PATBI Advisory Council

DRC Priorities for PATBI in Fiscal Year 2013

1. (Goal) 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 the Arkansas Health Center and investigate cases of suspicious deaths and claims of abuse, neglect, unlawful commitment, seclusion, physical or chemical restraint, and violations of rights.
2. (Goal) 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. (Goal) DRC will provide disability rights advocacy for people with disabilities who have a right to services under the federal Rehabilitation Act.
   
   • DRC will represent Vocational Rehabilitation clients to ensure that they receive information and advice regarding obtaining vocational rehabilitation and employment services including supported employment or other services that an individual with a disability may need to secure, maintain, or regain employment.
4. (Goal) DRC will assist people with disabilities to advocate removal of barriers to employment in order for them to have equal access under the law
   
   • Review and investigate complaints of employment discrimination in regard to harassment, reasonable accommodations, wages, and other employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
5. (Goal) 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.
6. (Goal) 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.
   • PATBI will begin planning to Co-sponsor the Fourth Partners in Brain Injury Conference with the Arkansas State Dept of Health and BIA/AR, and others by September 30, 2013.
7. (Goal) DRC will raise issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities at meetings attended by policy makers and/or people with disabilities.
   
   • 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 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.
   • Continue operation of the DRC PATBI Advisory Council consisting of over 50% TBI survivors and family members, to advise the PATBI program on TBI advocacy needs and outreach strategies.
   • DRC will serve on the Governor’s Trauma Advisory Subcommittee as a voting member.
   • 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.
8. (Goal) 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.