General Disability Organizations and Support Group Resources

National
State Listings: CA / NH / OH / WI / / (Official USPS State Abbreviations)

National

American Disability Association is a membership organization that serves as a support group for people with disabilities. They provide an exchange of information on disability related issues, such as Social Security, legislation, and more.

American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse offers information on self help to self-help groups.

MedSupport Friends Supporting Friends (FSF) is dedicated to educating and assisting persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers. They offer support and information through a variety of interactive, moderated forums and chat areas, as well as a bi-monthly newsletter and links to various other sources of information.

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD) involves the educating of the public and medical professionals in regards to orphan diseases. NORD has a worldwide clearinghouse of information, including simple written rare disorder information, the Rare Disease Database that serves people with rare disorders and disabilities, and a Physicians' Guide to Rare Diseases.

State Listings

California

Arc of San Diego is the largest, most comprehensive provider of services to children and adults with disabilities in San Diego County. Through classes,
workshops, community living, and individualized counseling, the dedicated staff of The Arc patiently guides individuals with disabilities toward the most self-sufficient life possible. The ultimate goal
of all programs and services at The Arc of San Diego is to help each individual reach their fullest level of independence.

New Hampshire

Circle of L.I.F.E. (Living, Independence, Freedom and Empowerment)is a membership organization that provides peer support and a number of other planned activities. Their website features disability news and information, disability resource links, a discussion board and information on legislation and policy development. For more information, call (603) 432-9072.

Ohio

Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment has recently developed a Peer Support Network in which people may seek advice or insight from others who have had similar experiences or have faced the same issues relating to disability. Participants are matched based upon interests and experiences. For more information, call (614) 443-5936 Ext. 107 (Voice) or (614) 443-5957 (TTY).

Wisconsin

Adaptive Community Approach Program (ACAP) is a capacity enhancing service organization for people with disabilities in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Sponsorship of people who have disabilities and a passion to demonstrate their abilities in the community around them. ACAP is not merely an assemblage of staff and members, but people coming together to work, learn, adapt, and serve the community. They endeavor to build up the larger community and in so doing, discover our valued place within it.

Broadscope Disability Services, formally United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin, fosters inclusion, empowers freedom of choice, and advances potential across the lifespan. They provide respite care services, and employment and independent living assistance. For more information, visit the website or write: Broadscope at 6102 W. Layton Avenue, Greenfield, WI 53220, Phone: 414-329-4500 or send email to: info@broadscope.org

New Sign Disability Action Network is a grassroots network aimed at creating a more inclusive environment by connecting people with disabilities and their support systems to area resources. They provide a central point for resources to inform individuals with disabilities about the options they have regarding funding, services, and long-term health care within the 7 Rivers Region, a region including La Crosse, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Dells, and Richland Center in West Central Wisconsin. The network includes people with disabilities and their advocates, community organizations, provider agencies, and funding agencies. For more information, visit them at 608-785-3507 | yourdan.info@gmail.com

Easter Seal Society of Wisconsin, Inc. Helpline is a service to help people in Outgamie County, Wisconsin find the services they need when dealing with any disability. Callers can receive up-to-date information about local, regional and national programs that serve people with disabilities. For more information, see the Easter Seal Society of Wisconsin homepage to use their contact or call the Disability Helpline at (920)832-0344.

The Friendship Circle provides unconditional acceptance, support, friendship, and opportunities to include people with special needs in our community. Together with an amazing team of community volunteers, a variety of social, educational, and vocational experiences are shared. Friendship Circle encourages an inclusive community where all individuals are valued regardless of the challenges they face. By integrating those with challenges into our community and with your help, they are reversing mindsets. Through highlighting achievements, not limitations, we create a world of acceptance and inclusion, helping these special souls to achieve their fullest potential. The Friendship Circle is an affiliate of Lubavitch of Wisconsin. They are located at 8649 N Port Washington Road Fox Point, WI 53217 or phone 414-755-5855.

Kindcare, Inc. is a community resource center at 1016 Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee Wisconsin. The center is a drop-in resource facility for people with disabilities. For more information, contact (414) 571-5566, ext. 227.

Life Navigators of Greater Milwaukee formerly the ARC serves individuals with disabilities and their families. Since 1949, they have worked to improve the quality if life for individuals with disabilities. Leading the way in long-term care service delivery for individuals with disabilities. Life Navigators has over 60 years of experience in developing, implementing and coordinating service programs that support persons with disabilities and their families in the community. Their staff have extensive experience working with individuals and families and a strong understanding of the service system, public benefits and community based services. For more information, contact Life Navigators at 7203 West Center Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53210, 414-774-6255, F 414-774-7859, or send email to information@lifenavigators.org

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