Organizations & Links

AZ GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities
https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities
(602) 542-0419

The Division of Developmental Disabilities, within the Arizona Department of Economic Security, is the state program that provides supports and services for eligible people who either have a developmental disability or are under the age of six, and are at risk of having a developmental disability.

The Division’s website contains many resources that can be used for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families including:

  • Links to find DDD Service Providers, or apply for DDD services.
  • The “Help for Individuals and Families” link has online tools, Division guides and a variety of other topics.
  • A link in the reference section leads to applicable laws, policies, and procedures.


Navigating the System: A Guide for Individuals and Families

https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/dl/Navigating-the-System_DDD-1260A.pdf

The Division of Developmental Disabilities has also published “Navigating the System: A Guide for Individuals and Families” which provides information on the disability systems in Arizona, and how to use them.  A PDF of this guidebook can be found in the Division’s resource center section of their website.

Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health
https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/category/behavioralhealth/
(602) 364-4558

The Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services serves as the single state authority to provide coordination, planning, administration, regulation and monitoring of all facets of the state public behavioral health system. The Division contracts with community-based organizations, known as Regional Behavioral Health Authorities, to administer behavioral health services.

Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services
http://www.azdes.gov/aging/

(602) 542-4446

The Division of Aging and Adult Services supports at-risk Arizonans to meet their basic needs and to live safely, with dignity and independence. The Division serves through many programs including: independent living support, protective services,  and informational services relating to issues facing the adult population.

Arizona Department of Child Safety
https://dcs.az.gov

(602) 530-1831

The Arizona Department of Child Safety is a human service organization dedicated to achieving safety, well-being and permanency for children, youth and families through leadership and the provision of quality services in partnership with communities.

AZ GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
http://www.azahcccs.gov

(602) 417-4000

AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents.

KidsCare
https://www.azahcccs.gov/Members/GetCovered/Categories/KidsCare.html

KidsCare is Arizona’s state health insurance program for children who are not eligible for Medicaid coverage.

Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC)
https://www.azdes.gov/ADDPC/Home/

(602) 542-8970

The ADDPC represents the interests and needs of persons with developmental disabilities with particular attention dedicated to persons who are unserved or underserved throughout the State of Arizona.

Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)
https://www.azdes.gov/azeip/

(602) 532-9960

AzEIP is Arizona’s statewide, interagency system of supports and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. 

Arizona Free File Alliance 
https://azdor.gov/e-services/free-electronic-filing-individuals

The Free File Alliance is partnered with the Arizona Department of Revenue to provide free assistance with income tax filing. 

Arizona Governor’s Council for Spinal and Head Injuries
https://headspineaz.org/
(602) 774-9148

The Arizona Governor's Council on Spinal and Head Injuries works to enhance the health, safety, and quality of life for families and individuals with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
https://www.azdes.gov/rehabilitation_services/

(800) 563-1221

Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration works with persons with disabilities to achieve their goals for employment and independence.

AZ RESOURCES

Arizona Autism Coalition
http://azautism.org

The Arizona Autism Coalition improves the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Arizona by sharing resources and affecting autism systems reform through statewide collaboration and advocacy.

Arizona Autism United
https://azaunited.org

(602) 773-5773

Arizona Autism Unites is a nonprofit organization that provides high quality direct services and supports to children and families in our community.

Ability 360
http://www.ability360.org

(602) 256-2245

Ability 360 (formerly ABIL) is a non-profit corporation that advocates personal responsibility – by, and for, people with disabilities – as a means to independence. 

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.acdhh.org

(602) 542-3323

The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing provides the following services to the citizens of Arizona: telecommunications relay service and equipment distribution, American sign language interpreter licensing, information regarding advocacy and community development.

Arizona Down Syndrome Network
http://dsnetworkaz.org

(480)759-9150

The Down Syndrome Network educates, supports and advocates for those impacted by Down Syndrome through an open, supportive and collaborative network that will connects individuals and families with needed resources and information.

The Arc of Arizona
http://www.arcarizona.org

(602) 234-2721

The Arc of Arizona’s Care Management & Independent Living Supports program (CAMILS) does for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities what wheelchair ramps, elevators and similar accommodations do for those with physical disabilities. A critical resource for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who live independently and receive little-to-no government support, CAMILS services seek to “fill in the gaps,” so to speak, making day-to-day life less stressful and more accessible for the thousands of Arizonans living with I/DD.

Dads for Special Kids
http://d4sk.org

(602) 909-5463

Dads for Special Kids hosts monthly meetings and offers workshops on improving and maintaining communication within families who care for children with special needs.

