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:
- Resources related to general health information.
- Finding a hospital, healthcare providers, social workers, and therapists.
- Find a PT, OT, recreational therapist, speech therapist, or nursing or rehabilitation center.
General Health Resources
- Disability Resources Monthly (DRM) Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet.
This guide provides resources related to disabilities that are found on the Internet. Topics include accessibility, benefits, long-term care, and more.
- Health.gov.
Health.gov provides information on food and nutrition, physical activity, health literacy, recovery and resilience, and much more.
- Healthfinder.gov.
A service of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Healthfinder.gov provides key resources for finding the best government and nonprofit health and human services information on the Internet.
Email: healthfinder@hhs.gov.
- Merck Manuals.
The Merck Manuals offer comprehensive medical information that covers thousands of topics in all fields of medicine. Provides versions for consumers and medical professionals.
- National Health Information Center (NHIC).
NHIC is a health information referral service. NHIC puts health professionals and consumers who have health questions in touch with those organizations that are best able to provide answers.
Referral specialists are available toll free: (800) 336-4797
Phone: (301) 565-4167.
- Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC).
OMH’s mission is to improve and protect the health of different communities through the development of health policies and programs that will eliminate differences in health outcomes. The OMHRC serves as an information and referral service on minority health issues for professionals, community groups, consumers, and students.
Toll Free: (800)444-6472.
Email: minorityhealthinfo@hhs.gov.
- Office of Women’s Health.
Offers free women’s health information on more than 800 topics through their call center and website.
Toll Free: (800) 994-9662, Information Specialists are available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Find a hospital, physician, social worker, or specialist
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR).
Provides a definition and information about physiatrists and a searchable database of physicians specializing in rehabilitation medicine.
- American College of Surgeons (ACS).
The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of all and provides tools that can help individuals in finding a qualified surgical specialist or a hospital or facility.
- Federally-funded Health Centers.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the Department of Health and Human Services provides equitable health care to the highest-need communities in the US and assists the general public the nearest federally-funded health center in their communities.
- HelpStartsHere.org.
HelpStartsHere.org provides resources and information on how to find professional social workers who provide psychotherapy for individuals and other forms of mental health assistance, including therapy and support groups.
Contact form.
- Hospital Compare: CMS Hospital Quality Initiative.
Hospital Compare is part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Quality Initiative. The Hospital Quality Initiative uses a variety of tools to help stimulate and support improvements in the quality of care delivered by hospitals.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA's National Helpline: 800/662-4357 (V), 800/487-4889 (TTY); Available 24/7, 365 days-a-year.
Find a PT, OT, Recreational Therapist, Speech Therapist, or a Nursing or Rehabilitation Center
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
APTA is an individual professional organization that represents physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students of physical therapy. APTA provides information for consumers about PT, guidance on how to choose a physical therapist, and a searchable database of physical therapy providers.
Telephone: (800) 999-2782 (V), (703) 683-6748 (TDD).
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
AOTA is a professional organization that represents occupational therapists and students in the US and empowers them to create solutions for daily living. AOTA helps with finding driver rehabilitation through their searchable Find a Driving Rehabilitation Provider Database.
Telephone: (301) 652-6611.
Email: customerservice@aota.org – Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists; and students, among others. ASHA helps you connect with the ASHA-Certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists who are right for you.
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 638-8255 (V), 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
Provides a definition of and information on therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy (TR/RT), how TR/RT is different from other therapies, who provides these services, how to receive TR/RT services, and more.
Telephone: (857) 776-2872 (ATRA).
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
CARF promotes the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.
Toll Free: (888) 281-6531 (V), (520) 495-7077 (TTY).
- Consumer Guide to Choosing a High-Quality Medical Rehabilitation Program (PDF).
A free, 40-page guide with checklists, questions to ask, and a great glossary of terms to help you find the right rehabilitation facility for your needs.
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO).
Provides accreditation to health organizations across the US. - Move Your Way®.
Provides tools, videos, and fact sheets full of tips that make it easier for people of all abilities to get a little more active. These tools, videos, and factsheets are available for adults, older adults, parents, and for during and after pregnancy.
- My Recreation Therapist.
Connects consumers who need or would like recreational therapy with recreational therapists.
Telephone: (865) 654-9207.
Email: info@myrecreationaltherapist.com.
- National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.
An advocate for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living. Ombudsmen provides information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. - National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD).
An information center concerned with physical activity and disability.
Toll Free: (800) 900-8086 (V/TTY). - ReLAB-HS Rehabilitation Resources Repository.
A searchable database of rehabilitation-related materials for consumers, services providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
Contact Form.