DL Toolkit: Module 5.1- Who's in Your Community? - Community, Equity, Data & Information Lab

Resources & Community

Why You Need Resources

Resources are an important aspect of providing support for your library’s disability community. They can include nonprofits, government organization, advocates, and educational materials. Knowledge of resources and partnership with local organizations can help you assist patrons and users in meaningful ways that can result in better outcomes and connections.

Organizations that specialize in needs and accommodations for disabled people can also provide services and expertise that your own library might not be able to provide. It’s important to note that just having a list of organizations is not providing adequate services to disabled patrons and instead should be a part of a larger toolkit of resources.

In this section we will provide a variety of resources that you can look through and use, but also reach out in your own community and make your own lists and partnerships as well!

National and Regional Organizations

Below are links to various national disability and library organizations. Choose at least 3 organizations to explore.

Some questions you can ask yourself are:

What are the goals of these organizations? How do they support those with disabilities?

National organizations (some have local chapters)

National Disability Rights Network – Disability Rights North Carolina
Sins Invalid
Disability Visibility Project – “Creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture”
National Down Syndrome Society
Autistic Self Advocacy Network | Nothing About Us Without Us (autisticadvocacy.org)
Autism Society of America
The Arc – The Arc of North Carolina: For and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
View more via ASU’s National Center on Disability and Journalism’s Disability Organizations List.

National and regional library organizations

School and Vocational Services

Another important set of resources are for those in need of school or vocational services. Each state has different policies and services offered so it’s essential to investigate local programs and organizations in your area. Below are some examples of services in North Carolina and the local Research Triangle area. Choose 2-3 resources to view below.

School services

Vocational rehabilitation

North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Local Offices (Contact Information)
Job Seeker’s Toolkit (PDF)

Social Media Communities

3.1.4 Social Media Communities

Social media is a way for communities to connect across intersections, experiences, and values. Digital communities take the form of Facebook groups, twitter hashtags, or even subscriber communities. These platforms offer a way for people to connect from miles away and get their stories and ideas heard.

Below are some communities for people with disabilities to connect. Choose 3-4 to look at and think about how these communities differ from more traditional communities and organizations.

Social Media