Empowering Hispanic Americans with Disabilities: Comprehensive Resources and Support

This page features websites that address the growing population of Hispanic / Latino Americans who have disabilities. It features sites that are particularly geared for these individuals, as opposed to websites that include Spanish language translations.

El Grupo Vida is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and resources to Hispanic/Latino families on topics related to disability, special education, community leadership, and transition to adulthood. They offer monthly support groups, annual educational conferences in Spanish, and various community services including diaper distribution and family events.

RIADIS (Red Latinoamericana de Organizaciones de Personas con Discapacidad y sus Familias) is a Latin American Network of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families, representing 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. They focus on advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, providing resources and guidelines for monitoring international treaties, and organizing conferences and training programs on topics such as climate change and disaster risk management.

National Hispanic Latino Association of the Deaf (NHLAD) is an organization dedicated to preserving language, culture, and customs while promoting leadership and education within the Latin American deaf community. They organize national conferences and work to empower the Hispanic/Latino deaf community in the United States.

Fiesta Educativa is California’s largest nonprofit organization serving Latino families with children who have special needs. They provide family conferences, autism education programs for parents, and partnerships with other organizations to train parents on special education advocacy. Fiesta Educativa also organizes “Fiestas Familiares” (Family Parties) in homes to discuss topics such as special education eligibility and access to services.

ADA Spanish Language Outreach Project is a five-year collaborative national initiative of the ADA National Network. It aims to determine the best ways to support Spanish-speaking people in accessing their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project conducts research, provides technical assistance, and develops resources to address barriers faced by Hispanic/Latino communities with disabilities.

National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) works to affirm, celebrate, and collectively uplift Latinxs with disabilities through community building, advocacy, protection of rights, resources, and education. They organize national conferences, mentor disability activists and scholars, and educate elected officials on the challenges and needs of disabled Latinxs. CNLD also focuses on intersectionality and inclusivity within the Latinx and disability communities.

Atzlan for Deaf Latinas is a website for deaf Latinos covers such diverse topics as ASL/Spanish/English interpreters, deaf Latino mailing lists, deaf Latino-owned businesses, and deaf Latino organizations. A bulletin board and mailing list are also available.

Nacersano.org
Bienvenidos! This March of Dimes website was developed “to help serve the growing need for education in maternal and infant health for the Spanish-speaking community in the U.S. and around the world.” It includes an online health library with information on preparing for pregnancy, the effects of alcohol, tobacco and stress during pregnancy, prenatal and newborn tests, and more.
Also listed under Just for Parents.

Proyecto Vision, the National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities, is a new national initiative designed to connect Latinos with disabilities with employment services and related resources. The growing bilingual website of this federally funded project includes news, links, and a listserv.
Also listed under Employment.

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