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Who is the Disability Rights Center of Kansas?

The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) is a private, non-profit, 501c3 organization. We fight for equality, law, and justice for people with disabilities. We are not a part of the state or federal government. We are also not a disability service provider, meaning we do not offer services to assist people with disabilities manage activities in their daily lives. DRC has attorneys and advocates who provide free advocacy and legal services for Kansans with disabilities.

DRC General Brochure

Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit Brochure

 

DRC has two main programs to protect the rights of people with disabilities: 

1. The Protection and Advocacy Program at DRC 

DRC is the official Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for Kansas. Federal law gives us certain powers to investigate abuse or neglect. That includes access to places where people with disabilities receive services. Our powers provide access to records and information to investigate abuse or neglect. Our P&A Program provides advocacy and legal services to protect the disability rights of Kansans with disabilities. Disability rights are the rights you have under federal and state law as a person with a disability. See the video below for more information on the Protection and Advocacy System.

Some legal services that DRC’s P&A team does NOT provide, include:

  • - Workers Compensation

  • - Applications for Social Security Disability or appeals

  • - Divorce

  • - Child custody or Child In Need Of Care case work

  • - Criminal defense

  • - Estate planning, including will drafting

  • - Civil legal representation not related to disability rights

2. The Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) at DRC

The DACVU helps Kansas crime victims who are people with disabilities or seniors. The DACVU Team responds to the needs of crime victims. Our DACVU Team's attorneys may take legal action to safeguard victims and help restore safety. They can help with things like police reports, protecting housing, seeking protection orders, removing abusive guardians, addressing domestic violence, etc. If you are a senior or person with a disability, have been the victim of a crime and there is a need for legal remedy, the DACVU Team may be able to help. The DACVU Team does not have the same limitations as the P&A Team (see above), but any legal assistance provided by the DACVU program must relate to the victimization caused by the crime. 

Learn more about the DACVU Team

What services does DRC provide?

Navy blue square contains a graphic of an orange clipboard with a white sheet of paper with navy blue horizontal lines.  Intake and Assessment - Kansans can request services via our toll-free number, online, or via email  We will first talk with you to find out about the issue. Then, we will decide how we can help.

Navy blue square contains a graphic of a white gavel over an orange piece of wood. Legal Representation - A DRC attorney may go to court for a client when their disability rights are violated under state or federal law. Examples of disability rights laws are the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, Medicaid Act, Fair Housing Act, etc. In cases involving victimization, a DRC attorney may help the victim better participate in the criminal or civil justice system. They can help when there are legal remedies available to achieve justice and safety for the victim. 

Navy blue square contains a graphic of a white and orange megaphone. Advocacy Representation - We may help you get what you need by advocating on your behalf. 

Navy blue square contains a graphic of two orange hands shaking. Self-Advocacy Assistance - We may give you legal or other advice and support to help you advocate for yourself. 

Navy blue square contains an orange circle with a white question mark inside. Information & Referral - If we can't help you, we will try to find someone who can. 

How does DRC decide if they will take my case?

There are many disability rights legal and advocacy needs in Kanas. However, DRC has limited funds. We cannot take every case.  We use the following factors to decide if we can provide you with advocacy or legal services.

  • Do you have a disability? If you are a crime victim, are you a person with a disability or a senior?

  • Do you have a legitimate disability rights issue, or do you need assistance as a crime victim?

  • Do we have the resources and staff time to help you?

  • Does the issue fall within our Advocacy Priorities? See the full list of our Advocacy Priorities here. 

  • What are the facts? What is the law? We focus on cases where the facts and the law are likely to lead to a positive outcome for you.

What else does DRC do?

We also work on public policy issues in Kansas. We educate the public, policymakers, and the press on disability rights issues. We also educate people with disabilities about their rights.

Visit our Advocacy Stories page to read more about some of the successes that we have had over the last 35+ years helping people with disabilities in Kansas fight for their rights.

DRC Mission: Zealously advocating for the disability rights of Kansans to protect their full participation as citizens. 

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