Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD)
AIDD is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are able to fully participate in and contribute to all aspects of community life in the United States and its territories.
The ARC (For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities)
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council
Developmental Disabilities Councils receive federal funds to conduct advocacy, capacity building and systems change activities to promote the self determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. There is a DD Council in every state and U.S. territory.
NACD: Doing What Works for Down Syndrome
NACD has been working with thousands of children with DS for over thirty years. We have learned a great deal in that time about the reality of this diagnosis and what it does not mean. The diagnosis of Down Syndrome does not mean that there is a genetically imposed limit to a child’s intelligence. It does not mean that there is going to be little or no speech. It does not mean that the child cannot learn at a reasonable pace. It also does not mean that the child with DS is just like every other child with DS.
National Association for Down Syndrome
NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home. Their pioneering efforts have made it easier for later generations of individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted by their families and communities, to develop their capabilities, and to work towards independence. The National Association for Down Syndrome supports all persons with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential.
National Down Syndrome Congress
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a membership-sustained not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 1973, we are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from the moment of a pre-natal diagnosis through adulthood.
National Down Syndrome Society
The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY is an information and referral center that provides free information on disabilities and disability-related issues. Children and youth with disabilities (birth to age 22) are NICHCY’s special focus.
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
The New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) began in April 2003, replacing the Mentally Retarded and Developmentally Disabled Waiver (MRDD Waiver). The mission of the NOW is to utilize the principles of self determination to supplement the family and/or community supports while supporting dignity, quality of life, and security in the everyday lives of people while maintaining the Recipient in the community. The NOW includes an array of services aimed at assisting people to live as independently as possible.
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the Single Point of Entry into the developmental disabilities services system.