The "People Power" Disability-Serious Illness-Senior Citizen Superbook
(Book 1. Disability Basics 1)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. People With Disabilities
Disabilities Info
The Disabled Lifestyle 1-2
Downsizing Info
Mobility Info
Disability Etiquette/ How to Treat Disabled People
Seemingly Rude People Staring or Acting Stupid
Special Education Acronyms
Disability Dictionary of Terms
Chapter 2. Disability Rights/ Disability Law
The Americans With Disabilities Act/ ADA
ADA Centers by State
Disability Advocate/ Getting Your Rights as a Disabled Person
Disability Rights/ Disability Advocacy by State
The Main Disability Laws
Disability Law Websites
Disability Law Phone Numbers/ Contact
Get a Disability Lawyer
Chapter 3. Government Disability Help
Federal Government Disability Websites
Federal Government Disability Organizations
Disability & Business Technical Assistance Programs/ Disability & Business Technical Assistance Programs (DBTACs)
Federal Help for Individuals With Disabilities
Chapter 4. Disability Resources
Major Disability Websites
Disability Websites Master List/ Disabled Websites Master List
Disability Hotline Websites
Help for a Disability
Disability Money Websites
Disability Publications/ Disability Magazines
Special Needs Websites
Disability on Twitter
Chapter 5. Disability Organizations Basics
Major Disability Organizations Info
Disability Organizations Info
Chapter 6. Disability Topics 1
Abuse of Disabled People
Elder Abuse Info
Bathroom Location
Disability Blogs/ Disabilities Stories
Disability Chat/ Disability Forums
Disability Info Podcasts/ Disability Info Audio Recordings
Disability News
Dentistry For The Disabled/ Special Needs Dentistry
Disabled & Pregnant Websites
Disabled Sports Info/ Disability Sports Info
Disabled Pet Websites
Chapter 7. Disability Topics 2
Disabled Parents/ Parents With Challenges
Disabled, Elderly & Senior Local Transportation
Disabled Senior Citizen/ Disabled & Elderly
Disabled Women Websites/ Women's Disability Websites
Evacuation For a Disabled Person in an Emergency
Invisible Disabilities Info
Mormon Disabled/ LDS Disabled
Orthotics & Prosthetics Info
Physical Fitness for Disabled People
Religion & Disability Info
Senior Car Driver/ Disabled Driver
Special Needs Adoptions
Tax Credit For People With A Disability
Rehabilitation Websites/ Rehab Websites
Find a Rehab Center/ Rehabilitation Centres And Physiotherapy Centers
Physical Therapy/ Physiotherapy/ Rehabilitation
Recreation Therapy Info
Dance Therapy/ Dance Movement Therapy/ Choreotherapy
Heat Therapy/ Thermal Therapy
Sense Therapies/ Art Therapies
Chapter 9. Disabled Veterans 1
Veterans Info
Disabled Veterans Info
Disabled Veteran Job Websites
Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warrior Project
Transition Assistance Program and Disabled Transition Assistance Program
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
Pre-Discharge Program
Aid and Attendance and Housebound/ Aid and Attendance (A&A)
Housebound
Chapter 10. Disabled Veterans 2
Operation Homefront
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind - VetDogs
Veterans' Group Life Insurance
Outpatient Prescriptions
Receiving help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
VA Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment
VA healthcare facilties
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Contact Elected Officials
Online Claims Applications
Chapter 11. Serious Illness Self-Analysis
Journaling Info/ Keeping a Diary
Create a Social History
Chapter 12. Support Groups Info
Support Groups in General
How to Start & Host a Successful Support Group
Major Support Groups
Support Group Websites
Specific Support Groups
Regional Self-Help Info
Chronic Pain Support Groups
Disability Social Groups/ Disability Support Groups
Job Support Groups/ Work Support Groups
Chapter 13. Minority Disabled Basics
Disabled Minority Websites/ Disabled Diversity Websites
Native Disabled/ First Nations Disabled People/ Aboriginal Disabled
Chapter 1. Animals Heal People
Pets as Healers
Animal-Assisted Therapy/ Pet Therapy Websites
Dolphin Therapy/ Trips
Guide Dog/ Therapy Dog/ Visiting Dog
Monkey Helpers For Disabled People
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Chapter 2. Medicare/ Medicaid Basics
The Medicare Handbook
Medicaid for Poor, Disabled & Seniors
Medicare/ Medicaid Resources
Medicare State Claim Offices
Medicare State Peer Review Offices
Medicare Carriers State Offices
Medigap Insurance/ Medicare Supplement Health Insurance
Managed Care Organization/ MCO
Chapter 3. Disabled People Transportation
Driving For Seniors And Disabled People
Travel for Disabled People/ Accessible Bus Service
Air Travel For Disabled People
Chapter 4. Emergency Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency
State Emergency Info
Disaster/ Emergency Websites
Help Animals in an Emergency/ Disaster
Disabled People in Emergencies/ Disasters
Outdoor Medicine Info
Chapter 5. Disability Recreation
Disability Recreation Websites
Computer Game Accessibility
Alternative/ Accessible Game Controllers
Disability Culture Websites/ Disability Arts Websites
Disability Radio Shows/ Disability Podcasts
Disabled People Video/ Disabled Films/ Disability TV/ Disability Entertainment
Volume 3. Products & Equipment That Help Disabled People & Senior Citizens
