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The Fight for Disabled Rights Has Gone on Too Long

Thank goodness for the 1960s and the upheavals it caused, I find myself saying these days. It was a time of the dismantling of the old guard, where groups outside of the circle of old white men in suits who controlled everything fought for -- and gained -- their rights. The civil rights movement gave a voice and dignity to once oppressed groups: people of colour, women, gays and lesbians, children, the disabled, as well as entities that could not speak for themselves at all like animals and the Earth.

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 The Fight for Disabled Rights Has Gone on Too Long

Though the movement for disabled rights began in earnest in the early 1900s, it wasn't until the mid-century civil rights movement that this group made great gains. Sadly, one in five disabled people worldwide still experience difficulties, but hope reigns eternal.

AbilityLab

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research real time.

Diversability

Diversability is an award-winning global movement that began in Washington, DC with Tiffany Yu in 2009. We foster community online and off to connect, showcase, and empower people of all abilities doing amazing things.

Move United

Move United’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, competition, recreation, high performance sport and educational programs.

Neil Squire

We use technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with disabilities.

Not Dead Yet

Not Dead Yet is a national, grassroots disability rights group that opposes legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia as deadly forms of discrimination .

PATH International

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) promotes safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.

ReachOut.com

ReachOut.com is Australia’s leading online youth mental health service that is accessed by more than 4,500 people every day. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing practical information, tools and support to young people for everyday troubles to really tough times.

Scope

Scope is a charity that exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Until then, we’ll be here.

The Arc

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Through the Looking Glass

Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally recognized center that has pioneered research, training, and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability or medical issue.

VOR

Speaking out for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout its history, VOR has been the only national organization to advocate for a full range of quality residential options and services, including own home, family home, community-based service options, and licensed facilities. We support the expansion of quality community-based service options; we oppose the elimination of specialized facility-based (institutional) option.

Women with Disabilities Australia

WWDA is the peak organisation for women with all types of disabilities in Australia. WWDA is run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities.

ADAPT

ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom.

Adaptive Sports Foundation

The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that provides profound and life changing experiences for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community.

All Walks of Life

We work to prevent violence against people with disabilities. Toward this effort, the organization collects data, provides education, publishes reports, and works with others to reach this goal.

Center for Applied Special Technology

CAST pledges to work tirelessly to understand the full extent of human learner variability and to find transformative approaches that make education more effective for all.

DAWN Csnada

DAWN Canada is a national organization controlled by and comprised of women who self-identify as Women with disAbilities. They are from all backgrounds and all disAbilities. DAWN is a feminist organization working to achieve control over their lives and to end the stereotype that labels them dependent burdens on society.

Disability Rights Advocates

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is one of the leading nonprofit disability rights legal centers in the nation. Its mission is to advance equal rights and opportunity for people with all types of disabilities nationwide. DRA is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.

Disability Rights UK

We are disabled people leading change, working to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens.

Fishing Has No Boundaries

To provide recreational fishing opportunities for all anglers with disabilities regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability. To create public awareness of the problems facing persons with disabilities and the shortfall of recreational opportunities...

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

Our work influences government and local authority policies and services so that they better meet the needs of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.

Humanity & Inclusion US

Our teams act on the frontlines of the world's most pressing emergencies, promote disability rights, provide rehabilitation, and ensure people live safely after conflict.

Mobility International USA

Founded in 1981, Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is a disability-led non-profit organization headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, USA working to advance the rights of people with disabilities globally. By implementing innovative programs, we are building bridges to create a new era where people with disabilities will take their rightful place in the world community.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

The mission of NCLD is to improve the lives of the one in five children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

National Center on Disability and Journalism

The goal of the NCDJ is to provide support and guidance for journalists as they cover people with disabilities.

National Council on Disability

NCD is an independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities.

National Disability Services

NDS's purpose is to promote quality service provision and life opportunities for Australians with disability. This is achieved by influencing governments at all levels and providing members with information and advice, networking opportunities and business support.

National Organization on Disability

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) has been a leader in advancing opportunities for people with all kinds of disabilities for over 30 years. Known for its standard-setting data and its best-in-class disability employment models, NOD is a respected voice at the table in both national and corporate policy discussions...

Voluntary Organisations Disability Group

The VODG is a grouping of over 80 leading voluntary sector and not-for-profit disability organisations that works on behalf of its members to influence and develop social care policy, build relationships with government and other key agencies, promotes best practice and keep members up-to-date on matters that have an effect on service delivery.

