Disability Rights Organizations

The Association for Equal Access has gathered a list of trusted organizations that support, advocate for, and provide tools for both the disabled and their caregivers while raising awareness in local communities.

Connect with Advocacy and Support Organizations

Whether you're seeking legal support, accessibility advocacy, community connection, or tools for independent living, many organizations across the United States and beyond are working to advance the rights of people with disabilities. A4EA offers a curated guide to nonprofits, legal centers, grassroots networks, and government-supported programs that focus on disability rights, particularly for those with mobility-related conditions.

💡 If you're new to disability advocacy or need help advocating for yourself, visit our self-advocacy guide.

National Disability Rights Organizations

These groups advocate on broad disability-rights issues, often with a focus on policy change, legal action, and systemic reform.

  • National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
    A membership organization that advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through advocacy, policy, and grassroots action

  • American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
    A cross-disability organization that promotes equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation through advocacy and legal action

  • Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
    A leading national civil rights law and policy center focused on protecting and advancing the rights of disabled people through legal advocacy, training, and education

  • The Arc
    Provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in legal cases that have broad national impact, with local chapters across the country

  • National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
    A nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) systems, offering legal support and systemic advocacy for people with disabilities in every U.S. state and territory

  • Invisible Disabilities Association
    Advocates for people living with hidden disabilities through awareness campaigns, education, and community support; works to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and recognize the challenges faced by those whose disabilities are not immediately visible

  • Access Living
    Advocates for disability rights through independent living services, policy change, and community organizing

  • The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
    A coalition of national organizations working together to influence federal policy and protect the rights of people with disabilities

  • Medicare Rights Center
    Helps older adults and people with disabilities access affordable healthcare through education, counseling, and advocacy

  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
    A world-leading rehabilitation research hospital based in Chicago, combining top-tier clinical care with translational research to treat complex physical conditions like spinal cord injury, stroke, and brain injury

Legal Advocacy & Protection

These organizations offer legal information, support, or direct representation in cases of discrimination.

  • ADA National Network
    A federally funded resource that provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals, businesses, and government entities. Regional Centers include:

  • National Disability Law Center
    A nonprofit legal advocacy organization that works to protect and advance the civil rights of people with disabilities across the U.S.

  • Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC)
    A nonprofit that provides free legal assistance to individuals with disabilities facing discrimination in education, healthcare, employment, and other areas

  • Civil Rights Division – U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
    The DOJ enforces federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including those protecting the rights of people with disabilities under the ADA.

  • Equip for Equality
    Provides legal support and advocacy to protect the rights of people with disabilities, especially in areas like education, housing, and abuse prevention

  • Greater National Advocates (GNANOW)
    Promotes Independent Patient Advocacy, offering patients and families online access to trusted professionals and resources to support informed healthcare decisions

Government Agencies & Federally Funded Resources

These publicly funded agencies and programs play a vital role in enforcing disability rights laws, developing inclusive policies, and providing access to essential services.

  • National Council on Disability (NCD)
    An independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies on disability policy, including civil rights, education, healthcare, and independent living

  • U.S. Access Board
    An independent federal agency that develops accessibility guidelines and standards to ensure equal access to facilities, transportation, and technology

  • Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – U.S. Department of Education
    Enforces federal civil rights laws to ensure equal access to education and investigates disability discrimination in schools and educational institutions

  • Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
    A federal agency that oversees grant programs supporting vocational rehabilitation and independent living for people with disabilities

  • Ticket to Work (SSA)
    A free and voluntary program through the Social Security Administration that helps people with disabilities prepare for and find employment without losing their benefits

  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
    Provides free expert guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues to help employers and employees succeed

  • Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
    Offers advocacy services to help Chicago residents under age 60 resolve disability-related issues with other agencies

  • State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
    Federally funded groups that advocate for policy changes and programs to support the independence and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in each state and territory

  • Rehabilitation Measures Database
    A free online resource offering standardized assessment tools and summaries to support clinicians, researchers, and educators in evaluating physical rehabilitation outcomes

Policy, Research, & Legislative Action

These organizations conduct research, influence policy, and lead legislative advocacy efforts that advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Mobility-Specific Organizations

These groups serve people with mobility impairments by offering advocacy, peer support, adaptive technology, and community-building resources.

  • United Spinal Association
    A nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders through advocacy, peer support, and resources. Their membership publication, New Mobility, highlights issues, innovations, and personal stories relevant to wheelchair users and the broader disability community.

  • AbleGamers Charity
    An organization that uses gaming to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing accessible hardware, peer support, and community engagement

  • Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
    A nonprofit that advocates for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, providing support in areas such as healthcare, benefits, and accessible design

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
    A foundation focused on curing spinal cord injury through research and improving the lives of people living with paralysis through grants and advocacy

  • Spinal Network
    Empowers wheelchair users and their caregivers through a range of community-based supports, including assistive technology loans, peer mentoring programs, social and support groups, adaptive sports and recreation, podcasts, and educational events

Intersectional & Disability Justice Groups

These organizations center the experiences of people with intersecting identities, such as race, gender, or sexuality, within the broader disability rights movement.

