Resource List for Advocates
Advocacy Websites:
www.thomas.gov Makes federal legislative information freely available to the public; track bills as they move through Congress.
www.ncsl.org Find links to state legislatures, information on hot issues at the state level, as well as ways to track issues as they arise in various states.
publicimagesnetwork.org Information about "people first language", as well as links to media information for use by advocates.
www.midwestacademy.com The Midwest Academy teaches an organizing philosophy, methods and skills that enable ordinary people to actively participate in the democratic process.
www.wrightslaw.com Accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
www.pacer.org PACER works to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.
www.partnersinpolicymaking.org Partners is an innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities.
www.thenthdegree.com Shirts and stuff for and from Disability Culture, the Inclusion and Independent Living Movements, and for the "Human Connection" we all share.
www.yellowpagesforkids.com Yellow Pages for kids; focuses on helping parents find resources in their state.
www.transitioncoalition.org Online information, support, and professional development on topics focusing on the transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities.
www.ombwatch.org Nonprofit government watchdog organization, working to promote open government, accountability and citizen participation.
Advocacy Organizations:
www.thearc.org The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families.
www.alz.org The world leader in Alzheimer research, advocacy and support.
www.aamr.org Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
www.thearcoftexas.org Statewide chapter of The Arc in Texas.
www.arclucas.org The Arc of Lucas County (Ohio)
www.sabeusa.org Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
Recommended Reading:
Organizing for Social Change:Midwest Academy Manual for Activists, by Kim Bobo, Jackie Kendall, & Steve Max
So you want to make a difference..., published by OMB Watch
Sibshops: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs, by Don Meyer & Patricia Vadasy
Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs, by Don Meyer
From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide, by Pam Wright & Pete Wright
The Activist’s Handbook, by Randy Shaw
Soul of a Citizen, by Paul Rogat Loeb