This section highlights widely used national nonprofit resources that can help disabled people, families, and caregivers with advocacy, education, disability rights, service navigation, and long-term planning. These are strong starting points when someone needs help beyond a state Medicaid page.
The Arc is one of the best-known disability advocacy organizations in the country, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is helpful for policy updates, future planning tools, Medicaid advocacy, and connecting with local chapters.
Easterseals has a large national network that helps children and adults with disabilities, caregivers, and older adults. It is useful when people need practical services, caregiver support, local programs, benefits guidance, and community-based help.
Family Voices is a family-led organization focused on children and youth with disabilities and complex health care needs. It helps families understand health systems, advocate for better care, and connect with parent-led support and policy work.
Parent to Parent USA connects families of children with disabilities to other parents with lived experience. It is especially helpful for emotional support, practical advice, and reducing the isolation that can come with raising a child with significant needs.
NDRN connects disabled people to the protection and advocacy (P&A) system in every state and territory. P&As serve people of all ages and are one of the most useful starting points for legal advocacy, rights protection, abuse or neglect issues, and disability civil rights.
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund focuses on civil rights, policy, and legal advocacy. It is especially helpful for understanding disability rights law, education rights, access issues, and broader policy changes that affect disabled people and families.
Parent Center Hub is one of the most useful education-focused resources for families of children with disabilities. It helps parents understand IEPs, special education rights, early intervention, transition planning, and how to find their local Parent Training and Information Center.
United Cerebral Palsy offers information, referrals, and local affiliate services for people with cerebral palsy and many other disabilities. It can be helpful for families looking for community programs, support services, and disability-specific guidance.
The Autism Society is a widely used support and referral resource for autistic people and their families. It helps people find information, local resources, education materials, and support connections.
Special Needs Alliance is especially useful for families who need help with legal planning, special needs trusts, benefits protection, and long-term financial planning.
TASH is an international disability advocacy organization founded in 1975 and led by disabled people, family members, and allies. It focuses on full inclusion, human rights, and equity for people with significant disabilities — especially those who have historically been excluded from community life. Phone: 202-540-9020 · info@tash.org
SABE is the oldest national self-advocacy organization in the U.S., run by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It advocates for equal rights, self-determination, and community inclusion — with leadership and decision-making that centers disabled people themselves. admin@sabeusa.org
ADAPT is a grassroots disability rights organization led by disabled people that has fought for decades for the right to live in the community instead of institutions. Known for direct action and civil rights advocacy, ADAPT was instrumental in shaping the Americans with Disabilities Act and continues pushing for home and community-based services.
The NFB is the largest organization of blind people in the U.S. — run by blind people, not for them. It advocates for independence, full participation, and equal rights for the blind community through policy work, scholarships, assistive technology programs, and grassroots chapters in every state. Phone: 410-659-9314 · nfb@nfb.org
Disability Belongs is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit working to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities. It focuses on employment, media representation, entertainment, and cultural inclusion — pushing for disabled people to be seen, hired, and centered. Phone: 202-517-6272 · Info@DisabilityBelongs.org
A boutique Social Security disability law firm based in Denver, Colorado, representing clients nationwide. Founded by attorney Jennifer Morgan, the firm handles SSI and SSDI cases at every stage — from initial application through appeal. Offers a free assessment for people seeking benefits. Also runs childssi.com, a dedicated resource for child SSI cases.
Neuro Navigation empowers neurodivergent students and their families by providing accessible, evidence-based educational tools, resources, and support. Their mission is to create clear pathways for success by eliminating barriers, fostering understanding, and promoting self-advocacy so that every learner can unlock their full potential. Offers courses, guides, and personalized resources for neurodivergent learners. Contact: info@neuronavigation.org
Each state has a federally funded Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) program that offers free device loans, demonstrations, reuse programs, and low-interest financing to help people with disabilities access the equipment they need. These are verified primary starting points — most programs serve people of all ages and disabilities at no cost.
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