P&A for People with ID/DD (PADD)

PADD 2024-2025 Priorities

Our PADD program provides both systemic and individual advocacy to people with ID/DD. We investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, and rights violations. We monitor locations where people with disabilities receive services. We work to enforce and expand the rights of all people with ID/DD through lawsuits, public reports, education, outreach, and self-advocacy support.

  • Make informed choices and decisions
  • Live in homes and communities in which they can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens
  • Pursue meaningful and productive employment
  • Contribute to their family, community, state and nation
  • Receive all necessary supports in school, at work, and in the community
  • Live safe and meaningful lives free from abuse and neglect

DRNY provides a wide range of services through the PADD Program including:

  • Advice/counsel
  • Support in pursuing administrative remedies
  • Technical assistance
  • Investigation and monitoring
  • Negotiation/mediation
  • Direct legal representation
  • Training

DRNY places a priority on serving individuals who:

  • Live in institutional settings
  • Are at risk of placement in a restrictive setting
  • Are subject to, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
  • Are members of underserved communities

Who is Eligible for PADD Services?

PADD clients must meet the definition of developmental disabilities in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act as:

  • A severe & chronic disability, attributing to a mental &/or physical impairment that must be evidenced prior to the age of 22
  • The impairment must be expected to be life long and result in substantial limitations in three or more of the major life areas:
    • Self-care
    • Receptive and expressive language
    • Learning, mobility
    • Self-direction
    • Capacity for independent living
    • Economic self-sufficiency

 There is no charge for our services

Fact Sheets

STUDENT LOAN DISCHARGE DUE TO DISABILITY

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ABOUT LANGUAGE ACCESS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS SOBRE EL ACCESO LINGÜÍSTICO EN LA EDUCACI

ÓN ESPECIAL

Video

Special Education Task Force Explained