Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) is a non-profit national law and policy center dedicated to furthering the civil rights of people with disabilities. Managed and directed by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF is an advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. Established in 1979, the organization promotes the full integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of society. Programs and services provided by DREDF include technical assistance, information, and referrals on disability rights, laws, and policies; training of and legal advocacy for parents of children with disabilities to help them secure the education and services guaranteed to their children by law; and legal representation to adults and children with disabilities in cases involving their rights to employment, education, transportation, housing, and access to public accommodations. Additional services include training and speakers for the disability community, public entities, and private businesses on the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its relationship to other state and federal laws; education for legislators and policy makers on issues affecting the rights of people with disabilities; and a toll-free hot line that provides information concerning the ADA. DREDF also provides a blue book that offers a detailed analysis of the ADA and offers a video entitled “Open For Business,” which depicts the disability and business communities of one small town working together.