Disability Rights California

California's protection and advocacy system

Disability Rights California is a nonprofit disability rights advocacy organization dedicated to "advancing the human and legal rights of people with disabilities." We strive to create a barrier free, inclusive society that values diversity and each individual.

We serve Californians with a wide range of disabilities - including cognitive, mental, sensory, and physical disabilities - by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in healthcare, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Our services include:

  1. individual representation;
  2. bringing impact litigation and acting as amicus curiae when a case affects the rights of people with disabilities;
  3. investigating complaints of serious physical and sexual abuse, and of neglect-related death in institutions;
  4. telling people with disabilities about their legal, civil and service rights; information and referral services;
  5. technical support and training for people with disabilities, their families and advocates; peer/self-advocacy services;
  6. outreach to traditionally underserved communities;
  7. legislative advocacy;
  8. patients' rights advocacy at state psychiatric hospitals and technical assistance and training for county advocates under a contract with the State Department of Mental Health; and
  9. clients' rights advocacy for people with developmental disabilities who are regional center consumers under a contract with the State Department of Developmental Services.

We began advocating for the rights of Californians with disabilities in 1978. We now provide advocacy services to people withdisabilities under seven federal statutes, two state contracts, grants from theCalifornia State Bar and donations.