Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania

- 1800 John F Kennedy Blvd Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103

For individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania, navigating the complex legal landscape to secure their rights can be a significant challenge. Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities across the Commonwealth. As the state's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, DRP works to ensure that adults and children with a wide range of disabilities can live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, and discrimination. Their mission is not focused on individual cases of discrimination but on addressing systemic issues that affect classes of individuals, aiming for broad-scale policy changes through litigation, administrative advocacy, and public education.

Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania operates with a clear mandate to address systemic issues that impact the lives of people with disabilities. They focus on securing rights to community services, full and inclusive education, and protection from abuse and neglect. The organization's legal and advocacy services are provided at no charge to clients, but they must meet agency priorities. These priorities are often centered on cases that have the potential to create a lasting, systemic change, benefiting many individuals. This approach is rooted in their federal mandate and a commitment to making a larger impact on the lives of disabled Pennsylvanians. For those seeking assistance, it is important to understand that DRP's work is focused on systemic issues rather than individual, isolated incidents of discrimination, which are typically referred to other state and federal agencies like the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or the U.S. Department of Justice. DRP identifies these broader issues and seeks change and reform through a variety of methods, including litigation and public education.

The work of Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania is a vital part of the support system for the disabled community in the Commonwealth. Their advocacy for a Commonwealth where people of all abilities are equal and free is a core principle. This organization plays a key role in enforcing a number of federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By targeting systemic problems, they aim to break down barriers to employment, transportation, and public services, and to enforce the rights of individuals to vocational, habilitative, and other essential services. This proactive, systems-change approach makes DRP a unique and important legal entity within Pennsylvania, serving as a powerful force for reform and equal rights for people with disabilities.

Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania has its main office in Philadelphia, conveniently located at 1800 John F Kennedy Blvd Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA. The firm's location in the heart of the city makes it a central hub for legal advocacy and assistance. DRP also has other offices in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh to serve residents across the state. The Philadelphia office is designed to be accessible to all clients. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating the organization's commitment to accommodating people with a wide range of physical disabilities. This level of accessibility is crucial for an organization that serves this population. The office also provides a general restroom for client use. To ensure that each individual can be served effectively and that the team has time to address their specific needs, appointments are recommended for those seeking assistance. This approach allows the organization to manage its resources and provide focused attention to each intake and case review.

Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania, as a Protection and Advocacy organization, offers a variety of services based on their federally mandated priorities. Their work is centered on providing legal assistance and advocacy services that address the rights of individuals with disabilities in a broad, systemic context. It's important to understand that they operate differently from a traditional law firm that takes on individual cases for a fee. Their services are free, but they must align with the organization's mission and priorities.

• Civil Rights Litigation: DRP engages in litigation to address systemic violations of the civil rights of people with disabilities. This includes challenging policies and practices that lead to discrimination, abuse, or neglect in institutions, schools, and communities.
• Assistance Services: The organization provides a range of assistance services, including information and referral for those with disability-related questions. They also offer self-advocacy assistance, giving individuals the tools to advocate for themselves.
• Legal Representation: In cases that meet their agency priorities, DRP may provide full legal representation. They focus on matters that have the potential to make systemic change, rather than single incidents of discrimination.
• Work Litigation: This includes legal action to address discrimination in employment, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to jobs and are provided with reasonable accommodations.
• Estate Planning: As a legal service provider, they also offer guidance and assistance on legal matters such as estate planning, which is an important aspect of financial security for many individuals and their families.

The key features and highlights of Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania are centered on their mission and the way they serve the community. These attributes distinguish them from a typical private law firm and highlight their unique role in the legal system.

• Federally Mandated P&A Agency: As a Protection and Advocacy organization, DRP has a specific federal mandate to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, giving them a unique and authoritative role.
• Focus on Systemic Change: The organization prioritizes cases that have the potential to create widespread reform rather than focusing solely on individual complaints. This approach aims for a larger, more impactful outcome for the disability community.
• Free Legal and Advocacy Services: DRP does not charge for its services, making legal assistance accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
• High Level of Accessibility: The Philadelphia office is fully equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, reflecting a strong commitment to serving all individuals with disabilities.
• Professional Network: DRP works with a network of legal and advocacy professionals to provide comprehensive support and training to consumers, families, and advocates.

For those in need of assistance, Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania can be reached by phone at (215) 238-8070. The physical office is located at 1800 John F Kennedy Blvd Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA. The mobile phone number is +1 215-238-8070. The organization also operates a toll-free intake line at 1-800-692-7443 for easier access for residents across the state. Live intake hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These direct contact points provide a clear path for individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates to seek advice or inquire about potential assistance.

What is most worth choosing about Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania is its unique and vital role as a legal and advocacy organization. Unlike a private law firm that may not be financially motivated to take on a complex civil rights case, DRP exists specifically to fight for these issues on a systemic level. While a negative review may highlight a client's frustration with their specific case not being taken on, it's crucial to understand the organization’s mandate. DRP, by its design and funding, must prioritize issues that affect "classes of individuals" and that have the potential for widespread reform. This is a critical distinction from a private attorney. For example, they may focus on cases involving the conditions in state prisons for people with mental health disorders or the rights of children with autism to receive an inclusive education, as these issues can lead to precedent-setting change. For someone seeking to address a broad civil rights violation that affects a large group of people with disabilities, DRP is one of the most powerful and effective resources in Pennsylvania. Their services are free, and their commitment is to the larger cause of equality and justice for the disabled community. This focus on long-term, systemic change is what makes them a truly valuable and unique asset to the Commonwealth, and why their existence is so important for the advancement of disability rights.

Disabilities Rights Pennsylvania

1800 John F Kennedy Blvd Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA