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DRC - Programs (PADD)

Protection & Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD)

PADD advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Under Federal law, a "developmental disability" is defined as: "A severe, chronic condition which is manifested before age 22, is likely to continue indefinitely, results in substantial functional limitations of at least three areas of major life activity and results in the need for a combination and sequence of several kinds of services".

We place a high value on empowerment as an outcome of our assistance to individuals. In keeping with this philosophy, our initial response to callers is usually to inform, to educate, and to provide short-term assistance to enable persons to advocate successfully on their own behalf. Longer-term advocacy is available as needed, in accordance with the Annual Program Priorities, and legal representation can be provided to clients whose cases may benefit large numbers of persons with disabilities.
 
PADD routinely monitors services provided in Human Development Centers and in community-based programs for persons with developmental disabilities. This monitoring includes review of all incident reports and incident investigations. When warranted, PADD conducts an independent incident investigation. PADD also provides information, referral, and short-term assistance on behalf of students with developmental disabilities in public schools.

What is a "Developmental Disability"?

A. In General
The term "developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that: 
i. is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
ii. is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
iii. is likely to continue indefinitely;
iv. results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: 
1. self-care,
2. receptive and expressive language,
3. learning, 
4. mobility,
5. self-direction,
6. capacity for independent living, and
7. economic self-sufficiency; and
v. reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
 
B. Infants and Young Children
An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) - (v) of the above if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
 
PADD services are funded by the Administration on Community Living ( formerly ADD), and are provided free of charge.
 
Federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for Arkansans with disabilities

The DD Network

DD Network WorkgroupMade up of three federally-funded "sister" agencies – the Arkansas Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council, Partners for Inclusive Communities, and the Disability Rights Center of Arkansas – the DD Network is a new to the state's developmental disabilities community. A natural extension of the desire to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, the Network has joined forces on a number of cooperative ventures, including:
 
 

DD Netwrok Partners Logo

The Network is also brings its combined expertise to bear on such pressing issues as improved nutrition and physical fitness, crime prevention, community inclusion, improved educational opportunities and the creation of a more positive perception of people with Disabilities. For more information about the DD Network, the individual agencies and their activities, contact the
 
 

DD News

 
Get the Scoop on Disability
If you aren't already familiar with Disability Scoop, it is a very comprehensive resource website, with topics ranging from developmental and intellectual disability to behavior, education, politics, money, lifestyles and more. Visit Disability Scoop at www.disabilityscoop.com. 
 

DRC Priorities for PADD in Fiscal Year 2013

  1. DRC will assist people with disabilities in institutions, community settings, psychiatric programs and educational settings in advocating receipt of services and supports in a safe environment.
    • Monitor residential care facilities in collaboration with DHS Office of Long Term Care and the Arkansas State Hospital (ASH) and investigate cases of suspicious deaths and claims of abuse, neglect, unlawful commitment, seclusion, physical or chemical restraint and violations of rights.
    • Investigate cases of suspicious deaths and claims of abuse, neglect, unlawful commitment, seclusion, physical or chemical restraint, and violations of rights in institutional settings.
  2. DRC will assist people with disabilities in advocating access to the services and supports, including assistive technology, needed to live in the community.
    • Provide technical assistance or representation to people with disabilities to receive services or supports or assistive technology to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
  3. DRC will assist people with disabilities to advocate removal of barriers to housing, places of public accommodation, and local, state and federal government in order for them to have equal access under the law.
    • Represent clients alleging that architectural barriers prevent them from having equal access to government services, programs and activities.
  4. DRC will assist students with disabilities to advocate access to a continuum of placement options in the least restrictive environment.
    • Investigate claims of denial of access to a continuum of placement options, including suspension, expulsion, manifestation determination, and inappropriate referrals to an alternative learning environment (ALE) which result in a change of placement due to disability related behaviors.
    • DRC will assist to improve the quality and effectiveness of the transition plans for students with disabilities.
    • DRC will contract with Arkansas Disability Coalition to represent students with disabilities in the public school system receiving special education services that are in need of representation at IEP conferences related to suspension or other issues as referred. This would include students with a significant emotional impairment.
  5. DRC will inform people with disabilities of their legal rights at trainings conducted by DRC and other organizations.  Training may also be provided to service providers and other organizations.
    • Conduct community trainings on the services DRC provides, sensitivity awareness and on specific topics related to DRC priorities as requested by other agencies.
    • Conduct outreach and rights training activities in in-patient or residential units, community-based facilities, and DDTCS programs by September 30, 2013.
    • Conduct trainings and/or other activities in collaboration with AR Can Do, Inc. AR Can Do is made up of other non-profits, state agencies and people with disabilities to change perceptions of how society perceives people with disabilities and educate on appropriate ways to communicate and interact with people who have disabilities.
  6. DRC will raise issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities at meetings attended by policy makers and/or people with disabilities.
    • Attend monthly meetings of the Interagency Council on Homelessness to provide information to service providers of homeless people about disability issues.
    • Attend quarterly meetings of the DDS Board to stay aware of the official position of DDS regarding care and treatment of residents in Human Development Centers.
    • DRC will serve on the Division of Youth Services (DYS) Oversight Committee at its quarterly meetings to ensure that DYS is meeting the deadlines of the DYS Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Reform Plan 2009-2014.
    • DRC, a partner and founding organization in the Family and Youth Assistance Network (FYAN) will attend meetings.
    • Serve on the Partners for Inclusive Community Advisory Committee by participating in quarterly meetings.
    • Collaborate with the DD Network on activities to stop discrimination against people with developmental disabilities by providing access to information that would enable them to lead valued, proactive lives.
    • DRC serves on the Arkansas Advisory Council for the Education of Individuals with Disabilities at its quarterly meetings to advise the Council on ways to stop discrimination against children with disabilities in public schools.
    • DRC will facilitate the Arkansas Parent Information Exchange (ArPIE) list serve to share information with parent advocacy groups/Parent Training Information Centers about education advocacy, rights issues and training.
  7. DRC will inform people with disabilities of their rights through the publication and dissemination of pertinent information.
    • DRC will print and distribute A Parent’s Guide, Civil Rights/Education Bluebooks to inform persons how to stop discrimination against students with disabilities.
    • DRC will distribute IDEA, a Parent’s Booklet (companion to the Bluebook) to inform persons how to stop discrimination against students with disabilities.
    • DRC will maximize its electronic outreach by continuing a weblog.
    • Provide the DRC display and materials in conferences to inform the public about DRC activities to stop discrimination against people with disabilities.
    • DRC will maximize its electronic outreach by improving DRC’s Facebook page with timely posts and pictures.
    • Timely information will be posted on the DRC website on each DRC program, upcoming events, cases, investigations, legislation, etc.
    • DRC will produce P&A Newsletters.
    • DRC will monitor CRPs to inform people with disabilities of DRC services, client rights, and disseminate brochures, posters, etc.
       

 

 

Files: 
IDEA, A Parents Guide (DD Network Publication)