National. 150+ parent group networks. Founded 1974. Support, information and advocacy for families affected by Down syndrome. Promotes research and public awareness. Serves as clearinghouse and network for parent groups. Newsletter ($35/yr). Annual convention, phone support and chapter development guidelines.

Write:

National Down Syndrome Congress

30 Mansell Ct. Ste 108

Roswell, GA 30076

Voice: 1-800-232-6372 or 770-604-9500 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5:30pm EST)

Fax: 770-604-9898

Website: http://www.ndsccenter.org

E-mail: info@ndsccenter.org

Verified: 7/24/2012

Model. 13 groups. Founded 1982. Self-help advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Monthly chapter meetings. Members help each other resolve problems, gain self-confidence and learn leadership skills. Chapter development guidelines and newsletter.

Write:

Speaking for Ourselves

714 Market Street, Ste 326

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Voice: 1-800-867-3330 or 215-923-8600

Fax: 215-923-8601

Website: http://www.speaking.org

E-mail: info@speaking.org

Verified: 4/3/2012

National. Over 700 chapters. Founded 1950. Provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Advocacy groups and direct services. Monthly e-newsletter. Chapter development guidelines. Local group information on website.

Write:

The Arc

1825 K Street NW, Ste 1200

Washington, DC 20006

Voice: 202-534-3700 (day)

Fax: 202-534-3731

Website: http://www.thearc.org

E-mail: info@thearc.org

Verified: 7/17/2012

Model. 30 groups in Washington. 7 high school clubs. Founded 1977. Self-help advocacy organization created by and for people with developmental disabilities. Provides help in starting new chapters. Monthly e-newsletter called Chapter Chatter.

Write:

People First of Washington

P.O. Box 648

Clarkston, WA 99403-2079

Voice: 509-758-1123

Fax: 509-758-1289

Website: http://www.peoplefirstofwashington.org

E-mail: pfow@clarkston.com

Verified: 8/17/2012

National. 130 affiliated groups. Founded 1983. Works to empower families of persons with intellectual disabilities through information and advocacy. Weekly e-mail updates and print newsletter for members. Networking, information and referrals, advocacy, phone support and conferences. Annual dues $40.

Write:

VOR

836 S. Arlington Heights Rd., #351

Arlington Heights, IL 60007

Voice: 1-877-399-4867

Fax: 605-499-1631

Website: http://www.vor.net

E-mail: thopp@vor.net

Verified: 7/24/2012

Online. 1300 members. Founded 1997. Opportunity for families and professionals to discuss the unique aspects of supporting a person who is dually diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, autism-spectrum disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder.

Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ds-autism

E-mail: ds-autism-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/2/2012

Online. 725+ members. Founded 2001. Mutual support and sharing of ideas for parents who are, or who would like to, home school their child with Down Syndrome.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschoolinganddownsyndrome

E-mail: homeschoolinganddownsyndrome-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/2/2012

Online. 1000+ members. Founded 2000. Supportive group for families of persons with Down syndrome. Focus is on the families; not just the person with Down Syndrome.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/upsndowns

E-mail: upsndowns-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/2/2012

Online. 750+ members. Founded 1999. Support for families with children diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome (MDS). Open to adults with MDS, and professionals working with them. Newsletter, pen pals, yearly conference.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mosaicds

E-mail: mosaicds-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 6/29/2012

Online. Founded 1989. A UK-based organization of LGBT people who self-identify as disabled. Follows the social model of disability. Offers information, advice (on a non-professional basis) and social contact for members through online groups. Provides advocacy and campaigns on issues affecting disabled LBGT people. Provides online newsletters, news and notices.

Write:

BM Regard

London, UK WC1N 3XX

Website: http://www.regard.org.uk or http://facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=131451632773 and http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/regardonline

E-mail: secretary@regard.org.uk

Verified: 7/24/2012