Chapter 1. Products for Disabled People
Disabled Products Info
Disability Product Websites/ Disabled Product Websites
Equipment for Disabled People Resources
Equipment for Disabled People Products
British Disability Products
British Mobility Products
Chapter 2. Assistive Technology/ Adaptive Technology/ Disabled People Get Equipment
Assistive Technology Info
State Assistive Technology Offices
Major Assistive Technology Websites
Assistive Technology Websites/ Adaptive Technology Websites
Assistive Technology for Students at School
Government Websites For Assistive And
Accessible Technology
Disability Software Info
Text-to-Speech Software
Chapter 3. Disabled Person Using a Computer, on the Internet
Make a Website Accessible to Disabled People
Computer Accessibility Websites/ Accessibility Software
Accessible Websites to Get Internet/ Website Accessibility for Disabled People
Chapter 4. Specific Products for Disabled People
Learn About Assistive Products
Accessible Cars & Vehicles
Adaptive Clothing/ Disability Clothing For Sale
Alzheimer Products For Sale
Automatic Faucets For Sale
Bedside Commode/ Portable Toilet For Sale
Braille Books/ Audio Reading Materials For Sale
Books for People With Disabilities
Cognitive Aids to Help Remember & Think
Custom-Made Disability Devices
Diabetes Products For Sale
Emergency Response Alert Alarms For Sale
Find Misplaced Things Remote Locators
Food Devices For Sale
Lift Chair For Sale
Mobility Product Websites/ Scooters & Stuff
Reading Aids For Sale
Speech Devices For Sale
Speech Recognition Products For Sale
Stairlift in the Home
Toys for Disabled Kids For Sale
Vision Products For Sale
Wheelchairs For Sale
Chapter 5. Disabled People Home Safety
Make a Home Safe
Make a Home Accessible/ Home Modification
Accessible Home Modification Websites
Home Safety Modifications/ Make Your Home Safe For an Alzheimer's Patient
Safety for Disabled People
Disabled & Mobility Knowledge Websites
Assistive Domotics/ Home Automation For The Elderly And Disabled
Chapter 6. Making Building & Homes Accessible
Public & Commercial Buildings Accessibility/ An Accessible Society Websites
Accessible, Adaptable Housing Design
Accessible Real Estate/ Disability Real Estate
Chapter 7. Disabled Housing/ Disability Housing/ Independent Living
Disability Housing/ Housing For Poor & Disabled
Independent Living Info
Independent Living is Living at Home/ Home Independent Living
Independent Living Websites For Seniors & Disabled
Independent Living Organizations
Independent Living by State
Volume 4. Disabilities by State
Chapter 1. State Disability Websites 1
Disabilities by State
Alabama Disability Info
Alaska Disability Info
Arizona Disability Info
Arkansas Disability Info
California Disability Info
Colorado Disability Info
Connecticut Disability Info
Delaware Disability Info
District Of Columbia Disability Info
Florida Disability Info
Georgia Disability Info
Hawaii Disability Info
Idaho Disability Info
Illinois Disability Info
Indiana Disability Info
Iowa Disability Info
Kansas Disability Info
Chapter 2. State Disability Websites 2
Kentucky Disability Info
Louisiana Disability Info
Maine Disability Info
Maryland Disability Info
Massachusetts Disability Info
Michigan Disability Info
Minnesota Disability Info
Mississippi Disability Info
Missouri Disability Info
Montana Disability Info
Nebraska Disability Info
Nevada Disability Info
New Hampshire Disability Info
New Jersey Disability Info
New Mexico Disability Info
New York Disability Info
North Carolina Disability Info
North Dakota Disability Info
Ohio Disability Info
Chapter 3. State Disability Websites 3
Oklahoma Disability Info
Oregon Disability Info
Pennsylvania Disability Info
Rhode Island Disability Info
South Carolina Disability Info
South Dakota Disability Info
Tennessee Disability Info
Texas Disability Info
Utah Disability Info
Vermont Disability Info
Virginia Disability Info
Washington Disability Info
West Virginia Disability Info
Wisconsin Disability Info
Wyoming Disability Info
Northern Mariana Islands Disability Info
Puerto Rico Disability Info
Everybody has disabled people somewhere in their family tree. Lots of people are born disabled due to genetic reasons or as the result of pregnancy complications. People get injured or acquire debilitating diseases at some point in life. I've lived with both, a disabled relative and serious injuries of my own.
The thing is that the world goes on. It doesn't slow down or stop just because someone is disabled. We can do so much politically and the rest we have to do on our own to fit into the world somehow in a useful, productive way to get the money we want to buy the things that will help us survive and enjoy our lives more.
The best thing I ever saw about disabilities was the 1940s movie called Shaggy Bush which was a movie about a family going through ups and downs. There was a bit in there where the mother said her daughter's disability didn't mean she was doomed. It just meant that she would still do what she felt in her spirit with her life with this extra nuisance to deal with.
There's a lot of discrimination. You can't legislate it away. The only way to solve it is to prove to prejudiced people that you can do the things you do as a job or for a career just as well or better than other people.
