National Organizations

The National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth (NCLD/Y) serves as a national youth-led information, training, and resource center. NCLD/Y has a four-pronged focus on working on developing leaders, developing the capacity of centers for independent living to serve those leaders, the capacity of the staff working directly with the leaders, and supporting the cadre of youth with disabilities-related organizations. 877-871-0744 or 877-871-0665 (TTY)

NCD is an independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. NCD is comprised of a team of Presidential and Congressional appointees, an Executive Director appointed by the Chair, and a full-time professional staff. 202-272-2004

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the full participation and contributions of America’s 57 million people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Today, the National Organization on Disability focuses on increasing employment opportunities for the 80-percent of working-age Americans with disabilities who are not employed. To achieve this goal, NOD works with leading employers and partners with educational and philanthropic institutions to pilot innovative approaches to disability inclusion, then scales these up into initiatives with even broader impact. 646-505-1191 email: info@nod.org

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities. They provide technical assistance to all DD Councils, advocate for DD Councils’ appropriations in Congress, and convene DD Councils for leadership and development training. 202-506-5816

NORD provides information about rare disorders, encourages and promotes research, and represents people who have rare diseases when it educates the public and medical professionals about these disorders. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. NORD offers medication assistance programs to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals in securing lifesaving or life-sustaining medications; a confidential networking program for members to stimulate the exchange of information and mutual support with others who have the same disorder; a resource guide; and a library of links to other organizations. 203-744-0100

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a membership-sustained not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information. When we empower individuals and families from all demographic backgrounds, we reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome. 1-800-232-6372 email: info@ndsccenter.org

The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) works to improve the lives of people with disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Membership is free for Protection and Advocacy Systems and Client Assistance Programs. 202-408-9514 or 202-408-9521 (TTY)

This is a partnership to promote success for youth with disabilities entering the world of work. The NCWD/Youth website houses numerous youth-focused resources, developed in collaboration with ODEP, including the Guideposts for Success and extensive information related to Career Development, Professional Development, and Youth Development and Leadership. 877-871-0744 or 877-871-0665 (TTY)

The National Autism Center is May Institute’s Center for the Promotion of Evidence-based Practice. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based information about the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive and reliable resources for families, practitioners, and communities. 877-313-3833

NAD has a broad advocacy scope that covers areas such as early intervention, education, employment, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, and youth leadership. They work to improve the life of the millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. 301-587-1789