40 Big Ideas

Advocacy

Green Mountain Self-Advocates: Resource Library

GMSA created resources and training materials for people with developmental disabilities to use as they teach and speak out about topics including access, transportation, relationships, abuse, rights, advocacy, work, and support.

Self-Advocacy Online

Watch stories from other self-advocates, learn how to speak up for yourself, plan for your future, understand Employment First, and more.

Civic Engagement Toolbox for Self Advocates

These resources from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network support people with disabilities to contact and educate elected officials on important issues.

Sins Invalid

The Sins Invalid website explores disability justice through the lens of art.

Deinstitutionalization

30 Years of Community Living

This history of community living for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities shares data on where people with IDD live and work, and how public money is spent on support services.

Dignity of Risk

Video: Dignity of Risk

Max Barrows from Green Mountain Self-Advocates describes the concept of dignity of risk in this video .

Inclusive Education

TIES Inclusive Education Roadmap

This module introduces the foundations of inclusive education systems. It walks users through building commitment, action planning, and sustaining phases.

Plain Language

Plain Language and Easy Read Tools

This guide from the UCEDD Resource Center offers several guides on plain-language writing, as well as plain-language guides for self-advocates who are contacting government offices.

Database of Plain Language Guides

This guide from the Plain Truth Project includes several guides for creating easy-read materials.

Positive Behavior Supports

Training Resources

This site includes a collection of resources on social skills and strategies for building relationships.

Self-direction

The Self-Direction Center

This new nonprofit organization is dedicated to strengthening self-direction through collective action nationwide. It brings together stakeholders across the self-directed support services ecosystem to identify common challenges and foster the exchange of ideas.

Direct Support

A Closer Look @ Frontline Initiative

This podcast episode features Amy Hewitt, director of the Institute on Community Integration and a former direct support professional, urging DSPs to fight for what they need and deserve.

NADSP Code of Ethics

Developed by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, the code guides DSPs as they resolve ethical dilemmas they face, and encourages them to achieve the highest ideals of the profession.

NADSP Skills Standards

This site describes the 15 competency areas important for direct support professionals to master.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics USA Games

This site includes the latest news on the 2026 games in Minnesota, along with ways athletes, families, donors, and volunteers can participate.

Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Story

This site includes information on how to get involved with the Special Olympics organization and stories about athletes, events, and its founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Universal Design for Learning

The UDL Guidelines

The CAST UDL Guidelines™ are a tool that can be applied in any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners are able to access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. The Guidelines are a set of concrete suggestions rooted in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).