Advocacy Organizations

 

Below is a comprehensive list of advocacy organizations that seek to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please click their respective links to learn more about these local, state-wide, regional, and national organizations.

• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)

Since 1876 the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has been providing worldwide leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD, (formerly AAMR — American Association of Mental Retardation) is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and citizens concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU)

Founded in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the nation’s foremost guardian of liberty. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to defending and protecting our individual rights and personal freedoms.

• APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First)

APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  APSE is a growing national non-profit membership organization, founded in 1988.

• ARC of Philadelphia

The Arc of Philadelphia and PDDC are committed to ensuring that people are provided with supports and services of the highest quality. Founded in 1948 by parents who sought better services for their children, The Arc of Philadelphia is one of the first Arc chapters in the United States.

• Disabilities Rights Advocacy Group (DRAG)

Founded in 1989, the Disabilities Rights Advocacy Group (D.R.A.G.) aims to empower the disabled population and, to that effect, create awareness among the able-bodied citizenry

• Disabilities Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN)

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities. DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self–determination over their services.

• Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania

The Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA is leading the fight to end epilepsy and overcome challenges created by seizures by focusing on education, support and advocacy. We offer a range of free services and programs to improve the quality of life and empower those who are affected by epilepsy and their caregivers.

• Institute on Disabilities at Temple University 

Established in 1974, the Institute has mirrored the changes in the field of developmental disabilities, evolving into a model of self-determination and individualized supports in the community. The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is one of the sixty-seven University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• MAX (Moving Agencies toward eXcellence)

MAX is a member association of human service agencies in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Their mission is to assist provider organizations in the field of Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health to excel in the provision of services and to increase efficiency and effectiveness through improved communication, coordination, collaboration, and education among member organizations, county officials, legislators, and consumers.

 

• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

NDSS is a national advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome. The organization was founded in 1979 by Barton and Betsy Goodwin.

• Networks for Training and Development

Networks for Training and Development, Inc. (Networks) began in 1992 as a vision that it was possible to design and deliver relevant, practical, and yet innovative training, technical assistance, and service demonstration that could make a real difference in peoples’ lives.

• TASH

TASH is an international leader in disability advocacy. Founded in 1975, TASH advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs – those most vulnerable to segregation, abuse, neglect and institutionalization. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates.

• Vision for Equality

Audrey Coccia and Maureen Devaney created Vision For EQuality (VFE) in 1996 to change the lack of understanding and support people with disabilities and their families experienced in the community. Their mission is to assist and empower people with disabilities and their families to seek quality and satisfaction in their lives as well as equal access to supports and services.

 

DISCLAIMER: All information provided on ABSCO's website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between the organization and any person or entity unless otherwise specified.