DC Partners in Transition - Get Involved >> Advocacy & Support Groups

Family Voices is a national resource for parents of children with chronic conditions, with a local chapter in DC. Family Voices can connect you with resources and other families.

Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. educates and trains parents, teens, and young adults with disabilities about laws that govern public and special education or other conditions that impede learning. Training sessions are offered to achieve the following: clarify legal obligations; assist families to prepare for IEP and ITP meetings; provide training and courses to families on educational services; and help parents and transitioning students there are disagreements about educational plans

Under a grant from the D.C. Department of Health’s (DOH), Community Health Administration (CHA), AJE is to develop and implement a District of Columbia Parent Information Network (DC PIN). DC PIN is to provide area residents with special health care needs information on family navigation; care coordination; community education; and individual advocacy. DC PIN will serve all families and children ages 0 to 21 within the District of Columbia.

Our Parent-to-Parent Program was created to provide parents with a supportive network of peers. This program offers parents an opportunity to develop leadership skills and offer parents in similar situations with support. Peer supporters are provided a comprehensive six-week training that focuses on educational advocacy, the laws supporting special education and related services, and leadership training.

The mission of Disability Support Services (DSS) is to ensure that students with physical, medical, or psychological disabilities have equal access to university programs and services. DSS provides or coordinates a range of services and accommodations that meet the individual needs of a student based on the impact of the specific disability. Please note that students with learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder should contact the Academic Support Center at 202-885-3360 or asc@american.edu.

Our project, funded by a 1-year grant from the Walmart Foundation, will serve 30+ transitioning youth and their families during the '10-'11 school year, with hopes of securing funding to continue the project. Together with our partners, DC Public Schools and Developmental Disabilities Services, we will identify students and families who need assistance planning for their futures and navigating government systems and the many services available to them.

Answers questions concerning accommodations and services available and provides information about and give referrals to admissions, registration, financial aid, and other services within the university. DSS can help assess needs in such areas as housing accommodations, attendants, interpreters, readers, transportation, classroom and course accommodations, tutors, notetakers, and adaptive equipment.

The DCCIL is managed by and for persons with a variety of disabilities. The DCCIL is a community based, private non-profit organization that promotes independent life styles for persons with significant disabilities in the District of Columbia. DCCIL has four core independent living services: (1) Independent living skills training, (2) Peer counseling, (3) Advocacy and legal services, and (4) Information and referral to community services.

DC LEARNs is a nonprofit citywide coalition of organizations providing adult, family, and children’s literacy services to the residents of Washington, DC. Their work includes: training, policy work and analysis, pilot projects, volunteer recruitment, and gathering and providing information on literacy programs.

Advocacy

Quality Trust provides advocacy, monitoring, family supports and outreach activities designed to assist persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) provides a wide variety of services to job seekers through its One-Stop Career Centers. A vocational rehabilitation counselor who works for the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is also available at the One-Stop Career Centers. Please note that in order to receive services from an Employment Specialist at the One-Stop Career Center, job seekers must complete an assessment that includes a reading test. Residents who test below an eighth grade reading level will be referred to other agencies for assistance.

The Department of Mental Health's goal is to deliver mental health services that promote a patient's full recovery, respect cultural and linguistic diversity, and are choice-driven. The Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) system for community-based care offers: evaluation and or screening services, case management, counseling, intensive day treatment, crisis or emergency services, rehabilitation programs, psychiatric treatment, and specialized mental health services.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all services and supports provided to all qualified persons with developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia. Developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism and other disabilities that occur during childhood. DDA provides services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families based on their own needs and goals. Individuals who receive services complete an intake screening to make sure they meet program requirements. When an individual is qualified to receive services and supports from DDA, a team of people including the person with developmental disabilities has a meeting to write a plan to help the person with developmental disabilities reach his or her goals. This plan is called an Individual Support Plan or ISP, and should be updated at least once a year to add and change goals. DDA works with many community agencies and service providers to offer: training and employment support, support in homes and apartments (for adults), temporary relief for families supporting someone with disabilities, and other services and supports to help persons with developmental disabilities.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD) provides individually tailored, comprehensive, support services and programs for students with disabilities. OSWD empowers eligible students to succeed in their pursuit of higher education by striving to assure equal access and opportunity to curricular and extra-curricular activities. Supporting the ideal of life-long learning, OSWD encourages and provides experiences and opportunities to build confidence beyond the classroom. Student autonomy is encouraged through the provision of reasonable accommodations, academic support groups, self-advocacy, and compensatory training. OSWD employs a student-centered interactive model in which collaboration among professionals and OSWD students results in a nondiscriminatory academic environment. In addition, OSWD provides professional development services and programs for faculty and staff and for community-based professionals.

