Recommended Resources
The Extended Family
The Extended Family (TEF) is re-imagining the way in which adults with autism and other developmental disabilities lead productive lives by creating micro-businesses where all individuals can thrive and be successful within the right environment.
Sproutflix
The only distributor of films specifically and exclusively related to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sproutflix offers streams, downloads, DVDs and playlists to be purchased and licensed for institutional use. We believe film can inspire, inform, and affect change. It is a powerful educational tool and the perfect addition to any curriculum or training program.
University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration
Excellent educational and research resources specific to the field of developmental disabilities.
Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS)
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. (SANYS) is a not-for profit, grassroots organization run by and for people with developmental disabilities. Our goal is to help create a person-centered and person-directed system of supports. To further this goal, the SANYS executive board supports self-advocates and self-advocacy groups regionally and statewide. SANYS encourages them to speak for themselves individually and collectively.
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
The Mission Statement: “We help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives”. The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for more than 128,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 750 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.
New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation
The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (New York Alliance) envisions a society where individuals with disabilities are contributing citizens with equal rights and the ability to live full, productive and meaningful lives.
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
“NADSP envisions a world where people with intellectual and other disabilities live community-based lives of their choosing supported by a highly qualified direct support workforce with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to support them in achieving their life goals.”
Disability is Natural
To encourage new ways of thinking about developmental disabilities, in the belief that our attitudes drive our actions, and changes in our attitudes and actions can help create a society where all children and adults with developmental disabilities have opportunities to Live the Lives of Their Dreams, included in all areas of life.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
With membership over 5,000 strong in the United States and in 55 countries worldwide, AAIDD is the leader in advocating quality of life and rights for those with intellectual disabilities.
Autism Speaks
This is a great website for Autism resources and updates. Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.