Mental Retardation / Down Syndrome
National. 150+ parent group networks. Founded 1974. Support, information and advocacy for families affected by Down syndrome. Promotes research and public awareness. Serves as clearinghouse and network for parent groups. Newsletter ($35/yr). Annual convention, phone support and chapter development guidelines.
Write:
National Down Syndrome Congress
1370 Center Dr., Suite 102
Atlanta, GA 30338
Voice: 1-800-232-6372 or 770-604-9500 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5:30pm EST)
Fax: 770-604-9898
Website: http://www.ndsccenter.org
E-mail: info@ndsccenter.org
Verified: 8/22/2011
Model. 13 groups. Founded 1982. Self-help advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Monthly chapter meetings. Members help each other resolve problems, gain self-confidence and learn leadership skills. Chapter development guidelines and newsletter.
Write:
Speaking for Ourselves
714 Market St., Suite 326
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Voice: 1-800-867-3330
Fax: 215-923-8601
Website: http://www.speaking.org
E-mail: info@speaking.org
Verified: 1/26/2011
National. 730 chapters. Founded 1950. Provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Advocacy groups and direct services. Monthly e-newsletter. Chapter development guidelines. Local group information on website.
Write:
The Arc
1825 K Street NW, Ste 1200
Washington, DC 20006
Voice: 202-534-3700 (day)
Fax: 202-534-3731
Website: http://www.thearc.org
E-mail: info@thearc.org
Verified: 9/21/2011
Model. 33 groups in Washington. 7 high school clubs. Founded 1977. Self-help advocacy organization created by and for people with developmental disabilities. Provides help in starting new chapters. Quarterly newsletter.
Write:
People First of Washington
P.O. Box 648
Clarkston, WA 99403-2079
Voice: 509-758-1123
Fax: 509-758-1289
Website: http://www.peoplefirstofwashington.org
E-mail: pfow@clarkston.com
Verified: 8/22/2011
National. 130 affiliated groups. Founded 1983. Works to empower families of persons with intellectual disabilities through information and advocacy. Weekly e-mail updates and print newsletter for members. Networking, information and referrals, advocacy, phone support and conferences. Annual dues $40.
Write:
VOR
836 S. Arlington Heights Rd., #351
Arlington Heights, IL 60007
Voice: 1-877-399-4867
Fax: 605-499-1631
Website: http://www.vor.net
E-mail: thopp@vor.net
Verified: 8/24/2011
Online. 1300 members. Founded 1997. Opportunity for families and professionals to discuss the unique aspects of supporting a person who is dually diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, autism-spectrum disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder.
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ds-autism
E-mail: ds-autism-owner@yahoogroups.com
Verified: 9/26/2011
Online. 725+ members. Founded 2001. Mutual support and sharing of ideas for parents who are, or who would like to, home school their child with Down Syndrome.
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschoolinganddownsyndrome
E-mail: homeschoolinganddownsyndrome-owner@yahoogroups.com
Verified: 9/26/2011
Online. 1000+ members. Founded 2000. Supportive group for families of persons with Down syndrome. Focus is on the families; not just the person with Down Syndrome.
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/upsndowns
E-mail: upsndowns-owner@yahoogroups.com
Verified: 9/26/2011
Online. 750+ members. Founded 1999. Support for families with children diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome (MDS). Open to adults with MDS, and professionals working with them. Newsletter, pen pals, yearly conference.
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mosaicds
E-mail: mosaicds-owner@yahoo.com
Verified: 9/26/2011
Online. Founded 2004. Provides mutual support for disabled LBGT people. Offers information, advice, online support for members. Combats the social isolation through Regard Chat for discussion and more social contacts. Provides advocacy and campaigns on issues affecting disabled LBGT people. Provides online newsletters, news and notices.
Write:
BM Regard
London, UK WC1N 3XX
Website: http://www.regard.org.uk
E-mail: secretary@regard.org.uk
Verified: 10/19/2011
The above information was "verified" as correct on the date at the end of each entry. Since American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse's database is extensive but staffing is limited and information for these organizations can change, it is not possible to keep every entry in American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse database completely current and accurate. Please check with the organizations listed for the most current information.
For additional information on self-help groups, please visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse web site at http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp
If you find information that is not current, please contact American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at: admin@selfhelpgroups.org
Copyright � 2011 American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. All rights reserved.
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