Please use this list of resources to help you to learn more about the issues surrounding The Collector of Bedford Street.
Definitions
- Mental Retardation:
- a disability originating before age 18 that is characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills
Definition from American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
- Developmental Disability
- a mental or physical impairment beginning before the age of 22 that alters or inhibits a person from doing at least three of the following: take care of themselves, speak and be understood clearly, learn, walk, make decisions, earn and manage an income, or live on their own
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter
Definition from Social Security Administration
- Supplemental Needs Trust Fund:
- a trust designed for a disabled person to retain government assistance while receiving funds to improve quality of life. Funds are distributed through a third party
Non-Profit Groups
Advocacy
- The Arc promotes services for the developmentally disabled as well as research and education on the prevention of mental retardation.
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about mental retardation and related disabilities.
- National Organization on DisAbility (NOD) raises disability awareness through programs and information.
Support Services
- FEGS the largest and most diversified private, not-for-profit health related and human service organization in the United States.
- Lifespire provides assistance and support to disabled individuals so they can attain the skills to maintain themselves independently in their community.
- ANCOR a nonprofit trade association representing private providers who provide supports and services to people with disabilities.
Quality of Life
Sprout a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities and mental retardation grow through challenging and safe travel experiences.
Disability and Public Policy
- National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils (NADDC) is a national organization for Developmental Disabilities Councils, agencies appointed by governors to represent and advocate for people with developmental disabilities.
- National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS) promotes equality for the disabled by providing and strengthening quality legally based advocacy services for their members.
- Administration on Developmental Disability (ADD) is the U.S. Government organization responsible for implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.