These organizations fight for the rights of people with disabilities and provide legal guidance.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): A national cross-disability rights organization that works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): A non-profit membership organization for federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems. They provide legal advocacy services.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU's Disability Rights program uses litigation and advocacy to ensure people with disabilities have full access to education, homes, healthcare, and jobs.
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF): A national civil rights law and policy center led by people with disabilities.
Government Agencies & Programs
These federal agencies provide vital information, services, and enforce laws related to disability.
U.S. Department of Justice - ADA Information Line: Provides information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or employee based on disability.
Social Security Administration (SSA): Manages Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provide financial assistance.
Administration for Community Living (ACL): An agency that helps people with disabilities and older adults live independently in their communities. While the agency is undergoing restructuring, the core functions and services it oversees are expected to continue.
Employment & Workplace Support
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): A division of the U.S. Department of Labor, ODEP promotes policies and practices that help people with disabilities get jobs.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): JAN is a leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations.
American Job Centers: These centers, located across the country, provide job training, career counseling, and job placement services.
Understanding Current Threats to Disability Rights
While critical protections are in place, the rights of people with disabilities are facing ongoing challenges.
It is important to be aware of legislative and policy changes that could weaken essential services.
Current concerns include potential budget cuts to Medicaid and other programs that fund long-term care, as well as a reduction in the capacity of federal agencies to enforce civil rights laws.
Additionally, there are ongoing threats to special education funding and legal hurdles that could impact rights in areas like employment and accessibility. Staying informed and engaged with advocacy groups is crucial to protecting these rights.
