NATIONAL DISABILITY RESOURCES

DisabilityInfo.gov -This online connection to the federal government's disability-related information and resources is a user-friendly Web site with links to information of interest to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and other community members. Included is extensive coverage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil-rights law for people with disabilities giving them protections similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in a number of critical areas. There is also a ADA guide for small businesses that provides an overview of some basic ADA requirements for small business that provide goods and services to the public.

American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) - AAPD is the largest national nonprofit cross-disability member organization in the United States, dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for people with disabilities. AAPD works in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation and enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. AAPD's web site is www.aapd.com and their toll-free phone number is 800-840-8844 or 202-457-0046 (V/TTY).

Episcopal Disability Network (EDN) - EDN's web site, www.disability99.org, includes Accessibility Resources Available for Purchase, Episcopal Resources for Those who are Blind or Visually Handicapped and a free lending library for the print-handicapped. This library has more than 400 taped books, none of which are duplicates of the Library of Congress program. The book list and instructions for using the program are at www.disability99.org as well as in hard copy. Simply call or write them. The Rev. Barbara Ramnaire (1-888-738-3636) is coordinator and her e-mail is disability99@earthlink.net There is also a listing of all diocesan contact people for disability.

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) - The mission of NOD is to expand participation and contribution of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. The Accessibility Awareness Campaign of NOD's Religion and Disability Program is designed to help congregations include people with disabilities in all aspects of a congregation's life. NOD also sponsors the annual NOD/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities. NOD's phone is 202-293-5960; TTY is 202-293-5968; E-mail, ability@nod.org and their very comprehensive, descriptive website is www.nod.org

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) - Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc. (DREDF) is a national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance, and education and training of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities. DREDF's main office has a phone of 510-644-2555 (V/TTY). The Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. has a phone of 202-986-0375. Their web site is www.dredf.org and E-mail is dredf@dredf.org.