Links to Information, Resources and Clearinghouses

National Resources

• www.thearc.org
  The Arc of the United States has large amounts of free information about disability. Use the The Arc Action Center to contact North Carolina's legislators. The Action Center provides sample letters/talking points etc on specific legislative issues that require advocacy.
• www.nod.org
  The National Organization on DisABILITY. The National Organization on Disability promotes full and equal participation of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life.
• www.rarediseases.org
  The National Organization for Rare Disorders is dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. The searchable database allows users to gather information about specific conditions.
• www.ada.gov
  The Americans with Disability Act webpage offers information on the ADA as well as technical assistance, complaint filing, universal design standards and more.
• www.autism-society.org
  The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of their communities through advocacy, public awareness, education, and research related to autism.
• www.ndss.org
  The National Down Syndrome Society web site has information related to the organization dedicated to people with Down Syndrome.
• www.ldanatl.org
  The Learning Disabilities Association has information geared to people with learning disabilities. There is a link to the LDA of NC.

State Resources

• www.gacpd.com
  The Govenor's Advocacy Council for People with Disabilities provides a statewide protection and advocacy program; investigate complaints; pursues legal remedies for protection; reviews and recommends changes in laws; aid and assist local advocacy programs; and advise and assist on employment issues.
• www.nc-ddc.org
  The NC Council on Developmental Disabilities is part of a national network of organizations that assist people with developmental disabilities that work to promote the "independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community" of people with developmental disabilities and their families. The website has publications to download as well as information and resources.
• www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncodh
  The NC office on Disability and Health works to promote the health and wellness of persons with disabilities in North Carolina through an integrated program of policy, practice and research. There are many FREE health and recreation publications available on the site.
• www.autismsociety-nc.org
  The Autism Society of NC website provides information about autism, ASNC programs and the support and resources that are available for people with autism and their families.
• www.bianc.net
  The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina is devoted to traumatic brain injury.
• www.naminc.org
  The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in North Carolina website has information and resources related to mental illness.
• www.nc.eastersealsucp.com
• The Easter Seals UCP North Carolina website. This has information on programs run by Easter Seals UCP.
• www.tadpole.org
  Generations-Tadpole lends and delivers low-tech assistive technology devices and toys FREE to families and professionals all across North Carolina. Anyone working with an individual with a disability is eligible to borrow items and to receive free shipping.
• www.fsnnc.org
  The Family Support Network of NC provides information, family support groups and parent to parent matching. They also publish an annual summer camp directory.
• www.firstinfamiliesofnc.org
  First in Families works to foster the vision of the family support projects using program concepts and policies framed by dignity, cultural sensitivity, informed choice and personal control of resources by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• www.ncatp.org
  The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program is a state and federally funded program that provides statewide assistive technology services to people of all ages and abilities.
• www.sonc.net
  North Carolina Special Olympics website.
• www.nc-guardian.org
  The NC Guardianship Association web site provides information on membership, education and training opportunities, resources and the registered guardianship program.
• www.ncdhhs.gov
  The Dept. of Health and Human Services is responsible for programs in NC for people with mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse issues.
• www.ncga.state.nc.us
  The NC General Assembly web page has links to your local representaives, information on pending legislation and more.
• www.ncei.org
  NC Early Intervention is the system of services provided by many different agencies and programs for children birth to five who have, or are at risk of having developmental delays.
• www.ncpartnersinpolicymaking.com
  "Partners" is a leadership training program designed for parents of young children with disabilities and self-advocates ages 18 and older. The overall goal of the “Partners” program is to empower families and self-advocates. The program explores disability issues and builds leadership skills, which can impact disability services at all levels.

Education

• www.ncpublicschools.org/ec
  NC Dept of Public Instruction Exceptional Children's Division. You can request a copy of Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities. Also downloadable IEP forms, testing information etc.
• www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP
  Office of Special Ed Programs, the federal branch of special education. IDEA is a federal mandate that all states must comply with.
• www.ecac-parentcenter.org
  Exceptional Children's Assistance Center is the federally mandated Parent Information and Training Center in North Carolina. ECAC conducts parent training workshops across the state and has parent information packets on a variety of topics related to educational information. They also have a very comprehensive free lending library for parents.
• www.ncset.org
  The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
• www.dotolearn.com
  Do to Learn has picture communication cards, schedules, calanders and more for free download. There are also free songs and games for children to teach them about safety issues and other topics.
• www.reedmartin.com
  Legal information, publications, etc.
• www.wrightslaw.com
  Legal information, publications.
• www.ideapractices.org
  Lots of good links. Federally funded information site.
• www.fape.org
  Lots of good information available in English, Spanish and Hmong.
• www.ldonline
  Targets learning disabilities but there is a lot of good information that applies to all kids.

Victims of Crime

• www.nccadv.org
  The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) is a community of agencies and individuals who serve battered women and their children.
• www.nccasa.org
  The North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault is an inclusive statewide alliance working to end sexual violence through education, advocacy, and legislation.
• www.nc-van.org
  North Carolina Victim Assistance Network is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1986, North Carolina Victim Assistance Network promotes the rights and needs of crime victims by educating North Carolina's citizens and public policy leaders about the devastating impact that crime has on our society.