Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee’s mission is to work on regional, national, and international stages to address the three-fold goals of social justice, disability advocacy and inclusion, and professional advocacy for rehabilitation psychologists in their various roles (clinical, research, educators, and others). 

Our current activities include:

  • Addressing advocacy issues for persons with chronic illness/disability and rehabilitation psychology

  • Hosting webinars related to advocacy skill building and policy for rehabilitation providers

  • Partnering with disability organizations

How to Join:

Division 22 members are welcome on this committee. Please send an email indicating your interest to the Advocacy Committee chairperson, Dr. Meade.

CHAIR

Samantha Stern, PhD
Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center

Past CHAIR

Michelle A. Meade, PhD
University of Michigan Collaboratory for Disability Health

EC Liaison

Catherine Wilson, PsyD

Members

Ted Allaire, MS
Anna Derbaly
Caitlyn Arutiunov, PsyD
Jennifer Jutte, PhD
Nancy Merbitz, PhD
Aaron Parker, PsyD
Mayra Sánchez González

Advocacy resources and organizations for persons with chronic illness/disability and caregivers

  • American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): https://www.aapd.com/

    • Advocacy organization for Americans with disabilities that has a number of advocacy initiatives.

  • National Organization on Disability: https://www.nod.org/

    • The mission of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is to increase employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities and they have a number of helpful resources. 

  •  Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities: http://www.c-c-d.org/

    • The CCD is the largest coalition of national organizations to advocate for federal public policy for children and adults with disabilities.

  •  National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC): https://naric.com/?q=en/node/51

    • Toll Free: 800-346-2742

    • The NARIC has a page of multiple legal and advocacy resources for individuals with disabilities.

  •  The National Respite Coalition: https://archrespite.org/national-respite-coalition

    • The National Respite Coalition is the policy division of the ARCH National Respite Network with the goal to assist and promote quality respite and crisis care programs in the US.

  •  The National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/advocacy/

    • The NAC is an advocacy organization geared towards helping family caregivers.

  •  Americans with Disabilities Act National Network: https://adata.org/national-network#map

    • Toll Free: 800-949-4232

    • The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Disability Rights Advocates: https://dralegal.org/

    • The DRA is a non-profit corporation focused on disability rights in a legal context.

  •  American Bar Association – Commission on Disability Rights: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/disabilityrights/

    • Phone number: 202-662-1000

    • The Commission works to promote the ABA’s commitment to justice and the rule of law for people with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities, and to promote their full and equal participation in the legal profession.

  •  Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/index.html

    • Toll Free: 800-368-1019

    • The HHS Office of Civil Rights has helpful information for individuals and providers, as well as how to file civil rights complaints.

  •  National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): https://www.ndrn.org/

    • The NDRN advocates for laws protecting the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.

  •  The Arc (advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: https://thearc.org/get-involved/self-advocacy/

  • National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ): https://ncdj.org/resources/organizations/

    • The NCDJ has an extensive list of helpful advocacy resources for persons with disabilities.

Advocacy Resources for Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals

Relevant APA Offices