American Association of Disabled DentistsThe American Association of Disabled Dentists is an organization that seeks to provide support and guidance to dentists suffering from a disability... Our goal is formation of a national disability support group with regional/state components to assist dentist/surgeons who encounter disabling accidents/illnesses.- Excerpt website
American Association on Health & Disability (AAHD)AAHD is a non profit organization dedicated to ensuring that disability research is disseminated and is integrated into public policy. The organization includes people with disabilities, disability researchers, healthcare workers and policy analysts.
Disability Rights Education & Defense FundDisability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.
Americans with disabilities make up one of the United States’ largest minorities. More than 25% live in poverty and only about 20% have gone to college. Seventy–five percent are unemployed. Such economic and social disenfranchisement is not an inevitable consequence of the physical and mental limitations imposed by disability; it is the result of society’s historic response to those limitations: lack of accessibility in the built environment and policies that encourage or even require exclusion, segregation, and institutionalization. The result is a legacy of prejudice and paternalism that is deeply embedded in the social consciousness.
International Disability Alliance (IDA)To advance the human rights of persons with disabilities as a united voice of organizations of persons with disabilities utilizing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other human rights instruments.-Mission Statement
Society for Disability StudiesThe Society for Disability Studies (SDS) is a non-profit organization that promotes the study of disability in social, cultural, and political contexts. Disability Studies recognizes that disability is a key aspect of human experience, and that the study of disability has important political, social, and economic implications for society as a whole, including both disabled and nondisabled people. Through research, artistic production, teaching and activism, the Society for Disability Studies seeks to augment understanding of disability in all cultures and historical periods, to promote greater awareness of the experiences of disabled people, and to advocate for social change.- Description taken from Organizations Mission Statement
Special Care Dentistry AssociationThe Special Care Dentistry Association serves as a resource to all oral health care professionals who serve or are interested in serving patients with special needs through education and networking to increase access to oral healthcare for patients with special needs.-Mission Statement
Philly Phaces"Philly Phaces is committed to the empowerment of the children, adults, and families facing appearance differences by providing structured peer support, advocacy, and resources to those in need. "
Association of University Centers on DisabilityAUCD's mission is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, health, and service activities that achieve our vision.-Mission Statement
Disability Studies, Arts, and EducationThis annual conference brings together researchers, students, artists, art educators and members of the disability and crip art communities who share an interest in, or whose work addresses, the intersections and interplay between critical disability studies, arts, and education. The scope of the conference comprises various art forms, such as visual arts, performing arts, dance, and film, as well as different contexts of education, such as primary education, higher education, professional artists’ education and public pedagogy.
ADA Disability Rights GuideA guide for information on disability rights and laws within the United States including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and General sources of information on disability rights.
US Disability ServicesA list of US government resources for disability services including resources on disability benefits, job training, ADA rights and social security.
Sins InvalidSins Invalid is a disability justice-based performance project that incubates and celebrates artists with disabilities, centralizing artists of color and LGBTQ / gender-variant artists as communities who have been historically marginalized.
Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ProgramsThe Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs is charged with ensuring that the University meets its obligations as an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and educational institution.
The Office is responsible for implementing and advocating University policies, procedures, and priorities and helping realize its vision of a respectful, diverse and inclusive community. To fulfill its mission, the Office carries out a number of activities and services in collaboration with University administrators, faculty, staff and students.
The Office works in close collaboration with the Division of Human Resources on issues related to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity for staff and applicants for employment. The Office also works in close collaboration with the Office of the Provost on issues related to increasing the diversity of Penn's faculty.
Academic Accomadation InformationInstructions on how Penn students can apply for and renew academic accommodations including testing, note taking, and sign language interpreters.
Disability Services at the Weingarten CenterThe Weingarten Center provides services for students who self-identify with a disability in order to ensure equal access to all University programs, activities, and services. The process begins when a student requests an accommodation, provides documentation of their condition, and meets with a Disability Specialist. Students who receive accommodations work with the Disability Services staff to coordinate their academic accommodations as well as accessible housing, dining, communication, and technology. Through ongoing collaboration with the Weingarten Center, students learn to identify and utilize individualized accommodations and strategies that support their full participation in university life.
Penn Disabled CoalitionThe Disabled Coalition seeks to create a safe space for the University of Pennsylvania’s disabled community to build authentic connections and support one another.The space is designed by and for the disability community to serve as a platform to collaborate among students, faculty, and staff. We aim to empower the disabled community on campus through education. We support students with all types of disabilities, including mental and physical disabilities. We stand in solidarity with students whose existence challenges institutional structures of oppression.
Disability Advocacy @ PennDAP is a student group at the University of Pennsylavania founded by four students to create a community for anyone on campus who identifies with the disabled community. We hold monthly meetings to allow students to connect with others and become aware of resources to help them make the most out of their time at Penn.
