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Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
To identify the VR office in your vicinity, consult your local telephone directory
or visit: www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.htm
Vocational Rehabilitation is a nationwide federal-state program for assisting
eligible people with disabilities to define a suitable employment goal and become
employed. Each state capital has a central VR agency, and there are local offices
in most states. VR provides medical, therapeutic, counseling, education, training,
and other services needed to prepare people with disabilities for work. VR is
an excellent place for a youth or adult with a disability to begin exploring
available training and support service options.
Americans with Disabilities Act Disability and Business Technical Assistance
Centers (DBTACs)
For information on legislation, rights, and resources, visit: www.adata.org/index.html,
or call: (800) 949-4232 (Voice/TTY). Callers are automatically routed to the
DBTAC in their region. The DBTACs provide information, referral, technical assistance,
and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, state
and local governments, and persons with disabilities to facilitate employment
for individuals with disabilities and accessibility in public accommodations
and government services. The DBTACs also conduct training and promote public
awareness on the ADA.
Accessible Community Transportation in Our Nation (Project ACTION)
700 Thirteenth St., N.W., Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 659-6428; (202) 347-3066
(202) 347-7385 (Voice/TTY)
E-mail: project_action@opa.easter-seals.org
Web: www.projectaction.org
Project ACTION is a national program that supports innovation and cooperation
in solving transit accessibility problems. Project ACTION provides various direct
forms of technical assistance and training, and maintains a library of information
and materials addressing accessible transportation for people with disabilities.
Project ACTION disseminates its newsletter Project ACTION Update, training curricula,
surveys, technical materials, and reports.
Career One-Stop (Web site)
http://careeronestop.org/
This Web site is a publicly-funded resource for job-seekers and businesses.
Job-seekers can search for jobs—from entry level to technical to professional
to CEO—locate public workforce services in their area, explore alternative
career paths, compare salary data for different occupations, learn which careers
are hot,
get resume writing tips and job interview strategies, and much more. Employers
can identify job-ready workers with the right skills.
Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries, Inc.
2200 South Dakota Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20018
(202) 636-4225 (Voice)
E-mail: jedavis@dcgoodwill.org
Web: www.dcgoodwill.org
Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries provides vocational evaluation, training,
employment, and job placement services for persons with disabilities. An information
packet describing Goodwill’s services is available upon request.
JobAccess
1001 W. 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627 s
E-mail: generalinquiries@jobaccess.org
Web: www.jobaccess.org/
The goal of JobAccess is to enable people with disabilities to enhance their
professional lives by providing a dedicated system for finding employment. JobAccess
provides a place where people with disabilites can seek employment and be evaluated
solely on their skills and experience. The JobAccess Resume Builder helps users
to build and post a professional looking resume that companies across the US
will be able to browse.
National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD)
Institute for Community Inclusion
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
(888) 886-9898 (V/TTY)
E-mail: contact@onestops.info
Web: www.onestops.info
Spanish spoken; Spanish materials available
The National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD) provides training,
technical assistance, policy analysis, and information to improve access for
all in the workforce development system. Areas of expertise include: accommodations
and assistive technology, relationships with employers, helping clients with
disabilities find jobs, and advising employers as to how to provide job-related
supports.
NISH
8401 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, VA 22182
(571) 226-4660 (Voice)
Email: info@nish.org
Web: www.nish.org
Spanish spoken
NISH (formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped) is the
national nonprofit agency that assists community rehabilitation programs (CRPs)
nationwide in expanding job opportunities for people with severe disabilities.
NISH provides technical assistance to CRPs and helps them obtain federal funding
contracts through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program. Information is available
to the public.
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20210
(202) 376-6200 (Voice); (866) 487-2365 (Department of Labor, toll-free)
(877) 889-5627 (Department of Labor, TTY)
Email: infoODEP@dol.gov
Web: www.dol.gov/odep
Spanish spoken
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (formerly the President's Committee
on Employment of People with Disabilities, PCEPD) provides information, training,
and technical assistance to America's business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation
and other service providers, advocacy organizations, families, and individuals
with disabilities. ODEP's mission is to facilitate the communication, coordination,
and promotion of public and private efforts to empower Americans with disabilities
through employment. ODEP also serves as an advisor to the President of the United
States on public policy issues affecting employment of people with disabilities.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Web: www.ssa.gov/work
Spanish materials available
The Social Security Administration’s Work Site provides clarity on matters affecting
the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities. The site
contains the latest news on proposed policy changes, upcoming events, and other
initiatives related to the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.