The Office of Disability Services at George Mason University offers a variety of services for students with documented disabilities, including learning disabilities, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, mobility limitations, attention deficit disorders (ADD/ ADHD), psychiatric disorders, and medical disabilities. We encourage both prospective and current students to learn more about our services by going to our web site at and/or calling our office to make an appointment with an ODS coordinator.

The George Washington University believes in the equality of people, the value of individual differences, and the unending possibilities for growth and the development of the human spirit. With that philosophy, the University established Disability Support Services (DSS) in 1978 to support students with disabilities so that they may participate fully in university life, derive the greatest benefit from their educational experiences, and achieve maximum personal success. DSS currently serves over 700 GW students with a wide variety of disabilities, as well as those temporarily disabled by injury or illness.

Georgetown University is committed to providing academic support for all students and to integrating students with disabilities as fully as possible into all aspects of University life. The Academic Resource Center fulfills this mission by providing assistance in study skills necessary for academic achievement through individual consultations or workshops; accommodations to students with disabilities under the ADA and Section 504; facilities and support services to help ensure access for students with disabilities.

All students attending the Howard University with a documented disabilities are eligible and encouraged to register for services.

Kingsbury Day School is an independent K-12 full-time special education school serving the needs of learning disabled students with average to above average cognitive abilities. KDS is an accredited school serving both publicly and privately funded students, and students who graduate earn a high school diploma.

This is a custom-tailored learning community program for students with special needs exiting high school. GTP is a two-year, tuition-based, credit-free certificate program. The overall objective is to enable students to transition to greater independent living through functional education, residential, vocational, and life-skills services. The Challenge Program provides unique courses for adults with developmental disabilities to help them function more independently in their homes, at work, and in the community. Of equal importance, students will have the opportunity to increase their social and community awareness by learning at Montgomery College.

Disability Support Services (DSS) is dedicated to assisting students with disabilities accomplish their personal, scholastic and career goals. We do this by teaching academic and advocacy skills; eliminating the physical, technical and attitudinal barriers that limit opportunities; and promoting an awareness of the experience of persons with disabilities within social, political, and economic constructs.

The Ms. Wheelchair District of Columbia is a sisterhood of dynamic women who are dedicated to promoting disability awareness, education, and empowerment. For the last 10 years, the Ms. Wheelchair District of Columbia organization has selected a spokesperson to speak to the general public about her life as a person with a disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and a platform issue of her choosing. Moreover, Ms. Wheelchair District of Columbia competes nationally with other state titleholders in the annual Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant.

New View, LLC establishes relationships with children, young adults, adults, and their families and/or educational support team to determine relevant, individualized, and client-centered recommendations related to education, work, self-care, and leisure. We provide quality therapeutic services across the lifespan to create meaningful life experiences that help to improve independence and confidence in education, work, self-care, and leisure activities. We provide occupational therapy treatment and evaluation in addition to vocational, career guidance, and assessment.

