AAPD is committed to ensuring the economic and political empowerment of all Americans with a disability. It is imperative that our community of people with disabilities, along with their friends, family and supporters, be pro-active through involvement with the disability rights movement.

Adult Autism Spectrum Friends is an activity, advocacy, etc. group for Adults on the Autism Spectrum (18 years and older) in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. We are run by Autistic Adults, for Autistics Adults. Being an Adult on the Autism Spectrum means that it is harder for us to get to know people and make friends than our NT counterparts, the aim of this group is to make it easier in a more relaxed atmosphere where you can be yourself, stims and all! Eye contact isn't essential to be part of this group; all you need is a desire to do neat things! The kinds of activities that we will host will be anything from playing board games to going to exhibits, etc. This is our group, ideas are always appreciated! Join us, share your experiences, learn about the best resources, and keep updated on Autism Activism. Think of us as a group of friends that help each other cope with a world that doesn't always understand us. Come and let your hair down and relax among your true peers who require no explanations.

Advocacy.org provides social justice advocates with resources and guidance in the area of advocacy leadership development, and also introduces our programs and services. We're will be constantly updating our site with stories, resources and lessons learned in order to pass on what we've learned from advocates like you.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a professional medical organization comprised of child and adolescent psychiatrists. The mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is a national legal advocate for people with mental disabilities. Through precedent-setting litigation and in the public policy arena, the Bazelon Center works to advance and preserve the rights of people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates and parents. Our primary mission is to secure high quality educational services for children with disabilities.

Disability Advocacy

DCASA is a non-profit organization of parents, professionals, and friends of persons with autism, designed to promote the general welfare of persons with autism in the District of Columbia.

Provide information an referral for families affected by autism and related disabilities. Advocate for appropriate services in education, medical and other areas.

Works to build communities that value, engage, and challenge children and adults with developmental disabilities from all ethnic and cultural groups.

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In its 1986 report Toward Independence, NCD first proposed that Congress should enact a civil rights law for people with disabilities. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law.

NCD's overall purpose is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

The mission of the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) is to expand the participation and contribution of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. By raising disability awareness through programs and information, together we can work toward closing the participation gaps.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of all persons with mental retardation and their families through supports and advocacy.

CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.

The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities 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.

Services provided by ULS under the protection and advocacy grants include information and referral; education and training; investigation of reported or suspected instances of abuse or neglect; legal counsel; technical assistance, and litigation services; and technical assistance regarding legislative and policy concerns. All services are offered free of charge to eligible individuals in accordance with ULS' available resources and policies.

VSA arts is an International organization that creates learning opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities. The organization offers arts-based programs in creative writing, dance, drama, music and the visual arts implemented primarily through our vast affiliate network in 39 states and the District of Columbia, collaborators in 10 states, and 70 international affiliates in 67 countries. VSA arts' programs now serve 4.3 million Americans and 1.3 million people in other parts of the world.