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DRVT works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to appropriate services/supports in the least restrictive, and most integrated, settings. |
Protection and Advocacy for the Developmentally Disabled (PADD)
Purpose
To protect and advocate for persons with developmental disabilities in order to prevent or redress abuse, neglect and serious rights violations, including violations of state, federal and Constitutional law.
Eligibility
An individual who has a severe disability which is manifested before the age of 22 and results in substantial limitations in 3 or more specified major life activities, or an individual before the age of 9 who does not have 3 or more such limitations if he or she has a substantial developmental delay who without support would have a high probability of developing those limitations later in life.
Priorities
Health Priority Area
- People with disabilities have access to needed health care/long term care; children with mental health needs will receive needed services and supports.
Education Priority Area
- Students with disabilities are not harassed, are not subjected to Restrictive Behavior Interventions, and are not unlawfully disciplined, suspended or expelled from their educational program. Students with disabilities receive an appropriate transition from school to employment and independent living. Resources permitting: Students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and receive a free and appropriate public education and related services. Federal and Vermont entitlements and procedural protections are preserved.
Quality Assurance Priority Area
- Olmstead: People with disabilities have access to appropriate services/supports in the least restrictive, and most integrated, settings.
- Children in institutional and other residential and alternative educational settings will receive protection and advocacy services.
- Access to Developmental Services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
- Guardianship: Protection of legal rights in guardianship proceedings. People with developmental disabilities do not have unnecessary guardianships.
- SSI: Access to and preservation of SSI benefits for income eligible children under age 18 or turning 18 whose benefits are terminated on the basis of disability. Maintain maximum SS benefits for adults who are disabled and working.
- Title II ADA: Increased accommodations for people with disabilities in government services, including state and local emergency services.
- Title III ADA: Individuals with disabilities will have increased access to businesses open to the public.
- Communication Support Project (Joint priority with DDC and UCE) People with developmental disabilities receive communication support in judicial and other proceedings.
- Self Determination: People with disabilities make meaningful and informed choices about their services and supports.
- Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation: Adults and children with developmental disabilities living independently, in institutions, or in parental, family, group or developmental homes, are free from abuse, neglect or rights violations.
Housing Priority Area
- People with disabilities receive needed accommodations in housing.
Employment Priority Area
- People with disabilities will not be discriminated against in hiring, employment and advancement.
Transportation Priority Area
- People with disabilities have access to accessible transportation.
