1. Represent individuals based on Disability Rights North Carolina's (DRNC) priorities and case selection criteria,
2. Tell people with disabilities about their many legal, civil, and service rights,
3. Investigate complaints about serious physical or sexual abuse and neglect-related deaths in institutions,
4. Provide technical assistance, training, publications, and advocacy support for North Carolinians with disabilities, their families, and representatives,
5. Outreach to traditionally underserved ethnic and disability communities, and
6. Bring impact litigation and act as amicus curiae in disability-related cases.

DRNC helps people with disabilities to solve disability-related problems. If you have a disability and qualify for services, DRNC can help you with problems like:

• Abuse, neglect, and rights violations in an institution;
• Access to technology - like communication devices, power wheelchairs, lifts or ramps;
• Discrimination in housing, transportation, employment, and access to public and private programs and services;
• Least restrictive environment, dignity, privacy, choice, and other basic rights;
• Mental health and support services that provide individualized treatment;
• Rights to basic support, personal care, therapy, and health care;
• Special education rights; or
• Voting registration, vote casting, and accessible polling places.

If we can't be of direct assistance, we refer people to other sources of help.

DRNC also takes its services into the community, wherever children, youth, and adults with disabilities live or go to school or obtain services.

DRNC provides advocacy help for North Carolinians with disabilities. You could be eligible for DRNC services if:

• You have a developmental or intellectual disability;
• You have a psychiatric disability or emotional impairment;
• You are a patient in a state psychiatric hospital;
• You have a physical, learning, or sensory disability; or
• You have a traumatic brain injury.
  

Or if:

• You need access to technology that you believe may help you live a fuller, more independent life;
• You receive SSI or SSDI and need help with employment issues or keeping your benefits when you return to work; or
• You have questions about your right to vote.
  

In deciding whether DRNC can represent you directly, DRNC will consider:

• The merits of your claim;
• Your ability to advocate for yourself;
• Other advocacy sources you could use;
• Whether your problem falls within one of DRNC's target areas; and
• Availability of DRNC resources.

If we decide that we can not help you and you disagree, you can file a grievance.

Each of DRNC's grants and contracts has specific service eligibility criteria. If you want a copy of these criteria, the complete case selection criteria, or a grievance form call (919) 856-2195.

To ask for DRNC services anywhere in NorthCarolina, call DRNC's toll free number:

1-877-235-4210 (Voice)
1-888-268-5535 (TTY)