DAMES Charities Inc.
https://damescharities.org/
info@damescharities.org
(602) 320-6556

DAMES Charities Inc. aims to reduce caregiver burnout and build the resiliency of caregivers of children with disabilities by providing them with easy to access tools that focus on mindfulness, education, self-care, and community.

The DAMES Charities Inc contents are accessible to all caregivers and located at https://damescharities.org/. Those contents include roadmaps, webinars, organizational tools, and eight 12-day fitness programs. Caregivers can create a membership so they can track their progress on roadmaps and in the fitness programs.  

Our goal is to stem social isolation by creating social events, programs, and retreats for caregivers. We also provide educational webinars and tools on one website, so caregivers aren’t overwhelmed, going from website to website, trying to find the resources they need. We have also created roadmaps to help parents navigate different Arizona systems like DDD/ALTCS and Arizona’s Early Intervention Program.

Leadership Education Advocacy Partnership Program (LEAP)
http://pilotparents.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/LEAP-Application-Year-4.pdf

(520) 324-3150

LEAP is a sponsorship program that provides financial support for self-advocates and guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in conferences, workshops and other training opportunities that will increase knowledge and ability to become effective self advocates. 

Life Quest
https://www.lifequestaz.com/children-with-special-needs

denise@lifequestaz.com
(480) 628-5695

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeQuestCounselingAZ/

Parenting a child (and adult children as well) with unique challenges can leave you and your family members feeling isolated, overwhelmed and exhausted. The right counselor can guide you through these complex emotions and teach you strategies that help you cope and thrive. When you feel like you have nowhere to turn, it’s time to reach out for support. At Life Quest Counseling and Consulting LLC, we provide compassionate counseling services provided by a licensed counselor who is also a parent with first-hand life experience in this unique journey.  Denise Baker’s counseling services are directed to the needs of parents and caregivers, that help you find hope and healing through life’s greatest challenges so that you can be strong, healthy and confident in your parenting journey. 

Manzanita Outreach
https://www.manzanitaoutreach.org/

Manzanita Outreach is the largest food assistance provider in the county. With the rising costs of food, our neighbors increasingly rely on us for their basic needs. Please help us ensure we can be there for our community through good times and bad.

MOHelp.org
https://www.mohelp.org/quad-cities-resources

MOhelp.org is a collaboration of Manzanita Outreach, Yavapai County Community Health Services, and the Yavapai County Free Library District.

The Molly Lawson Foundation
http://www.mollylawson.org/index.html

The Molly Lawson Foundation was founded by Molly's Parents, Michael and Doris Lawson to provide funds for resources and research for people with mental disabilities. One of the main community involved events is the addition of group hom and general public to provide social events for members of this community. Located on this site is a variety of other resource links as well as informational videos on dealing with grief, Part 1 and Part 2. 

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA)

https://www.pwsausa.org/join-now/chapters/arizona/

(602) 481-5314

PWSA provides support and education for individuals, families, professionals and organizations impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome.

Pilot Parents
http://pilotparents.org

(520) 324-3150

The Pilot Parents organization provides encouragement and support to families who have children with special needs. Services include: peer-to-peer support, sibling support, advocacy training and information.

Raising Special Kids
http://www.raisingspecialkids.org

Phoenix: 602-242-4366
Flagstaff: 928-444-8834
Tucson: 520-441-4007
Yuma: 928-444-8803

Raising Special Kids is a non-profit organization that provides support and information for parents of children with a full range of disabilities and special health care needs. Programs are offered at no cost to families, and are available in English and Spanish.

Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona
http://www.sharingds.org

(480) 926-6500

Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona educates and empowers, and gives hope to individuals who have Down Syndrome by promoting acceptance, understanding and inclusion.

United Cerebral Palsy Arizona (UCP)
https://ucpofcentralaz.org

(602) 943-5472

UCP of Central Arizona provides comprehensive services to individuals with disabilities and their families by providing physical and developmental support as well as educational growth as a foundation for independent living.

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
http://www.acl.gov/programs/aidd/index.aspx

(202) 401-4541

The National Council on Disability
http://www.ncd.gov

The Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov

(800) 772-1213

NATIONAL RESOURCES

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
http://www.aapd.com

202-457-0046

AAPD is the nation's largest disability rights organization. AAPD promotes equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge. 

Disability.gov
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep

Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information about disability-related programs, services, policies, laws and regulations. The site links to thousands of resources from many different federal government agencies, as well as state and local governments and nonprofit organizations across the country.

