National Organizations

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. NCD is comprised of a team of Presidential and Congressional appointees, an Executive Director appointed by the Chair, and a full-time professional staff. 202-272-2004

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the full participation and contributions of America’s 57 million people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Today, the National Organization on Disability focuses on increasing employment opportunities for the 80-percent of working-age Americans with disabilities who are not employed. To achieve this goal, NOD works with leading employers and partners with educational and philanthropic institutions to pilot innovative approaches to disability inclusion, then scales these up into initiatives with even broader impact. 646-505-1191 email: info@nod.org

The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) represents the nation's agencies in 50 states and the District of Columbia providing services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The association's goal is to promote and assist state agencies in developing effective, efficient service delivery systems that furnish high-quality supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, NASDDDS strives to provide member state agencies with timely analyses of federal statutory and regulatory policies that affect people with disabilities; disseminate cutting edge information on state-of-the-art programs and service delivery practices; provide technical assistance and support to member states; and offer a forum for the development of state and national policy initiatives. 703-683-4202

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities. They provide technical assistance to all DD Councils, advocate for DD Councils’ appropriations in Congress, and convene DD Councils for leadership and development training. 202-506-5816

NORD provides information about rare disorders, encourages and promotes research, and represents people who have rare diseases when it educates the public and medical professionals about these disorders. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. NORD offers medication assistance programs to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals in securing lifesaving or life-sustaining medications; a confidential networking program for members to stimulate the exchange of information and mutual support with others who have the same disorder; a resource guide; and a library of links to other organizations. 203-744-0100

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a membership-sustained not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information. When we empower individuals and families from all demographic backgrounds, we reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome. 1-800-232-6372 email: info@ndsccenter.org

The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) works to improve the lives of people with disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Membership is free for Protection and Advocacy Systems and Client Assistance Programs. 202-408-9514 or 202-408-9521 (TTY)

This is a partnership to promote success for youth with disabilities entering the world of work. The NCWD/Youth website houses numerous youth-focused resources, developed in collaboration with ODEP, including the Guideposts for Success and extensive information related to Career Development, Professional Development, and Youth Development and Leadership. 877-871-0744 or 877-871-0665 (TTY)

The National Autism Center is May Institute’s Center for the Promotion of Evidence-based Practice. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based information about the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive and reliable resources for families, practitioners, and communities. 877-313-3833

Since 2003, the National Autism Association has created and implemented direct-assistance programs for the growing number of families affected by autism. Along with these services, NAA provides autism research funding, ongoing advocacy, support and education. Because we are a parent-led non-profit organization, our objectives and resources center on: Strengthening autism families by providing support in areas of greatest need, such as safety, therapy and medical services, providing our members and community with the latest information pertaining to research, education, legislation, safety, and therapy and treatment trends. Funding impactful research studies aimed at real progress for our children, and raising awareness about the autism epidemic although autism affects more children than any other childhood disorder, it is still the least funded. As awareness increases about autism, our hope is that resources will also increase. Until that time, we will continue to expand our programs so that we may provide support to as many autism families as possible. 877-622-2884