Partner Organization Listings

How to Choose and Work With a Partner Organization

Partner organizations differ widely in focus, size and the kind of help they offer. Some concentrate on direct services such as peer support, assistive technology loans or help navigating benefits. Others work mainly on systemic change: monitoring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, commenting on proposed regulations or training public agencies. Knowing which kind of support you need before you reach out will save you time and lead you to the right contact sooner.

Questions worth asking

• Who do they serve? Some groups focus on a particular disability, age group or neighborhood. Others serve anyone in the region.
• What can they actually do? Ask whether they provide individual assistance, referrals, education, or policy advocacy only.
• How accessible is their own process? Good partners offer several ways to make contact, such as phone, email, relay services or text, and can provide materials in alternative formats on request.
• Is there a cost? Many nonprofit services are free, but some programs have eligibility rules or waiting lists. Confirm this early.

Getting the most from a first contact

Write down a short summary of your situation, any deadlines you face and the documents you already have. If your question involves legal rights, benefits or medical needs, a partner can often point you to qualified professionals. They cannot replace individual legal or medical advice, so ask about referrals when your situation calls for one.

Beyond individual help

Many partners welcome volunteers, testers for accessible design projects and people willing to share their experiences in public comment periods. If you want to contribute as well as receive support, see our Get Involved page. For background on the issues our partners work on, our policy briefs and community resources are a useful starting point.