As a group, disabled people are the poorest category within society. The government could do more but it won't happen until disabled people of all kinds come together to form a powerful voting block capable of swaying elections like the AARP for people over 50.
There has to be some kind of major aggressive program to train disabled people and put them out into the workforce. They should get preferential treatment for all government jobs.
There are all kinds of assisted living retirement communities for seniors who can afford them. There could be living communities built especially for disabled people. We're wealthy enough as a society to do this but we choose to spend the money on warfare and all kinds of other foolishness like border guards between Canada and the United States. We're spozed to be best friends.
Chapter 1. People With Disabilities
Disabilities Info
Overcome your disability to the best of your ability.
A disability does not have to be a handicap.
Who has the greater disability, those with one or those who reject them?
I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.
Helen Keller
What is sadder, people with handicaps or the people who put them down? Many disabled people are happy by themselves until the world comes in and tells them there's something wrong with them.
The general causes of disabilities are:
Accident.
Congenital.
Disease, illness.
Environmental pollutants.
Traumatic event to mother during pregnancy.
Use of alcohol, drugs or booze during pregnancy
The term "handicapped" is defined as anyone with a physical or mental disability that substantially restricts them in one or more of the major life activities of:
Walking.
Seeing.
Hearing.
Speaking.
Working.
Learning.
There are varying degrees of disability ranging from treatable to permanent. The main ones are generally classified as:
Locomotion and mobility.
Digestive and bowel like spina bifida.
Loss of some or all of visual sight.
The inability to speak or speak properly like autism or stuttering.
Intellectual disability like learning disability or mental retadation.
Emotional disability in mental health.
Invisible disability, a disorder not readily apparent like epilepsy.
Visible disability, something like a cleft palate.
Addictions can be considered handicaps in some situations.
Many newly physically handicapped people are angry, depressed and insulted by others often unintentionally so much that they either attempt suicide or wish they were dead during the first few years after they got the disability.
Gradually over time the anger in most gives way to acceptance and self-love. The process is one of finding your focus in life, accepting yourself, loving yourself and looking at your impediment as simply a nuisance, not something that's gonna destroy your inner being.
Can the woe is me attitude. Everybody's got problems. People, in general, stay away from miserable people regardless of whether they're disabled or not. Be a light to the world and the light will come back to you.
Over time, you must accept your disability and basically make a commitment to live for the positive. Find your focus and do it, that's it right there. Accept yourself, respect yourself. That's the way life works, disabled or not.
Don't hide from your pain, don't live in denial, get it out somehow then try to leave it behind until the next round of self-pity hits. Live your positive moods to the fullest, relax and don't take it all so hard when you feel down.
The most important thing for people who come in contact with disabled people is to treat them as normal human beings. Act casual. Don't pry. If the subject of disabilities comes up, talk about it casually.
Amniocentisis and other prenatal tests can detect some genetic diseases and some conditions can be treated even before birth.
Some parents who can't cope with disabled children can institutionalize them, give them up for adoption or put them in foster homes.
If you can no longer manage in your own home, you may have to consider a new living arrangement, often a nursing home, long-term care center or an assisted living group home.
If you need an attendant and have a doctor's letter stating such, most bus companies will let you travel for the price of one ticket.
You can find books about disabilities at #155.916, #362.4 or HV888 to HV3023 of your local library. Try #649.1511for books about raising disabled children. Literary books about disabilities are at #810.8092 or PS508 at the library.
The Disabled Lifestyle 1
Get a cellphone. Learn how to use it. It could save your life.
Common results of disability are:
Declining physical mobility
Loss of appetite
Confused state of mind
Malnutrition
Incontinence
decreased vision or hearing
walks slower, hunched over
requires multiple medications
slower reaction time
Unsanitary lifestyle, doesn't clean living area, wash dishes, clothes
Accumulating clutter, possible hoartding
Alcoholism
Recreational and prescription drug addiction
Memory loss
Depression
Anger
Reduced judgment
Moving in and oit of consciousness
Dazed state of mind, living in a haze
Decreased listening skills
Frailty
Unsafe driving
Terse, wants to be alone
Deteriorating personal social skills
Unpaid bills
Doesn't wash or clean one's self
Fear of death
Disorganized records
Afraid of going out in public
Dirty fridge
Flies and mice all over the house
What are your medical needs?
What resources and skills will be needed to deal with them?
What can you do to ease your life?
How about legal and financial issues?
Who is going to be responsible for what?
What about powers of attorney and wills?
How are you coping day-by-day?
What will change in your medical and financial condition in the future?
How do you keep your sp[irit strong and vital day-by-day?
How will you get around? Is there a higher level of mobility device you can get?
Review living arrangements and plan for adjustments as necessary.
Will you stay at home or move?
Will you hire home care help?
What is available as far as community resources go like home care, nursing care, long-term care facilities and retirement living?
Look for safety hazards in the home like the risk of falling, fire hazards and security issues.
Now that you are disabled or ill, how will your life change? What will you not be able to do now?
Prevent falls by keeping the floors clutter-free.
Telephone and electrical cords stretched across walkways could cause someone to trip.
