Special Needs Advocacy Resources - Get Involved Nationally or Locally
National
http://www.thearc.org/
The Arc - the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They serve all ages and all spectrums from autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X and various other developmental disabilities.
https://www.disability.gov/
US Government Disability website - Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information on disability programs and services in communities nationwide. The site links to more than 14,000 resources from federal, state and local government agencies; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations.
http://www.communityinclusion.org/
The Institute for Community Inclusion - The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) has worked to ensure that people with disabilities
have the same opportunities as other citizens. Their focus includes employing people with disabilities in community settings, supporting
children and young adults with special health care needs and examining the
impact of national and state policies on people with disabilities and their
families
http://tash.org
The Association for the Severely Handicapped - State and international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm.
Local
http://www.austintexas.gov/amcpd
Austin Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities - Advisory body to the city council and city manager regarding problems affecting persons with disabilities in the Austin area. Established to encourage, assist and enable persons with disabilities to participate in the social and economic life of the City, achieve maximum personal independence, become gainfully employed, and use and enjoy fully and use all public and private facilities available within the community.
http://www.dellchildrens.net/services_and_programs/palliative_care/complex_chronic_illness_parent_advisory_group_/AARG%20PRINTER.pdf
Austin Area Resource Guide for Children with Special Needs - This resource provides a broad overview of the myriad of products and services available in our community. It was created to empower parents to make better informed decisions about the care of their children.