Advocacy/Disabilities Rights Resources

Massachusetts Links/Resources | National Links/Resources | Assistive Technology

Massachusetts Links/Resources

Arc Massachusetts
The Mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community.

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts
The Children's Law Center Of Massachusetts is a private, non-profit, legal advocacy and resource center providing direct representation to low income children in Eastern Massachusetts, and technical assistance and training to lay and professional communities throughout New England on issues affecting children's education, civil rights, custody, health and welfare.

Disability Law Center, Inc.
Disability Law Center is a private, non-profit public interest law firm providing free legal assistance and information to people with disabilities throughout Massachusetts.

Federation for Children with Specials Needs
The Federation is a center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
MAC, formerly Massachusetts Advocacy Center, is a private non-profit organization dedicated to being an independent and effective voice for children who face significant barriers to equal educational and life opportunities.

Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN)
SPAN is an association of advocates and others concerned about the special needs of children and young adults with disabilities. The mission and purpose of SPAN is to develop and promote a functioning and supportive network of child advocates.

National Links/Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center
This website contains copies of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), ADA regulations, and technical assistance.

Center on Human Policy - Syracuse University
(CHP)

CHP is a Syracuse University based policy, research, and advocacy organization involved in the national movement to insure the rights of people with disabilities. Since its founding, the Center has been involved in the study and promotion of open settings (inclusive community opportunities) for people with disabilities.

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF is a national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance, and education and training of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities.

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
NDRN is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the P&A/CAP network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.

TASH
TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm.

U.S. Department of Justice - American with Disabilities Act
This website provides information, technical assistance and resources about the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology Guide for Massachusetts Schools
This publication offers guidance to school districts in providing assistive technology devices and services to students with disabilities.

National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS)
NIMAS is a technical standard that curriculum publishers began using in 2006. NIMAS files can be used to produce alternate formats, such as Braille and audiobooks, for eligible students with disabilities.

Massachusetts Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Library
This state library distributes specialized instructional materials, including Braille and large print, to provide visually impaired students with an appropriate education and equal access to the general curriculum.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D)
For the 2010-2011 school year, the state funded district-level memberships for all Massachusetts school districts, allowing districts to order up to 25 books for students who are blind or who have print disabilities. To learn more about services for Massachusetts schools, including webinars, see RFB&D's Massachusetts site.

MassMATCH
MassMATCH is the Commonwealth's initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology in Consumer's Hands. The web site reflects the work of seven Massachusetts human services agencies and constituents, offering information on technologies, demonstration and loan programs, legislation, and more.

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