Emergency numbers such as police, fire and poison control should hang on the fridge.
The Disabled Lifestyle 2
When you get disabled or terminally ill, spouses and others could be loving as I saw on TV on the CTV show W5. The husband of Annette Funicello, former Disney Mouseketeer was dying of MS. He was loyal and loving until death. It was great and touching but the world is not made up of loving people.
It is made up of a lot of rednecks, bad people, evil people, mostly people angry at themselves for living miserable lives not being true to themselves. A lot of these people will take out their anger at life on their loved ones, often in cases of newly diagnosed disabled and terminally ill loved ones. They don't know how to deal with it so they lash out at the most convenient thing that won't lash back.
This is illegal if it involves physical abuse. If it involves emotional abuse, it could be construed as criminal harassment.
Don't let anyone bully you or take advantage of you. Call the cops, 911.
Ask for help wherever or however you feel you need it.
Consider hired help if you can afford it. If
you can't, then ask friends, family and helping agencies for help.
Life is always what you make of it. Just because life is not fair does not mean that you can't make the best of the hand you were dealt.
Accept help but don't take advantage to the point of being clingy and codependent. It harms you and your loved ones.
If you see something good or get a good idea, don't wait. Do it now.
Some disabled people choose to connect with people, some don't. The conventional psychobabblists all say connect with other people but I don't necessarily believe them. Some people prefer to be alone. They feel better without other people around bugging them. If you choose to die alone, so what. It's pretty common.
Don't listen to anyone without analyzing their suggestions. In one case, the guy suggested the other guy try wheelchair basketball which he did and he liked it but to another amputee, that might be a bad idea.
You don't owe other people an explanation of your disability or try to get them to understand your plight. Some people are stupid and cold-hearted. You can't convert them to sympathize with your state of affairs.
Cherish the love and time you have now.
There are anti-stress and anti-relaxation techniques you could learn about from books at #155-158, #294-#299 and #610-618 at the library.
You cannot stop death. Death is common. We will all die. The really cool people accept it as part of life. There could be an afterlife or not. Nobody really knows.
Give your caregivers and loved ones space and free time to get away from you so they can focus on themselves for awhile.
Speak up for yourself to the extent that you can. Use communication tools, if applicable.
Make your house or room safe by using safe gadgets like handrails, etc.
Try to laugh rather than feel depressed.
An illness or disability can happen to anyone. Some people are embarassed by their natural afflictions. It's nature. You do not drop lower on the socioeconomic scale. You are still you.
Don't be a pest. Use a cellphone or whistle to communicate when necessary.
Be active and inspired as much as you can.
Let your spouse go out alone and have their own life. It's necessary for sanity.
Take care of your health as best as you can. I see fat guys in wheel chairs. I see a guy near where I live pushing himself up a hill in his wheelchair. That's his jogging routine. He has got spirit. The other guys have lost theirs.
If it's hard to sleep as a disabled person, you might want to ask your spouse to sleep in another room so they can get their sleep without being unintentionally interrupted by your wakefulness.
If you have good friends, have fun with them. Don't talk woe is me. If you do, they will stop coming around.
Don't spend time with people who make you feel negative or bad by reminding you that you are disabled.
Eat healthy foods.
Personally I think it's good to catch a buzz now and then.
Do physical activity regularly.
Keep your spiritual connection by being true to who you were born to be no matter what.
Get used to the pain and trauma. It's a part of your life now.
If you want to travel or do something, do it now.
Make up an advance directive and a will now.
Try not to be angry at God or life. It will not solve anything.
Be careful and safety-conscious. You can still get injured over and above your disability like break a leg, sprain a wrist, etc.
When people ask stupid regular questions, have standard answers ready like what happened to you.
Expect insensitive comments. Many people are naturally stupid or simply not able to empathize with others. They don't know they're being rude. People don't realize that you don't need some asshole asking them stupid questions. They feel like you owe them an explanation, kinda like you're a cartoon character and they're entitled to talk to you like you're public property..
Accept your diminishing strength.
Speak only about positive things. Do not be a downer.
Resolve personal relationships now. Say what you want to say to loved ones.
Consider journaling to express your thoughts and feelings.
People say a lot of stupid and annoying things. I have been disrespected a lot. I used to give people the finger and call them assholes. Now I ignore them. I expect to be disrespected out in public and with people I know because that's human nature, to be self-centered and unempathetic.
If you feel anger coming on, try to get away from the focus of your anger so you don't say anything that you regret later.
Downsizing Info
Downsizing is good, moving from a big house to a small one with the bedroom on the first floor.
Get rid of everything that is not necessary to daily life.
Make the living area safe, clean and accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
How far away are relatives who will be caregivers and otherwise help out?
What can the disabled person afford in terms of lifestyle?
Do you understand the terms of the sale, lease or monthly agreement?
Are there recreational or social activities available close by?
Are shops, banks and churches close by?
How will it be in the winter?
Can you catch a bus close by
Is it a low-crime, safe neighborhood?
How far away is the family doctor's office and medical facilities?
Mobility Info
Steps are difficult to climb. The easiest solution is either a new, smaller house without a second floor or moving into the first floor of your current house.
Some people rebuild their existing stairs to make them wider and to make the steps shorter in height.
