Disability Rights Iowa is a federally funded, non-profit legal protection and advocacy agency dedicated to defending the rights of Iowans with disabilities. Established by Congress in the 1970s to combat systemic abuse and neglect in institutions, it operates independently to provide free, comprehensive support for disability-related legal issues without income restrictions.
The organization employs a multi-faceted advocacy approach, combining individual legal representation, systemic change initiatives, and community education. It focuses on key annual priorities determined by community input—such as abuse prevention, accessibility, and healthcare—ensuring its resources address the most pressing needs of adults and youth with physical or mental impairments across the state.
Services Offered
- Legal services
- Individual representation
- Statewide advocacy
- Benefits planning assistance
- Self-advocacy empowerment
- Information and referral
- Abuse and neglect prevention
- Accessibility advocacy
- Education rights advocacy
- Employment rights advocacy
- Community integration support
- Healthcare rights advocacy
- Mental health services advocacy
- Assistive technology guidance
- Guardianship and conservatorship information
- Voting rights oversight
- Policy advocacy
- Training and presentations
- Ombudsman services for long-term care
Serving all Iowans with disabilities, the agency offers resources in multiple areas including civil rights, community living, and assistive technology, and has a four-decade legacy of impactful advocacy and legal victories on behalf of the disability community.
