The world faces a lot of challenges. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are among the most vulnerable populations in society, and they face unique barriers that can make it difficult to get by. 

Luckily, there are many organizations working to help persons with disabilities find greater independence and self-determination. Here are 6 global organizations that are helping PwDs!

1. The Arc

The Arc Organization is a well-known non-profit that provides assistance to persons with disabilities around the world. They have been in operation for over 60 years and their services are available in over 80 countries. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing advocacy, education, information, and support services.

The Arc’s programs are designed to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to live fuller, more inclusive lives within their communities. They offer a variety of services such as case management, crisis intervention, counselling, job training and placement, independent living skills training, community integration activities, and much more. 

In addition to their direct service programs, The Arc also engages in public policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal level to ensure that laws and regulations are in place to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

2. Friendship Circle International

The Friendship Circle International Organization is a global non-profit that helps persons with disabilities around the world by expanding their network of friends and support. The organization includes 5,000 special children and 11,000 young volunteers in 80 countries.

The Friendship Circle model relies on the power of one-to-one friendships to change lives. By matching teens with children who have disabilities, they are able to create powerful bonds that transcend disability. These bonds provide emotional support for both the child and their families while also giving the teen volunteers valuable lessons in compassion, patience, and leadership. 

The Companionship Circles are just one way that Friendship Circle is changing the way we think about disability – from something to be pitied to something that can be celebrated as a source of strength and connection.

3. Federation for Children with Special Needs

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is an organization that helps persons with disabilities around the world. The organization was founded in 2004 by a group of parents of children with special needs. The mission of the organization is to expand opportunities for children with special needs and their families. 

The organization has four main goals: to increase public awareness about the abilities and potential of children with special needs, to provide support and resources for families of children with special needs, to advocate for the rights of children with special needs, and to promote inclusion of children with special needs in society. In addition to providing direct support to families, FCSN also works to change societal attitudes about persons with disabilities. 

The organization accomplishes this goal through public education campaigns, media outreach, and grassroots organizing. FCSN also advocates for policies and laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote inclusion in all aspects of society.

4. Handicap International

Since 1982, Handicap International has been working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities around the world. The organization works in both development and humanitarian contexts to help persons with disabilities gain access to education, health care, employment, and other vital services.

Handicap International also helps PwDs participate in decision-making processes at all levels, from local communities to national governments. The organization advocates for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and for their rights to be respected and protected. In recent years, Handicap International has been working increasingly on disaster risk reduction and response. 

The organization helps PwDs prepare for and recover from natural disasters and conflict situations. This work includes providing assistive devices such as wheelchairs and prosthetics, training first responders on how to include persons with disabilities in evacuation plans and advocating for inclusive humanitarian aid policies.

5. World Blind Union

The World Blind Union (WBU) is the leading international organization representing the estimated 285 million people who are blind or have low vision. 

It works to promote the rights and interests of blind and visually impaired people at the international, regional and national levels through cooperation and partnership with Governments, United Nations agencies, international non-governmental organizations, its membership of 191 blindness organizations in 106 countries, as well as individual members. The World Blind Union was founded in 1984 and has consultative status with UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, ILO and the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. 

It is a member of The Partnership for Maternal, New-born & Child Health! From its inception one of WBU’s priorities has been to increase opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision to participate fully in society on an equal basis with others.

6. World Federation of the Deaf

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international non-governmental organisation representing approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide. Founded in 1951, the WFD works to promote the human rights of deaf people and to support their full inclusion and participation in society.

The WFD advocates for the use of sign languages as the natural means of communication for deaf people. It also promotes access to education, employment, healthcare, and other services in sign language. In addition, the WFD works to empower deaf people so that they can take control of their own lives and participate fully in society. The WFD has consultative status with a number of United Nations agencies, including the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). 

It is also a member of several regional organisations, such as the African Union, Council of Europe, European Union of Associations of Disabled People (EASPD), and Inter-American Organisation for Higher Education (IOHE).

In conclusion, there are many organizations that are helping persons with disabilities. Some of them are grassroots organizations and some others are international ones. The bottom line is that they exist to help the community and make it a better place for everyone to live in.