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians is a national charitable organization, founded in 1992, that is dedicated to promoting the increased inclusion of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians in all aspects of social life, from employment to participation in elections.

American Advocacy Group

Advocating for elders and individuals with disabilities.

American Association of People with Disabilities

The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest disability rights organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change.

American Council of the Blind

The American Council of the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life, for all blind and visually-impaired people.

Association of Disabled Professionals

Drawing on the expertise of disabled professionals to improve the educational and employment opportunities of disabled people

Australian Federation of Disability Organisations

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is the national voice representing people with disability in Australia. AFDO and our member organisations are run by and for people with disability, which we believe is imperative to be truly representative of the voice and lived experience of people with disability.

Australian Foundation for Disability

AFFORD (the Australian Foundation for Disability) is a not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to helping people with disability.

Canadian Association for Community Living

The Canadian Association for Community Living is a family-based association assisting people with intellectual disabilities and their families to lead the way in advancing inclusion in their own lives and in their communities.

Canadian Association of Professionals with Disabilities

The Canadian Association of Professionals with Disabilities is a federally incorporated non-profit dedicated to maximizing the inclusion, job retention, and advancement of current and future professionals with disabilities.

Canadian Association of the Deaf

The CAD provides consultation and information on Deaf needs and interests to the public, business, media, educators, governments and others. We conduct research and collect data regarding Deaf issues; issue reports on these studies; and provide expertise on them; develop and implement pilot programs.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) is a consumer-based organization formed by and for hard of hearing Canadians. CHHA works cooperatively with professionals, service providers and government bodies, and provides information about hard of hearing issues and solutions.

Canadian Mental Health Association

As a nation-wide, voluntary organization, the Canadian Mental Health Association promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. The CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind

CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life.

CCS Disability Action

We are here to provide support and strengthen communities so people with disabilities are included in the life of the family and in their community.

Council of Canadians with Disabilities

CCD is a national human rights organization of people with disabilities working for an accessible and inclusive Canada.

Disability Advocacy Network Australia

Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd supports and strengthens independent disability advocacy agencies in their work of advocating for and with people with disabilities so that they are valued and included members of the community, their fundamental needs are met and their human rights are respected. (DANA) Ltd supports and strengthens independent disability advocacy agencies in their work of advocating for and with people with disabilities so that they are valued and included members of the community, their fundamental needs are met and their human rights are respected.

Disability Resource Association

The mission of Disability Resource Association is personal empowerment for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those in need.

Disability Services Australia

Our priority is supporting people to reach their full potential at home, at work and in their community life. Each year, we reaffirm our commitment to our purpose, ‘to enhance the lives of people with a disability’ and our vision, ‘to maximise opportunities for people with a disability to experience choice, inclusion and achievement’.

Disabled Persons Assembly NZ

Our core function is to help engage the New Zealand disability community to listen to the views of disabled people and articulate these as we work with decision makers. We want to turn our rights into reality so we can live in a country where every person is able to live and work, and simply be who they are.

IHC New Zealand

We are working in your community, providing services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. You will find us advocating for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supporting them to live satisfying lives in the community.

International Paralympic Committee

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement.

Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) – founded in 1909 – is the nation’s leading community-based non-profit dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

National Association of the Deaf

The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more – improving the lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans.

National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

National Network for Mental Health

The National Network for Mental Health provides an influential national voice on decisions that affect people with mental illnesses including: depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Help us reduce the debilitating stigma and isolation caused by mental illness.

New Zealand Disability Support Network

The New Zealand Disability Support Network is an association of disability support service providers.

People with Disability Australia

People with Disability Australia Incorporated (PWDA) is a national disability rights and advocacy organisation. Our primary membership is made up of people with disability and organisations primarily constituted by people with disability. We also have a large associate membership of other individuals and organisations committed to the disability rights movement.

Riding for the Disabled Association

Riding for the Disabled Association develops ability and enriches lives through specialised programs and relationships with horses.

The Federation of Disability Information Centres

Our objective is to provide an impartial information and referral service, through a network of independent community Centres nationwide that operate according to established National Standards.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

USA.gov

The site connects people with disabilities, their families and caregivers to helpful resources on topics such as how to apply for disability benefits, find a job, get health care or pay for accessible housing. You can also find organizations in your community to help you get the support you need.

Social Security US

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.