Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania

About DRN

MISSION STATEMENT:The mission of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania is to advance, protect, and advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

VISION STATEMENT: The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania's vision is that all Pennsylvanians with disabilities are empowered with opportunities and choices, are valued members of their communities fully included in all aspects of community life having access to quality education, employment opportunities, and housing options living free from abuse, neglect and discrimination.

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities. DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self–determination over their services. More »

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DISCLAIMER: Materials found on this website have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not to be considered legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon information found on this site without seeking professional counsel.

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Announcements

Court Orders Transit Stations to Be Accessible

After six years of litigation, the federal district court in Philadelphia on September 11 held that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the public transit agency in the Philadelphia area, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act (RA) by failing to install elevators when it made alterations at two main rail stations in Center City Philadelphia.

This ruling, a significant victory for individuals with mobility disabilities, came in the case Disabled in Action v. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Auth. DIA is represented in the case by attorneys Rocco Iacullo of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania and Stephen Gold.

To read a summary of the lawsuit click here. To read the opinion, click here. To read the press release, click here.

Moving Forward: Transition Conference for Youth

Moving Forward Transition Conference: Materials Now Available!

Great news! The materials from our November 7, 2009 Moving Forward: Transition Conference for Youth are now available on our website. Click here!

The materials include "The World of Transition" video, handouts from the conference workshops, audio recordings of workshop handouts, transcripts of each workshop, and audio recordings of each session.

If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania at 1-800-692-7443 [Voice], 1-877-375-7139 [TDD], or intake@drnpa.org.

New From the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania

A series of podcasts on issues of importance and interest to persons with disabilities and their families. For more information, click here.

DRN Voting Factsheets

Even though the elections have passed, you can still check out our voting factsheets under "Publications/Accessibility" or click here to go directly to the Publications page.

Bullying and Harassment in Pennsylvania Schools

Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities:

Harassing or bullying a student with a disability can be illegal. If another student or school personnel has seriously intimidated or engaged in abusive behavior towards your child because of your child's disability, use the resources below to help you become informed of your and your child's rights. Click here for more information and resources.

The Disability Rights Network is in the beginning stages of advocacy on the issue of bullying and harassment in schools. If you would like to participate in a short survey, please Click Here to take survey.

New and Updated Publications

Newly added:

Your RightsUnder Pennsylvania's Motorized Wheelchair Warranty Act

Sample Letter Requesting An IEP Team Meeting (Education)

Basics of Special Education Law (Education)

Recently updated:

School Discipline for Children with Disabilities (Education)

Overview of the Special Education Process (Education)

How To Appeal a Medical Assistance Denial of Assistive Technology (Assistive Technology)

Be sure to check out all the publications on our Publications page!