Civil Rights Litigation
For over 50 years, the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) has been at the forefront of advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities.
About
Advancing Disability Rights for Over 50 Years
For over 50 years, the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) has been at the forefront of advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities. Founded in 1975, DRLC is the nation’s oldest program dedicated to disability rights. With a deep commitment to justice and equity, we use legal advocacy, education, and policy work to ensure that people with disabilities are treated with dignity, have equal access to opportunities, and can fully participate in society. From landmark litigation to local community outreach, DRLC’s legacy is built on a powerful belief: disability rights are human rights.
Resources
Your Guide to Disability Rights & Protections
Whether you’re seeking legal guidance, community support, or educational tools, our resource hub is designed to help. Explore our curated information on disability rights, legal protections, and community services.
Know Your Rights Toolkits
Disability Law FAQs
Reasonable Accommodation Guides
Access to Care and Services for People with Disabilities
Testimonials
“I see the value of DRLC’s work in advocating for communities who are often overlooked or dismissed. As someone who is disabled, I see the value in that they represent and fight for people like me.”
- Espy
- Summer Law Clerk
“When my school failed to provide accommodations, DRLC stepped in. Their lawyers not only won my case but made sure the system changed for other students with disabilities.”
- Lily
- Student & Disability Rights Client
“What makes DRLC distinct to me is its empowering, person-centered approach. The focus is never just on outcomes—it’s on process: ensuring informed involvement, respecting people’s agency, and supporting them in asserting their rights.”
- Azaan
- Summer Law Clerk
“I took away how meaningful and important this work can be, not just for communities in need, but for the legal field in general, especially in today’s current political climate.”
- Espy
- Summer Law Clerk
“DRLC fights for justice where it’s often ignored. Their litigation team doesn’t just win cases, they force institutions to see the humanity of disabled people.”
- Marcus
- Disability Rights Advocate
Impact
Advocating for
Equal Rights & Access
DRLC engages in powerful litigation and advocacy to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. We work at the local, state, and federal levels—filing impact litigation, participating in amici curiae (friend of the court) briefs, and other challenges to systemic injustice through legal action. Our team also collaborates with partner organizations and grassroots coalitions to influence legislation, protect access to education, healthcare, and public spaces, and uphold the critical legal protections at the state and federal levels. Through these efforts, we ensure that disability rights remain central to broader civil rights conversations.
Get Help or
Learn More
Get Help or Learn More
For inquiries or disability rights concerns, please contact us:
Disability Rights Legal Center
