Disability Rights East Tennessee

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9050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 101-B, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA

EIN Number: 62-1060918

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contact information

Phone: 865-670-2944

Hours: Closed

Mon  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (EST)

Tue 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (EST)

Wed Closed

Thu Closed

Fri 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (EST)

Sat Closed

Sun Closed

Website: https://www.disabilityrightstn.org/

Email: GetHelp@disabilityrightstn.org

NTEE Code: R23: Disabled Persons Rights

MISSION - WHAT WE DO

Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) protects the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. DRT provides legal advocacy services to people with disabilities across the state with numerous issues, including employment discrimination, safety in schools, abuse and neglect, and access to community resources and services.

SERVICES - HOW WE DO IT

Community Living Enhancement: At the cornerstone of DRT's mission is our mandate to ensure that Tennesseans with disabilities live safely in the community. As part of this goal, DRT advocates monitor residential facilities including mental health institutions, supportive living facilities, and nursing homes to ensure the safety of the residents. DRT also responds to calls from families reporting abuse and neglect of loved ones in the community. As part of this program, DRT also holds regular trainings to educate community members about their rights. Exceptional Education: The Exceptional Education program provides legal and advocacy services to a) ensure students with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public school education; b) eliminate the use of restraint/isolation. To meet these objectives, DRT provides direct advocacy and legal services to families. To promote systemic change DRT also as provides technical assistance to non-profit organizations and state officials, which includes training and education. These same services are also provided to families, students, teachers, and other stakeholders. Effective Communication Campaign: DRT is leading the way to ensure that people with communication disabilities are able to access programs and services including medical care, legal services, disaster assistance and voting. We are educating people with disabilities and service providers about the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) effective communication requirement. As part of that education, we are increasing awareness of how alternate accessible formats and auxiliary aids/services such as sign language interpreters are necessary to achieve effective communication for people with communication disabilities. Employment First Initiative: People with disabilities can, and do, work in all areas of the American workforce. They thrive when they fully participate in their communities, and in turn, the nation thrives. However, statistics show that many people with disabilities remain unemployed or under-employed. In addition, thousands of people with disabilities are being paid less than the minimum wage and/or work in isolation and segregation in programs which lead them nowhere. DRT's employment advocacy services working to change these outcomes by helping people with disabilities navigate the vocational rehabilitation system, understand what help is available to get or keep a job, resolve discrimination issues at work, and understand how benefits might change by working.

Causes

Services Offered

  • Disability Advocates/Alliance Organizations
  • Disability Education & Awareness
  • Disability Rights Legal Services
  • Disabled Persons' Rights
  • Information/Referrals
  • Protection Against Abuse Services

Populations Served

  • Adults
  • People with Physical Disabilities

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