If you are employed and are experiencing difficulty on the job due to your
disability, you might consider contacting the following organizations.
Access Board
1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, D.C. 20004-1111
(202) 272-0080; (800) 872-2253 (Voice)
(202) 272-0082; (800) 993-2822 (TTY)
E-mail: info@access-board.gov
Web: www.access-board.gov
The Access Board enforces the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), ensuring accessibility
in facilities built, altered, or leased using certain Federal funds. It develops
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG),
which are minimum accessibility guidelines for places of public accommodation,
commercial facilities, state and local government facilities, and transportation
vehicles and facilities. The Access Board is also charged with developing accessibility
guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment.
The Access Board offers training, technical assistance, and publications to
individuals and organizations throughout the country on removing architectural,
transportation, and communication barriers.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
1801 L Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20507
(202) 663-4900; (800) 669-4000 (Voice)
(202) 663-4494; (800) 669-6820 (TTY)
Web: www.eeoc.gov
Spanish spoken; Spanish materials available
The EEOC is a government agency that handles discrimination complaints about
employment based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and disability. The 800 number
will connect callers with their local EEOC office, which can discuss complaints.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
(800) 526-7234 (Voice/TTY)
E-mail: jan@jan.icdi.wvu.edu
Web: www.jan.wvu.edu
Spanish spoken; Spanish materials available
The Job Accommodation Network, a service of the Office of Disability Employment
Policy (ODEP) at the U.S. Department of Labor, brings together information from
many sources about practical steps employers can take to make accommodations
for the functional limitations of employees and applicants with disabilities.
JAN consultants provide technical details and assistance with accommodations
and the implementation of products and procedures in the workplace. Callers
should be prepared to explain the specific problem and job circumstances. Brochures,
printed materials, and a newsletter are available free of charge.
Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
P.O. Box 540666
Waltham, MA 02454
(781) 788-0003 (V/TTY)
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-3880; (617) 287-3882 (TTY)
E-mail: ahead@ahead.org
Web: www.ahead.org
AHEAD is an international, multicultural organization of professionals committed
to full participation in higher education for persons with disabilities. AHEAD
offers numerous training programs, workshops, publications, and conferences
to promote this mission.
Division of Adult Education and Literacy
Office of Vocational and Adult Education
U.S. Department of Education
4090 MES
400 Maryland Avenue S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-7240
Telephone: (202) 205-5451
Web: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/index.html
This division within the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the Department
of Education can provide the adult community with resources in adult education,
including putting adults in contact with the Office of Adult Education within
their state. Fact sheets, bibliographies, directories, and other publications
are available for adults who have special learning needs.
Foundation for Science and Disability
236 Grand Street
Morgantown, WV 26505-7509
(304) 293-5201, ext. 2513
E-mail: u0072@wvnvm.evnet.edu
Web: www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/organizations/
The Foundation seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of the educational
system for individuals with disabilities, specifically in the various areas
of science. The Foundation acts as a clearinghouse for information on science,
education, technology, and science careers for persons with disabilities. The
Foundation also makes several awards a year to graduate students who have disabilities
and are studying in the science field.
HEATH Resource Center
(National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities)
The George Washington University
2121 K Street N.W., Suite 220
Washington, DC 20037
(800) 544-3284 (V/TTY); (202) 973-0904
E-mail: askheath@heath.gwu.edu
Web: www.heath.gwu.edu
The HEATH Resource Center, the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education
for individuals with disabilities, collects and disseminates information nationally
about disability issues in postsecondary education. The clearinghouse provides
information on educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations,
transition, and opportunities at American campuses, vocational-training schools,
adult education programs, independent living centers, and other training entities
after high school for individuals with disabilities. Numerous publications are
available upon request.
Department of the Interior
Office on Accessibility
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW, Room 7253
(202) 208-6843
Washington, DC 20240
Web: www.nps.gov/parks.html
There are 370 parks and 7 regional offices under the National Park Service.