Do2Learn
http://do2learn.com/

Do2learn provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills.  

The Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.epilepsy.com

1-800-332-1000

The Epilepsy Foundation is a national non-profit that works to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through community services; public education; federal and local advocacy; and supporting research into new treatments and therapies.

GBS-CIDP Foundation
http://www.gbs-cidp.org

610-667-0131

The GBS-CIDP Foundation provides education, advocacy and research for individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome or Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.

Health.Gov
https://health.gov

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) leads efforts to improve the health of all Americans.

MIKID

http://www.mikid.org
  

MIKID provides support, education, and skills development to families and their children as well as youth and young adults who are experiencing mental health and behavior challenges throughout Arizona.

Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
https://askjan.org/soar.cfm

SOAR is a system is designed to let users explore various accommodation options for people with disabilities in work and educational settings.

National Military Family Association
http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/efmp-special-needs.html 

The National Military Family Association provides a wide range of resources for families which are supporting a child with disabilities.  

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

ADA National Network
https://adata.org

The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

AddictionResource
https://addictionresource.com

Addiction Resource was founded in 2005 to provide a community for those recovering from addiction and to help patients find the highest quality care for a successful recovery.

Arizona 2-1-1 Service

https://211arizona.org

Arizona 2-1-1 provides resources by county and service type in the state of Arizona.

Arizona State University – Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate Program
https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/certificates/graduate-certificate-autism-spectrum-disorders

ASU’s Graduate Certificate in autism spectrum disorders is ideal for educators, interventionists, psychologists, pathologists, behavior analysts, or family members who want to enhance their preparation for working with children and adults affected with autism spectrum disorders.

Cerebral Palsy Guidance
https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com

Cerebral Palsy Guidance was created to provide answers and assistance to parents of a child with cerebral palsy. Their goal is to reach as many members of the cerebral palsy community as possible, building up a network of support, as well as providing necessary assistance.

The Cerebral Palsy Guide
http://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com

The Cerebral Palsy Guide is an informative website that provides educational materials to families and individuals affected by cerebral palsy, including information about different therapies, treatment options, and financial resources.

CEREBRALPALSYSYMPTOMS.COM
http://www.cerebralpalsysymptoms.com

The mission at 
CerebralPalsySymptoms.com is to provide the public with accurate and up to date information on the many aspects of cerebral palsy and other birth injury complications. 

College Resources for Students with Disabilities: A Guide for Students, Families and Educators
https://online.maryville.edu/disabilities-guide/

Put together by Maryville University, this is a great guide for any student, family member, or educator looking for information on how to prepare for higher education while considering disabilities. The guide is free and covers educational opportunities, preparation steps, knowing your rights, different types of disabilities, and recommended resources for additional information. 

College Resources for Students with Disabilities

http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/resources-for-students-with-disabilities/

Affordable Colleges Online has dedicated a section of its website to resources for college students with disabilities.  Here you will find information and resources on a variety of different disabilities, learn how to make the transition into the workforce easier, and find out what your legal rights on campus are.

Disability Benefits 101
https://az.db101.org

A collection of information regarding health coverage, benefit, and employment programs for people with disabilities. These programs may be run by state, federal government, non-profit, or private organizations.

The Emily Center Family Health Library
http://www.phoenixchildrens.org/health-information/the-emily-center

(602) 933-1400

The Emily Center provides families of sick children access to pediatric health information that is accurate, easy to understand and free of charge.

Retail Me Not- Information on sensory overload
https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html

Information on how to help your child understand and prevent sensory overload.  

Sesame Street for Children with Austism
http://autism.sesamestreet.org

Kid friendly informational videos which help both children and parents be involved in learning how to help your child in social interaction. 

Washington University
http://www.washington.edu/doit/academic-accommodations-students-learning-disabilities

Washington University provides a comphrehesive set of guidelines on academic accommodations for students with learning disabilities.

List of Independent Living Centers in Arizona
http://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory-results/AZ

National Information on Equal Housing Opportunities
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/information_for_disabled_persons

LEGAL RESOURCES

Arizona Center for Disability Law
http://www.azdisabilitylaw.org
 
(602) 274-6287

The Arizona Center for Disability Law advocates for the legal rights of persons with disabilities to be free from abuse, neglect and discrimination and to gain access to services, maximizing independence and achieving equality.

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission - Crime Victim Compensation Fund
https://www.azcjc.gov/Programs/Victim-Services/Compensation-Program

(602) 364-1146

The Crime Victim Compensation Fund is administered by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission to award funds to victims of crime.


