National Disability Independence Day

On July 26^th, 1990, thirty-three years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in the United States. Today one might use other language, such as people with health conditions, impairments, or challenges. This act prohibits discrimination based on people who are challenged in this way. Among other things, the law also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. For those donors seeking to honor this anniversary by supporting charities addressing disabilities, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips.

Recognize the variety of charities.  As there are many different types of mental and physical conditions that fall under the scope of disability, there are a variety of charities that address them. Examples include but are not limited to those using wheelchairs but those challenged by such issues as blindness, deafness, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, depressive disorders, and/or intellectual disabilities.

Find out what the charities do.  Some organizations may focus on the treatment or research in addressing a health condition. Others may seek to promote independent lifestyles for the disabled. Alternatively, charities might be seeking to eliminate discrimination in housing or employment. One should not assume what the charity does based on the name alone. The charity’s website should be clear about the nature of the help it provides.

Remember veterans. Keep in mind that there are also a variety of charities helping veterans and active service members that have disabilities. Consider supporting these organizations as well.

Consider alternatives to cash donations. While charities will certainly appreciate financial support, keep in mind there are other ways to help. One could donate time in helping a cause. In other cases, charities will accept donated items such as clothing, used furniture, or cars. Contact the charity to identify if they accept such gifts and also find out how they are used by the organization. For additional in-kind donation advice, visit this page.

Verify the charity’s trustworthiness. Check out the disability organization before you donate. Visit Give.org to see if they are a BBB Accredited Charity (i.e., meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.)

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Primate Rescue Center
• Operation Underground Railroad
• FINCA International

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.