The mission of the DC Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is to ensure that DC programs are fully accessible to people with disabilities. ODR is committed to inclusion, community-based services, and self-determination for people with disabilities. ODR is responsible for making sure that the DC government satisfies the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws. ODR (1) looks into discrimination complaints and other issues made by community members, (2) provides ADA training and other help to DC agencies to ensure that all people with disabilities are treated with respect and integrity, and (3) works with community members and government partners to ensure that people with disabilities have opportunities to become productive citizens within their communities with appropriate supports.

Group for parents to freely share questions, concerns, problems, and solutions about parenting in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Free meetings with family-style meal every Monday, 5:30-7 pm.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA) provides job preparation services designed to assist persons with getting a job. These services include: counseling and guidance, assessment services, physical restoration, vocational training, job search and placement, and job retention services. To be eligible for RSA services, you must have: a physical and/or mental disability that is preventing you from having job. Require RSA services to prepare for, enter, or maintain employment and/or live independently. RSA also manages the Social Security Disability Determination Program that decides claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Public charter school that serves children up to age 22 with cognitive disabilites (autism, mental retardation, multiple disabilites) and their families. Partnership: Support to distribute goods and services to transitioning youth through the LEAP Award program.

TASH is a civil rights organization for, and of, people with mental disability, autism, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities and other conditions that make full integration a challenge. Although TASH 's work is often on a global level, equally, if not more significant, is the direct support we provide individuals with disabilities and their family members. We serve as a clearinghouse for the daily reporting of treatment that is unjust or that limits opportunity. We provide information, linkage with resources, expert assistance toward fighting inequities, legal expertise, and targeted advocacy. We bring to the assistance of individuals in need, the backing of our thousands of members worldwide and the support of a national organization committed to social justice for all people.

If you are a student with a psychological, cognitive, and/or physical disability, Disability Student Services (DSS) is here to ensure that you receive support services that will equalize your access for your courses and campus activities. In contrast to high school, where students with disabilities are entitled to certain services, in college, you must become approved or eligible for services based on the guidelines set forth by your college/university (Read "Disability in Higher Education"). At Trinity, this means that you must first register with DSS before you can request support services.

The mission of the Disablility Support Service is to coordinate services that ensure individuals with disabilities equal access to University of Maryland College Park programs.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is an urban land grant institution. UDC is a comprehensive public institution offering affordable post-secondary degrees at the associates, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. The Disability Supports Services Offices provides accommodations and assistance to students with documented disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations. Students will also need to provide recent documentation of their disability and recent testing and evaluations of their disability.

Sponsors community groups for teens and young adults with disabilities. Provides information on adult disability services. Trains teens and young adults to explore advocacy opportunities.

Family Voices is a national resource for parents of children with chronic conditions, with a local chapter in DC. Family Voices can connect you with resources and other families.

Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. educates and trains parents, teens, and young adults with disabilities about laws that govern public and special education or other conditions that impede learning. Training sessions are offered to achieve the following: clarify legal obligations; assist families to prepare for IEP and ITP meetings; provide training and courses to families on educational services; and help parents and transitioning students there are disagreements about educational plans

Under a grant from the D.C. Department of Health’s (DOH), Community Health Administration (CHA), AJE is to develop and implement a District of Columbia Parent Information Network (DC PIN). DC PIN is to provide area residents with special health care needs information on family navigation; care coordination; community education; and individual advocacy. DC PIN will serve all families and children ages 0 to 21 within the District of Columbia.

The Transition Advocacy Project provides youth ages 13-22 and their families with support, advocacy, information, and training in order to improve their involvement in their educational planning. We provide students with support, training, and guidance in an effort to effect school reform and secure appropriate transition services.

The mission of Disability Support Services (DSS) is to ensure that students with physical, medical, or psychological disabilities have equal access to university programs and services. DSS provides or coordinates a range of services and accommodations that meet the individual needs of a student based on the impact of the specific disability. Please note that students with learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder should contact the Academic Support Center at 202-885-3360 or asc@american.edu.

