There are dozens of organizations that dedicate themselves to helping people with SCI advocate at the federal level, whether it’s regarding an architectural issue and the ADA or an employment discrimination issue. While you can always advocate on your own behalf, there is strength in numbers and when you have an organization behind you, you are more likely to be successful in your advocating efforts. We have compiled a list of the most helpful organizations that assist with disability advocacy at the federal level. Please see them below.
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, D.C. 20004-1111
(800) USA-ABLE (872-2253)
https://adayinourshoes.com/list-of-federal-agencies-that-help-people-with-disabilities/
This is the organization you will want to contact if you’re experiencing any issues regarding accessibility, whether it is a building, transportation related or communications related.
Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room S-1303
Washington, DC 20210
1-866-ODEL-DOL (633-7365)
https://adayinourshoes.com/list-of-federal-agencies-that-help-people-with-disabilities/
The Deptartment of Labor helps create disability related employment policies and is the go-to organization if you have any questions or issues regarding disability employment policies at your place of work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
1801 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20507
(202) 663-4900; (800) 669-4000
(800) 669-6820 (TTY); (202) 663-4494
If you feel you’re being discriminated against by an employer, this is the organization to contact. If you are already employed and have any questions regarding adaptive technology, they can also be of help.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Mailstop PCP-6058
Washington, D.C. 20202-2572
(202) 245-7640 (V/TTY)
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research is a federal department that supports several disability initiatives. One of these is the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network, which is a program that funds 10 regional centers around the country that provide information, training and technical assistance to people, businesses and agencies regarding the stipulations of the ADA.
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section–NYA
950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 514-0301; (800) 514-0301;
(800) 514-0383 (TTY)
If you are running into any issues trying to receive accessibility accommodations at public businesses, at public schools or regarding employment, the disability rights action of the U.S. Dept of Justice Civil rights division is the organization to contact. They also have an ADA Information Line if you have any questions you may have about the ADA. You can contact them at 1-(800)-514-0301.