Community Advocacy Organizations

Services provided: PLUK provides information, training, and support to the 30,000 families of children with special needs statewide. Anyone may call to receive assistance. There is no eligibility requirement and no cost. PLUK empowers families to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves within the education, medical, mental health, developmental disability, juvenile justice, and all other child & family serving systems. Trained family advocates located throughout the state have been providing family to family support since 1984.

PLUK
516 N 32nd St
Billings MT 59101

United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals. Offers options to request assistance, connect with a mentor, connect with a chapter, advocacy, and product and service information.

Spinal Cord Resource Center: Submit questions on any aspect of Spinal Cord Injury/Disease or get information and resources that may help you resolve a situation including local support.

Disability Products & Services Guide: Search the United Spinal Association Disability Products & Services Directory to discover providers and organizations that specialize in optimizing the health, independence and quality of life of people with a spinal cord injury or disease.

• Health/Disability Related Support Groups
• Information and Referral
• Legislative Advocacy
• Self Advocacy Support

The mission of United Way is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

United Ways across the country activate community resources to make the greatest possible human impact. The United Way system includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers.

As community leaders, United Ways address the most critical local issues and mobilize resources beyond the dollars that are pledged through their fund-raising efforts. Community partners often include schools, government policy makers, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, voluntary and neighborhood associations, community development corporations and the faith community.

Litigates precedent-setting cases at the trial and appellate court levels; advocates for equitable public policies affecting the LGBT community; provides free legal assistance to LGBT people and their legal advocates; and conducts community education on LGBT issues.

Information about Fabry disease, research and clinical trials information, funding programs, and more. Programs, include:

• Annual conference
• Family camp
• Personal support
• Research and educational information

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) is the hub of a worldwide network of parents and professionals concerned with autism. ARI was founded in 1967 to conduct and foster scientific research designed to improve the methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing autism. ARI also disseminates research findings to parents and others worldwide seeking help. The ARI data bank, the world's largest, contains over 40,000 detailed case histories of autistic children from over 60 countries.

Services:

• Online educational events for parents and caretakers
• Continuing medical education credit for physicians, teachers, dietitians, and occupational therapists
• ATEC treatment assessment tool for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Resource Line
• Research updates and newsletters

ASHA's work is focused around three important objectives:
Educate: Be the source of scientifically-based and accessible information
Build Alliances: Collaborate with other organizations to expand the understanding and acceptance of the sexual health model
Advocate: Advance supportive changes in sexual health policy

The Mission of Disability Rights Montana is to protect and advocate for the human, legal, and civil rights of Montanans with disabilities while advancing dignity, equality, and self-determination. We provide assistance with your right to accessible programs and services, and the right to freedom from discrimination. This includes exercising the right to vote and other civil rights, as well as obtaining and maintaining services for which one is legally qualified, such as Assistive Technology, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, transportation, and public access. We provide assistance with your right to employment and education without discrimination.

The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights group in the U.S. Its principal objective is to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality among minority citizens.

The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is the nation's leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America's low-income families and children. NCCP has a list online of publications on the following topics:

• Child Poverty
• Children’s Mental Health
• Early Care and Learning
• Healthy Development
• Immigrant Families
• Infants and Toddlers
• Integrated Systems
• Low-Wage Work
• Social Security
• Welfare
• Work Supports