  • Sins Invalid
    A disability justice-based performance project led by disabled artists of color and queer disabled people, focused on cultural and political change

  • National Black Disability Coalition
    A cross-disability organization that centers Black disabled voices and works to address racial and disability justice through policy and community building

  • Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
    Provides community, support, and resources for autistic women, girls, and nonbinary people, with an emphasis on intersectional disability justice

  • Little People of America (LPA)
    Offers peer and family support, medical resources, and public education to people of short stature, advocating for inclusion and equal rights

  • Deaf Queer Resource Center (DQRC)
    A national nonprofit supporting Deaf LGBTQ individuals through resources, advocacy, and education at the intersection of deafness and queerness

  • ADAPT
    A national grassroots group that uses nonviolent direct action to fight for the rights of people with disabilities to live freely in their communities

  • Disabled in Action
    A grassroots organization led by people with disabilities, focused on civil rights advocacy and fighting discrimination through legal action, protests, and public education

  • Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
    A state-based alliance that promotes disability pride and advocates for people with disabilities by challenging oppression and building community in Michigan

  • RespectAbility
    A disability-led nonprofit working to change perceptions, fight stigma, and promote policies that expand opportunities for people with disabilities

  • TASH
    Advocates for inclusion and social justice, working to end segregation and promote equality for people with disabilities through resources, advocacy, and community engagement

Veterans & Service Member Disability Organizations

These organizations focus on the unique needs of veterans and service members with disabilities, advocating for healthcare access, civil rights, and support services.

  • Wounded Warrior Project
    Offers support, advocacy, and rehabilitative services for veterans wounded after September 11, 2001

  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
    Provides free assistance to veterans and their families in accessing benefits and services earned through military service

State Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&As)

Each U.S. state and territory has a designated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency. These are federally funded to protect the legal rights of people with disabilities.

🔍 To find your state’s P&A system, visit the NDRN Directory.

Caregiver Support Organizations

These resources support individuals who care for people with disabilities, offering tools, education, peer support, and advocacy tailored to the caregiver experience.

  • Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
    Supports Americans caring for loved ones with health conditions or disabilities, offering free resources and peer support

  • American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY)
    Supports children under 18 who care for ill or disabled family members. Based in Florida, AACY provides local support through its Caregiving Youth Project and leads national advocacy through its Caregiving Youth Institute.

  • The Care Partner Project
    Helps families supporting loved ones receive safer care in healthcare settings with clear checklists and plain-language guides

  • Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
    Offers support, education, and advocacy for family caregivers

  • Family Voices, Inc.
    Provides state-specific healthcare policy information for families of children with special needs

  • Friends’ Health Connection
    Connects people with disabilities and caregivers with others facing similar health or disability challenges

  • National Alliance for Caregiving
    Shares trusted, vetted resources like videos and guides to help family caregivers stay informed

  • Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers
    Supports the well-being and resilience of family caregivers across the U.S., focusing on those caring for relatives or loved ones

  • Well Spouse Association
    Supports partners of those with chronic illness or disability, offering peer groups and a regular newsletter

  • Facing Disability
    A support and information hub for families navigating spinal cord injuries. Connects newly affected loved ones with experienced families, offers educational content, extensive medical and personal video interviews, and resources tailored to spinal cord injury care.

International Organizations

These global networks and nonprofits work across borders to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with disabilities worldwide.

  • Disability Rights International (DRI)
    Works globally to promote the human rights and full inclusion of people with disabilities through international advocacy and investigation

  • International Disability Alliance (IDA)
    A network of global and regional organizations of persons with disabilities advocating for inclusive international development

  • CBM Global Disability Inclusion
    A Christian international development organization working to end the cycle of poverty and disability worldwide

  • Rehabilitation International
    A global network that promotes the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, working toward a more accessible and equitable world

  • United Nations
    Promotes the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities globally, providing resources, data, and updates on international disability policies and initiatives

  • World Institute on Disability
    Works globally to remove barriers and promote full inclusion by advancing access to employment, economic security, and healthcare for people with disabilities

How to Choose the Right Organization

Choosing the right organization depends on your needs:

  • Need legal help? Start with DRLC, DREDF, or your state’s P&A.

  • Looking for peer support or community? Try United Spinal or The Arc.

  • Facing housing or access issues? Contact your local Center for Independent Living.

  • Interested in policy change? Explore AAPD or NCIL.

Know a disability rights organization we missed?
Send an email to info@a4ea.com and let us know. We're always looking to add more resources to this list.