Nonprofits Protecting Disabled People’s Rights

Disabled people’s rights in America are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law prevents against discrimination based on physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and demands equal access to certain public areas, buildings, transportation services, and other locations throughout the country.

However, disabled people’s rights aren’t always valued or upheld. These nonprofit organizations are protecting the rights of the disabled, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all Americans.

If you want to uphold disabled people’s rights in America, please consider getting involved with one of these Top-Rated organizations. You can also discover more nonprofit organizations in your state by visiting our website.

Family to Family Network

Houston, TX
The Family to Family Network provides invaluable support for children with disabilities, as well as their families who face extraordinary challenges. The Family to Family Network assists these parents and caregivers navigate health care challenges, referrals, education systems, and available social services.

It is vital that these families understand the rights of the disabled and find the support and services available to protect the rights of their children and loved ones. Through peer-to-peer support, workshops, education, and other training resources, this organization is helping children with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.

Family to Family is a valuable resource for my family! I am so thankful for the volunteers who share their stories and train and guide us parents on this journey of parenting a child with special needs. –afedwards, client served

A Touch of Understanding

Granite Bay, CA
One of the most effective ways to foster understanding and compassion is to expose our differences and talk about diversity. A Touch of Understanding educates children about physical disabilities through in-school programs and events. Children have the opportunity to connect with disabled people, hear their stories, and ask questions.

By creating this personal connection, children learn how discrimination harms people with disabilities. This encourages understanding and acceptance among both children and adults as they learn that our differences make us unique.

A Touch of Understanding impacts more than 10,000 lives each year in the Sacramento area.

While at workshops, I have heard students say things such as “This is the best day of the whole year” and “I love learning about all of these tools the people use,” and some students often feel comfortable enough to share something they may struggle with. That sense of de-isolation that allows them to share, knowing they aren’t alone in their challenge, is one of the greatest gifts the workshop provides. –Meghan, client served and donor

Effingham County Navigator Team

Rincon, GA
The Effingham County Navigator Team is protecting disabled people’s rights throughout Georgia by supporting and assisting children with disabilities and their families. Their goal is to increase awareness and understanding about childhood disabilities, fostering a better quality of life for people with disabilities.

The organization works directly with children and their families through community awareness programs, support initiatives, training, education, and recreational gatherings.

Each year, about 40 families in Effingham County receive assistance and support from this organization.

This group has helped my son come out of his shell! I have learned so much, and it has made my life easier knowing laws and resources to help my son. This is not just a group — they are family! –Hollie Nicole, client served

Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness

Farmington, CT
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness directly protects disabled people’s rights with free legal services, advocacy, and advice for those living with a disability or chronic illness. Navigating the medical and social services system can be challenging, confusing, and time-consuming.

The experts at Advocacy for Patients assist 1,500 clients each year nationwide, helping them secure disability insurance, Social Security benefits, and housing, and fight against employment discrimination.

It can be literally overwhelming to deal with a serious chronic illness, but it shouldn’t be a fight on top of it to receive just a little bit of help. Advocacy for Patients supplies a wealth of information to help people like my son, and I navigate the health care, insurance, and medical community, which is critical when someone is seriously ill. I just don’t know what we would have done without the guidance we received from this organization. –Jackie, client served

By Their Side

Baltimore, MD
By Their Side believes everyone deserves respect and quality of life, regardless of a person’s abilities or challenges. The organization protects patient rights by providing lifelong advocacy for the clients they serve.

Working together with families and caregivers, By Their Side ensures the best possible care and quality of life for those living with disabilities.

By Their Side serves disabled people and their families throughout Maryland, providing guidance and support as families create care plans and struggle to understand social services. In addition, the organization arranges care services for disabled people who have no remaining familial support.

My family has belonged to By Their Side for six years, and I love the organization so much that I became a volunteer board member. We are counting on them to look after our son’s interests after we are gone, and make sure that his trust fund is used to enhance his life.

By Their Side has already also helped us to navigate the disabilities support system and to resolve disagreements with his service providers. It is a great organization with a caring and professional staff, as well as very dedicated volunteer leadership. –board member

To learn more about these organizations, or to search for nonprofits in your area, please visit our website at GreatNonprofits.org.