Blog | Tag: Disability Rights (P0)
Disability Rights Are Not Special Treatment: Clearing Up a Common Misunderstanding
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Disability rights and accommodations exist to remove barriers so people can participate fully, not to give anyone an advantage. It is common to hear disability rights or accommodations described as special treatment. This idea often comes up in conversations about fairness and equal expectations. To understand why accommodations are not special treatment, it helps to first look at the difference between treating everyone the same and ensuring everyone can participate.
When Thank You Isn’t Enough
Monday, November 24, 2025
Every day in Florida and across the country, people with disabilities and their families rely on community organizations, volunteers, and neighbors to fill gaps left by public systems that fall short. It is natural to feel grateful for this help. But real progress comes when we move beyond gratitude and ask harder questions about why people are left to rely on individual acts of kindness in the first place.
PAIMI: The Program That Protects People with Mental Health Conditions
Friday, May 23, 2025
The PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) program is a federally funded initiative that protects the rights of individuals with mental health conditions, particularly those in institutional settings. PAIMI empowers us to investigate complaints, monitor facilities, and provide legal and advocacy support, and promotes dignity, safety, and accountability in mental health care, helping both individuals and families understand rights and navigate complex systems.
The Legacy of the 504 Sit-In: Why the Fight for Disability Rights Continues
Thursday, April 24, 2025
In 1977, a group of disability rights activists staged a historic sit-in to demand the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Their efforts helped lay the foundation for future disability protections, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
How to Request a Work Accommodation
Monday, December 16, 2024
Learn how to request a reasonable accommodation, how much information you need to provide your employer, and what to do if your request is denied.
The P&A Network’s Special Power: Access Authority
Friday, June 21, 2024
Following a series of TV broadcasts about Willowbrook State School, the government created the Protection & Advocacy (P&A) network and gave these agencies like ours the power thoroughly investigate places that people with disabilities receive services.
The History and Impact of the P&A Network
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
The Protection & Advocacy (P&A) network plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities across the United States. There are 57 P&A agencies – one in each USA state and territory, including one that serves Native Americans with disabilities. The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is our membership organization located in Washington, DC that helps give us a voice nationally. NDRN promotes, advocates and supports the work of all 57 P&A agencies.
Disability History: The 1977 504 Sit-In
Tuesday, April 04, 2023
In honor of the anniversary of the 1977 504 Sit-In, we’d like to recount this significant moment in disability history.
Trailblazers of the Self-Advocacy Movement
Friday, March 03, 2023
Self-advocacy is a cornerstone in disability history, rights, and a more accessible future. We have these leaders to thank for where we are today.
Why Many Disabled People Still Don’t Have Marriage Equality this Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, February 08, 2023
For some, Valentine’s Day isn’t so lovely and reminds us of the barriers we experience. That’s because people with disabilities don’t have marriage equality, making this sweet holiday sour.