Organizations serving children with disabilities
Twelve respected U.S. organizations providing everything from early intervention and therapy to advocacy, inclusive education, leadership development and free medical care.
Whether you need a therapist, an advocate at an IEP meeting, a sports program or a surgeon, one of these organizations is a good first call.
National organizations serving children with disabilities
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Easterseals
Early intervention, therapy services, inclusive education programs and family support nationwide, from a long-standing leader in direct services and advocacy.
www.easterseals.com -
The Arc
Advocates for the human rights and full inclusion of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through state and local chapters.
thearc.org -
United Cerebral Palsy
Early intervention, assistive technology, inclusive education and family support for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
ucp.org -
Special Olympics Young Athletes
Introduces children ages 2 to 7 to inclusive sports activities that build physical, cognitive and social skills.
www.specialolympics.org -
Shriners Children's
Free, specialized pediatric care, including orthopedics, cleft lip and palate repair and spinal treatment, regardless of a family's ability to pay.
www.shrinerschildrens.org -
March of Dimes
Research, education and advocacy focused on preventing birth defects and improving outcomes for children born with disabilities.
www.marchofdimes.org -
National Down Syndrome Society
Inclusion, education, advocacy and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
www.ndss.org -
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Advocates for equitable education policy and provides resources to families and educators supporting children with learning disabilities.
www.ncld.org -
Learning Disabilities Association of America
Support, advocacy and educational resources for children and adults with learning disabilities and their families.
ldaamerica.org -
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
An international network of professionals advancing policy, research and systems that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
www.aaidd.org -
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
An autistic-led organization promoting disability rights, inclusive public policy and accurate media representation.
autisticadvocacy.org -
CURE International Children's Hospitals
Children's hospitals around the world providing free surgical care for conditions such as hydrocephalus, cleft lip and palate and encephalocele. Founded in Michigan.
cure.org
The Alexander Foundation has found these sites helpful. We list them as a starting point, not an endorsement, and we encourage every family to decide for themselves what is useful. Nothing here is medical advice.
Two ways to take the next step
You are not alone in this.
If your child has Cloverleaf Syndrome or another craniofacial condition and the bills are piling up, tell us what is happening. We help where we can, and we will point you to people who can help with the rest.
Every dollar reaches a family.
Nobody at the foundation is paid. Apart from minimal supplies and tax filing, every gift goes to families, hospitals, schools and books that change how children treat each other.