National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

Mission:
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is a nonprofit membership organization that serves as the national association for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) across the United States.

Overview

NDRN does not provide direct legal services or advice to individuals. Instead, it supports, coordinates, and advocates on behalf of its member agencies, which are present in every state, territory, the District of Columbia, and the four corners region for Native American communities. These member agencies collectively form the largest provider network of legally based advocacy services for people with disabilities in the United States.

Services and Focus Areas

NDRN focuses on a wide range of disability rights issues, including:
- ADA & Civil Rights
- Community Integration
- Education
- Employment
- Health Care
- Housing
- Justice System
- Mental Health
- Transportation
- Voting Rights
- Veterans' Issues
- Self-Determination
- Representative Payees
- Fires, Disasters & Emergencies
- Hate Incidents

Programs and Activities

• Advocacy and Policy: NDRN provides national leadership on disability rights, monitors legislation, and offers legal and court analysis on disability-related topics.
• Support for Member Agencies: NDRN offers resources, training, and technical assistance to state and territory P&A/CAP agencies, which deliver direct advocacy and legal services to individuals with disabilities.
• Public Education: The organization disseminates reports, news, accessibility guidelines, and legislative tracking tools to inform the public and policymakers.
• Media and Communications: NDRN maintains a press office to provide expertise on disability rights issues and supports journalists with information and guidelines for reporting on disability topics.

Who They Serve

NDRN’s member agencies serve people with disabilities of all ages, backgrounds, and types of disabilities, including residents of Louisa County, VA, through the Virginia P&A/CAP agency. NDRN itself is a resource for organizations, advocates, and the media, rather than for direct individual client services.

How to Access Services

Individuals seeking direct legal services or advocacy must contact their state’s P&A/CAP agency. NDRN provides a directory of these agencies for public access.

Additional Information

• NDRN organizes annual conferences and events for disability rights professionals.
• The organization is led by a diverse leadership team committed to intersectional advocacy, recognizing the importance of disability rights across multiple identities.