Community Groups

The nation's largest disability-focused expo, held in 7+ U.S. cities annually. Features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing adaptive equipment, assistive technology, vehicle modifications, recreation, and services. Free admission.

National

Instagram account documenting accessible travel, outdoor adventures, and recreation for people with disabilities. Reviews destinations and shares tips for accessible travel planning.

National

Instagram account highlighting accessible playgrounds, parks, and play spaces in Virginia. Reviews and rates play areas for wheelchair accessibility and inclusive design.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Nonprofit organization providing services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential programs, employment services, and crisis support.

503-239-8101

Oregon · Portland

Author of 'How You Can Handle More Than You Can Handle' and caregiver advocate. Shares disability parenting experiences, practical advice, and inspiration on Instagram.

National

Apple builds accessibility into every product and regularly highlights disability inclusion through campaigns like 'I'm Not Remarkable' (2025) — a musical celebration of disabled individuals thriving in everyday life, including going to college.

National

Apple's 'The Greatest' campaign highlighting accessibility features and celebrating people with disabilities in everyday life. A powerful video showcasing inclusive technology and representation.

National

Art studio and gallery in Washington, DC empowering artists with disabilities. Provides studio space, professional development, and gallery exhibitions for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Washington, DC

District of Columbia · washington, dc

Visual and performing arts programs for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Creates inclusive artistic experiences.

National

Arts organization promoting creative expression and accessibility in the arts for individuals with disabilities.

National

Iowa's parent training and information center providing support and resources for families of children with disabilities.

5665 Greendale Rd., Suite D, Johnston, IA 50131

800-450-8667

Iowa

Over 40 years of services, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism. Offers social groups, caregiver support groups, Autism Friendly Communities training, Lego Club, educational workshops, and sibling programs.

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 150, Richmond, VA 23235

(804) 257-0192

Virginia · Richmond

State chapter providing information, support, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families, including support groups, events, and resource navigation.

Oregon · Statewide

Run by and for autistic people, ASAN provides resources on identity-first language preferences in the autistic community, self-advocacy tools, and policy guidance for caregivers and allies.

National

Creates one-to-one friendships, employment opportunities, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National

Independent living center serving individuals with disabilities in the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley with housing assistance, peer mentoring, skills training, and advocacy.

1502-D Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24012

(540) 342-1231

Virginia · Roanoke

Quality-of-life grants, peer mentoring, and the Paralysis Resource Center with free information specialists. Provides funding for adaptive equipment, home modifications, and community programs.

1-800-539-7309

National

Peer support and guidance for parents of children with serious illness. Provides video stories, guides, and community for families navigating complex medical journeys.

National

Resources and consulting for businesses wanting to become more disability-friendly.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Provides employment training, job placement, and community integration services for adults with disabilities in the Hampton Roads area. Programs include janitorial services, document management, and supported employment.

1161 Ingleside Road, Norfolk, VA 23502

(757) 858-8011

Virginia · Norfolk

Center for Independent Living operated by and for individuals with disabilities in South Hampton Roads. Services include advocacy, peer counseling, independent living skills, housing assistance, employment, and assistive technology support.

6300 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502

(757) 461-8007

Virginia · Norfolk

Family advocacy, training, and support organization helping families of children and adults with disabilities navigate systems, understand their rights, and connect with resources.

503-786-6082

Oregon · Statewide

Oregon's Statewide Parent Training and Information Center for families experiencing disability. Personalized special education support, IEP help, and disability advocacy from childhood through adulthood. On-demand trainings in multiple languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese).

503-786-6082

Oregon

Therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities through Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services.

Virginia · Fairfax County

Kansas parent training and information center providing support, education, and resources for families of children with disabilities.

3033 W. 2nd St., Suite 106, Wichita, KS 67203

888-815-6364

Kansas

National nonprofit addressing grief unique to caregiving for someone with a chronic or progressive illness — the loss experienced while a loved one is still living, loss of the relationship, loss of independence, and identity after caregiving ends.

National

Provides parent training, information, and support to help families navigate disability services and education systems.

20 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 300, Chicago, IL 60604

312-939-3513

Illinois · Chicago

Nonprofit creating inclusive community by facilitating friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Hosts annual Disability Expo and regular social programs.

212 North Gaskins Road, Richmond, VA 23238

(804) 740-2000

Virginia · Richmond

National nonprofit providing free mental health resources, peer support groups, and counseling through volunteer professionals. Dedicated program serving rare disease caregivers to reduce burnout and isolation.

