General Resources
National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) is a non-profit coalition of national organizations providing research, advocacy and innovation to make life better for family caregivers. The Alliance’s research, programs and resources include:
- Guidebooks including its Circle of Care Guidebook for Caregivers of Children with Rare and/or Serious Illnesses
- Stories from caregivers nationwide
- Research, data and reports focusing on different aspects of caregivers
- Advocacy and policy initiatives
For questions, please contact NAC at info@caregiving.org or (202)918-1013.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. NACG resources include:
- Webinars and continuing education
- Family portal and peer networking
- A search tool for finding local support centers or camps
For questions, contact NACG at (866) 432-1542 or info@nacg.org.
National Center on Deafblindness
The National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB) is a national technical assistance center that works with state deafblind projects and other partners to improve educational outcomes and quality of life for children ages 0 -21 who are deafblind and their families. NCDB focuses on national initiatives and provides resources in key areas, including:
- Identification and referral
- Family engagement
- Transition to adulthood
- Factsheets, websites, articles, videos and other resources
- Increasing availability of qualified early intervention (EI) providers, teachers and service professionals
- State Deafblind projects
If you have any questions or need help, please fill out the online form on NCDB’s website.
National Federation of Families Toolkits and Resources
The National Federation of Families (NFF) is a national family-run organization focusing on the issues of families whose loved ones experience mental health and/or substance use disorders during their lifetime. NFF offers family and caregiver toolkits on a variety of topics, peer support, educational resources, webinars, activities and more.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for individuals with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS offers books in braille or audio, which can be mailed to your door for free or downloaded instantly.
NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible individuals with access to reading materials, regardless of age, economic circumstances, or technical expertise.
For questions, please contact (888) 657-7323 and follow the prompts or email nls@loc.gov.
National Paralysis Resource Center
The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC), operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The NPRC assists people as they navigate through the various stages of their recovery after the diagnosis of paralysis.
NPRC offers free tips and information on health, costs and insurance, choosing a wheelchair, home and travel, and help for caregivers. NPRC also offers:
- Information specialists
- Peer and family support programs
- Updates on advocacy/policy initiatives
- A program for veterans and current service members
If you have questions, please email Peer@ChristopherReeve.org.
National Parent & Youth Helpline
Offers emotional support from a trained advocate to help you become an empowered and stronger parent. Parent advocates can offer emotional support, help you problem-solve, connect you with local resources, help you explore new resources and more.
The National Parent & Youth Helpline is available for those seeking immediate support and guidance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For help anytime, visit the National Parent & Youth Helpline website to chat or complete the online form, or call or text (855) 427-2736.
National PTA Special Education Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers
National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and Career Readiness resources and more.
The National Runaway Safeline is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis connection line for youth at risk of running away or already have and are looking for help.
Call: (800) Runaway (786-2929)
Text: 66008
New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT) in Sherrard offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children ages 4 and up and adults with autism, mental illness, disabilities and other challenges. The lessons help promote mental focus, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, social skills and self-confidence. NKT serves residents in the greater Quad City area and surrounding communities. A limited number of scholarships are offered per riding session to individuals with proven financial need.
For questions, please contact NKT at (309) 764-4220 or info@nktriders.org.