Self Help Clearinghouse

Mental Retardation / Down Syndrome

This information is provided as a resource and does not constitute an endorsement for any group. It is the responsibility of the reader to decide whether a group is appropriate for his/her needs. For evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching this site.

People First

Model. 33 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. Quarterly newsletter.
Write:
People First of Washington
PO Box 648
Clarkston, WA 99403-2079
Voice: 509-758-1123
Fax: 509-758-1289
E-mail: pfow@clarkston.com
Verified: 11/12/2007

National Down Syndrome Congress

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 ($25/yr). Annual convention, phone support and chapter development guidelines.
Write:
National Down Syndrome Congress
1370 Center Dr., Suite 102
Atlanta, GA 30338
Voice: 1-800-232-6372
Fax: 770-604-9898
Website: http://www.NDSCcenter.org
E-mail: info@NDSCcenter.org
Verified: 10/29/2007

Speaking For Ourselves

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
502 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 105
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Voice: 1-800-867-3330
Fax: 610-825-4595
Website: http://www.speaking.org
E-mail: info@speaking.org
Verified: 11/1/2007

The Arc

National. 1100 chapters. Founded 1950. Provides support for people with mental retardation and their families. Advocacy groups and direct services. Quarterly newspaper. Chapter development guidelines. Local group information on website.
Write:
The Arc
1010 Wayne Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Voice: 301-565-3842
Fax: 301-565-5342
Website: http://thearc.org
E-mail: info@thearc.org
Verified: 11/5/2007

Voice of the Retarded

National. 160 affiliated groups. Founded 1983. Works to empower families of persons with mental retardation through information and advocacy. Weekly e-mail updates and quarterly newsletter for members. Networking, information and referrals, advocacy, phone support and conferences. Annual dues $25.
Write:
VOR
836 S. Arlington Heights Rd., #351
Arlington Heights, IL 60007
Voice: 877-399-4867
Fax: 847-258-5273
Website: http://www.vor.net
E-mail: tamie327@hotmail.com
Verified: 11/13/2007

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The above information was "verified" as correct on the date at the end of each entry. Since American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse's database is extensive but staffing is limited and information for these organizations can change, it is not possible to keep every entry in American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse database completely current and accurate. Please check with the organizations listed for the most current information.

For additional information on self-help groups, please visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse web site at http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp

If you find information that is not current, please contact American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at: admin@selfhelpgroups.org

Copyright © 2008 American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. All rights reserved.

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