Government Resources

This page lists by topic area a collection of organizations, journals, and online resources that provide information about treatment, support, or services for people with disabilities, as well as their families and professionals who support them.

On this page:

• Government Resources.

Government Resources

• Administration for Community Living (ACL) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  ACL helps to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults and people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers.
  Phone:  (202) 401-4634.
  Email:  aclinfo@acl.hhs.gov.
   
• Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  The CDC provides information and guidance on diseases and conditions, healthy living, traveler's health, emergency preparedness, and more. 
  Toll Free: (800) 232-4636.
  • CDC Newsroom.
     
• ClinicalTrials.gov.
  A database that provides information about federally and privately supported clinical research in human volunteers.  The information provided includes the trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations and phone numbers for more details.
   
• Federal Register (FR).
  Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
   
• Grants.gov.
  Grants.gov provides a common website for federal agencies to post discretionary funding opportunities and for grantees to find and apply to them.
   
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  The IRS provides taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and to enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.
  Toll Free:  (800) 829-1040.
  • Available in Spanish.
  • Listing of local IRS offices. 
     
• Library of Congress.
  The Library of Congress preserves and provides access to a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire and engage visitors online and in person in their intellectual and creative endeavors.
  Phone:  (202) 707-5000 for general information.
  • Online Catalog.
  • Ask A Librarian.
  • State and Local Government Information.
     
• My.Medicare.gov - The Medicare Beneficiary Portal.
  The Medicare Beneficiary Portal provides access to personal information regarding Medicare benefits and services.
  • Nursing Home Compare is a searchable database of nursing home facilities across the U.S. Search by state, county, city, zip code, or name. Lists specific contact information and grades safety and health for each facility.
     
• National Council on Disability (NCD).
  NCD is an independent federal agency, comprised of 15 members appointed by the President, and Senate approval.  NCD provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and integration into all aspects of society.
  Phone:  (202) 272-2004 (V), (202) 272-2074 (TTY).
  Email:  ncd@ncd.gov.
   
• National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
  NIDILRR generates new knowledge and promotes its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community and expands society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for its citizens with disabilities.
  Telephone: (202) 401-4634. Select Option 5 (NIDILRR) when prompted.
  Email: nidillr-mailbox@acl.hhs.gov.
   
• National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. NIH consists of 27 institutes and centers each with their own research agendas that often focus on particular diseases or body systems. Each institute or center has their own point of contact.
  Phone:  (301) 496-4000 (V), (301) 402-9612 (TTY).
  • Ask NIH - Comment and questions form.
     
• National Library of Medicine (NLM).
  NLM maintains and makes available a vast print collection and produces electronic information resources on a wide range of topics that are searched billions of times each year by millions of people around the globe. It also supports and conducts research, development, and training in biomedical informatics and health information technology.
  Toll Free: (888) 346-3656, (301) 594-5983.
  • CITING MEDICINE: The NLM Style Guide for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, 2nd Edition updated 2015.
     
• Ready.gov.
  Ready.gov is a national public service designed to educate and empower people in the US to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The website includes a section full of information for people with disabilities that includes information on making a plan, building an emergency kit, and more.
  Toll Free: . (800) 621-3362
  Telephone: (202) 646-2500.
  Email: AskIA@fema.dhs.gov.
   
• Regulations.gov.
  The public face of the U.S. government's eRulemaking Initiative, facilitates public participation in the federal regulatory process by improving the public's ability to find, view, and comment on federal regulatory actions.
   
• Social Security Administration (SSA).
  SSA administers retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enrolls individuals in Medicare. SSA also provides Social Security Numbers, which are unique identifiers needed to work, handle financial transactions, and determine eligibility for certain government services.
  Toll Free:  (800) 772-1213, (800) 325-0778 (TTY). Available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
   
• USA.gov.
  The U.S. Government’s Official Web Portal
  Toll Free: 1 (844) USAGOV1 (872-4681).
  • Online Resource for Americans with Disabilities.
    Provides listings of agencies, programs, and guides for employment, health, education, civil rights, etc.
     
• U.S. Access Board.
  The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information technology.
  Phone: (202) 272-0080 (V), (202) 272-0082 (TDD).
  Toll Free: Number(800) 872-2253 (V), (800) 993-2822 (TDD).
   
• U.S. Census Bureau.
  The Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.
  • Locate a Regional Office.
     
• U.S. Courts – The Federal Judiciary.
  Provides information, reports, articles, and forms related to the US Court System.
  • Find Your Local Federal Court.
     
• U.S. Department of Education.
  The mission of the Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
  Toll Free:  (800) 872-5327 (V), (800) 437-0833 (TTY).
   
• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
  DOL fosters, promotes, and develops the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improves working conditions; advances opportunities for profitable employment; and assures work-related benefits and rights.
  Toll free: (866) 487-2365.
  • Listing of State Labor Offices, includes contact information.
     
• U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO).
  GPO publishes trusted information for the Federal Government to the American people.
  • Select your GPO customer type to submit a question.
     
• U.S. House of Representatives.
  Information on the U.S. House of Representatives and find your state representative.
  Phone: (202) 224-3121 (V); (202) 225-1904 (TTY).
   
• U.S. Senate.
  Information on the U.S. Senate and finding your state representative.
  • Suite and Telephone List (PDF).