Disability Empowerment and Action LeagueDEAL is a student group at the University of Pennsylvania that strives to build a supportive community for people with disabilities at Wharton in order to make Wharton more inclusive and accessible to all. We are open to all, including students and partners with disabilities, and allies. As business leaders, building organizations that enable the full participation and sense of belonging of all members is critical. It requires us to not merely understand but fully embrace practices of inclusion, accessibility, and allyship.
Brain Exercise Initiative at PennThe Brain Exercise Initiative (BEI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on preventing memory loss through brain exercise. Research by neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima found that doing simple math and reading aloud for just 30 minutes a day, five times a week, significantly improved cognitive and physical abilities in those with Alzheimer’s. In Japan, these activities are currently being done in over 1400 care centers with over 15,000 patients. Inspired by Dr. Kawashima’s work, BEI was established as an intergenerational nonprofit in which university students would hold brain exercise programs at retirement homes. BEI creates daily packets which include simple math, writing, and “read-alouds” that each individual completes with the guidance of university students. Several retirement homes have integrated the program into their center, and chapters are currently being founded at different universities. Not only does the Brain Exercise Initiative hope to improve the memory of those who have Alzheimer’s, but we also create an invaluable, all-too-rare avenue for intergenerational service, discussion, and collaboration.
The Penn chapter of the Brain Exercise Initiative is a student organization at the University of Pennsylvania that seeks to further these goals by sharing these exercises and working towards intergenerational understanding by serving those affected by Alzheimer’s in the Philadelphia area and beyond.
Memory Club @PennWelcome to Memory Club @ Penn, where we harness the power of memory enhancement and cognitive mastery. Join us on a journey of unlocking your mind's potential through proven learning techniques, mnemonic methods, and brain-boosting strategies. Whether you're seeking academic success, cognitive agility, or simply want to strengthen your memory prowess, our club provides a supportive community dedicated to cultivating mindful learning and neurological excellence. Together, we explore the realms of memory techniques, share insights on cognitive training, and foster an environment that empowers each member to achieve their best. Elevate your recall mastery, ignite your mental acuity, and embark on a path to academic and cognitive triumph with Memory Club @ Penn!
Poetic Memory ProgramPoetic Memory Program is a student-led initiative that aims to provide guided poetry workshops to people with memory loss in the local Philadelphia community. Gary Glazner, the Director and Founder of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project, and Penn student volunteers will be holding workshops that are intended to spark inspiration and self-expression through fun and engaging poetry activities.
Invisible Illness Awareness at PennWelcome to the Invisible Illness Awareness Club at the University of Pennsylvania! Our mission is to raise awareness about invisible illnesses through our dynamic program involving presentations on specific topics/groups of conditions and guest speaker events. We are dedicated to providing valuable resources and unwavering support for the invisible illness community, fostering compassion and understanding among patients, healthcare providers, and the general population.
At our club, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals living with invisible illnesses, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Our goal is to actively work towards reducing the stigma associated with invisible illnesses and Disabilities. Join us as we embark on a journey to promote awareness, understanding, and inclusivity for those affected by invisible illnesses.
The Invizibles at PennWe are the University of Pennsylvania's student-led chapter of the Invizibles Organization! We help advocate and raise awareness for invisible illness through community-wide events and outreach. We aim to have a holisitc approach to invisible illness, highlighting both factual information and personal experience.
The Invizibles' motto is "more than meets the eye." Hidden conditions often go unnoticed and the stigma surrounding chronic illness and disability acts as a barrier to further discussion. Yet, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a chronic disease and 4 in 10 adults have two or more. 96% of people with chronic medical conditions live with a condition that is invisible, and about 25% of them have some type of activity limitation.
To learn more about our initiatives, email us at InviziblesxUPenn@gmail.com.
Parkinson's PalsParkinson's Pals facilitates intergenerational connections between passionate students and Parkinson's Patients. It is noted that nearly 55% of Parkinson’s patients experience isolationism and some form of depression. Overall, Parkinson’s Pals hopes to provide a new face and friend for patients.
Penn Cares for KidsThe goal of Penn Cares for Kids is to bridge the gap between Penn students who are looking for rewarding volunteering experiences. We volunteer at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other locations that are dedicated to serving children suffering from disabilities.
This is a great opportunity to get some clinical volunteering experience! It’s fun to work with kids and after a while you get to know each student pretty well! This is a good chance to volunteer in a clinical setting that is not in a hospital (in-person opportunities may be less limited currently due to COVID-19).
Penn Epilepsy Awareness ClubWe are a student organization at the University of Pennsylvania who work to support epilepsy awareness and advocacy efforts. We work in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania to accomplish this mission.