You can put a handrail on the wall of your stairs.
Wealthy people buy either a stairlift or an elevator for the home.
If you're permanently stuck in a wheelchair, get counters and tables made that you can use from a seated position. Youi can do a lot yourself. Cut the legs off normal furniture.
Wealthy people install cabinets and counters that can be raised or lowered electrically so you flick a swich, the cabinets go up about a foot or two or down by the same length.
For a sink, you have to get the plumber in to lower it then build the counter around it. Keep the front of the counter open so you can slide the wheelchair under it.
You can either drop cabinets to your level or get a gadget like a Lazy Susan to reach up and grab things.
There are small fridges for sale. You can buy two of them to roughly equal the size of a regular fridge.
Use a wheelchair that has sturdy arms to slide from the chair onto the couch or bed.
Some people raise the couch on wood blocks to match the height of the wheelchair.
Furniture, walls and woodwork will get damaged by a wheelchair. Forget it. That's the least of your problems.
Stoves can be dangerous for the wheelchair bound. Use a microwave as much as possible.
Portable appliances like a blender can be put on a chair.
The best thing to do is cut a few inches off the legs of the kitchen table.
If you're really immobile, get a rolling cart to get food and stuff wheeled to you.
Windows can be hard to deal with. You can buy devices or even new windows that are easier to open and close. There are mini-blinds with a long wand and power-operated windows and draperies.
If you have trouble getting out of a chair or sofa, place a pneumatic seat lifter in the chair.
Install grab bars or handrails near the bathtub and shower securely fastened into the wall studs.
Replace the existing shower head with a hand-held shower to bathe while seated.
You can buy a bath bench that enables you to sit inside the tub.
You can buy a hydraulic seat or boom lift to get in and out of tub.
There is a lot of equipment for sale in the way of shower aids and toilets for mobility-impaired people.
mobilityawarenessmonth.com
Disability Etiquette/ How to Treat Disabled People
The best way to treat disabled people is as normally as possible unless they specifically ask for help.
Don't ask about the disability. If they want to tell you as they get to know you, they will.
When you meet someone with a disability, shake hands like normal people do.
Some disabled people feel insulted if you offer to help them because you're presuming they can't do it by themselves.
Some disabled people are bitter, self-pitying losers but most want to do something productive.
Be patient. A disabled person might not be able to talk or walk as fast or as normally as you.
Speak directly to the person with a disability not at them or to a companion or sign language interpreter who may be along.
Just be yourself.
Be extra-careful about using politically incorrect terms that describe disabled people negatively like idiot, retard, gimp, etc. Just say disability, challenged or special needs.
Avoid excessive praise when people with disabilities do normal things. Don't praise them like you praise a dog. They will have contempt for you for going overboard.
Give a person in a wheelchair extra space to maneuver around. Get out of their way.
People in wheelchairs see the world from waist level. If you talk to a wheelchair-bound person for more than two minutes, crouch down to be at their eye level.
Don't pet a guide or companion dog unless you get permission first some guide dogs are trained to work only and it will interfere with the task at hand.
Speak slowly and directly to a person who is hard of hearing.
Visually impaired people can usually tell where you are by the sound. When you offer walking assistance, let the person take your arm and then tell him or her when you are turning, going near an obstacle, etc.
Try not discriminate.
If you have a business, try to make it accessible to all.
askjan.org/media/etipresent.html, disability etiquette.
epva.org/download/disaet.pdf, epva disability etiquette manual
ci.sat.tx.us/planning/handbook/deh9.htm, disability etiquette handbook.
Seemingly Rude People Staring or Acting Stupid
Many people don't mean to be rude. They either don't realize a disabled person is still a human being with normal emotions or they think it's a circus sideshow so they stare.
One way to deal with it is to carry brochures or business-size cards that describe your disorder with a website on it that you can hand out to people who are curious or critical.
Your child can do this in school.
If your child has difficulties with teasing at school, get your local disability organization and you go to the school and put on a presentation to the whole school explaining it.
Being out there involved in the community and showing others you're a normal person makes people realize that a disability is just a nuisance. It's not who you are.
There will always prejudice and uncomfortable situations, Be ready. Know what you will say or how you'll react. Often, the best thing to do is ignore an insensitive person.
Special Education Acronyms
educ.state.ak.us/tls/SPED/Acronyms.html
Disability Dictionary of Terms
usd.edu/cd/publications/dictionary.pdf
Chapter 2. Disability Rights/ Disability Law
The Americans With Disabilities Act/ ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990, is based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title V of the Rehabilitation Act, usdoj.gov/crt/ada
ada.gov, 800-669-4000.
There are several precursors to the Americans With Disabilities Act like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which states that all organizations that get federal aid must be accessible by handicapped people.
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act gives all handicapped children the right to an education in the government's school systems. You have a right to an education and a right to employment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act/ ADA is a
1990 federal law (public law 101-336) that ensures individuals with disabilities access to the full range of ordinary services available to everyone in both the government sector and the business sector.
The teeth of the law is that that auxiliary aids and services such as wheelchair access to bathrooms, lifts on buses, and doors with electronic eyes be provided such that disabled people can have the same access as other people do.
