Client Assistance Program (CAP)

Client Assistance Program (CAP)

Disability Rights California’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides information, advice, and advocacy to help people who have disabilities so they can understand their rights and get employment services

DRC Program

Client Assistance Program (CAP)

“Work gives individuals a sense of purpose and self-worth. For many, it defines who we are and is a source of justifiable pride. Work helps improve individual and family finances, and it helps us connect socially. All individuals, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity to be full members of their community where they can live, learn, work and play through all stages of life.”
- National Association of County Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Directors

People with disabilities have many skills and talents to contribute to the workforce. With the right services and supports, everyone can work.

Disability Rights California’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides information, advice, and advocacy to help people who have disabilities so they can understand their rights and get employment services from:

  • Department of Rehabilitation (DOR);
  • Independent Living Centers; and/or
  • Other programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act

We also protect employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing people with disabilities information and advice to promote self-advocacy.

Who is eligible?

People with disabilities who get or need services from DOR, Independent Living Centers, or other Rehabilitation Act Funded partners to prepare for work, get a job, keep a job or advance in their career.

How can CAP help me?

A CAP Advocate can help you access services from the DOR, Independent Living Centers and other Rehabilitation Act funded programs and exercise your employment rights under the ADA by:

  • Providing information about these programs and services.
  • Helping you understand your rights and responsibilities related to your services.
  • Assisting you with self-advocacy when participating in these programs or requesting reasonable accommodations.
  • Advocating on your behalf to protect your rights and get the services you need.
  • Advocating for policy changes that improve services for the disability community.
  • Providing outreach and training.

To contact the Client Assistance Program, call (800) 776-5746 or TTY call: 1-800-719-5798 or fill out the Get Help Form online.

Self-Advocacy Resources

  • Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
  • Employment
  • Transition Services for Students

Helpful Links

Icon of two people shaking hands.Success Story

Client Obtains Support to Become a Psychologist

Lilia is a client of the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) with a visual impairment who wanted DOR support in becoming a psychologist. She successfully self-advocated to obtain various assistive technology items and services from DOR. However, DOR would not agree to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to become a psychologist, instead encouraging her to become a mental health counselor, which did not require funding for a Ph.D.

DRC represented Lilia, and after negotiations, DOR agreed to develop an IPE with funding for pre-requisite classes, preparation courses for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), transportation, and additional assistive technology assessments. They also agreed to fund a Ph.D. program at her preferred private school.