Case Acceptance Priorities
Assistive Technology P&A Priorities
Equip for Equality receives funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education to provide protection and advocacy for assistive technology (PAAT) services to people with disabilities who have assistive technology needs. Examples of assistive technology include – a mechanical lift on a bus, automated visual and audio announcements on a train, and augmentative communication devices. Assistive technology is often an essential component to communication, access to facilities and services, community integration and achieving independence.
PABSS P&A Priorities
The Social Security Administration has given funding to each state P&A System to provide protection and advocacy services to beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) with disabilities. The purpose of the PABSS program is to provide information, assistance, advice, and individual representation to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities regarding vocational rehabilitation services, employment services, and other support services from employment networks and other service providers that eligible beneficiaries with disabilities may need to secure, regain or retain gainful employment.
PADD P&A Priorities
People with a developmental disability (such as autism, cerebral palsy and mental retardation) are eligible for Equip for Equality's services under a federal program called the Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD).
PAIMI P&A Priorities
People with a significant psychiatric disability (such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia), are eligible for Equip for Equality's services under a federal program called the Protection and Advocacy of Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI). The eligibility for this program was expanded several years ago to include anyone with a serious mental impairment without regard to residential setting. However, pursuant to Congressional mandate, Equip for Equality gives priority to serving individuals at risk for abuse due to seclusion, restraint, and any related serious injuries or fatalities, neglect, or civil rights violations, while residing in residential facilities.
PAIR P&A Priorities
People with a disability with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, other than a developmental disability or a significant psychiatric disability, are eligible for Equip for Equality's services under a federal program called the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR). Examples of disabilities under this program include blindness, deafness or hard of hearing, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, paraplegia, quadriplegia and multiple sclerosis.
TBI P&A Priorities
The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has given funding to the state P&A Systems to provide protection and advocacy services to people with traumatic brain injuries ("TBI"). The purpose of the TBI P&A is to ensure that people with TBI, who have historically been underserved by the P&A system, have sufficient advocacy and educational services dedicated to them.
Voting P&A Priorities
On October 29, 2002, the President signed into law the Help American Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to improve the administration of elections in the United States. Among other things, HAVA authorized the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide funds to the P&A of each state and territory to ensure full participation in the electoral process for individuals with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a vote and accessing polling places.