National

Leading rare disease advocacy organization offering educational programs, patient navigation services (RARE Concierge), and the annual RARE Advocacy Summit. Connects families with resources and community.

National

Community action agency providing disability support services, case management, and resource referrals for low-income individuals with disabilities in Hampton Roads.

2410 Wickham Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607

(757) 247-0379

Virginia · Newport News

Founded by Marianne Sunderland, a veteran homeschool mom of 8 children (7 with dyslexia). Weekly articles, online courses, and coaching for parents homeschooling children with dyslexia, ADHD, and related learning differences. Covers curriculum selection and teaching strategies.

National

Resource from Medically Complex Caregiver resource guide. Visit their website for condition-specific information and support.

National

Parent training and information center providing support, resources, and advocacy training for families of children with disabilities.

1703 S. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46613

800-332-4433

Indiana

Center for Independent Living providing peer counseling, independent living skills training, advocacy, adaptive equipment at discounted prices, ADA consulting, and transportation/housing assistance.

815 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 971-9629

Virginia · Charlottesville

Center for independent living providing advocacy, peer mentoring, skills training, and information and referral for people with all types of disabilities.

1839 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232

503-232-7411

Oregon · Portland

Leading nonprofit promoting sensory accessibility and inclusion. Certifies venues as Sensory Inclusive through staff training, sensory bags, and quiet spaces. Over 1,000+ certified locations nationwide.

National

Family-led nonprofit that advocates for policies to protect and improve the lives of people with complex medical needs and disabilities. Lobbies for accessible healthcare, education, and community inclusion.

National

Rare disease family foundation offering a care coordination platform for organizing medical information, managing medications, and sharing details with caregivers and providers. Hosts a podcast for rare disease parents.

National

Award-winning blog and social media presence by Ellen Seidman, mom of Max who has cerebral palsy. Running since 2008, it informs, inspires, and helps parents of kids with disabilities with honest, widely-respected content.

National

501(c)(3) nonprofit raising awareness and celebrating individuals with limb differences (symbrachydactyly, congenital, amputee). Creates parent support networks, links to medical resources, and hosts events.

National

Disability advocate and content creator with Down syndrome. Shares her life, accomplishments, and advocacy work to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.

National

Instagram influencer sharing disability life, humor, and advocacy. Creates content that normalizes disability and celebrates accessible living.

National

Comprehensive resource hub for caregivers of medically complex children. Provides condition-specific resource directories, caregiver guides, and community support.

National

Parent training and information center providing support, resources, and advocacy training for families of children with disabilities.

800-552-4821

Michigan

Microsoft's accessibility initiative includes the Xbox Adaptive Controller, built-in Windows accessibility features, and AI for Accessibility grant program. Committed to empowering people with disabilities through technology.

National

Missouri's parent training and information center providing support, resources, and advocacy for families of children with disabilities.

800-743-7634

Missouri

Blind motivational speaker, model, and content creator sharing her experience with vision loss. Advocates for accessibility and inclusion with millions of followers across platforms.

National

County services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including service coordination, community inclusion, and family support.

503-988-3658

Oregon · Multnomah County

Platform connecting individuals with disabilities to personalized resources, tools, and community support.

National

NAMI affiliate serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and the Eastern Shore with free support groups, education programs like Family-to-Family and Peer-to-Peer, and advocacy.

291 Independence Blvd, Suite 225, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 499-2041

Virginia · Virginia Beach

Christian nonprofit providing encouragement and information to families homeschooling children with special needs. Publishes a quarterly newsletter and connects families for mutual support.

National

Community services board providing developmental disability services, mental health support, substance use treatment, and case management for the New River Valley region.

700 University City Boulevard, Blacksburg, VA 24060

(540) 961-8300

Virginia · Blacksburg

Monthly virtual support group meetings for rare disease caregivers. Meets 1st Tuesday at 12:00 PM EST and 3rd Thursday at 8:00 PM EST.

National

Comprehensive database for disease-specific organizations, educational resources, and caregiver respite programs. Provides peer support, information, and advocacy for rare disease patients and families.

National

Peer-run organization supporting families of children and youth with mental health, behavioral, and emotional challenges through support groups and system navigation.

503-905-5437

Oregon · Statewide

Family-led center providing information, education, and support to families of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities.

Oregon · Statewide

Maintains a community list for parents homeschooling special needs children in Oregon. Connects to Portland-area groups including the PDX Aspergers Network and Aut-2B-Home (for families homeschooling autistic spectrum children).

Oregon

Federally funded parent training center providing information and support for families of children with disabilities on special education rights, IEPs, and school advocacy.

