Several organizations exist that work to improve access and promote the full inclusion of individuals from various disability identities within society. Students should become familiar with these organizations. This is not an exhaustive list, however, students should keep these resources in a personal file and continue to add to their list for current or future reference.
For Students: Organizations that Support People with Disabilities
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Supportive Organizations
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
For individuals interested in higher education, the AAPDopens in new window offers the Higher Education project, which aims to improve disabled individuals’ access to and inclusion in higher education, creating peer networks and access to resources.
Association on Higher Education and Disability
This professional membership organizationopens in new window trains personnel in higher education settings to work with students with disabilities. The group promotes policies of inclusion and equity in education for those who have disabilities.
Disability.gov
This government-sponsored databaseopens in new window provides information about services for individuals with disabilities. It is an “information and referral” web site – services are not actually available through this site.
National Disability Rights Network
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)opens in new window is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. P&As and CAPs work to improve the lives of people with disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Collectively, the network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
Resources for College Students with Disabilities
Attending college is a daunting process for millions of college students. Connecting and reviewing resources can decrease the ambiguity of navigating a college campus. Review the resources below.
Black, Disabled and Proud: College Student with Disabilities
Black, Disabled and Proudopens in new window is a resources created by the HBCU Disability Consortium and the Association on higher Education and Disability. The website provides resources from high school students.
National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities
National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)
Please visit the new National Center for College Students with Disabilities’opens in new window clearinghouse of information and resources, designed for future and current College students and their families. For assistance, contact NCCSD by email. Toll-free phone:(844) 730-8048. Video phone for deaf callers: (651) 583-7499.
DREAM (Disability Rights, Education Activism and Mentoring)
DREAM (Disability Rights, Education Activism and Mentoring)opens in new window is a national organization for and by college students with disabilities, supported in our work by sponsoring organization of the National Center for College Students with Disabilities, based at AHEAD (the Association on Higher Education And Disability).
DREAM is open to higher education students of all types, including graduate students, part-time students, and those who are auditing higher education courses. It is open to students of all ages with any kind of disability, culturally deaf students, and non-disabled students who are our allies and peers. We explicitly include people who have traditionally been marginalized or under-represented in the disability or higher education communities.
Moving Ahead – Transition Resources for Everyone
The successful transition of students with disabilities to, through and beyond college is a team effort. AHEAD offers the following to students, parents, professionals and employers so that all are aware of the wide range of resources that are available. FAQ’s - Students Transition Resources A-Zopens in new window.
Date created: 2017