North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project
As encouraged by federal funding sources, and following input activities by people with disabilities, family members and the public, each year P&A chooses some of the most important issues affecting people with disabilities and makes them priorities. Nearly all P&A services (including information & referral, client assistance & representation, education & training, and systems advocacy) are then focused on these priority issues.
P&A's current priorities, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, include the following:
• Employment: Advocating for persons with disabilities to have access to meaningful employment at a fair wage. Areas of focus include:
o employment discrimination based on disability and reasonable accommodation in the workplace.
o advocacy for services and supports needed in order for people with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.
o provision of information and/or training regarding advocacy, vocational and support services and employment rights (including those under the Rehabilitation Act and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act), and the Client Assistance Program.
o advocating for the rights of people with disabilities who are seeking or receiving treatment, services, or rehabilitation under the Rehabilitation Act.
o systems advocacy that seeks an increase in vocational services and employment options for people with disabilities.