National Organizations

The Community of Practice for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities involves working with six states to develop systems of support for families throughout the lifespan of their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The CPIR employs a user-centered process, gathering Parent Center perspectives every step of the way to create products and services that increase Parent Centers’ knowledge and capacity in specific domains. 973-642-8100 email: Info@parentcenterhub.org

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other undiagnosed disabilities. 800-892-8339

The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. We provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates. 1-800-328-8476 email: Info@autismsociety.org

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. 888-288-4762 (English) or 888-772-9050 (Spanish) email: Help@autismspeaks.org

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. Through its members, AUCD is a resource for local, state, national, and international agencies, organizations, and policy makers concerned about people living with developmental and other disabilities and their families. 301-588-8252 email: aucdinfo@aucd.org

AFB's programs and services are designed to help improve the lives of people affected by vision loss. They provide resources and support directly to individuals with vision loss and their families, as well as to businesses, employers, and professionals who provide services to blind and visually impaired people. 212-502-7600

ARCH works to assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs. They help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities. Their Respite Locator can find respite services that match the individual’s specific needs. 703-256-2084 email: jkagen@archrespite.org

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They encompass all ages and more than 100 different diagnoses including autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and various other developmental disabilities. They have nearly 700 state and local chapters nationwide. 800-433-5255

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation is the largest non-governmental funder of Angelman syndrome-specific research. Angelman Syndrome Foundation 3015 E. New York Street, Suite A2 #285 Aurora, IL 60504 800-432-6432 email: Info@angelman.org