"In 1972, while Congress was debating landmark legislation which would create, for the first time, civil rights for disabled people, a TV news reporter aired a series of brutal exposes showing a nationwide audience the extent of abuse at Willowbrook State School. Geraldo Rivera was the investigating reporter. Bernard was his point man. It gained him his freedom.,,,"I was starting a new life," says Bernard. "It was like being reborn. But I had to go through a lot of pain and hell and I needed support." Since then, Bernard has transformed himself into a major force in the movement for self-advocacy in New York and across the nation. "Self-advocacy should not even exist. But society makes it exist," he says....... Visit this webpage to learn more about how Carabello has clearly shown that people with disabilities, despite the limitations imposed upon them by others, can become the most potent of advocates....
Despite being blind, the 62-year-old history professor teaches a full course load at RIT. But even that pales next to the work he's doing in cyberspace at the confluence of 15,000 intertwined computer networks called the Internet. There, Coombs is chairman of Project EASI (Equal Access to Software and information) that's leading the fight to get people with disabilities online. In cyberspace, Coombs and other advocates - are at the forefront of a movement that is empowering people with disabilities by connecting them to each other and the world through computer networks". Read more to learn about his advocacy.....
Judith Heumann's life and work is simply, yet profoundly, a clear reason why we need ALL people - PARENTS of children with disabilities, PEOPLE with disabilities (such as Judith Heumann) and PROFESSIONALS - to jointly work together in furthering the possibilities for ALL individuals with isabilities. Read how her ADVOCACY has made dramatic changes for many Americans...
"In a matter of hours on May 17, 1989, acute transverse myelitis left Lubin respirator-dependent and paralyzed below the second cervical vertebra (C2 level). Yet Lubin has not allowed quadriplegia to keep him from going on-line with his computer for up to nine hours a day. His Web site (which includes his
disABILITY Resources on the Internet) has become popular with more than 100 people "visiting" Lubin and his page each day." Visit this page to learn more about Jim, and then visit his AWESOME web site!
ADVOCACY
Advocacy can take many forms, and perhaps the most potent form of advocacy is education.
has developed federal legislation (CASA), disability rights training and demonstrations to promote necessary changes for individuals with disabilities.
A growing number of California's families are simply unable to provide their children the basics in life -- adequate food, clothing or shelter. Stagnant incomes, rising unemployment rates and inadequate child support have lead to record numbers of California children living in poverty. Many families in California cannot keep pace with the rapidly rising costs of housing, health care, and child care, which severely jeopardizes their children's future.THIS WEBSITE HAS LINKS TO INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES, AS WELL AS AVENUES TO ACTION. DON'T MISS THIS SITE! OUR KIDS NEED YOU!
is a coalition of approximately 100
national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
- The mission of the Disabled Student Cultural Center is to foster and develop disability community and pride. We sponsor regular programs and events, and our office provides a comfortable, accessible site for all students. We strive to build bridges between students with disabilities and
other individuals and organizations both on and off campus. DSCC is run by students, for students. It's your Center!
"Is it cool to be disabled? .... we think so. Through this site we plan to
challenge the preconceived notions about what it's like to live with a disability... the good parts and the bad parts.....When we're finished with you, we hope that you will never again accept society's stereotypes and low levels of expectations of what people think we should be....
home page is a treasure-trove of current, up-to-the-minute information regarding a wealth of disability-rights related actions. This web page seems to gather all types of information regarding the disability rights movement, and add them to their many links.
- the home page of Jamal Mazrui! This site offers information, ideas, and software related to my interests and the theme of empowerment -- helping individuals and communities achieve self actualization and full citizenship. I hope you'll find it interesting and
useful in your own endeavors. I welcome any feedback, as well as suggestions for empowerment resources to highlight in this site.
- has been finding people who 'stick their neck out' to make a difference in their corner of the world since 1982, and telling the stories of these "Giraffes" to the nation. The Project knows that good ideas and good hearts won't solve problems if they are idle; and that the best way to move people into courageous, caring action is to show them someone else going first. When people hear and see the Project's stories of people taking on tough challenges in their communities and beyond, they're inspired to take on the challenges they see. Visit this site and learn how YOU can become part of this project!
(NAOTD) is an online informational and advocacy organization dedicated to working towards gaining equal rights for the disAbled in all areas of life. NAOTD believes that organizations which exist to serve persons with disAbilities, or make policies that affect them, should be governed and guided by persons with disAbilities.
is a new grassroots organization dedicated to fighting the perceived notion that assisted suicide, "mercy killings" or euthanasia can become the 'law of the land'.
(CCI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the needs of people with disabilities by providing trained service, hearing and social dogs and by providing continuing support to ensure the success of the working team.
(Berkeley, CA) (CIL) is a national leader in helping people with disabilities live independently and become productive, fully participating members of society. The staff and board, most of whom have disabilities, are strongly committed to supporting others in their efforts towards self sufficiency. Since 1972 The Center has opened doors for over 140,000 people, who were traditionally viewed only as "patients", to help them leave institutions, set up independent living situations and hold jobs.
(CHICO) -CLC) provides a variety of services assisting individuals in living independently. Services include instruction in independent living skills, parenting skills, socialization training, supported employment, and community utilization and integration
- "Since 1985, when we created the industry's first Disability Solutions Group, Apple Computer has been at the forefront of making computer technology that meets the special needs of children and adults with disabilities around
the globe. It is our belief that computers do not just make people more productive, but that they have an almost magical way of increasing an individual's independence. Self-expression. Participation. Choices. And self-esteem...." A MUST SEE!
(ATA) is a network of community-based resource centers dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. Centers can be found all across the country.
-The United States needs citizens trained in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology including individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. A goal of DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology), is to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities in academic programs and careers. This website includes lots of additional information regarding their resources.
