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:
- Community and Independent Living.
- Emergency Housing, Homeless Organizations, and Housing Assistance.
- Service Animals.
Community and Independent Living
- Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU).
The Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance in independent living. (ILRU)'s goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of research programs and demonstration projects in this field. It is a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann, a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.
Phone: (713) 520-0232 (V/TTY)
Email: ilru@ilru.org. - Institute on Community Integration (ICI).
The Institute on Community Integration (ICI) works with service providers, policymakers, educators, advocacy and self-advocacy organizations, researchers, families, and individuals with disabilities around the world to provide state-of-the-art information and practices that support the community participation of individuals with disabilities. While they do not provide direct services or advocacy for individuals, families, or organizations, they may be able to direct you to resources in your community that can.
Phone: (612) 624-6300
Email: ici@umn.edu.
- National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is the assisted living voice of the American Health Care Association (AHCA). NCAL is dedicated to serving the needs of the assisted living community through national advocacy, education, networking, professional development, and quality initiatives.
Phone: (202) 842-4444.
Email: ncal@ncal.org.- Resources for consumers from NCAL and AHCA.
- Resources for consumers from NCAL and AHCA.
- National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy. NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals including Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), individuals with disabilities, and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.
Toll Free: (877) 525-3400 (V/TTY)
Phone: (703) 525-3406 (V), (703) 525-4153 V/TTY)
Emergency Housing, Homeless Organizations, and Housing Assistance
- Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP).
EFSP was established to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its Territories.
Phone: 703/706-9660.
Contact Form.
- Housing Assistance Council (HAC).
HAC is a national nonprofit organization that supports affordable housing efforts throughout the rural US and provides below-market financing for affordable housing and community development, technical assistance and training, research and information, and policy formulation to enable solutions for rural communities.
Phone: 202/842-8600.
Email: hac@ruralhome.org.
- National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH).
NCH is an organization led by people who have experienced homelessness in some form and have worked to solve the root causes of homelessness. NCH provides information on homelessness and technical assistance and advocates for people currently experiencing homelessness.
Phone: 202/462-4822.
Email: info@nationalhomeless.org.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers programs and resources to help homeowners with repairs and home improvements (e.g. federal loan and community-based programs) as well as consumer information on buying a home, rental assistance (e.g. search for an apartment, public housing, housing choice vouchers also known as Section 8, and much more), for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Service Animals
- 4 Paws for Ability.
4 Paws for Ability works to enrich the lives of children and veterans with disabilities by placing life-changing service dogs.
Phone: (937) 374-0385, Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm ET
Email: info@4pawsforability.org.
- ADA National Network Service Animal Resource Hub.
The ADA National Network Service Animal Resource Hub is a curated collection of materials, including factsheets and handbooks, published by the ADA National Network, specific to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws. The Hub topics include service animal basics, traveling with a service animal, difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal, and service animals in emergency situations.
- Bergin University of Canine Studies.
The Bergin University of Canine Studies is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and is dedicated to advancing the human-canine partnership through research and education by offering quality instruction in human and canine studies to postsecondary students worldwide and exploring the role of the dog in human society. Students at Bergin College train and place service dogs as a part of the Assistance Dog Education degree program.
Phone: (707) 545-3647.
Email: servicedogrequest@berginu.edu. - Canine Companions.
Canine Companions provides assistance dogs to adults with physical or auditory disabilities; children with physical or cognitive disabilities aged five or older or adults with physical or cognitive disabilities who require the assistance of a facilitator such as a parent, caregiver or spouse; veterans with a physical or auditory disability or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and professionals working in a health care, visitation, criminal justice, or education setting.
Toll Free: (800) 572-2275, (866) 224-3647 (National Headquarters).
Email: info@canine.org. - Guide Dog Foundation For The Blind, Inc.
The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind trains and places guide dogs and service dogs to provide increased independence and enhanced mobility to individuals who are blind, have low vision, or other disabilities.
Toll Free: (800) 548-4337.
Phone: (631) 930-9000.
Email: info@guidedog.org.- Learn more on how to get a guide dog and eligibility requirements.
- Learn more on how to get a guide dog and eligibility requirements.
- Guide Dogs of America.
The Guide Dogs of America breeds, raises, and trains guide dogs individuals who are blind/visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children with autism. These highly skilled, trusted companions offer new opportunities for greater independence, enhanced mobility, and social interaction. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient. Guide Dogs of America offers a variety of programs including a guide dog program for individuals who are blind/visually impaired, and service dog programs for individuals with living with Autism and for veterans.
Toll Free: (800) 459-4843.
Phone: (818) 362-5834.
Email: mail@guidedogsofamerica.org.
- International Hearing Dog, Inc. (IHDI)
The International Hearing Dog, Inc. (IHDI) empowers individuals who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing by purposefully training specially selected dogs to alert to sounds; carefully matching these dogs with handlers who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing, and supporting the paired teams throughout the lifetime of the match.
Phone: (303) 287-3277, Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm ET.
Send a message to IHDI. - Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is dedicated to empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. All services are provided free of charge to their clients, including travel in the U.S. and Canada, room and board, equipment and training. Learn more about Leader Dog programs and find the right program for you.
Toll Free: (888) 777-5332, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm ET
Phone: (248) 651-9011 (V), (248) 651-3713 (TTY).
Email: leaderdog@leaderdog.org.
- National Education for Assistance Dogs Services (NEADS).
The National Education for Assistance Dogs Services (NEADS®) now known as NEADS® World Class Service Dogs offers a wide array of programs to meet the needs of people with a variety of disabilities or hearing loss. NEADS® assistance dogs are also matched with professionals in classroom, courthouse, hospital, ministry, and therapeutic settings. Learn more about NEADS® service dog and assistance dog programs. Please note that this organization does not train dogs already owned by individuals nor does it have an emotional support or comfort animals program.
Phone: (978) 422-9064 (V/TTD).
NEADS® Contact Form.
- Pet Partners – Animal-Assisted Interactions.
Pet Partners is committed to improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond and promoting happier, healthier communities through greater access to meaningful interactions with therapy animals. Learn more about volunteering through Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program and about Therapy Animal Standards. Please note: Pet Partners does not provide "live" support by phone; however, you may call (425) 679-5500 and listen to their menu options to determine what is best for you.
Pet Partners Contact Form.