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Community and Internet Resources


Community: Support Groups and Disability Specific Organizations

General Disability Support Resources

National

American Disability Association is a membership organization that serves as a support group for people with disabilities. They provide an exchange of information on disability related issues, such as Social Security, legislation, and more.

American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is a keyword-searchable database of over 1,100 national, international, model and online self-help support groups for addictions, bereavement, health, mental health, disabilities, abuse, parenting, caregiver concerns and other stressful life situations. Also lists local self-help clearinghouses worldwide, research studies, information on starting face-to-face and online groups, and a registry for persons interested in starting national or international self-help groups.

MedSupport Friends Supporting Friends (FSF) is dedicated to educating and assisting persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers. They offer support and information through a variety of interactive, moderated forums and chat areas, as well as a bi-monthly newsletter and links to various other sources of information.

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD) involves the educating of the public and medical professionals in regards to orphan diseases. NORD has a worldwide clearinghouse of information, including simple written rare disorder information, the Rare Disease Database that serves people with rare disorders and disabilities, and a Physicians' Guide to Rare Diseases.

State Listings

Hawaii

Consumer Health Information Service is a service for Hawaii residents, which has information to help you: Better understand your illness and treatment options, Make informed decisions related to your health care, Learn about overall health and wellness. This site features a listing of disability-specific support groups available in Hawaii.

New Hampshire

Circle of L.I.F.E. (Living, Independence, Freedom and Empowerment)is a membership organization that provides peer support and a number of other planned activities. Their website features disability news and information, disability resource links, a discussion board and information on legislation and policy development. For more information, call (603) 432-9072.

New York

Hidden Handicaps Support Group is a peer-support group of adults 25 years of age or older who suffer from learning or developmental disabilities such as dyslexia, visual/auditory perception problems, processing difficulties, attention deficit disorder, memory impairment, and/or any similar neurological impairment. Regular meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Meetings include time for individuals to share their experiences and also feature guest speakers. There are also a number of special events planned throughout the year. For more information, call (518) 237-8200.

Ohio

Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment has recently developed a Peer Support Network in which people may seek advice or insight from others who have had similar experiences or have faced the same issues relating to disability. Participants are matched based upon interests and experiences. For more information, call (614) 443-5936 Ext. 107 (Voice) or (614) 443-5957 (TTY).

Wisconsin

Cope Services provides Ozaukee county residents with 24-hour access to information, referral, and crisis intervention services. They provide several 24-hour hotlines for various groups. The general hotline can be reached at (262) 377-COPE (2673). Their website features an on-line directory of supportive resources, which includes disability-specific support groups and organizations that can be searched by topic. Their site also offers several informative newsletters. For more information on Cope's services, call (262) 377-1477 or e-mail cope@execpc.com.

Easter Seal Society of Wisconsin, Inc. Helplineis a service to help people in Outgamie County, Wisconsin find the services they need when dealing with any disability. Callers can receive up-to-date information about local, regional and national programs that serve people with disabilities. For more information, see the Easter Seal Society of Wisconsin homepage or email: jillq@sparknet.net or call the Disability Helpline at (920)832-0344.

Kindcare, Inc. is a community resource center at 1016 Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee Wisconsin. The center is a drop-in resource facility for people with disabilities. For more information, contact (414) 571-5566, ext. 227.

United Kingdom

DISCERN, serving Nottinghamshire, is a free, confidential counseling service for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. Counseling focuses on personal relationships, emotional issues and/or sexuality. For more information, call 01623 623732 or e-mail info@discerncounselling.org.uk.

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[Updated February 27, 2004]
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