

Web & Digital Accessibility

ADA.gov – Web Accessibility Guidance: What the ADA requires for websites and apps to be accessible.
Android Accessibility Overview: Features like TalkBack, captions, RTT, magnification, and more.
iPhone Accessibility Overview: Full list of iPhone tools like VoiceOver, RTT, display adjustments, and audio features.

Everyday Tools & Employment Support

Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Free expert guidance on workplace accommodations, disability disclosure, and employment rights.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (VR): Free services for job training, placement, and accommodations.
NVDA Screen Reader: Free screen reader with training guides for blind and low vision users.
IDEA Information Center: Details on special education services and protections under IDEA.