Governments must abide by the ADA as well as all private companies with fifteen or more employees.
The definition of disabilities is the same as the one used in section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973):
Physical impairment is defined as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurements, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following:
Body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, such as speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genital-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin and endocrine. Communicable diseases are also included except when they pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodations.
A mental impairment is defined as any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities.
The law has some exceptions, such as airplanes and buildings of fewer than three stories.
ADA Centers by State
Alaska
DBTAC Northwest ADA Information Center
Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
University of Washington
6912 220th St SW #105
Mountlake Terrace, WA, 98043
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(425) 248-2480, V/TTY
nwadactr@u.washington.edu
nwadacenter.org
Alabama
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(404) 541-9001
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
Arkansas
Southwest ADA Center
at ILRU, a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX, 77019
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(713) 520-0232, V/TTY
swdbtac@ilru.org
swdbtac.org
Arizona
Pacific ADA Center
555 12th Street
#1030
Oakland, CA, 94607
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(510) 285-5600, V/TTY
adatech@adapacific.org
adapacific.org
California
Pacific ADA Center
555 12th Street
#1030
Oakland, CA, 94607
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(510) 285-5600, V/TTY
adatech@adapacific.org
adapacific.org
Colorado
Rocky Mountain ADA Center
3630 Sinton Road
#103
Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
(719) 444-0268, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@adainformation.org
adainformation.org
Connecticut
New England ADA Center
Institute for Human Centered Design
200 Portland Street
Boston, MA, 02114
(800) 949-4232 V/TTY
(617) 695-0085, V/TTY
adainfo@newenglandada.org
newenglandada.org
Delaware
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
401 North Washington Street
#450
Rockville, MD, 20805
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(301) 217-0124, V/TTY
adainfo@transcen.org
adainfo.org
Florida
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(404) 541-9001
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
Georgia
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(404) 541-9001
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
Hawaii
Pacific ADA Center
555 12th Street
#1030
Oakland, CA, 94607
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(510) 285-5600, V/TTY;
adatech@adapacific.org
adapacific.org
Missouri
Great Plains ADA Center
100 Corporate Lake Drive
Columbia, MO, 65203
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(573) 882-3600, V/TTY
adainfo@missouri.edu
adaproject.org
Idaho
DBTAC Northwest ADA Information Center
Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
University of Washington
6912 220th St SW #105
Mountlake Terrace, WA, 98043
(425) 248-2480, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
nwadactr@u.washington.edu
nwadacenter.org
Illinois
Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development, MC 728
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL, 60608
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(312) 413-1407, V/TTY
adata@adagreatlakes.org
adagreatlakes.org
Indiana
Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development, MC 728
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL, 60608
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(312) 413-1407, V/TTY
adata@adagreatlakes.org
adagreatlakes.org
Kansas
Great Plains ADA Center
100 Corporate Lake Drive
Columbia, MO, 65203
(573) 882-3600, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@missouri.edu
adaproject.org
Kentucky
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(404) 541-9001
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
Louisiana
Southwest ADA Center
at ILRU, a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX, 77019
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(713) 520-0232, V/TTY
swdbtac@ilru.org
swdbtac.org
Massachusetts
New England ADA Center
Institute for Human Centered Design
200 Portland Street
Boston, MA, 02114
(800) 949-4232 V/TTY
(617) 695-0085, V/TTY
adainfo@newenglandada.org
newenglandada.org
Maryland
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
401 North Washington Street
#450
Rockville, MD, 20805
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(301) 217-0124, V/TTY
adainfo@transcen.org
adainfo.org
Maine
New England ADA Center
Institute for Human Centered Design
200 Portland Street
Boston, MA, 02114
(800) 949-4232 V/TTY
(617) 695-0085, V/TTY
adainfo@newenglandada.org
newenglandada.org
Michigan
Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development, MC 728
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL, 60608
(312) 413-1407, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adata@adagreatlakes.org
adagreatlakes.org
Minnesota
Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development, MC 728
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL, 60608
(312) 413-1407, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adata@adagreatlakes.org
adagreatlakes.org
Missouri
Great Plains ADA Center
100 Corporate Lake Drive
Columbia, MO, 65203
(573) 882-3600, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@missouri.edu
adaproject.org
Mississippi
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(404) 541-9001
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
adasoutheast.org
Montana
Rocky Mountain ADA Center
3630 Sinton Road
#103
Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
(719) 444-0268, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@adainformation.org
adainformation.org/
North Carolina
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(404) 541-9001
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
North Dakota
Rocky Mountain ADA Center
3630 Sinton Road
#103
Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
(719) 444-0268, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@adainformation.org
adainformation.org
Nebraska
Great Plains ADA Center
100 Corporate Lake Drive
