Getting Help From Disability Rights Advocates

Disability rights advocates can be attorneys or non-attorneys that work to ensure that the civil rights of individuals with disabilities are upheld within the country. In many situations the disability rights advocates work with employees that have lost their jobs or been limited in their ability to advance in their chosen profession or career because of discrimination based on their disability. In other situations an individual may have been denied benefits through Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security or other programs.

What Do Disability Rights Advocates Do?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. This law prohibits discrimination or denial of services because of a disability. The act goes well beyond just employment issues and also guarantees individuals with disabilities have fair access to public facilities and buildings, transportation systems, telecommunications and any type of services or programs offered by federal, state or local governments.

Disability rights advocates work to represent individuals that have been discriminated against because of a disability. They will help determine relevant documentation, file appeals and even, in the case of attorneys, represent the client should the case go forward to an administrative hearing or a lawsuit.

In addition these advocates can also assist with other related issues. They may be able to work with individuals seeking specialized medical care to find appropriate treatment programs or low cost medical equipment, prescriptions and supplies. They can also liaison with local government officials to ensure that all laws regarding access to public transportation, housing and facilities are met by all communities.

How to Contact Disability Rights Advocates

There are a wide variety of different groups, organizations and businesses that offer services to individuals with disabilities that feel they are being discriminated against. Many organizations that work for this cause are non-profit and individuals seeking services may not be charged at all for representation. This is because grants through various government agencies and foundations pay for the services of the advocates. Other organizations may charge on a sliding scale based on the individual's ability to pay.

Information can be found on advocacy programs through the internet, human resource departments and through any government ADA office.

Seeking Legal Support

Working with an attorney experienced in disability advocacy provides advantageous to a non-attorney option. Attorneys can see you case through to court should the need arise, while non-attorney advocates cannot provide this service. Speaking with an attorney before making the decision on a advocate is highly recommended.