TransparencyNational and Local Organizations
Links to organizations that provide services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
AAIDD (formerly AAMR): Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc: This website holds information about The Arc and it’s Chapters. Also has a press room and info on intellectual disability.
ARCA: The Association of Regional Center Agencies. ARCA works to support and lobby for the regional centers and the clients served by the regional centers.
Autism Speaks: Information, resources and support for families.
Autism Society of America: An excellent resource for generic information on autism.
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN): A multiagency network developed to support the understanding and use of Evidence Based Practices for individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder across the state.
California Residential Services Association: CRSA represents providers of residential service to children, adults and seniors, especially those who are caring for persons with developmental disabilities.
Council for Exceptional Children International: Professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
Developmental Disabilities Resource for Healthcare Providers: Educating physicians and other healthcare providers about caring for persons with developmental disabilities, and providing individuals and families support in making informed health care decisions.
Disability Benefits 101: Disability Benefits 101 offers current information on programs for workers and job seekers with disabilities.
Disability Rights California (formerly Protection and Advocacy): Disability advocacy agency that protects and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California: The regional representative of the Epilepsy Foundation.
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT): A non-profit organization of parents, educators, and other professionals dedicated to providing world-class education, advocacy and support for the northern California autism community.
Family SOUP: Is a family resource center dedicated to supporting, encouraging and providing information and facilitated referral to families with children with special needs.
Futures Planning: Parents of children with developmental disabilities struggle with the questions, “What happens to my child when I can no longer care for him or her?”, and “What happens when I die?” These are natural concerns which need to be addressed, but fortunately there is a planning process which gently guides families through this territory. We suggest that you use the Arc Family Handbook on Future Planning. This free resource which can be downloaded assists you in making a plan for your child or dependent’s future.
M.I.N.D. Institute at UCD Medical Center: This is an international, multidisciplinary research organization, committed to excellence, collaboration and hope, striving to understand the causes and develop better treatments and ultimately cures for neurodevelopmental disorders.
National Down Syndrome Society: An internet resource about Down Syndrome.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY): Information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth, IDEA (which is the law authorizing special education), No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities), and research-based information on effective educational practices.
PediaNet: Magazine for parents and families of children with disabilities, and the professionals who work with them.
People First of California: Self-advocates training self-advocates. Their mission is to serve all people with developmental challenges throughout California, primarily through People First membership and chapters.
Shriners Hospital: A hospital for orthopedic and burn care patients
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy.
Warmline Family Resource Center: A facility offering generic supports and services.
Wrightslaw: Information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.