Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center (NDALC) is a private, statewide, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as Nevada’s federally-mandated protection and advocacy system for human, legal, and service rights for individuals with disabilities. NDALC was designated as Nevada’s protection and advocacy system by the Governor in March, 1995.

Services provided by NDALC include, but are not limited to: information and referral services, education, training, negotiation, mediation, investigation of reported or suspected abuse/neglect, legal counsel, technical assistance, and public policy work.

NDALC has offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Elko with services provided statewide. All services are offered at no cost to eligible individuals in accordance with NDALC’s available resources and service priorities.

Programs

NDALC is responsible for implementing the following programs in Nevada:

Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI)

Established by the Protection and Advocacy for individuals with Mental Illness Act of 1986, Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness seeks to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with mental illnesses in both institutional and community settings. The PAIMI program investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and rights violations for people with mental illnesses. Administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD)

Created by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act of 1975 for individuals who meet the federal definition of developmental disabilities. (A developmental disability is defined as a disability manifested before the age of 22; chronic in nature; and resulting in substantial functional limitations in three or more major life activities.)  PADD requires NDALC to pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies under all applicable federal and state laws to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Administered by the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR)

Established by Congress as a national program under the Rehabilitation Act 1993 to protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of persons who are not eligible under the other programs-such as those with visual or hearing impairments or those with physical disabilities acquired as an adult. Administered by Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education.

Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT)

Created in 1994 when Congress expanded the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act), this program is for individuals with disabilities seeking Assistive Technology (devices or systems used to improve or maintain the capabilities of persons with disabilities). Designed to promote the provision of assistive technology and services through systemic reform, PAAT has the authority to negotiate compliance with federal law. Administered by Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)

Created by the Ticket to Work™ and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999 for individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who want to work or return to work. The role of Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security is to provide advocacy for beneficiaries of Social Security who have problems obtaining, maintaining and retaining employment. Administered by the Social Security Administration.

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI)

Created by the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act authorized as part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, this program’s purpose is to expand advocacy services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and to expand the service delivery system for this group of individuals. Administered by Administration for Community Living and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA)

Created in 2002 when Congress enacted the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) NDALC seeks to ensure the full participation in the electoral process for individuals with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a vote and accessing polling sites. Administered by the Administration for Community Living and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Client Assistance Program (CAP)

Established as a mandatory program by the 1984 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act for individuals seeking services from a program or project funded by the Rehabilitation Act or services and benefits available to them under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In Nevada, programs or projects funded by the Rehabilitation Act would be Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Services to the Blind/Visually Impaired and Centers for Independent Living. Administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, U.S. Department of Education.

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 aimed to reduce barriers to employment through a variety of initiatives, including the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) program, which SSA modified and renamed as the WIPA program in 2006. These programs were created to educate beneficiaries about work incentives and the effect of increased earnings on the receipt of benefits.  A key feature of the WIPA program is its emphasis on ongoing interactions with beneficiaries as they return to work.  Administered by the Social Security Administration.

Representative Payee (PABRP)

The Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018 was signed into law on April 13, 2018. Title I, Section 101 of the Act addresses strengthening oversight and beneficiary protections. As such, under the direction of the Social Security Administration, NDALC will conduct reviews of representative payees to educate and verify that the duties and responsibilities of the position are carried out correctly and benefits are being used appropriately.