—Leslie, a retired US Army Captain, speaks of his experience as a mentor“My role as a Disabled Sports/USA Mentor . . . gave me a new and inspiring perspective on how I can impact the lives of other people. I wanted to reach out and provide Ariel with motivation and strength and at the same time, Ariel inspired me with her determination and courage. The relationships the DS/USA Mentoring Program will create are going to last and make a positive difference for everyone.”
Resources for Inclusion
Many organizations have developed resources to assist young people with disabilities as they travel the pathways of life. Youth with disabilities and organizational leaders alike can benefit from these additional resource inclusion & disability resource links. A few are highlighted here:
- Education
- Out-of-School Time
- Arts
- Sports
- Outdoor Recreation
- Volunteering & Service
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Internships
- Employment
- Independent Living
- Inclusion
- Disability
EDUCATION
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities – Central source for disability-related education information www.nichcy.org
George Washington University – HEATH Resource Center online clearinghouse for post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities www.heath.gwu.edu
OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME
Kids Included Together National Training Center on Inclusion – Provides training on inclusion for community based youth organizations www.kitonline.org
ARTS
VSA Arts- www.vsaarts.org- VSA arts is an international, nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.
SPORTS
Disabled Sports/USA – Offers sports rehabilitation and youth mentoring programs. www.dsusa.org
Special Olympics- Engaging youth with and without developmental disabilities through unified sports programs. www.specialolympics.org
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Inclusive Recreation Resource Center SUNY Cortland- Promoting participation by people with disabilities in inclusive recreation activities. www.cortland.edu/nysirrc/
National Institute on Recreation Inclusion- Sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association, NIRI offers an opportunity to learn about the inclusion process in recreational settings. www.nrpa.org/niri
National Wildlife Federation- Happenin’ Habitats teaches teachers and students how to create an accessible outdoor classroom. www.happeninhabitats.pwnet.org
Wilderness Inquiry – Offers adventure programs for people of all ages, skill levels and abilities. www.wildernessinquiry.org
VOLUNTEERING & SERVICE
National Service Inclusion Project- Provides technical assistance to national service program providers. www.serviceinclusion.org
The Corps Network- National association of service and conservation crews offering an Inclusive Crew Model www.corpsnetwork.org
LEADERSHIP
National Consortium on Leadership & Development for Youth – Youth led resource information and training center for youth and emerging leaders with developmental disabilities. www.iel.org/programs/ncldy.html
National Youth Leadership Network – National voice for young leaders with disabilities. www.nyln.org
MENTORING
Partners for Youth with Disabilities- Mentoring programs for youth with disabilities www.pyd.org
INTERNSHIPS
Emerging Leaders- Summer internships for youth with disabilities. www.emerging-leaders.com
MEAF-AAPD Congressional Internships & Microsoft-AAPD Federal IT Internships- Placing college students with disabilities in summer internships in Washington, DC. www.aapd.com
Youth to Work Coalition- Sponsored by the US Business Leadership Network, the YWC promotes internships and mentoring opportunities for youth with disabilities. www.usbln/youthtwork/default.aspx
EMPLOYMENT
Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities- Career planning services for college students with disabilities. www.cosdonline.org/
Job Accommodation Network- Free consulting service that provides information on accommodations and disability employment. www.jan.owvu.edu.
Project SEARCH- Unique employment training for youth and adults with cognitive disabilities. www.cincinnatichildrens.org/ps
INDEPENDENT LIVING
National Council on Independent Living- National association of independent living centers. www.ncil.org
TASH- Membership association that promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society. www.tash.org
INCLUSION
Inclusion Network- Cincinnati-based umbrella group working to raise awareness of inclusion. www.inclusion.org
DISABILITY
Disability Funders Network- An affinity group of disability funders. www.disabilityfunders.org
DisabilityInfo.gov- Comprehensive resource on governmental services available to people with disabilities. www.disabilityinfo.gov
Easter Seals- Dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities attain greater independence. www.easterseals.com