Columbia, MO, 65203
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(573) 882-3600, V/TTY
adainfo@missouri.edu
adaproject.org
New Hampshire
New England ADA Center
Institute for Human Centered Design
200 Portland Street
Boston, MA, 02114
(617) 695-0085, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@newenglandada.org
newenglandada.org
New Jersey
Northeast ADA Center
203 Dolgen Hall
Ithaca, NY, 14853
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY/Spanish
(607) 255-6686, V/TTY/Spanish
northeastada@cornell.edu
northeastada.org
New Mexico
Southwest ADA Center
at ILRU, a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX, 77019
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(713) 520-0232, V/TTY
swdbtac@ilru.org
swdbtac.org
Nevada
Pacific ADA Center
555 12th Street
#1030
Oakland, CA, 94607
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(510) 285-5600, V/TTY
adatech@adapacific.org
adapacific.org
New York
Northeast ADA Center
203 Dolgen Hall
Ithaca, NY, 14853
(607) 255-6686, V/TTY/Spanish
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY//Spanish
northeastada@cornell.edu
northeastada.org
Ohio
Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development, MC 728
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL, 60608
(312) 413-1407, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adata@adagreatlakes.org
adagreatlakes.org
Oklahoma
Southwest ADA Center
at ILRU, a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX, 77019
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(713) 520-0232, V/TTY
swdbtac@ilru.org
swdbtac.org
Oregon
DBTAC Northwest ADA Information Center
Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
University of Washington
6912 220th St SW #105
Mountlake Terrace, WA, 98043
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(425) 248-2480, V/TTY
nwadactr@u.washington.edu
nwadacenter.org
Pennsylvania
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
401 North Washington Street
#450
Rockville, MD, 20805
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(301) 217-0124, V/TTY
adainfo@transcen.org
adainfo.org
Puerto Rico
Northeast ADA Center
203 Dolgen Hall
Ithaca, NY, 14853-3901
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY/Spanish
(607) 255-6686, V/TTY/Spanish
northeastada@cornell.edu
northeastada.org
Rhode Island
New England ADA Center
Institute for Human Centered Design
200 Portland Street
Boston, MA, 02114
(800) 949-4232 V/TTY
(617) 695-0085, V/TTY
adainfo@newenglandada.org
newenglandada.org
South Carolina
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(404) 541-9001
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
South Dakota
Rocky Mountain ADA Center
3630 Sinton Road
#103
Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(719) 444-0268, V/TTY
adainfo@adainformation.org
adainformation.org
Tennessee
Southeast ADA Center
1419 Mayson Street
Atlanta, GA, 30324
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(404) 541-9001
ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
ADAsoutheast.org
Texas
Southwest ADA Center
at ILRU, a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX, 77019
(713) 520-0232, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
swdbtac@ilru.org
swdbtac.org
Utah
Rocky Mountain ADA Center
3630 Sinton Road
#103
Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
(719) 444-0268, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adainfo@adainformation.org
adainformation.org/
Virginia
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
401 North Washington Street
#450
Rockville, MD, 20805
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(301) 217-0124, V/TTY
adainfo@transcen.org
adainfo.org
Virgin Islands
Northeast ADA Center
203 Dolgen Hall
Ithaca, NY, 14853-3901
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY/Spanish
(607) 255-6686, V/TTY/Spanish
northeastada@cornell.edu
northeastada.org
Vermont
New England ADA Center
Institute for Human Centered Design
200 Portland Street
Boston, MA, 02114
(800) 949-4232 V/TTY
(617) 695-0085, V/TTY
adainfo@newenglandada.org
newenglandada.org
Washington
DBTAC Northwest ADA Information Center
Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation
University of Washington
6912 220th St SW #105
Mountlake Terrace, WA, 98043
(425) 248-2480, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
nwadactr@u.washington.edu
nwadacenter.org
Wisconsin
Great Lakes ADA Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
Institute on Disability & Human Development, MC 728
1640 West Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, IL, 60608
(312) 413-1407, V/TTY
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
adata@adagreatlakes.org
adagreatlakes.org
West Virginia
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
401 North Washington Street
#450
Rockville, MD, 20805
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(301) 217-0124, V/TTY
adainfo@transcen.org
adainfo.org
Wyoming
Rocky Mountain ADA Center
3630 Sinton Road
#103
Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(719) 444-0268, V/TTY
adainfo@adainformation.org
adainformation.org
District of Columbia
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
401 North Washington Street
#450
Rockville, MD, 20805
(800) 949-4232, V/TTY
(301) 217-0124, V/TTY
adainfo@transcen.org
adainfo.org
Disability Advocate/ Getting Your Rights as a Disabled Person
naotd.org, the national alliance of the disabled, inc., working towards gaining equal rights for the disabled in all areas of life.
napas.org, the national disability rights network, protection and advocacy agencies
aapd-dc.org, a non-profit disability organization whose goals are unity, leadership and impact. adawatch.org, a nonprofit informational online network for civil rights protections for people with disabilities.
aapd-dc.org/dvpmain/dvpindex.html, aapd's disability vote project; tracks the latest election reform legislation impacting voters with disabilities.
adapt.org, attendant care and advocacy group.
advocacyinc.org
advocatesine.org, advocates, based in framingham, ma.
aoa.dhhs.gov/aoa/dir/177.html, national advocates for the disabled eldercare; national legal support for elderly people with mental disabilities
bazelon.org, mental health advocacy.
browngold.com, a civil rights law firm in Baltimore, Maryland
california legal advocacy group doing litigation on ada.
civilrights.org
community.libertynet.org/~libres/advocacy.html, liberty resources, advocacy services
cripcommentary.com
dicomp.pair.com, the disabilities/ industrial complex: a forum for disability movement ideas.
