National Organizations
Working on Disability and Higher Education
If you would like to add organizations to this list, contact us at [email protected].
Also see the NCCSD's list of federal agencies, departments, and centers
working on disability and higher education.
Also see the NCCSD's list of federal agencies, departments, and centers
working on disability and higher education.
Aspergers/Autism Network (AANE)
AANE works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome
and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives
Active Minds
Works to promote positive mental and emotional health for college students while ending the stigma of mental illness
Actively Moving Forward
Through campus-based chapters, AMF supports students dealing with grief after illness
or the death of someone they care about
ADA National Network
The ADA National Network has regional centers providing resources and assistance for campuses and college students. If you have questions about your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
call someone at your local center (there is a list of ADA regional centers here).
American Muslim Health Professionals
This group of Muslim health care professionals has worked with disability groups to actively improve
health care, mental health education, and access to medical insurance for all Muslims in the U.S.
with an interest in also combating stereotypes and discrimination.
Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)
Professional organization for disability services providers that also hosts
the NCCSD, DREAM, and the HBCU Disability Consortium
Access Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN)
A network of professionals working to improve accessibility in higher education.
Sponsors the annual Accessing Higher Ground national conference with AHEAD.
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Promotes understanding of neurodiversity and self-advocacy among autistics;
many college-related initiatives and publications
Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities
Although this is based in Canada, many resources and publications are available for people from the U.S.
Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability, University of Connecticut
Research center focused on disability and higher education, especially disability services
College Diabetes Network
With campus chapters across the country, this organization works to provide
information and support to students living with diabetes.
Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society
This is an academic honor society for students with disabilities at colleges and universities,
with chapters across the United States.
DO-IT: Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
Focuses primarily on employment, Internet, and technology;
also has online mentoring program and information for college students
DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism and Mentoring
DREAM is a student group under the NCCSD at AHEAD, providing online resources and community for all students with disabilities across the country. Offering a weekly e-mail newsletter on disability and higher ed and run by a student board, with a national "Disabled and Proud" conference and other activities.
HBCU Disability Consortium
Consortium at Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
for Black and African-American college students with disabilities
LD Online
Created to serve as a centralized site for all resources related to learning disabilities and ADHD,
it also has resources for college students (the link will take you to that page)
Mobility International USA
Works on international disability rights and supports travel and study abroad for people with disabilities
NAOBI: National Alliance of Black Interpreters, Inc.
National organization for sign language interpreters from the African diaspora.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI offers support and assistance designed to reduce the stigma of mental illness;
they have campus and community chapters and resources for family members.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
Federally-funded group coordinating transition-related work across U.S.
National Association of Law Students with Disabilities
This coalition of law students actively works for equity and inclusion in law education and the field of law,
working closely with the National Association of Attorneys with Disabilities.
National Black Deaf Advocates
Hosts leadership trainings for Black deaf and hard of hearing college students.
National Wheelchair Basketball Association
With roots in teams formed by WWII veterans, this organization now spans the globe and sends teams to the Paralympics. Their website has more information about the sport and where teams are located.
National Youth Leadership Network
National organization for youth with disabilities, ages 16-28
US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights
If you think your college has discriminated against you, talk to someone at the Office of Civil Rights office in your city or state. They will help you learn more about your rights (and responsibilities) as a college student with a disability.
Pacer Center
Provides information for parents about various aspects of disability, including transition to higher education
Pepnet2
Provides information and technical assistance related to deaf or hard-of-hearing students in higher education, including free iTransition training online for youth
Project Eye-to-Eye
Matches college student mentors with LD or ADHD labels with high school students who have similar labels
Society for Disability Studies
Like African-American studies and race, women's studies and gender, or other types of "studies" that look at society through different lenses, disability studies professors and researchers look the world with disability in mind. If you want to study disability, this is a good place to find people across the U.S.
Southen Smash
Promotes awareness of eating disorders and promotes health body image;
has an annual campus tour with events like "smash the scale"
Steve Fund
This organization supports students of color and their mental and emotional health and well-being,
often hosting events at campuses around the country.
Students with Diabetes
This group supports college students with diabetes through information, and by forming a network of peers and campus chapters, connecting students to resources in their communities.
Think College
Promotes inclusion in higher education for people with intellectual disabilities
TRiO
TRiO is actually a combination of eight different federal programs, all designed to work with higher education students of color, students who are the first generation in their family to go to college, lower-income students, and students with disabilities. Your college admissions office would have information about whether your campus has any kind of TRiO program, which can provide a variety of services, including tutoring and mentoring.
Wounded Warriors
If you're a disabled vet going to college, look at the Wounded Warriors project for resources and opportunities, including TRACK - a 12-month program that jump starts your college career.
Nobody understands vets with disabilities like other vets with disabilities.
Youth Organizing! Disabled and Proud
A group in California for disabled youth ages 16-28, focused on activism, leadership development, and initiatives across the state. They also have lists of scholarships, a search engine to find resources in California, extensive information about disability history and the independent living movement,
with cool t-shirts and other products for sale.