Organization
Hawaii Disability Rights Center(HDRC)
The Hawaii Disability Rights Center is Hawaii's federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency, founded in 1977 to protect and promote the human, civil, and legal rights of individuals with disabilities throughout the Hawaiian Islands. HDRC offers free legal services, education, and advocacy to ensure Hawaiians with disabilities are treated with equality and dignity.
About
Originally established in 1977 as Kahua Hoʻomalu Kina — a Hawaiian phrase meaning a place of protection — the Hawaii Disability Rights Center (HDRC) was renamed in 2000. HDRC is Hawaii's sole Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, based in Honolulu and reaching all Hawaiian Islands.
What They Do
HDRC provides free legal representation, investigates complaints of abuse and neglect, assists with Social Security appeals and special education hearings, and educates the public on disability rights. Outreach extends across all Hawaiian Islands, including to rural and Native Hawaiian communities.
Who They Serve
HDRC serves residents of Hawaii with all types of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, psychiatric, sensory, and chronic conditions. All direct services are provided free of charge, with priority given to individuals at greatest risk of rights violations.
Related Organizations
National Disability Rights Network(NDRN)
FeaturedWashington, DCNationalNDRN is the membership association for the federally mandated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) organisations in every US state and territory. P&A organisations provide free legal advocacy and representation to people with disabilities — with a combined budget of over $150 million, they are the largest provider of legal services to people with disabilities in the US.
Mixed LeadershipCross-DisabilityLegal AdvocacyDisability Rights Advocates(DRA)
Oakland, CANationalDRA is a national non-profit legal centre that enforces civil rights for people with all types of disabilities through impact litigation — targeting systemic barriers and setting precedents that benefit entire communities rather than individual clients.
Mixed LeadershipCross-DisabilityLegal AdvocacyAmerican Association of People with Disabilities(AAPD)
Washington, DCNationalAAPD is a national disability membership organisation focused on increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on civic engagement, voting rights, and economic advancement.
Disabled-LedCross-DisabilityAdvocacy