The CP Lawyer
http://www.thecplawyer.com

The CP Lawyer Firm was founded on the belief that every child deserves a lawyer to represent them due to birth injury. This law group provides services for parents and children who have suffered from a birth injury, cerebral palsy and other birth related illnesses.

Community Legal Services
http://clsaz.org

Community Legal Services is dedicated to providing legal assistance, advice or representation; self-help materials and legal education so people can know their rights. We focus on helping survivors of domestic violence; assisting victims of consumer fraud and abuse; protecting tenants from unlawful/unfair practices by landlords; foreclosures; legal problems affecting agricultural workers, wage claims and other employment matters; and federal and state programs affecting peoples' health and economic stability.

Phoenix Office: 
305 S. 2nd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 258-3434
infocpo@clsaz.org   

East Valley Office:
1220 S. Alma School Rd., #206
Mesa, AZ 85210
(480) 833-1442
infoevo@clsaz.org

Mohave County:
2701 E. Andy Devine, Suite 400
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 681-1177
infomoco@clsaz.org 

San Luis Office: 845 E. B Street, Suite 1
San Luis, AZ 85349
(928) 627-8023
infoslo@clsaz.org 

Yavapai County: 148 N. Summit Ave.
Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-9240
infoyaco@clsaz.org 

Yuma County
204 S. 1st Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-7511
infoyuco@clsaz.org

Native American Disability Law Center
http://www.nativedisabilitylaw.org

(800) 862-7271

The Native American Disability Law Center helps protect the legal rights for Native Americans with disabilities who live in the four corners of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

National Disability Rights Network
http://www.ndrn.org

(202) 408-9514

The National Disability Rights Network works to improve the lives of people with disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid
http://www.sazlegalaid.org

Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. (SALA) is committed to providing civil legal aid to low- and moderate-income persons in our service area in matters that affect most directly their health, safety and well-being.

Administrative Office:
Service Area: Southern and Southeastern Arizona
2343 East Broadway Blvd., Suite 200
Tucson AZ 85719-6007
1(800) 640-9465 

White River Office:
Service Area: Apache, Gila & Navajo Counties
202 East Walnut Street
Whiteriver, AZ 85941-1030
1 (866) 312-2291

Casa Grande Office:
Service Area: Pinal County
766 North Park Avenue
Casa Grande, AZ 85122-3931
1(877) 718-8086

Bisbee Office:
Service Area: Cochise, Graham/Greenlee Counties
400 Arizona Street
Bisbee, AZ 85603-1504
1 (800) 231-7106

Sacaton Office:
Service Area: Gila River Indian Community, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah & Ft. Yuma Indian Communities, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community & Ft. McDowell Mohave-Apache Tribe, Camp Verde Yavapai-Apache Indian Community
403 Seed Farm Road
Sacaton, AZ 85147-0001
1(866) 312-2290

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

Ability360 Employment Services (AES)
https://ability360.org/employment/

(602) 256-2245

AES provides employment assistance and support services to persons with disabilities seeking employment through the Ticket to Work program as part of your Social Security Disability Insurance. AES is one of the largest and most successful organizations providing services through the Ticket program in the entire country

The Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (AZRSA)
https://www.azdes.gov/rehabilitation_services/

(800) 563-1221

AZRSA can supply you with vocational counseling, job skills training, adjustment to disability assistance, work experience, and job placement services. They can help you get the training or other services that you need to return to work, to enter a new line of work, or to enter the workforce for the first time.

Social Security Association’s Ticket to Work Program
http://www.ssa.gov/work/

(800) 772-1213

Ticket to Work is a voluntary work incentive program for Social Security Administrations Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries who are between the ages of 18 and 64 and interested in going to work.

Social Security’s Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm

(800) 772-1213

The PASS program is for people with disabilities who want to save money for a work-related goal that will help them become self-sufficient. You must apply for, or already be getting, Supplemental Security Income benefits to qualify for the program.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology
http://aztap.org/at-funding/azlat/

(602) 728-9534

AzLAT is an alternative financing program designed to assist individuals with disabilities to borrow money at affordable rates for the purchase of assistive technology.

Self-Employment for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (S.E.E.D.) Loans
https://addpc.az.gov/sites/default/files/media/Self-Employment%20for%20Workers%20with%20Disabilities_0.pdf

(602) 728-9534

S.E.E.D. is an alternative financing program designed to assist individuals with disabilities in borrowing money at affordable rates for the purchase of office equipment, furniture, supplies, or assistive technology, who are seeking employment through teleworking or self employment.

Download these resources in a PDF format.

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