Español

Legislative Advocacy

NDSS Advocacy Alerts

Legislative Advocacy Alerts from NDSS on issues related to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Advocacy Tips for Advocacy Training Boot Camp 2021

National Down Syndrome Congress video where fellow advocates share their best pieces of advice for legislative advocacy.

Advocacy Toolkit for Self-Advocates

This guide is intended to provide tools and advice to self-advocates who are interested in becoming more involved in legislative advocacy to work on policies and laws. 

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. AAPD will advocate for policies that allow people with disabilities to fully participate in the political process, including ensuring the accessibility of polling locations and through promoting the availability of accessible voting technology.

The Arc

Nonprofit organization promoting and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and development disabilities, and providing them the opportunity to live full, satisfying and self-determined lives as valued and contributing members of their communities.

The Association for Successful Parenting

Enhancing the lives of families when parents have learning difficulties. TASP brings together some of the most knowledgeable and committed professionals and self-advocates to help YOU make a difference. Our work is mainly centered around education (through conferences, webinars, and direct training), advocacy at the local and national level, direct support for parents and professionals, and resource sharing.

Barton Lab Dignity and Disability

In the Barton Lab Dignity and Disability section you will find resources related to treating children with disabilities with the respect and dignity they deserve. The series provides recommendations for practitioners who work with young children with disabilities to support these children in a way that will set them up to thrive.

Disability Rights Tennessee

DRT provides services to people with disabilities across the state with numerous issues, including employment discrimination, safety in schools, abuse and neglect, and access to community resources and services.

Legislative Storytelling Tip Sheet

Telling YOUR story is crucial to advocating for yourself and others, as your experiences and needs are not only what fuels legislators’ and others’ priorities, but it also is the single most effective way to create real, meaningful change.

Legislative Terminology

Reference sheet from Disability Rights TN of frequently used Legislative terminology.

National PLACE

Empowering families and family-led organizations to advocate for enhanced, meaningful parent involvement and leadership in all policy decision-making that impacts services for children and families

Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute

Partners in Policymaking™ is the Council’s free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities.

People First Tennessee

People First Tennessee is a statewide disability rights organization run by and for people with disabilities. Their mission is to provide a means for people with disabilities to air and alleviate their concerns in the areas that affect their lives. People First is governed entirely by people who have disabilities who are elected by their peers.

R-Word

The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It's offensive. It's derogatory. The R-word campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.

 

TN Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state office that promotes public policies to increase and support the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in their communities.

TN Disability Coalition

The Tennessee Disability Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals joined to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Tennessee Legislators

Contact members of Tennessee's general assembly and advocate for the rights of those with Down Syndrome.