P&As is an acronym for protection and advocacy system. P&As is a federally mandated system and exists in each state, territory and qualified Native American consortium. P&As protect the rights of persons with disabilities through legally based advocacy.

The P&A system can be located in one or more agency in each state, territory or qualified Native American consortium. There are currently 57 P&As nationally.

Disability Rights North Carolina is the P&A in North Carolina (DRNC).

P&As have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under all federal and state laws, to all people with disabilities (based on a system of priorities for services).

P&As maintain a presence in facilities that care for people with disabilities, where we monitor, investigate and attempt to remedy adverse conditions. Some of our activities include: ensuring full access to inclusive educational programs, health care, accessible housing, assistive technology and voting.

P&As were originally established to address public outcry in response to the abuse, neglect and lack of programming in institutions for persons with disabilities. Congress has created distinct statutory programs to address the needs of different populations of persons with disabilities.