A listing of all national parks and facilities, including general information
about their accessibility, is available at the link above. However, information
on accessibility of park programs, facilities, and services is best acquired
directly from the park or area you plan to visit.
Disabled Sports USA
451 Hungerford Drive, #100
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 217-0960 (Voice)
(301) 217-0963 (TTY)
E-mail: information@dsusa.org
Web: www.dsusa.org/
Disabled Sports USA is the nation's largest organization providing year-round
sports and recreation activities to children and adults with physical disabilities.
In conjunction with its nationwide network of chapters serving people in all
50 states and Puerto Rico, Disabled Sports USA offers such activities as snow
skiing, water skiing, bicycling, white water rafting, horseback riding, mountain
climbing, sailing, camping, and track and field. Contact Disabled Sports USA
for the telephone number of a local chapter near you.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
P.O. Box 10767
Eugene, OR 97440
(541) 343-1284 (Voice/TTY)
E-mail: info@miusa.org
Web: www.miusa.org
Spanish spoken; Spanish materials available
MIUSA is a nonprofit membership organization for persons with disabilities and
other interested people. It works to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities
to be involved in international educational exchange programs and travel. MIUSA
members receive information and referral services in the areas of travel and
placement in international work camps and educational exchange programs. MISUA
also conducts international leadership training for persons with disabilities.
Many publications are also available.
National Center on Accessibility
2805 East 10th Street - Suite 190
Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 856-4422 (V); (812) 856-4421 (TTY)
www.ncaonline.org/index.shtml
The National Center on Accessibility, which focuses upon making parks, recreation,
and tourism accessible to individuals with disabilities, provides information
on: access for individuals with disabilities to park and recreation areas and
programs; training programs and opportunities; technical assistance for park
and recreation professionals; and research and demonstration projects.
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD)
1640 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608-6904
(800) 900-8086 (V/TTY)
Web: www.ncpad.org
NCPAD provides information and resources that can enable people with disabilities
to become as physically active as they choose to be. They maintain searchable
directories of organizations, programs, and facilities that provide opportunities
for accessible physical activity; adaptive equipment vendors; conferences and
meetings;and references to journal articles, books, videos and more. Fact sheets
on a variety of physical activities for people with disabilities are also available.
National Institute of Art and Disabilities (NIAD)
551 23rd Street
Richmond, CA 94804
Telephone: (510) 620-0290
E-mail: reddot@niadart.org
Web: www.niadart.org
Spanish spoken
NIAD operates a creative visual arts center for adults with disabilities and
serves as a model for other centers who wish to provide individuals with disabilities
with enriching experiences in the visual arts. NIAD has published The Freedom
to Create, which is widely used to help teachers teach art to students of all
ages. It has also published The Creative Spirit, a collection of works by NIAD
artists, and Art & Disabilities, a directory of art centers for people with
disabilities. NIAD can respond to requests for information about and referral
to local programs. NIAD's Research and Training Center in Art and Disabilities
is a national and international resource in art and disabilities.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH)
NLS/BPH - Library of Congress
1291 Taylor Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20542
(202) 707-5100; (800) 424-8567 (Voice)
(202) 707-0744 (TTY)
E-mail: nls@loc.gov
Web: www.loc.gov/nls
Spanish spoken
Spanish materials available
A free national library program of Braille and recorded materials for persons
with visual and physical disabilities is administered by the National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress.
With the cooperation of authors and publishers who grant permission to use copyrighted
works, NLS selects and produces full-length books and magazines in Braille and
on recorded disc and cassette. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating
network of regional and local libraries where they are circulated to eligible
borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and
returned to libraries by postage-free mail.
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D;)
The Anne T. Macdonald Center
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 452-0606 (Voice)
(800) 221-4792 (Customer Service)
E-mail: custserv@rfbd.org
Web: www.rfbd.org
Spanish materials
RFB&D; is a national nonprofit service organization that provides educational
and professional books in accessible format to people with visual impairments,
learning disabilities, and other physical disabilities that prevent them from
reading printed material. This includes individuals who are no longer in school
but who are using educational books to pursue careers or personal interests.
RFB&D; also accepts requests to record books that are not already contained in
its 75,000-title Master Tape Library. To become an individual member of RFB&D;,
you must complete an application form (which contains "disability verification"
and "certification" sections) and include a $50 registration fee and a $25 annual
membership fee. Application forms are available from RFB&D;'s Customer Services
Department at 1-800-221-4792.
