Direct services are individualized and may include: Information and materials References to programs and services Training and technical assistance Abuse and neglect investigations Negotiation and mediation tools Information to develop self-defense skills Individual or systemic representation Individual or systemic actions All persons with disability-related concerns are entitled to our information and referral services. Due to limited resources, acceptance of direct defence and legal affairs must be determined by federal guidelines and publicly managed priorities approved by our Board of Directors. Our Advocacy Support Unit at no cost processes all service requests and information sharing services. Monitoring of state and federal policies and regulations Legislative education Collaboration with organizations of persons with disabilities, parents and consumers in advocacy activities for system change There is no fee for advocacy services. However, fees may apply for training, information packages and aspects of legal representation. For eligible individuals, DLAC may be able to help with disability-related issues, such as: abuse and neglect outside the home Discrimination in housing, transportation, employment Access to public and private programs and services Access to mental health, rehabilitation and support services Access to appropriate educational programs and services Purchase and use of Assistive technologies and equipment Access to Vocational rehabilitation that promote employment and independence DRT provides legal advice to people with disabilities across the state with many issues, including discrimination in the workplace, safe schools, abuse and neglect, and access to community resources and services. Copies of the most recent audited financial statements submitted by DRT can be found in our GivingMatters profile. Find them HERE. DRT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded primarily by the Administration for Community Living, substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, Rehabilitation Services Administration, and Social Security Administration. The Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee (DLAC) advocates for the rights of Tennesseeans with disabilities to ensure they have equal opportunities to be productive and respected members of our society. Please visit DLAC`s website for more information on how they can help you, a friend or family member. The website provides information about the services offered by DLAC and also provides information about other resources that may be useful in your search for information. Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is required by federal law to establish a grievance process for individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services, family members of such individuals, or representatives of such individuals, or family members, to ensure that DRT operates in accordance with the Mental Health Protection and Defense Act.
42 U.S.C. § 10805 (a) (9). Information on TDD complaint procedures and access to TDD complaint forms can be found in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the website. The Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee (DLAC) advocates for Tennesseeans with disabilities to ensure they have an equal opportunity to be productive and respected members of our society. Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) was founded in 1978 as E.A.C.H. More recently, the agency was known as the Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee. Five plaintiffs with lawyers from Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) and Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC claim that the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DIDD) and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS) discriminate against deaf beneficiaries and use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. On the Contact Us page, you will find all the contact details. Defends the civil rights of Tennesseeans with mental and physical disabilities to ensure they have an equal opportunity to be productive and respected citizens. The Centre also offers information and referral services, education and mediation opportunities.