Protection and Advocacy Systems - The Nation's Disability Rights Network (PAs/CAPs)

View a listing of Local P&As  

What are P&As and CAPs ?

The Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System and Client Assistance Program (CAP) comprise the nationwide network of congressionally mandated, legally-based disability rights agencies. P&A agencies have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under all federal and state laws, to all people with disabilities (based on a system of priorities for services). All P&As maintain a presence in facilities that care for people with disabilities, where they monitor, investigate and attempt to remedy adverse conditions. These agencies also devote considerable resources to ensuring full access to inclusive educational programs, financial entitlements, health care, accessible housing and productive employment opportunities.

CAP - Client Assistance Program

These are agencies (many of which are housed within P&A offices) that provide information and assistance to individuals seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act, including assistance in pursuing administrative, legal and other appropriate remedies

PADD - The Protection and Advocacy for Persons with developmental Disabilities Program assistance to individuals seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act, including assistance in pursuing administrative, legal and other appropriate remedies.

ADD - Administration for Children Youth and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities administers the PADD program.

PAIMI - The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program Agencies are mandated to (1) protect and advocate for the rights of people with mental illness and (2) investigate reports of abuse and neglect in facilities that care for or treat individuals with mental illness. Agencies provide advocacy services or conduct investigations to address issues which arise during transportation or admission to, the time of residency in, or 90 days after discharge from such facilities. The system designated to serve as the PADD program in each state and territory is also responsible for operating the PAIMI program.

CMHS - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services administers the PAIMI program.

PAIR - The Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights Program PAIR programs were established to protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of persons with disabilities.

RSA - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration administers PAIR. Rehabilitation Services Administration also administers CAP.

PAAT - The Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology Program An expansion of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) to include funding for P&As to "assist individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates and authorized representatives in accessing technology devices and assistive technology services" through case management, legal representation and self advocacy training.

Eligibility & Priorities

Individuals eligible for CAP are those persons who are seeking or receiving services from a Rehab Act project, program or community rehabilitation program.

In addition, P&As develop priorities, after receiving public comment which establish case selection criteria. Priorities must insure that the most vulnerable populations or those with complex advocacy needs are served before less vulnerable populations. P&As must reach out to unserved or underserved populations. The need to prioritize is necessary as the demand for representation often exceeds the resources of the P&A system.

Activities of a P&A System include:

• investigating, negotiating or mediating solutions to problems expressed by persons with disabilities eligible for P&A and CAP services;
• providing information and technical assistance to individuals, attorneys, governmental agencies, services providers and other advocacy organizations;
• providing legal counsel and litigation services to eligible persons and groups who satisfy the established priorities for the provision of services; and
• providing education and training for their staff, governing boards, advisory councils, volunteers, service delivery professionals, constituency groups and the community.

In addition, P&A systems interact with elected and appointed officials to share information which will assist policy makers in making legislative and administrative changes which benefit persons with disabilities.