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
Post Office Box 2897
43101 Goldmine Drive
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 584-0269; TTY via the CA Relay Service at (800) 735-2929
E-mail: mail@usarc.org
Web: www.usarc.org
The USARC works with schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and park and
recreation departments to serve children and adults with all types of cognitive
or physical disabilities. A variety of summer and winger recreational opportunities
are offered. Reservations, by individuals and groups, are required for all USARC
programs.
Disability Gear (Web site)
www.disabilitygear.com
This Web site connects people with disabilities with information and resources
available on such independent living issues as: apparel, batteries, books, kitchen
and home, walkers, wheelchairs, service dogs, scooters, sports and recreation,
Internet services, and travel services.
Government Benefits (Web site)
www.govbenefits.gov/jsp/GovBenefits.jsp
The government now has available a Web site to help people find government benefits
they may be eligible to receive. Its screening instrument is free and confidential.
Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
1304 Southpoint Blvd., Suite 240
Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 778.3011; (707) 778.3015 (TTY)
E-mail: atainfo@ataccess.org
Web: www.ataccess.org
Spanish materials available
The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a coalition of technology resource
centers across the country that provide information, awareness, and training
in the use of technology to aid children and adults with disabilities. Callers
are referred to the technology resource center nearest them. You can also visit
online and use The Hub, an interactive information service that provides quick
access to information on AT.
Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)
Academy for Educational Development
1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
E-mail: fctd@aed.org
Web: www.fctd.info
The Family Center serves organizations and programs that work with families
of children and youth with disabilities. A range of information and services
on the subject of assistive technology (AT) are offered.
RESNA
1700 N. Moore Street, Suite 1540
Arlington, VA 22209-1903
(703) 524-6686 (Voice); (703) 524-6639 (TTY)
(703)-524-6686, ext. 313 (TAP)
E-mail: info@resna.org
E-mail for TAP: resnata@resna.org
Web: www.resna.org
An interdisciplinary association for the advancement of rehabilitation and assistive
technologies, RESNA is an organization for rehabilitation professionals. It
is concerned with transferring science, engineering, and technology to the needs
of persons with disabilities. RESNA is currently operating a Technical Assistance
Project, which can help callers identify the program in their state that is
responsible for providing information, training, and technical assistance on
assistive technology to individuals with disabilities.
Trace R&D Center
1550 Engineering Drive, 2107 Engineering Hall
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-6966; (608) 263-5408 (TTY)
E-mail: info@trace.wisc.edu
Web: www.trace.wisc.edu/
The Trace Center was formed in 1971 to address the communication problems faced
by nonvocal children and adults with severe disabilities. The Center is primarily
concerned with research and development in the areas of universal design of
electronic and next generation technologies, in order to make accessible computers
at the manufacturers’ level. The Center does not manufacture or distribute
equipment, but will make referrals to specific sources of information regarding
equipment, software, service centers, related professionals, and other information
networks. All information is available in alternative formats for individuals
unable to read or handle print materials.
www.disabilityinfo.gov (Web site
only)
This Web site is an on-line resource designed to provide people with disabilities
with information quickly. The portal provides access to disability-related information
and programs available across the government on numerous subjects, including
civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology,
transportation, and community life.
www.disabilityresources.org
(Web site)
This Web site connects visitors to thousands of disability resources on the
Internet, personally selected and annotated by the staff of Disability Resources
Monthly and alphabetically arranged by subject for easy access.
Mars, L. (Ed.). (2003). The complete directory for people with disabilities
2004: A comprehensive source book for individuals and professionals (12th
ed.). Lakeville, CT: Grey House. (Available from Grey House Publishing, 1.800.562.2139,
www.greyhouse.com.)
Social Security Administration. (2001). The Ticket To Work And Self-Sufficiency
Program. Available online at: www.ssa.gov/pubs/10061.html
Wehman, P., & Kregel, J. (Eds.). (1998). More than a job: Securing satisfying
careers for people with disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. (Available
from Paul H. Brookes, 1.800.638.3775, www.brookespublishing.com)
Payne, M. (n.d.). Non-degree postsecondary options for individuals with disabilities (Parts 1 & 2). Washington, DC: HEATH Resource Center. (Available online at: www.heath.gwu.edu/FactSheets.htm)
Emerging Horizons: Accessible Travel News—Candy & Charles Creative
Concepts, P.O. Box 278, Ripon, CA 95366, 209.599.9409, www.emerginghorizons.com.
