Community Organizations Supporting Disabled Individuals and Their Families
Disability Advocacy & Family Support Groups
Durham Special Needs Advisory Council (D-SNAC)
We are a group of families working in collaboration with education professionals and community members to support and improve the educational experience and outcomes of students with special needs in Durham Public Schools.
The major focus of DSNAC is system-wide matters as opposed to individual concerns.
Core Beliefs:
-Given appropriate support, all students can achieve growth in academics and the skills that will enable them to maximize their potential and meaningfully participate in the community.
-Providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students with special needs benefits all students and the community as a whole.
-All students are more successful when families and DPS work together.
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC)
Mission
- Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) is a private, nonprofit parent organization, committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children through a special emphasis on children with disabilities and special healthcare needs
- ECAC affirms the right of all individuals, from all backgrounds and cultures, with or without disabilities, to an appropriate education and other needed services.
- ECAC seeks to make that right a reality by providing information, education, outreach, and support to and for families with children across the state of North Carolina.
Autism Society of North Carolina
Mission
The Autism Society of North Carolina improves the lives of individuals with autism, supports their families, and educates communities.
Vision
Our vision is to be the trusted partner for all people with autism as they lead fulfilling lives.
We respect and value the uniqueness of all individuals with autism; when provided the opportunity, each person can make a unique contribution to their family, community, and society.
North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance
The mission of the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is to empower, connect, and support the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community through outreach, advocacy, and education in North Carolina.
Purpose
- To better educate the public in North Carolina about the possibilities and potential of all people with Down syndrome throughout their lifetime.
- To educate our stakeholders through information and resources related to Down syndrome including best evidence-based practices in North Carolina.
- To enable networking, social/friendship opportunities and direct supports for all people with Down syndrome and their families throughout North Carolina.
- To advocate that all individuals with Down syndrome in North Carolina have high quality education, which includes transition planning and life-long learning.
- To empower all people with Down syndrome to become effective self-advocates.
- To advocate for improved systemic change and policy in issues such as community inclusion and employment for adults with Down syndrome.
- To ensure that expectant and new families receive accurate and up-to-date information and desired supports.
- To advocate for all individuals with Down syndrome to have access to high quality medical services and research.
- To ensure that all babies born with Down syndrome in North Carolina receive a joyous welcome.
Other Nonprofits & Community Organizations
Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development
Mission Statement
The mission of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to families so that each individual with autism will realize his or her fullest potential and to expand our impact through education, innovative research, and public policy.
Vision
For each person on the autism spectrum to reach his or her full potential, living a life of meaning, purpose, and dignity
Arts Access, Inc.
Mission Statement
The mission of Arts Access is to enable North Carolinians with disabilities to have full access to arts programs and facilities, and to encourage them to participate fully in the rich cultural and artistic life throughout the state.
Purpose
- Provide statewide workshops on topics including educating arts organization staff on best practices for including people with disabilities, arts educator professional development.
- They provide consultation services for organizations including facility reviews, ADA accessibility plans, and customized training.
- Facilitate accessible arts workshops in K-12 schools.
- Promote and facilitate local audio described performances.
Durham County and City of Durham Agencies and Departments
Durham Public Library
Durham County Library strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can access our services and resources. In order to best serve Durham County, various assistive technology and accommodations are available for use. For more information on accessibility and accommodations, please view the Durham County Library accessibility page . To request an accommodation or to make suggestions on services and resources , get in touch.
Mission Statement
The mission of Durham County Library is to encourage discovery, connect the community, and lead in literacy.
Vision
Inspiring lives, transforming Durham.
Durham Public Schools
Mission
Durham Public Schools embraces, educates, and empowers every student to innovate, serve, and lead.
Vision
Durham Public Schools: Igniting Limitless Potential
Core Beliefs
We believe in:
- Equity: Our students and schools deserve equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Durham Public Schools and the community must distribute those resources in a manner that eliminates inequities.
- Shared Responsibility: Durham Public Schools must be intentional in acting collaboratively and involving all stakeholders, ensuring that our community utilizes its collective resources to support every child. The Durham community shares responsibility with DPS for the success of our children.
- High Expectations: Durham Public Schools will challenge every stakeholder, especially our students and educators, to embrace a growth mindset: the belief that every child can be academically successful. It is our expectation that all of our students will excel globally and reach their highest potential.
- A Child-centered Approach: Our students deserve an education that is caring, is culturally responsive and embraces the whole child. Durham Public Schools will address the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student.
Durham County Cooperative Extension
Description
Durham County Cooperative Extension creates opportunities for lifelong learning and connects residents with resources to improve quality of life. We provide research-based education and other services to the community, through workshops and trainings, as well as customized education based on community needs and interests. Our programs are free or low-cost.
Programming
- Early Childhood Development
- Youth Development
- Consumer and Family Education
- Food and Nutrition
- Agriculture and Horticulture
- Community Capacity Building
- Community Transportation (Durham County ACCESS)
Meals and Nutrition
DPS Meals Program
Durham Public Schools Nutrition Services
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 1, meals will be available for pickup from sites across Durham county. See map or Durham Nutrition services website for specific site information. Families can pick up meals from the most convenient site, and meals are available for all children in Durham, regardless of school lunch status.
NOTE: Parents/Guardians of #WeAreDPS students, who are unable to pick up meals from one of our meal distribution sites, can sign up for EAT NC’s weekly home meal deliveries. Click the link for more details. LINK: eatnorthcarolina.org/dpsschoolmeals
Low-cost Technology
Low-cost Computers
Kramden Institute, Durham, NC
Call (919) 293-1133 or visit their website
- Provides free or low-cost devices to students, low-income adults, and nonprofits
Requirements:
- Adults: income-based qualifications with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program; photo ID and proof of eligibility
- School-Aged Children: must be a student in grade K-12 and not have access to a working home computer
PCs for People
Call (651) 354-2552 or visit their website
- Refurbished desktops and laptops ranging from $0 to $150
Requirements:
- Income-based qualifications for household with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program
- A photo ID
- Eligibility proof documentation, like a tax return, with the recipient’s name
Low Cost-Internet
This website is the product of a partnership between Durham Public School Exceptional Children Services Department, the Durham Special Needs Advisory Council, and the Community Equity, Data & Information Lab at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science.
