Community Navigation: Connecting you to Resources
AAPD is a national, cross-disability, disabled-led civil rights organization. This page provides resources related to disability rights, services, and opportunities for independent living, learning, and employment.
Get Help and Resources:
Local Resources
Find services near you like housing, food, transportation, and local support.
AAPD Programs
Learn about AAPD programs, advocacy, and ways to get involved.
Legal Assistance
Get help finding a lawyer, Legal Aid, and disability rights resources.
Community Living
Access benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, and independent living resources.
Employment
Find job support services, workplace accommodations, and more.
Voting Access
Learn about voting rights, report accessibility barriers and more.
Additional Mental Health Resources and Hotlines:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text ‘START’ to 88788. Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Crisis support is also available via chat.
The Deaf Hotline
Video phone: 855-812-1001. The Deaf Hotline is a 24/7 hotline that is ASL accessible for people experiencing abuse. Connect with a culturally adept and trained advocate in ASL, whether you’re in need of safety planning, crisis intervention, or emotional support.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or text ‘HOPE’ to 64673. Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is also available via their Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.
Trans Lifeline
Call 877-565-8860. Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. Call 866-488-7386, text ‘START’ to “678-678” or chat online at thetrevorproject.org.
Know Who to Contact:
Image Description: Teal informational poster with the headline “Help is a phone call away.” Below are three side-by-side dark blue boxes listing support numbers. The first box shows “211” for non-emergencies, the second box shows “988” for mental health emergencies, and the third box shows “911” for immediate emergencies. The AAPD logo is in the bottom right corner.
Please note: AAPD is not a 24/7 crisis hotline. If you need immediate assistance, these numbers should be prioritized:
211 is for non-emergency help with basic needs. You can call it for things like food, housing, help paying utility bills, healthcare services, transportation, legal help, or counseling.
988 is for mental health emergencies. You can call if you’re having thoughts of suicide, experiencing a mental health crisis, struggling with substance abuse, feeling intense emotional distress, or if you’re a veteran in crisis.
911 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies. This includes medical emergencies, fires, abductions, crimes, domestic violence, impaired driving, or suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
About AAPD
Is AAPD part of the federal government?
No, AAPD is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and does not receive federal funding.
Does AAPD offer grants, scholarships, or awards?
Yes! AAPD is proud to offer the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award and the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship. For organizations and grassroots groups, we offer the REV UP Movement Grant.
Is AAPD hiring?
You can find all AAPD current job opportunities on our website. For the best chance of consideration, please apply through the formal online application process rather than submitting your resume via email or contact form. This ensures the proper hiring team reviews your materials.
How can I apply for an internship with AAPD?
AAPD is pleased to offer two internship programs each year. To receive updates on when and how to apply, please sign up for AAPD’s newsletter.
Can I book a speaker from AAPD?
Yes! Please use our AAPD Speaker Request Form to book a speaker.
What are AAPD’s policy priorities?
To learn more about AAPD’s policy principles and positions, please visit AAPD’s website and review the content under “Our Issues.”
Can AAPD enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
No. We are not an ADA or legal enforcement agency. To file an ADA-related complaint, please visit the Department of Justice website.
Can AAPD investigate civil rights violations?
No. AAPD is always glad to connect people to organizations that may be able to help, but we are not a legal services agency, and we lack the authority to investigate civil rights violations. Civil rights complaints can be filed via the Department of Justice website, Office of Civil Rights.
How can I support disability rights advocacy efforts?
There are many ways to get involved in advocacy efforts that center the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. Some places to start are:
- Check out the Advocacy Resources on AAPD’s website.
- Connect with AAPD’s REV UP campaign. REV UP stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power! You don’t have to join a coalition to get involved in REV UP. Check out our disability voting rights resources here.
Legal
Does AAPD offer legal representation?
No. AAPD is not a law firm and is unable to provide legal representation. To find legal representation:
- You may wish to explore your state bar association’s website using the “Find a Lawyer” tool.
- Connect with your local Legal Aid, using the Legal Services Corporation’s directory here.
- Connect with your State’s Protection and Advocacy Agency, using the national database here.
Community Living
How can I apply for benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
To apply for benefits in any U.S. state, visit your state’s specific Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) or Health and Human Services (HHS) website to apply online, which is the fastest method. Using a search engine such as Google, search for “[State Name] Department of Social Services” or “[State Name] SNAP application” to find the official .gov website.
Does AAPD provide medical equipment or assistance with home renovations?
No. AAPD does not currently have a durable medical equipment program. However, Centers for Independent Living (CIL) can offer assistive tech and medical equipment services. Use this search tool to find your nearest CIL.
Employment
Where can I find assistance with finding a job?
For assistance with employment and job seeking services, locate your state agency through the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Additionally, Centers for Independent Living (CIL) can offer employment support services. Use this search tool to find your nearest CIL.
Where can I learn more about workplace accommodations?
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting on workplace accommodations for a variety of disabilities and neurodivergencies.
Voting
Who should I contact if I am experiencing barriers with voting access?
Contact the Election Protection line:
- Call or text the English hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
- 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish/English
- 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic/English hotline
- 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese hotline
Contact Us
You can email us at info@aapd.com.