Organizations:

Ability First – An organization that provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential. They work on strengthening and cultivating skills that give participants the tools to successfully navigate each transition in life, including building social connections and independence; employment preparation, training and experience; and, fun and engaging activities that offer families an opportunity to refresh and recharge. 

Adaptive Adventures  – An organization that provides progressive outdoor sports opportunities to improve quality of life for children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities and their families.

American Association of People with Disabilities – A convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.

Disability Rights California –  The agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities – they work in litigation, legal representation, advocacy services, investigations, public policy, and provide information, advice, referral, and community outreach.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund – A leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.

ETTA – An organization that provides programs and services, including residential housing, case management, employment training and placement, educational services and social services, that enable people with disabilities to live fully enriched, independent and active lives.

Exceptional Children’s Foundation  – Aims to provide the highest quality services for children and adults who are challenged with developmental, learning, and emotional barriers — empowering them to reach their greatest potential.

Life Rolls On  – A Foundation that is dedicated to assisting and inspiring young people affected by spinal cord injury and uses action sports as a platform to demonstrate infinite possibilities despite paralysis.

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

National Federation of the Blind – The oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans – they coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

No Limits for Deaf Children – Teaches underserved deaf children and their families the skills to succeed in school and in life through its after-school educational centers and distinguished theater arts program, promoting advocacy and awareness worldwide.  

Partners for Potential  – An organization that individuals with developmental disabilities with a centered, culturally respectful, least restrictive training environment to promote the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes to reach one’s full potential and lead a more productive and meaningful life.

Businesses:

Getting Hired’s List of Businesses Created and Inspired by People with Down Syndrome

HuffPost’s List of Adaptive Clothing Brands

Indy with Kids’ List of Businesses Owned by People with Special Needs

The Mighty’s 8 Businesses Owned by People with Disabilities

Movies/TV:

Bustle’s 13 Documentaries about Mental Health You Can Stream Right Now

Disability Movies’ Guide to Movies About People with Disabilities

Everyday Health’s List of Top 10 Movies about Mental Health

The Life Quadriplegic’s Top 10 Movies About Disabilities

NAMI’s List of Movies About Mental Health

Books:

Advocate’s List of Books that Show Power in (Dis)Ability

Book Riot’s 20 Must-Read YA Books With Characters with Disablities

Buzzfeed’s List of Books about Mental Illness

Goodreads’ List of Disability Rights Books

Meriah Nichols’ List of Books for Understanding Disability

Success’s 11 Best Books About Mental Health

Podcasts:

Feedspot’s Top Ten Disability Podcasts

Healthline’s Best Mental Health Podcasts

Player.Fm’s Best Podcasts about Chronic Illness 

Children’s Resources: 

Exceptional Thinker’s List of Children’s Books about Disabilities

Social Justice Book’s List of Books about Disability and Autism

Think Inclusive’s List of 10 Children’s Books about Characters with Disabilities

Resource Guide Index

Intro | Privilege | Ability | Equity | Immigration | LGBTQ+ | Race/Ethnicity | Religion | Veterans | Women