Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is a group of people with disabilities, family members, advocates, and state department representatives who work to create favorable conditions for people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Commonwealth.
Disabled in Action of Pennsylvania founded in 1973 is one of the States and Country’s oldest and most successful cross disability advocacy.
Havertown-Area Community Action Network
The Disability and Accessibility Action Group brings attention to obstacles facing the disability and d/Deaf communities and encourages changes that support the rights of these community members.
We focus on ensuring that disability rights are respected and access to community events and services are readily available and communicated clearly.
We now offer Disability Awareness/Acceptance assemblies for K-12 schools. Please contact DEE to book an assembly at your school!
Let’s Think Again: The Stigma Project
Did you know that in Pennsylvania, 79% of people surveyed said they believe society thinks of individuals with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities “with discomfort and awkwardness?” That needs to change. The stigma associated with people with disabilities is ugly, hurtful, offensive and ignorant. Most people do not understand the negative impact their thoughts, words and actions can have on the lives of people with disabilities.
Most people want to do the right thing. Most people also say they do not contribute to the stigma surrounding people with disabilities. But the truth is, they do—often in ways they don’t even realize. It’s the lack of exposure, interaction and dialogue that causes natural reactions of discomfort, caution and fear. If we get to know people with disabilities for who they truly are, we would see that our differences are not deficits.
The Stigma Project produced a documentary all about disability stigma in a variety of situations with PA residents with disabilities.
Inclusive Schools Week Resources
The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) is a web-based educational resource for families, schools and communities that promotes inclusive educational practices. This resource has grown out of Inclusive Schools Week™, an internationally-recognized annual event created by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and now sponsored by Stetson & Associates, Inc. ISN’s mission is “to encourage, embolden and empower people to design and implement effective inclusive schools, by sharing insights and best practices and by providing opportunities for connection.”
The ISN provides year-round opportunities for families and educators around the world to network and build their knowledge of inclusive education.
Liberty Resources Independent Living Center
Liberty Resources, Inc. is the Center for Independent Living for the Philadelphia area, which advocates for and works with Persons with Disabilities to ensure their civil rights and equal access to all aspects of life in our community.
Official site for Disability Pride celebration in Philadelphia every June at Philly City Hall.
We are group run and controlled by people with disability and allies. We campaign for access to everything in our community and needed resources that allow us to remain in the community. Sign the petition for Disability Action Month and become part of the change!
The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) is a web-based educational resource for families, schools and communities that promotes inclusive educational practices. This resource has grown out of Inclusive Schools Week™, an internationally-recognized annual event created by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and now sponsored by Stetson & Associates, Inc. ISN’s mission is “to encourage, embolden and empower people to design and implement effective inclusive schools, by sharing insights and best practices and by providing opportunities for connection.”
Disability Rights Washington Portrait of the Whole Person Curriculum
Portrait of the Whole Person is a curriculum for elementary school students designed to teach students how disability rights fit into the broader civil rights movement, to perceive disability as a reflection of societal views of differences, and to treat people with disabilities with respect and dignity. It contains four distinct lesson plans comprised of three in-class instruction lesson plans and one lesson plan governing the research and writing of a biographical sketch and creation of a portrait of a notable person with a disability. It is also complete with a graphic organizer, rubrics, a power point, and a list of references students can use for research.
Y.A.C.C. is open to all young adults (ages 14-24) who self-identify as having a disability or are eligible for an IEP or 504 plan. If you are interested in making positive change in the community, have a desire to connect with other young adults your age to provide peer support and want to have fun while taking on leadership opportunities, Y.A.C.C. is for you!
DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring
DREAM (Disability Rights, Education Activism, and Mentoring) is a national organization for and by college students with disabilities. They strongly advocate for disability culture, community, and pride, and hope to serve as an online virtual disability cultural center for students who want to connect with other students. Their work is supported by the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD), which is based at the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD).
