Resources and support that promote individual choice
Independent
Living Services
And Support
National Resources
(formerly Association for Retarded Citizens)
One of the largest and oldest organizations advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They provide resources, support, and programs nationwide.
Offers support, education, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Provides information, advocacy, and support for individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorders.
Offers sports programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion and community engagement.
A leading autism science and advocacy organization providing resources and support for families.
Offers support and resources for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments, including those with intellectual disabilities.
Provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions, including those with co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
Fosters friendships and inclusion between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Offers professional resources and information on intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Advocates for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Supports state and local councils in advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities.
A nonprofit organization protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Provides resources and support for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Supports families of children and youth with special health care needs, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Connects parents of children with disabilities to provide support and share experiences.
Offers resources and support for families living with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition causing intellectual disabilities.
Provides support and resources for individuals with Tourette syndrome, including those with co-occurring developmental disabilities.
Advocates for the concerns of siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Offers information and resources on respite care for families of individuals with disabilities.
Provides a range of services and support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Supports families and individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Focuses on supporting individuals with co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
A professional association for educators working with students with exceptionalities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Provides resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Connects families of individuals with disabilities to local resources and support services.
(FERPA) provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. This guide provides general information on a parent’s rights under FERPA.
provides reliable, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children and families with disabilities.
provides family-friendly information and research-based materials on key topics for Parent Centers.
Maryland State Resources
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA): The state agency responsible for coordinating services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS): Advocates for community-based services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Pathfinders for Autism: Provides resources and support for individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorders.
The Arc Maryland: A statewide organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their families.
Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC): Advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE): Works to create and support inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC): Promotes the inclusion and full participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services: Provides information and resources related to special education services.
The Parents’ Place of Maryland: Offers training, resources, and support to parents and families of individuals with disabilities.
Maryland Respite Care Coalition: Provides information and resources on respite care for families of individuals with disabilities.
The Image Center of Maryland: Offers independent living services and support for individuals with disabilities.
Abilities Network: Provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families, including respite care and family support services.
Maryland Community Services Locator: An online tool to help families find local resources and services for individuals with disabilities.
People On the Go Maryland (POG): A self-advocacy organization run by individuals with developmental disabilities, offering support and social opportunities.
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP): Provides assistive technology resources and support for individuals with disabilities.
Special Needs Access Project (SNAP): Offers information and resources on accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Bay Community Support Services: Provides a range of services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Harbor School: Provides educational and vocational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Special Olympics Maryland: Provides sports programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Maryland ABLE: Offers tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.
Center for Transition and Career Innovation (CTCI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute: Provides resources and support for transition-age youth and adults with disabilities.
The Hussman Institute for Autism: Conducts research and provides resources for individuals with autism and their families.
The League for People with Disabilities provides a wide range of recreational and social activities for individuals with disabilities.
Montgomery County (MoCo) Resources
Provides a wide range of services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Offers programs and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Provides inclusive recreational activities for individuals with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Offers residential, employment, and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
(formerly Jewish Foundation for Group Homes - JFGH)
Provides residential and supported living services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Offers employment and community support services.
Provides person-centered legal services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Offers vocational training and supported employment programs through a range of programs related to behavioral health and vocational services to help children, adolescents, adults and older adults develop life skills for independence and self-sufficiency.
Provides social support and resources for older adults with disabilities.
Fosters friendships and inclusion between individuals with and without disabilities.
Provides resources and support for individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorders.
Developmental Disabilities Services: Offers residential and employment support for adults with developmental disabilities.
Disability & Inclusion: Provides resources and support for Jewish individuals with disabilities.
Offers advocacy and support for immigrants with disabilities.
Provides research, training, and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Offers vocational training and supported employment programs.
Disability & Inclusion: Provides resources and support for Jewish individuals with disabilities.
District of Columbia (Washington) Resources
Department on Disability Services (DDS): The agency responsible for coordinating services and supports for individuals with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities.
District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC): Advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities: Provides advocacy and legal support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
DC Office of Disability Rights (ODR): Ensures that individuals with disabilities have full access to programs and services in the District.
The Arc of the District of Columbia: Provides services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
DC Special Education Cooperative (DC SEC): Offers resources and support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
DC Developmental Disabilities State Planning Council (SAPC): Works to improve services and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
DC Public Schools – Division of Specialized Instruction: Provides special education services for students with disabilities.
District of Columbia Association of Special Education (DCASE): Advocates for quality special education services.
Best Buddies District of Columbia: Fosters friendships and inclusion between individuals with and without disabilities.
District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH): Offers behavioral health services for individuals with disabilities.
District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA): Coordinates services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
DC Public Library Adaptive Services Division: Provides accessible library services for individuals with disabilities.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC): Conducts research on intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The HSC Health Care System: Offers healthcare and support services for children and youth with disabilities.
Special Olympics District of Columbia: Provides sports programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
DC Center for Independent Living (CILDC): Provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities.
DC Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS): Offers vocational rehabilitation services.
DC Autism Parents (DCAP): Provides resources and support for families living with autism spectrum disorders.
DC Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): Offers information and support for older adults with disabilities.
Virginia State Resources
The state agency responsible for coordinating services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Works to promote independence and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Provides special education services for students with disabilities.
Local agencies that provide services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Advocates for community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Offers resources and support for families of individuals with disabilities.
Provides services and resources for individuals with autism and their families.
Provides sports programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Assists individuals with disabilities in navigating services and resources.
Offers training and support for parents of children and adults with disabilities.
Offers vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
Administers Medicaid services for individuals with disabilities.
Provides resources and support for individuals with brain injuries and their families.
Provides resources and support for individuals and families living with autism.
Offers employment services and supports for individuals with disabilities.
Provides information and resources on special education services.
Offers resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Provides services and support for individuals with brain injuries.
Advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Northern Virginia County Resources
The Arc of Northern Virginia: Provides services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP): Offers therapeutic horseback riding programs for individuals with disabilities.
The Insight Memory Care Center: Offers programs and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB): Provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church.
Arlington Department of Human Services – Developmental Disabilities Program: Offers supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Arlington County.
The Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services: Provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in Loudoun County.
Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services – Developmental Disabilities Services: Offers support services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the City of Alexandria.
Prince William County Community Services Board: Provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in Prince William County.
The Special Education Resource Center: Offers support and resources for individuals with disabilities in Alexandria.
Pathway Homes: Offers residential and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.
The Lamb Center: Offers services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
The Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC): Offers resources and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in Northern Virginia.