The holidays are a special time of the year to create new memories and receive that awesome gadget you've been eyeing all year from your loved ones. It's also a time of year that you can give back to your local community or cause close to your heart.
The hashtag #GivingTuesday began as a way to encourage Cyber Monday online shoppers to donate money or goods to charitable organizations following a weekend of shopping. Below is a list of nonprofit groups that support individuals with disabilities that you can give a small donation to this holiday season.
Easterseals
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Easterseals is an American nonprofit providing disability services for veterans and military families, children, adults, seniors, and caregivers. The organization also offers support in Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Its goal is to support individuals with disabilities to:
- Live - through hands-on programs and support to help people reach their full potential
- Learn - with programs designed to help individuals learn or relearn how to perform daily tasks independently, develop skills, and be active.
- Work - by participating in training, placement, and services related to preparing individuals for the workplace.
- Play - have fun with programs for children, adults, and caregivers to relax, connect with friends and engage.
- Act - be involved in opportunities in the disability community.
Learn more and donate at the Easterseals website.
March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes is a national nonprofit that offers a variety of community-based services to individuals with disabilities. It was founded in 1951 following a nationwide campaign of mothers going door-to-door in their neighborhoods, asking for a donation of a dime to cure and protect their children from polio. Today's services include accessible modifications to vehicles and barrier-free consultations, alternative communication assistance, affordable housing, rehabilitation services and many more.
Learn more and donate at the March of Dimes website.
Cerebral Palsy Foundation: CPF
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Cerebral Palsy Foundation is an advocacy group that raises awareness about cerebral palsy and partners with medical institutions to further current research on offering critical deliveries of care and prevention. The nonprofit also creates online campaigns, such as Just Say Hi and CPF Challenge. Just Say Hi is a video series in which celebrities including Michael J. Fox, John Oliver, and Gayle King explain how to start a conversation with someone with a disability. The "CPF Challenge", which was featured on our blog about fun health apps, has 7-minute workouts demonstrated by NIKE Master Trainer Isabelle Derond and with individuals with CP performing adapted exercises.
Learn more and donate at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation website.
United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is an international nonprofit foundation that has affiliate community programs across the United States, Canada and Australia who service individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. Founded in in 1949, a time when there were very few resources available to individuals with cerebral palsy, United Cerebral Palsy has grown to be one of the largest nonprofits in the United States. The main website is a large hub of resources that include information on public policy, education, employment guide, assistive technology, health and wellness tips, transportation assistance and more.
Learn more and donate at the United Cerebral Palsy website.
United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is an American nonprofit that is free to join as a member to access its online center of resources including peer mentoring, which connects individuals who have adapted to life with a spinal cord injury with individuals who are have been recently diagnosed. They also publish a magazine called New Mobility Magazine that members can subscribe to and read free articles online. Each year, the charity helps over 5,000 people with spinal cord injuries, who are veterans, and their families.
United Spinal Association advocates for:
- Access to Quality Affordable Healthcare
- Employment Opportunities, Self Sufficiency and Independent Living
- Consumer Directed Quality Health Care and Community Integration
- Preservation of Social Security Benefits
- Protecting the Rights of People with Disabilities
Learn more and donate at the United Spinal Association website.
MS Society of Canada
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MS Society of Canada is a national charity and research organization that services and supports individuals affected by multiple sclerosis, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, employers, institutions, and students. It is one of the leading researchers on multiple sclerosis in the world and has invested over $140 million in research since 1948. Studies funded have made significant advances in areas such as imaging, diagnosis, genetics, tissue repair, rehabilitation, and disease-modifying therapies. It is also a leader in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis with its annual MS Walk and MS Bike that has individuals across Canada participating every year. In 2017, the MS Walk raised $8.5 million for multiple sclerosis research.
Learn more and donate at the MS Society of Canada website.
To find an organization that supports individuals with multiple sclerosis in your area, visit MS International Federation and use the region search feature.
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