Our project, funded by a 1-year grant from the Walmart Foundation, will serve 30+ transitioning youth and their families during the '10-'11 school year, with hopes of securing funding to continue the project. Together with our partners, DC Public Schools and Developmental Disabilities Services, we will identify students and families who need assistance planning for their futures and navigating government systems and the many services available to them.

Answers questions concerning accommodations and services available and provides information about and give referrals to admissions, registration, financial aid, and other services within the university. DSS can help assess needs in such areas as housing accommodations, attendants, interpreters, readers, transportation, classroom and course accommodations, tutors, notetakers, and adaptive equipment.

The DCCIL is managed by and for persons with a variety of disabilities. The DCCIL is a community based, private non-profit organization that promotes independent life styles for persons with significant disabilities in the District of Columbia. DCCIL has four core independent living services: (1) Independent living skills training, (2) Peer counseling, (3) Advocacy and legal services, and (4) Information and referral to community services.

DC LEARNs is a nonprofit citywide coalition of organizations providing adult, family, and children’s literacy services to the residents of Washington, DC. Their work includes: training, policy work and analysis, pilot projects, volunteer recruitment, and gathering and providing information on literacy programs.

Advocacy

Quality Trust provides advocacy, monitoring, family supports and outreach activities designed to assist persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) provides a wide variety of services to job seekers through its One-Stop Career Centers. A vocational rehabilitation counselor who works for the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is also available at the One-Stop Career Centers. Please note that in order to receive services from an Employment Specialist at the One-Stop Career Center, job seekers must complete an assessment that includes a reading test. Residents who test below an eighth grade reading level will be referred to other agencies for assistance.

The Department of Mental Health's goal is to deliver mental health services that promote a patient's full recovery, respect cultural and linguistic diversity, and are choice-driven. The Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) system for community-based care offers: evaluation and or screening services, case management, counseling, intensive day treatment, crisis or emergency services, rehabilitation programs, psychiatric treatment, and specialized mental health services.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all services and supports provided to all qualified persons with developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia. Developmental disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism and other disabilities that occur during childhood. DDA provides services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families based on their own needs and goals. Individuals who receive services complete an intake screening to make sure they meet program requirements. When an individual is qualified to receive services and supports from DDA, a team of people including the person with developmental disabilities has a meeting to write a plan to help the person with developmental disabilities reach his or her goals. This plan is called an Individual Support Plan or ISP, and should be updated at least once a year to add and change goals. DDA works with many community agencies and service providers to offer: training and employment support, support in homes and apartments (for adults), temporary relief for families supporting someone with disabilities, and other services and supports to help persons with developmental disabilities.

Dreams For Kids DC empowers youth living in poverty and those with disabilities by uniting them with their peers, recognizing their abilities, and allowing their voices to be heard. The most isolated young people from every community in the metropolitan area are reminded they have something to give. While fearlessly pursuing their dreams, they are leading others to their own and compassionately changing the world.

Project ACTION!, is the District's self-advocacy coalition for adults with developmental disabilities. Members of Project ACTION! are powerful advocates who work individually and together to let their voices be heard. They work to break down barriers, create partnerships, and change their communities so they are inclusive and supportive of people with disabilities. Members are residents of the District and suburban Maryland. During their meetings, members learn and practice advocacy skills, including how to testify before City Council, how to serve on boards and committees, what current issues affect them, and more. Project ACTION! members facilitate training for local and national self-advocates, DDA staff, and service provider staff. They mentor new self-advocates and youth advocates. They are often sought out by City Council and other government leaders for their opinion and thoughts on different legislation and initiatives. Project ACTION! meetings are normally held on the second Saturday of each month in an accessible location in northeast DC. Please call to confirm the next meeting date. For more information about Project ACTION!, meeting dates, training, conferences, etc., call Victor Robinson at 202-459-4003 or e-mail him at vrobinson@dcqualitytrust.org. Or you can call Phyllis Holton at 202-448-1458 or e-mail her at pholton@dcqualitytrust.org. You can check out their link at www.dcqualitytrust.org/pages/page06b.shtml.