Emerging Horizons is a quarterly magazine that primarily covers travel
options available to persons with mobility disabilities.
Harrington, C. (2001). Barrier free travel—A nuts & bolts guide
for wheelers & slow walkers. Ripon, CA: Emerging Horizons. (Available
from Candy & Charles Creative Concepts, P.O. Box 278, Ripon, CA 95366, 209.599.9409,
www.emerginghorizons.com.)
McNab, C., & Trimble, A. (Eds.). (2003). Martial arts for people with
disabilities: Essential tips, drills, and combat techniques. Broomall, PA:
Mason Crest Publishers. (Order on-line from amazon.com
or www.masoncrest.com.)
Open World Magazine—347 Fifth Ave., Suite 610, New York, NY 10016,
212.447.7284, www.sath.org. Open World is
published by the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH). The
quarterly magazine is devoted entirely to travel and travel resources.
Paciorek, M.J., & Jones, J.A. (2001). Disability sports and recreation
resources (3rd ed.).Carmel, IN: Cooper Publishing Group. (Order on-line
from amazon.com.)
Roswal, G., Dowd, K.J., & Bynum, J.W. (Eds.). (1998). Including people
with disabilities in camp programs: A resource for camp directors. Martinsville,
IN: American Camping Association. (Available from American Camping Association,
5000 State Road 67 North, Martinsville, IN 46151-7902, 765.342.8456, www.acacamps.org.)
Disability Resources
Monthly--this award-winning newsletter monitors, reviews, and reports on
resources for independent living. Available from: Disability Resources, Inc.,
Dept. IN, Four Glatter Lane, Centereach, NY 11720-1032. Subscribe online at:
www.disabilityresources.org/DRMpubs-ORDER.html
Visit at: www.disabilityresources.org
Greenstein, D. (1999). Easy things to make...to make things easier: Simple
do-it-yourself home modifications for older people and others with physical
limitations. Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books. (Available from Brookline Books,
1.800.666.2665, www.brooklinebooks.com)
Kroll, K., & Klein, E.L. (2001). Enabling romance: A guide to love, sex
and relationships for people with disabilities (and the people who care
about them). Order on-line at: www.newmobility.com/bookstore.cfm.
ILRU directory of centers, SILCs, and related organizations (Vol.
25). Houston, TX: ILRU Project. Database online, searchable by state at: www.ilru.org
Ability Magazine—1001 W. 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, 949.854.8700, www.abilitymagazine.com. Ability Magazine, published bi-monthly, features a wide range of disability issues.
Mainstream Online—Produced by, for and about people with disabilities,
Mainstream covers news and current affairs, new products and technology, education,
employment, sexuality and relationships, housing, transportation, travel and
recreation. Only available online at: www.mainstream-mag.com/
New Mobility—P.O. Box 220, Horseham, PA 19044, 215.675.9133, www.newmobility.com.
This monthly magazine also covers a wide range of disability issues.
Ragged Edge —This disability magazine is available online at: www.ragged-edge-mag.com/.
Subscribe at: www.raggededgemagazine.com/eltr.shtml
SpeciaLiving—P.O. Box 1000, Bloomington, IL 61702, 309.825.8842,
www.specialiving.com. Published quarterly,
SpeciaLiving covers disability issues such as accessible housing, travel,
health, fitness, and much more.
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This information is copyright free.
Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). |
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This publication has been produced in
response to questions from individuals and organizations that contact us.
We encourage you to share your ideas
and feedback with us!Project Director: Suzanne RipleyNICHCY thanks our Project Officer, Dr. Peggy Cvach, at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education. We would also like to thank Antoinette Thomas and Rafael Chargel for their work in updating this publication. |
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| Publication of this document is made possible through Cooperative Agreement #H326N030003 between the Academy for Educational Development and the Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. | NICHCY P.O. Box 1492 nichcy@aed.org www.nichcy.org |