Disability Networks & Advocacy Groups
Centers for Independent Living
Organizations born of the independent living movement to advocate for disability and disabled. In order to receive their funding, must be employed by majority disabled employees. Progress Center and Access Living are the ones in the Chicago area we most often hear about.
AAPD
The American Association of People with Disabilities is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
ADAPT
The American Disabled for Attendant Program defends the freedom for individuals to live in their own homes and not nursing homes.The organization seeks to help fight for the right to remain in community, right to equality in the community and right to return to the community.
Not Dead Yet
Not Dead Yet is a national, grassroots disability rights group that opposes legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia as deadly forms of discrimination against old, ill and disabled people..
Youth Organizing! Disabled and Proud
Connects, organizes, and educates youth with disabilities with community organizing activities.
ASAN
Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Promote Autistic Identity. Champion causes central to autistic people. One of the most prominent and active disability advocacy organizations these days. They speak out against practices that are not affirming.
AWN
AWN is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit committed to disability justice, gender & racial equity, neurodiversity & trans liberation with a focus on transformative and restorative justice in disability spaces.
Fireweed Collective
Fireweed Collective offers mental health education and mutual aid through a Healing Justice lens. We help support the emotional wellness of all people, and center the needs of those most marginalized by our society. Our work seeks to disrupt the harm of systems of abuse and oppression, often reproduced by the mental health system.
Project LETS
Builds peer support collectives, lead political education, develop new knowledge and language around mental distress, organize and advocate for the liberation of our community members globally, and create innovative, peer-led, alternatives to our current mental health system.
World Institute on Disability
To build a more inclusive global society, the World Institute on Disability (WID): Helps assure that products and services are more accessible, promotes equity policies, provides consulting services, offers training and tools, supports emergency, disaster, and climate efforts.
State Protection and Advocacy Organizations
Assists individuals with disabilities to protect their rights from abuse and neglect. Provide legal support and advocate. Protect individuals with disabilities by empowering them and advocating on their behalf