Navigating life with a disability can come with unique challenges, and many disabled adults face barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and independent living. Fortunately, there are numerous charities dedicated to helping disabled adults overcome these obstacles, offering everything from financial support to specialized services and community engagement. I’ve seen how impactful these organizations can be, providing life-changing resources that help people live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Here’s a guide to some of the best charities that support disabled adults, each focusing on different areas of assistance.
1. Easterseals
Easterseals is one of the largest and most well-known organizations serving people with disabilities, including adults. They provide a wide range of services, from employment and vocational training to health and wellness programs.
Services Offered:
- Employment Services: Job placement, training, and career counseling for disabled adults.
- Medical Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for those recovering from injury or living with a disability.
- Assistive Technology: Providing devices and tools to help individuals live more independently.
- Adult Day Programs: Social, recreational, and therapeutic activities for adults with disabilities.
How to Support:
- You can donate to Easterseals or volunteer at one of their programs. They also offer local affiliate services across the U.S., so check your area for specific opportunities.
2. The Arc
The Arc focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). They provide advocacy, support services, and education to help adults with disabilities achieve full inclusion in society.
Services Offered:
- Advocacy: The Arc advocates for policy changes and protections for disabled adults, ensuring they have equal opportunities in employment, housing, and healthcare.
- Residential Services: Supported living programs that provide housing and community integration for individuals with I/DD.
- Employment Programs: Job coaching, training, and support to help adults with disabilities secure employment.
- Day Programs: Community-based activities that promote social interaction and skill development.
How to Support:
- Donate, volunteer, or join their advocacy efforts. The Arc has chapters across the U.S., so you can connect with your local chapter for involvement.
3. Disability Rights Advocates (DRA)
Disability Rights Advocates is a nonprofit law center dedicated to advancing the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Their focus is on systemic change, using litigation and advocacy to improve access and equality for disabled individuals across many areas.
Services Offered:
- Legal Advocacy: DRA works on cases related to disability rights, ensuring accessibility in areas like transportation, employment, education, and healthcare.
- Systemic Reform: They focus on policy changes that impact large populations of disabled adults, including ensuring ADA compliance in public and private sectors.
- Discrimination Prevention: DRA takes on cases of disability discrimination, ensuring that disabled adults receive fair treatment in all aspects of life.
How to Support:
- Donations to DRA help fund their legal cases and advocacy work. You can also sign up for updates on their cases and campaigns.
4. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) helps individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to cerebral palsy. Their services empower disabled adults to live more independently and to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Services Offered:
- Employment Programs: UCP offers career support and job training to help adults with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment.
- Housing Support: Independent and assisted living programs that provide adults with disabilities safe and accessible homes.
- Assistive Technology: Programs that provide individuals with tools and technology to increase mobility, communication, and independence.
- Health and Wellness Services: Physical therapy, recreational therapy, and counseling services.
How to Support:
- You can donate or volunteer at UCP’s local affiliates, and they also provide resources for those looking to get involved in advocacy.
5. Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis or mobility impairments. In addition to funding spinal cord injury research, they provide resources and advocacy for those with disabilities.
Services Offered:
- Quality of Life Grants: The foundation offers grants to organizations that support people with disabilities, focusing on health and wellness, independent living, and employment.
- Peer & Family Support Program: Connecting individuals and families affected by paralysis with mentors and resources.
- Advocacy for Accessibility: The foundation fights for policies that improve access to healthcare, education, and transportation for people with disabilities.
- Information & Resources: Their Paralysis Resource Center provides free information on living with paralysis, from medical care to adaptive equipment.
How to Support:
- Donations help fund research and services, and you can get involved by supporting their advocacy efforts or volunteering.
6. The National Organization on Disability (NOD)
The National Organization on Disability works to improve employment opportunities and workplace inclusion for people with disabilities. They collaborate with businesses and organizations to create more accessible work environments.
Services Offered:
- Employment Advocacy: NOD provides consulting services to companies to help them recruit, hire, and retain employees with disabilities.
- Workplace Inclusion: NOD advocates for inclusive practices in the workplace and educates employers on how to accommodate employees with disabilities.
- Research and Resources: NOD produces research on disability employment trends, highlighting gaps and providing solutions for increasing opportunities.
How to Support:
- Donations help NOD continue its research and advocacy for disability employment. Companies can also partner with NOD to improve their hiring practices.
7. Abilities Foundation
The Abilities Foundation provides support to individuals with disabilities in areas such as job placement, housing, and education. They focus on empowering disabled adults to live independently and achieve their goals.
Services Offered:
- Job Placement: Assisting adults with disabilities in finding employment opportunities that match their skills and abilities.
- Housing Assistance: Support for accessible housing, helping adults with disabilities live in homes that meet their mobility and care needs.
- Life Skills Training: Educational programs that teach daily living skills to increase independence and self-sufficiency.
How to Support:
- You can donate or volunteer to support Abilities Foundation’s programs, or partner with them to offer employment opportunities to people with disabilities.
8. Lighthouse for the Blind
Lighthouse for the Blind helps individuals who are blind or visually impaired achieve independence through job training, employment opportunities, and assistive technology. They operate manufacturing facilities where blind individuals can work and gain skills.
Services Offered:
- Employment Opportunities: Lighthouse provides jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired, particularly in manufacturing and technology.
- Assistive Technology: Programs that teach visually impaired adults how to use adaptive technology, such as screen readers or braille devices.
- Skill Development: Life skills and vocational training programs that help individuals with vision loss live more independently and find employment.
How to Support:
- Donations help fund programs, and you can purchase products made by visually impaired employees through their online store.
9. Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a national organization dedicated to supporting veterans with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments. Their programs focus on healthcare, advocacy, and accessibility for veterans with disabilities.
Services Offered:
- Healthcare and Rehabilitation: PVA advocates for high-quality healthcare services for veterans with disabilities, including access to specialized spinal cord injury care.
- Employment and Education: PVA provides job training and education resources to help disabled veterans reintegrate into civilian life.
- Adaptive Sports: Programs that encourage veterans with mobility impairments to participate in adaptive sports and recreational activities.
- Advocacy and Legal Support: PVA works on legislation and legal cases that improve accessibility and benefits for disabled veterans.
How to Support:
- You can donate, volunteer, or join PVA’s advocacy efforts to improve the quality of life for disabled veterans.
10. National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
NCIL is a leading organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and independence of people with disabilities. They focus on ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the services and support they need to live independently in their communities.
Services Offered:
- Advocacy for Independent Living: NCIL fights for policies that protect the rights of disabled adults to live independently and access necessary resources.
- Peer Support and Resources: NCIL provides training, information, and peer mentoring to help individuals with disabilities lead independent lives.
- Youth Transition Services: Support for young adults with disabilities as they transition from school to independent living and employment.
How to Support:
- Donations and advocacy support help NCIL continue to fight for the rights of disabled individuals. You can also get involved in local independent living centers.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Charity for Disabled Adults
Each of these charities plays a crucial role in supporting disabled adults, whether through employment, independent living, advocacy, or healthcare services. If you or someone you know is in need of support, or if you’re looking to contribute to a meaningful cause, these organizations offer a variety of ways to get involved.
Choose a charity that aligns with your passion—whether it’s supporting employment opportunities, advocating for disability rights, or providing assistive technology—and make a difference today.