LibGuides: Special Education: Organizations

Organizations

The following organizations provide a lot of in-depth information for educators in relation to special education, vulnerable populations, disability rights, and more. Resources are divided at the national and state levels.

National Organizations

See below for several reputable national organizations involved in or affiliated with special education.

AAIDD American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Mission: "AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.'
AHEAD Association on Higher Education and Disability. This is a professional association for those "committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education"
CEC Council for Exceptional Children. This is an association of educators who are "dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities."
LDA Learning Disabilities Association of America. "Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources."
NASET National Association of Special Education Teachers. This is a membership organization focused on "meeting the needs of special education teachers"
NCLD National Center for Learning Disabilities. Mission: "The mission of NCLD is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities."
Office of Special Education Programs The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts.
Special Olympics Special Olympics is an international program with chapters all across the world. Local chapters offer a chance for those with disabilities to seek out community by participation in team sports.

State-wide Organizations

See the list below for reputable special education sources for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) DRP is an advocacy organization that works with disabled individuals. The Resources tab of the site has a long list of guides meant to foster self-advocacy.
PEAL Center "The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs"
Pennsylvania Dept. of Education "The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges."
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network PaTTAN is a statewide resource for special education teachers and administrators involved in special education. PaTTAN offers informational pages for several different areas of disability, including cognitive/intellectual disabilities. There are also resources provided with regard to supporting students, developing graduation outcomes, and more.