(Developmental Research for the Effective Advancement of Memory and Motor Skills) is a non-profit parent and professional service agency, that specializes in Assistive Technology (AT) related research, development, and information dissemination. Web site contains information regarding resources available (reprints of a variety of articles) to familiarize individuals with AT.
- EASI's mission is to serve as a resource to the education community by providing information and guidance in the area of access-to-information technologies by individuals with disabilities. We stay informed about developments and advancements within the adaptive computer technology field and spread that information to colleges, universities, K-12 schools, libraries and into the work place. A MUST see!
the award-winning Internet-based education information service of the ERIC System, headquartered at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology at Syracuse University. Because AskERIC is also a Sun SITE repository, AskERIC is able to expand the quality and quantity of its resources and services to the education community.
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- Software designed specifically for children with developmental delays and limited motor skills. 9 Months - 7 Years cognitive age level. Single switch software for IBM PC & compatible computers.
- (For IBM-compatible PCs running DOS or Windows) This is a guide to some of the available software that may provide access to a computer for individuals with physical and/or sensory limitations that restrict their effective use of standard input and output devices (ie., keyboards, mice, monitors).
in special education through technology, media and materials (NCIP) - seeks to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by promoting the effective use of assistive and instructional technologies among educators and related personnel serving these students. Web site is bursting with EXCELLENT resources! A MUST see!
-an invaluable site for anyone wanting to find resources (not only the money, but also the procedures necessary for writing a grant, finding and contacting the 'right' source, etc.)
- is an informational resource for Parents, Educators, and children's software Publishers. The content of this site has been developed in response to the interests and needs of these three audiences. Let's all work together to empower children with technology!
Call for Papers: Oakland, California October 23-26, 1997 An Historic International Conference - The International Conference on Parents with Disabilities and their Families will be the first national and international conference to focus on parents with disabilities and their families. In the U.S. alone, there are at least 8.1 million families with children in which one or both parents have a disability, that is, 10.9% of all American families.
was formed by five key leaders who were instrumental in passage of ADA To these five, the next logical step for Americans with disabilities was the establishment of a national, non-partisan organization that can and will represent the 49 million Americans who have disabilities. AAPD's goals are unity, leadership and impact. This new organization is developing plans to provide various services - including insurance and credit card access - to its' members.
has conducted the nation's first survey of parents with disabilities to gather information about their parenting challenges, barriers and unique needs. The survey also will document the kinds of service system changes that public policy needs to address. Almost 1200 responses have been received and are currently being analyzed. A preliminary analysis of the first 800 responses is available now.
is to promote the 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 110 countries, over half of which are in the developing world. DPI is administered through the headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada and through eight Regional Development Offices.
specializes in exploring the history, ideology, and diverse expressions of the disability culture. Their work combines the flavor of their findings with pragmatic organizational development techniques. Included here is a unique collection of music, art and literature which all focus on 'disability culture'.
supports the full and equal participation of America's 49 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. N.O.D. was founded in 1982 at the conclusion of the United Nations International Year of Disabled People.
(WID) is an international public policy center dedicated to carrying out cutting-edge research on disability issues and overcoming obstacles to independent living. Over the past 13 years, WID has earned an excellent reputation for high quality research and public education on a wide range of issues that impact people with disabilities.
The Coalition on Sexuality and Disability is an organization of able-bodied and disabled persons working to improve sexual health care services for the disabled by providing education, training, and advocacy to the public.
is a well-known, highly respected, and scrupulously ethical introduction service. For over a decade they have brought together progressive, socially conscious men and women who care about social justice, the environment, gender equity, racism, and personal growth.
- This book, reviewed by 'Ability Network', "is a ompassionate guide - with some illustrations - to love and intimacy. Written by a husband and wife team, one of whom has a disability, it is based on their own experiences as well as those of more than seventy-five individuals and couples. Their true life experiences form the heart and soul of this very readable and informative book.
is by and for disabled adults wanting to learn more about love, sexuality, and relationships -- and maybe find that special someone. (for adults 18 and over)
NOTE: This information package was developed in 1990. Although it has not been updated recently, it contains information that continues to be extremely useful to people who are concerned about supports and services for people with disabilities
- (CIS) is a coalition of advocacy, family, and professional organizations and individuals committed to ensuring that all students are provided with the opportunity for an effective inclusive education.
The Monterey County Coalition for Special Needs Students) was founded in February 1994 by parents of special education students in Monterey County, CA in response to a growing concern for the quality of special education in the county.
People interested in special education within San Diego County can access
(ABC) is a student club at California State University, Chico, for all students and community members interested in disability issues. Ability Connection is primarily concerned with improving campus access for people with any kind of disability, and with social networking.
is a joint project from both San Diego State and UC San Diego to foster distance learning opportunities. Their site has links to various ability and disability management systems.
represents a collaborative effort to build the capacity of state and local education agencies to serve children and youth with and without disabilities in school and community settings. The focus of the project is on systematic reform rather than changes in special education systems only.
(CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionality, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
- University of Minnesota/Twin Cities Campus - The mission of the Disabled Student Cultural Center is to foster and develop disability community and pride. We sponsor regular programs and events, and our office provides a comfortable, accessible site for all students. We strive to build bridges between students with disabilities and other individuals and organizations both on and off campus. DSCC is run by students, for students. It's your Center!
(ERIC EC) is one of 16 federally funded clearinghouses in the ERIC system, a nationwide information network sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, National Library of Education.
presents resources for the school psychology community. Here you will find information on diverse topics such as learning disabilities, ADHD, gifted, autism, adolescence, parenting, assessment, classroom management, special education, k-12, mental health, reading, research, and more.