disabilityac.com/dac, disability advocacy clinic; independent paralegal services, inc.
disabilityworld.org, ezine.
dralegal.org, Disability Rights Advocates, a Berkeley-based non-profit law firm
dralegal.org, non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities.
dredf.org, disability rights education and defense fund, a national disability rights law and policy center.
dredf.org, the disability rights education and defense fund; a berkeley california based legal advocacy and policy organization for people with disabilities.
electionaccess.org, international foundation for election systems international disability project.
enableamerica.org, dedicated solely to advancing the bipartisan agenda of reducing unemployment among americans with significant disabilities.
enableamerica.org, political action committee dedicated solely to reducing unemployment among americans with disabilities.
fairhousing.com, national fair housing advocate for equal housing rights
fau.edu/divdept/coe/volunteer/bc/handicap.html, advocates for disabled in fort lauderdale fl.
fec.gov, federal elections commission
fosterparents.com/index17fred.html, advocacy in education; a guide to advocating for your child in the special ed system in schools.
gis.net/~donability, the advocacy communication project.
healthlaw.org
advocateweb.org
homepages.enterprise.net/horner/ap.html, advocacy
icanect.net/fpa, association of disability advocates, help you exercise your rights to equal access
jfanow.org, justice for all; newsletter sent by email with most recent disability and advocacy information.
lgtinc.org, let's get together.
madnation.org, working together for social change and human rights in mental health
members.aol.com/cpacinc/cpac.htm, ct parent advocacy center.
members.aol.com/disablenet/main/disablenet.html, h.u.m.a.n., handicapped united means accountability for all nations
mindspring.com/~ncatp/p1.htm, advocacy and self-advocacy.
ncstac.org/content/projects/voter_emp.htm, the national mental health voter empowerment project.
notdeadyet.org, opposing the legalization of physician-assisted suicide.
oradvocacy.org, oregon advocacy center, disability law.
partners, a charity with 14 years' experience providing advocacy services in london and surrey in the united kingdom.
patientadvocate.org
pdassoc.com/advdiv.htm, pda advocacy & diversity; people with disabilities and their rights related to housing situations, medical rights, etc.
posterbrat.com
protectionandadvocacy.com, the national association of protection and advocacy systems: national representative for protection and advocacy, the client assistance program, and the protection and advocacy for the mentally ill.
spiritofada.org
tash.org, an international advocacy association of people with disabilities
tash.org, quality and social justice for people with disabilities
teleport.com/~abarhydt/index.html, the disability rights activist.
tile.net/listserv/cadre.html, coalition advocating disability reform in education.
uark.edu/misc/kays, project on disability politics.
vcn.bc.ca/citadv/whatwedo.html, citizen advocacy of greater vancouver, voluntary relationships with people from around the lower mainland who have disabilities
velcome.iupui.edu/~shudson/disablty/inpapair.html, indiana protection & advocacy, the pair program has the authority to protect and advocate for services to persons with disabilities who are not eligible for the ddap or paimi programs.
web.bu.edu/pike/bulletin/dab.html, disability advocates bulletin of the pike institute.
web.bu.edu/pike/bulletin/dab.html, disability advocates bulletin of the pike institute.
webcom.com/digitals/states/ca/disablad.html, disability advocates in california.
wrightslaw.com, special education law and advocacy.
Disability Rights/ Disability Advocacy by State
Alabama
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program,
ADAP
The University of Alabama
500 Martha Parham West
POB 870395
Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0395
(800) 826-1675
(205) 348-4928, V/TTY
ADAP@adap.ua.edu
adap.net
Alaska
Disability Law Center of Alaska
3330 Arctic Boulevard
#103
Anchorage, AK, 99503
(800) 478-1234
(907) 565-1002, V/TTY
akpa@dlcak.org
dlcak.org
American Samoa
Office of Protection and Advocacy for the
Disabled
POB 3937
Pago Pago, AS, 96799
(684) 633-2441
Arizona
Arizona Center for Disability Law
100 N. Stone Avenue
#305
(520) 327-9547, V/TTY
Tucson, AZ, 85701
tradecic@azdisabilitylaw.org
azdisabilitylaw.org
Arkansas
Disability Rights Center
1100 N. University
#201
Little Rock, AR, 72207
(800) 482-1174, V/TTY
(501) 296-1775, V/TTY
arkdisabilityrights.org
California
Disability Rights California
100 Howe Avenue
#185N
Sacramento, CA, 95825-8219
(800) 776-5746, In CA
(916) 488-9950
(800) 719-5798, TTY
info@disabilityrightsca.org
disabilityrightsca.org
Colorado
The Legal Center for People with Disabilities
and Older People
455 Sherman Street
#130
Denver, CO, 80203
(303) 722-0300
(800) 288-1376, in CO only
tlcmail@thelegalcenter.org
thelegalcenter.org
Connecticut
Office of Protection & Advocacy for Persons
with Disabilities
60 B Weston Street
Hartford, CT, 06120-1551
(800) 842-7303, V/TTY in CT
(860) 297-4300
(860) 297-4380, TTY
OPA-Information@po.state.ct.us
ct.gov/opapd
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