Oregon · Statewide

National parent training and information center based in Minnesota, providing support and resources for families of children with disabilities.

8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55437

952-838-9000

Minnesota · Minneapolis

North Dakota's parent training and information center providing support and resources for families of children with disabilities.

1600 2nd Ave. SW, Suite 19, Minot, ND 58701

800-245-5840

North Dakota

Inclusive recreation programs for people of all abilities through Portland Parks & Recreation, including adaptive sports, social clubs, day camps, and community events.

503-823-2525

Oregon · Portland

Nebraska's parent training and information center providing support and resources for families of children with disabilities.

3135 N. 93rd St., Omaha, NE 68134

800-284-8520

Nebraska

Disability parenting podcast covering real experiences of raising children with disabilities. Offers community and shared stories for caregivers navigating the disability parenting journey.

National

Community services board providing mental health, intellectual disability, and substance use services for the Charlottesville-area region including emergency services, case management, and residential programs.

500 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 972-1800

Virginia · Charlottesville

Local chapter of The Arc providing advocacy, community programs, and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the greater Richmond area.

2 N 2nd Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23219

(804) 649-8481

Virginia · Richmond

Non-profit that tells disability and special needs stories to promote understanding and acceptance.

National

Author and content creator with spinal muscular atrophy. Shane and his wife Hannah create content about disability, relationships, and daily life, challenging stereotypes with humor and honesty.

National

Nonprofit connecting special education homeschooling families with information, materials, services, and support. Offers articles, videos, podcasts, IEP templates, literacy guides, quick-start guides, and free regional online 'SPED Strong Tribes' parent support communities.

National

Award-winning wheelchair travel blogger and content creator. Sylvia shares accessible travel adventures, destination reviews, and tips for traveling in a power wheelchair. Over 130 travel videos produced.

National

Community action agency offering disability employment services, job coaching, skills training, and community integration support in the Roanoke and Alleghany Highlands areas.

302 Second Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

(540) 767-6220

Virginia · Roanoke

Collection of inspiring TED Talks focused on disability, inclusion, and advocacy.

National

Dr. Nicole Julia, occupational therapist and inclusive children's book author. Shares disability inclusion content and promotes the Able Fables book series. 20% of profits donated to build inclusive playgrounds — over $60K donated.

National

Provides services and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Roanoke Valley including residential services, day support, and community engagement programs.

(540) 344-2120

Virginia · Roanoke

Local Arc chapter providing community-based services, day support programs, respite care, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

958 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

(757) 461-4NRC

Virginia · Virginia Beach

Serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Charlottesville and central Virginia area through community programs, advocacy, and family support.

200 Garrett Street, Suite T, Charlottesville, VA 22902

(434) 977-4002

Virginia · Charlottesville

The nation's largest community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides advocacy, resources, education, and support through 600+ state and local chapters.

1-800-433-5255

National

National organization assisting families after the death of a child of any age. Offers a specific online support group for families who have lost a special needs child, recognizing the unique grief of losing the caregiving identity. Over 600 chapters in all 50 states.

National

The National Grief Center for Children and Families. Provides grief support before and after a death, including dedicated resources on grief and developmental disabilities — supporting grieving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National

Special needs programs and inclusive activities at the Jewish Community Center.

Virginia · Northern Virginia

Adaptive clothing line featuring magnetic buttons, adjustable hems, and seated-wear designs. One of the first major fashion brands to create a dedicated adaptive collection for adults and children.

National

Comprehensive nonprofit for people with learning and thinking differences. Offers articles on IEP accommodations, assistive tech recommendations, simulations showing what ADHD/dyslexia feel like, teaching strategies, and a supportive community. Covers school-age through adult.

National

Advocacy, peer support, and resource referrals for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Publishes New Mobility magazine and operates a free resource center.

1-800-404-2898

National

Center for Independent Living serving the Shenandoah Valley. Provides advocacy, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and information/referral services for people with disabilities.

3210 Peoples Drive, Suite 220, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

(540) 433-6513

Virginia · Harrisonburg

Parent-led organization helping families navigate special education services, IEP processes, and disability resources across Virginia.

Virginia · Richmond

Virginia-based resource navigation platform connecting individuals and families with local recreation, community, and support services.

Virginia

Organization promoting accessible outdoor adventures and wilderness experiences for people with disabilities. Provides information on wheelchair-accessible trails, parks, and nature activities.

National

Accessibility and universal design resources for creating inclusive environments.

National

Zappos Adaptive collection features shoes and clothing designed for people with disabilities, including easy-on/easy-off shoes, single shoes, and adaptive apparel from major brands.

National